Bermuda cruises offer a fabulous vacation choice with fabulous pink-sand beaches, clear turquoise water, great restaurants and the most golf courses per square mile than anywhere in the world. Add to that superb diving and other water sports, museums and historic forts, diverse shopping and swimming with the dolphins and it makes a perfect cruise destination.
With all this plus the scenic coastline and balmy weather, it is no wonder Bermuda is called the “Jewel of the Atlantic.” As a British Territory there is an atmosphere that reflects this culture, from driving on the left side of the road to traditional afternoon tea.
Situated just 600 miles east of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina it just takes about a day and a half to cruise here from ports in the northeast, including New York City, Baltimore, Boston and Bayonne, New Jersey. Transatlantic and repositioning sailings also often include Bermuda on its itineraries.
Several cruise lines sail here, such as Celebrity Cruises, Regent Seven Seas, Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises, Oceania Cruises and Silversea Cruises. Norwegian Cruise Line’s spectacular floating resort — Norwegian Breakaway – sails weekly roundtrip from New York City to King’s Wharf.
Exciting experiences include whale-watching in the spring when humpbacks and other species migrate from the Caribbean to north Atlantic feeding grounds. Explore the sea life and coral reefs by helmet-diving and the Crystal Caves that reach 120 feet below ground level with dramatic stalactites and stalagmites.
Take a romantic stroll on the South Shore Park, which connects two of the best-known beaches of Bermuda — Warwick Beach and Horseshoe Bay, which is also considered one of the world’s most beautiful. At a small cove surrounded by cliffs, Baby Beach with clear shallow waters make it an ideal spot for snorkeling. Shelly Bay Beach in Hamilton is popular with families because of its shallow water and tree-shaded areas and the man-made Snorkel Park with snorkeling and waterslides for the kids. Sea Glass Beach sparkles with a unique beauty and is also one of the favorites.
Historic Hamilton
Both the capital and the hub of Bermuda, Hamilton is a picturesque and bustling harbor city. Stroll along the cobblestone streets with the row of iconic pastel-colored buildings along Front Street designed in a British Colonial style.
Designed for all age groups, the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute features a wide variety of fascinating exhibits as well as whale-watching tours. Overlooking beautiful Harrington Sound is Holy Trinity Church, which is one of the oldest churches in the western hemisphere, with some parts dating back to 1660. Relax at the many bars and restaurants along the waterfront, where you can sip on Bermuda’s Dark ‘n’ Stormy. See the beauty underneath Bermuda at the Crystal and Fantasy Caves.
Join in the fun of Harbour Nights on Wednesdays between May and September, when it comes alive with sparkling lights, Gombey dancers and music. Shops and restaurants stay open later, providing the perfect opportunity to sample delicious authentic Bermudian dishes.
Picturesque St. George’s
Picturesque St. George’s holds the title as the second English settlement in the New World and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll along its quaint narrow streets with such descriptive names as Featherbed Alley and Silk Alley. King’s Square at the town’s center features replicas of stocks, a pillory and whipping post, used to punish criminals over four centuries ago and today a fun spot for the family. Once the Governor’s house, The Bermuda National Trust Museum exhibits the history of St. George’s.
Snorkelers flock to the crystal clear waters of Tobacco Bay from all over the world. History comes alive on a tour of the replica of the 1610 Deliverance, a Bermuda cedar wood ship providing a memorable experience for the entire family. Somers Wharf Shopping and Dining Complex is lined with restaurants and an array of items diverse items.
Discover 400 years of Bermudian history at Fort St. Catherine that was built in 1614 and where the first settlers came onshore and you can now tour. A popular exhibit includes replicas of some of the British Crown Jewels. Historic is St. Peter’s Church is the oldest surviving Anglican church in continuous use outside the British Isles.
The island’s largest wildlife sanctuary called Spittal Pond Nature Preserve is home to a variety of species and flora. Take a scenic mile-long walk amongst beautiful flowers and trees. Another is the tranquil Nonsuch Island Nature Reserve is dedicated to the conservation of rare and threatened species.
King’s Wharf (Royal Naval Dockyard)
King’s Wharf, located within The Royal Naval Dockyard, is an immense stone fortress built in 1815. Once a royal naval base, it is now a popular attraction and home to The National Museum of Bermuda, Dolphin Quest, the Art Center and the Bermuda Craft Market, plus several restaurants and duty-free shopping.
Duty-free shopping is offered at the Clocktower Mall, filled with a myriad of shops including the famous Bermuda Rum Cake Company. One-of-a-kind beautiful items by local are sold at Dockyard Glassworks, where you can also watch artist demonstrations.
Shopping
British imports such as Harris Tweeds and cashmere sweaters are duty-free in Bermuda — about 20 percent less than you would pay in the U.S. Buy some famous Gosling’s rum to make your own Dark ‘n’ Stormy when you get back home and head to the Bermuda Perfumery in St. George’s for an authentic fragrance made here, including the popular Lili Bermuda.
Wine lovers and cigar aficionados flock to Churchill’s in St. George’s, boasting high-quality eclectic selections from around the world, plus lot of unique accessories.
Stroll along the Royal Naval Dockyard area, filled with jewelry stores and boutiques, crafts and island pottery. Located here, is the popular Clocktower Mall, with 100-foot towers and a variety of diverse shops with a variety of fabulous goods. Shop at Dockyard Glassworks for beautiful items by local artists and watch demonstrate the process of glassblowing and flameworking. Browse through a myriad of stunning handmade glassware produced locally at The Glass Art Gallery.
Front Street in Hamilton is lined with shops, including the department store, A.S. Cooper, boasting a wide variety of goods, including crystal and china, such as Waterford and Wedgwood. Famous Horton’s Black Rum Cakes are also sold here. Outside the city, the Bermuda Craft Market offers lovely handmade items. Constructed around an atrium, find everything from seaglass jewelry and Swarovski collectibles to fine European china at the shops of Somers Wharf at St George’s.
Famous Forts
Once a strategic naval center that played an important role in several wars, Bermuda was called “Gibraltar of the West,” and many of the historic buildings still remain. Offering an interesting glimpse into the past, more forts per square mile are located here than anywhere in the world.
Overlooking lush gardens and the harbor, Fort Hamilton is at the outskirts of Hamilton City. Built in the 1870’s to protect the harbor, you can enjoy its spectacular views, especially when cruise ships are in port. The serene garden-filled park that is ideal for a walk, with a wooden bridge, cannons and ramparts.
Towering high about the beaches, is Fort St. Catherine, Bermuda’s largest. Built in 1614, its interior is now a Bermudian history museum. Learn about the island’s unique history here and even see replicas of the British Crown Jewels, guarded by a wax figure of a Beefeater. Collections of antique guns and other weapons are also exhibited.
Delight in the culture, history, magnificent beaches, natural wonders and more that is Bermuda.
For more information on Bermuda cruises, visit us at Cruise.com or call one of our Bermuda experts at 1-888-776-0659.