Bermuda is a short cruise from the US East Coast. Ships usually dock for two or three days, so you have time to enjoy pink-sand beaches, clear water and the island’s British character without moving from port to port. It suits couples, families and travelers who want a relaxed trip without flying.
When to go
Bermuda is in the Atlantic, roughly 650 miles off North Carolina, not in the Caribbean. It is subtropical, so winter is mild rather than hot. Most cruises run from spring through fall. Hurricane season runs June to November and is most active from August to October.
| When | What to expect | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| April and May | Mild and pleasant. The ocean is still cool for swimming. | Golf, sightseeing, walking |
| June to August | Warm to hot, with the best beach weather. Peak family travel. | Swimming, snorkeling, family trips |
| September and October | Warm water and fewer crowds. Peak hurricane risk, and seas can be rougher. | Couples, flexible travelers |
| November to March | Cool and breezy. Few cruise departures. | Repeat visitors, quiet trips |
What a Bermuda cruise looks like
Most trips are 5 to 7 nights round trip. You typically have about a day and a half to two days at sea each way, followed by two or three days docked in Bermuda. Ships may dock at one of three spots:
- King’s Wharf (Royal Naval Dockyard): The main cruise port at the island’s western end. It has shops, restaurants, a museum and nearby beaches, with ferries and buses to the rest of the island.
- Hamilton: The capital, used by some smaller ships. Shops, restaurants and Front Street are steps away.
- St. George’s: A historic town and UNESCO World Heritage Site at the east end. Used mostly by smaller ships.
Visitors cannot rent regular cars. Most people use the ferries, public buses and taxis, or rent small electric vehicles. Buy a transportation pass at the port to make getting around easy.
Popular things to do include the South Shore beaches, snorkeling over reefs and shipwrecks, the Crystal and Fantasy Caves, golf and the National Museum at the Dockyard. Because your ship stays in port overnight, you can also enjoy dinner ashore and the island’s evening atmosphere.
Where cruises leave from
Bermuda cruises leave from the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. New York City and Cape Liberty in New Jersey have the most sailings. Boston and Baltimore also offer departures. Many travelers can drive or take the train to the port, which keeps the trip simple.
Which cruise line?
Norwegian Cruise Line has a long history of Bermuda sailings from New York and Boston. Royal Caribbean sails from Cape Liberty and Baltimore with big, activity-filled ships. Celebrity Cruises offers a more modern premium feel. Carnival and MSC also run sailings from the East Coast. Some luxury and small-ship lines visit as part of longer Atlantic routes.
Packing and travel documents
- Pack swimwear, sun protection, a hat and sandals for beach days.
- Bring a light jacket or sweater for sea days, which can be cool and windy, especially in spring and fall.
- Bermuda has a fairly conservative dress style in town. Save swimwear for the beach.
- Bermuda is a British Overseas Territory. A valid passport is strongly recommended, and is the easiest document if you need to fly home. See our US passport page.
- Check current entry requirements with Bermuda’s authorities and our advisors before you sail.
Bermuda uses its own dollar, pegged to the US dollar, and US currency is widely accepted.
Browse Bermuda cruises or request a quote from our advisors.
