9 Bermuda Cruise Tips You Need to Know

Sailing on a Bermuda Cruise? What are some Bermuda cruise tips you should know? 

Cruising to Bermuda is one of the best ways to visit and experience this wonderful island.

As a popular cruise destination, Bermuda offers all sorts of activities and things to do, from soaking up its beautiful pink sand beaches to its rich history and culture. And with so many cruises, it’s easy to find one that fits your budget and travel style.

We recently cruised to Bermuda on the Norwegian Joy from New York City. And wow, did it surprise us! In the most amazing way. Bermuda quickly became one of our favorite cruise ports. Hands down. And we think you’ll love it too!

We want to share the Bermuda cruise tips we learned during our cruise’s planning stages.

First, be sure to pack your sunblock and swimsuit. With an average temperature of 82 degrees Fahrenheit, it will be sunny and beautiful during your Bermuda cruise vacation.

But that sun is powerful! You also won’t be able to resist that gorgeous blue water all over Bermuda. You’ll want to have that on while out exploring because you won’t be able to resist jumping right in at any given opportunity.

Next, be sure to try some of the local cuisines. Bermuda is known for its freshly caught seafood, so be sure to sample some delicious dishes they offer. We had the most amazing rockfish plate at Wahoos in St. George.

Finally, don’t forget to enjoy some of Bermuda’s signature rum swizzles. Made with white & dark rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, and angostura bitters, these delicious cocktails are the perfect way to relax and enjoy the island vibe.

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In this article, we’ll be diving into some other Bermuda cruise tips to help make your Bermuda cruise vacation the best it can be!

Bermuda Cruise Tips

Tip# 1: Book a Bermuda Cruise That Docks Overnight

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When researching and booking a Bermuda cruise, find a cruise itinerary for at least 2 nights or more in Bermuda.

Two days are not enough to explore the island, but it’s better than 6 hours at a port. You will have enough time to explore Bermuda’s stunning beaches, take a sightseeing tour, or go shopping.

Tip# 2: Unvaccinated? Get Travel Health Insurance

Bermuda requires visitors who are unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated for Covid to have travel health insurance. More info here.

It’s always a good idea to have travel health insurance. You can check InsureMyTrip for medical coverage quotes.

Tip# 3: Bring a Face Mask

Bermuda requires wearing face masks inside government buildings and on public transportation. Sometimes, you will encounter an establishment that asks you to wear them.

This means that when you step inside the cruise terminal at Bermuda Port. They require you to have your mask, even if it’s just to step 5 feet to the other side until you are outside and can remove your face mask again.

You will find that you won’t need face masks everywhere, but best to have one on you for when you do need one.

Keep up to date with Bermuda’s Face Mask Guidance.

Tip# 4: Book an Electric Vehicle Early

If you plan to book an electric vehicle to get around the island, make that reservation as early as possible. There are no regular car rentals in Bermuda for visitors, and only electric vehicles or scooters are allowed. There is only so much inventory.

Royal Naval Dockyard has one electric car rental location, Bermuda Rental Car (Oleander Cycles), from which you can pick up. Otherwise, you’ll have to take a ferry or taxi to St. George or Hamilton to pick it up from another location.

Tip# 5: Take advantage of the Mini-Bus Shuttles & Public Transporation

Bermuda has a great public transportation system, including shuttles, taxis, ferries, and buses. You can easily get around without renting a car or scooter.

The Mini-Bus shuttles outside the Royal Dockyard are a great way to get to Horseshoe Bay and back for $7 per person (each way).

If you plan to use public buses, buy a daily bus pass, it includes ferries too.

Note: If you are traveling on the Norwegian Cruise Line, they offer a free ferry service from Royal Naval Dockyard to St. George.

Tip# 6: You Can Come and Go From the Cruise Ship As You Please

Can you come and go from a Bermuda cruise as you please? YES!

Most Bermuda cruises are docked overnight for a day or two. This means the gangway is always open from when the ship docks until sails away.

So if you’re wondering if Bermuda has a curfew or if you must be back on the ship by a certain time, there is not. You can come and go as you, please. We want to make that clear as we frequently hear this question.

Bermuda Cruise Tip: Go ahead and start making reservations for dinner or book that evening tour. Don't book anything for the night of your departure from Bermuda. Usually, the cruise will sail from the port in the early afternoon. 

Tour Idea Options:
Bermuda Sunset Cocktail Cruise [book here]

Tip# 7: At Horseshoe Bay, Explore the Coves

Horseshoe Bay is Bermuda’s most popular beach for visitors. It’s a stunning pink sand beach with amazing turquoise waters and vistas. It can’t be denied.

However, there is much more to explore at Horseshoe Bay than sitting down all day in one spot. Get there early! Walk East past the cliffs and into the coves for gorgeous views and quieter relaxing areas. You can walk to Jobson’s Cove during low tide if you like.

You can also start at Jobson’s Cove and walk to Horseshoe Bay.

Tip: Make sure you have a pair of water shoes with rubber soles. Make sure to check out our beach packing list.

Tip# 8: First Timers – Book a Tour of the Island

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One Bermuda cruise tip we wished we had taken was taking an island tour as a first-time visitor. So, if this is your first time in Bermuda, we recommend you book a tour of the island. You can book a group tour in advance, hire a private driver or negotiate an island tour with a taxi driver upon arrival.

While we did an island tour with our electric vehicle alone, we wished we had booked a tour with a guide. However, the taxi drivers we hired for quick transportation from a & b were informative and offered great tips.

Tour Option Idea:
Island Wrap-Around Tour of Bermuda [book here]
Bermuda Hidden Gems Summer Excursion [book here]

Tip# 9: Bermuda is Expensive

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Bermuda is an expensive destination. From the food to the activities, it all adds up. But there are a few things you can do to save money.

Consider having lunch while enjoying your day in Bermuda, then having dinner back on the cruise ship since it is included.

If you’re spending the day at the beach, find a way to stop at a market or general store on the way there. Pick up a few water bottles and snacks to add to a collapsible cooler, as the drinks are highly priced at the beaches.

Look for Bermuda’s free activities, including hiking and biking trails, public parks, and open-air markets. You can find plenty of creative ways to save money with a little research and planning.