Elevate Your Bermuda Cruise with These 8 Essential Tips

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Embarking on a Bermuda cruise soon and looking for Bermuda cruise tips? As a frequent cruiser, I can assure you that Bermuda is not just another port—it’s a stunning destination with pink sand beaches and rich cultural heritage.

On a cruise from New York City, I was introduced to the charm of Bermuda—a place that quickly became one of my favorite cruise destinations and will become yours, too.

In this guide, we share essential Bermuda cruise tips and a few things you may need to know in advance so you can start planning your time on the island. From packing sunblock and swimsuits for the warm, sunny weather to not missing Bermuda’s signature rum swizzles—the perfect tropical drink to complement the island vibes.

featured blog image | Scenic view of a beach in Bermuda with turquoise waters, pink sand, and people enjoying the shore under a clear blue sky. The text 'Bermuda Cruise Tips' is prominently displayed in the center of the image.

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Table of Contents

Tip # 1: Identification Needed for a Bermuda Cruise

U.S. citizens embarking on closed-loop cruises (cruises that start and end at the same U.S. port without sailing through the Panama Canal or visiting South American ports) have specific identification options. While a valid passport is always recommended, but not mandatory for these specific itineraries. Please note that photocopies or pictures of these documents will not be accepted. Instead, you can travel with the following documents:

A state-certified U.S. birth certificate (Note: Baptismal papers and hospital certificates of birth are not acceptable, and Puerto Rican birth certificates issued before July 1, 2010, are not valid.)
A government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license)
An original certificate of U.S. naturalization or U.S. citizenship
A U.S. Consular report of birth abroad
An Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) (available only in Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington)
A valid U.S. passport card

A valid passport is required for any cruise itinerary that begins in one U.S. port and ends in another.

We always recommend checking with your cruise line and verifying the requirements.

Tip# 2: Book a Bermuda Cruise That Docks Overnight

view of dockyard from national museum of bermuda

jagged rocky cliff horseshoe bay bermuda

Choose a cruise itinerary that includes at least two nights in Bermuda. While two days may not cover everything the island offers, they provide a better opportunity than a brief six-hour port call. This extended stay allows ample time to explore Bermuda’s stunning beaches, embark on sightseeing tours, or indulge in local shopping.

Tip# 3: Book an Electric Vehicle Early

Tazzari Electric Vehicle from Bermuda Car Rental

The Tazzarri electric vehicle is a side-by-side two-seater.

In Bermuda, visitors cannot rent regular cars. Only electric vehicles and scooters are permitted. The Tazzari electric vehicle—a compact two-seater—is a popular choice. Due to limited availability, it is important to book your electric vehicle as early as possible.

You can pick up your rental at the Bermuda Rental Car (Oleander Cycles) at the Royal Naval Dockyard, the primary location for electric car rentals on the island. Make your reservations well in advance to secure your preferred mode of transportation and ensure a smooth exploration of Bermuda’s beautiful sights.

Tip #4: Utilize Mini-Bus Shuttles and Public Transportation

Bermuda offers a public transportation system that includes shuttles, taxis, ferries, and buses. This allows visitors to explore the island easily without needing a car or scooter.

Take the Mini-Bus shuttles available outside the Royal Dockyard for convenient travel to Horseshoe Bay. Each way costs $7 per person, providing an affordable and efficient option for beach visits.

Consider purchasing a daily bus pass, including ferry access, for extensive island exploration. This pass is ideal for hassle-free travel across various locations on the island.

Additionally, if you’re traveling with Norwegian Cruise Line, take advantage of their complimentary ferry service from the Royal Naval Dockyard to St. George, enhancing your travel options during your cruise.

Tip# 5: Enjoy Flexible Access to Your Cruise Ship

view of norwegian joy cruise ship from the grounds of the national museum of bermuda

View the Norwegian Joy from the National Museum of Bermuda grounds at the Royal Naval Dockyard.

Can you come and go from your cruise ship in Bermuda as you please? Absolutely, YES!

Most Bermuda cruises are docked overnight at the Royal Naval Dockyard, allowing you to explore. The gangway remains open from when the ship docks until it departs, giving you plenty of opportunity to enjoy your time on the island without worrying about strict timelines.

So, if you’re concerned about having to rush back to the ship by a certain time, rest easy—there’s no curfew. This flexibility is one of the great benefits of cruising to Bermuda, allowing you to experience the island at your own pace. Enjoy the island’s sights, including the view from the National Museum of Bermuda, or venture out whenever suits you best.

Bermuda Cruise Tip: Feel free to make dinner reservations or book evening tours during your stay. However, avoid scheduling anything for the night of your departure, as cruises typically set sail from Bermuda in the early afternoon.

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

Tip #6: Explore the Coves at Horseshoe Bay

Horseshoe Bay, Bermuda’s most celebrated pink sand beach, offers stunning turquoise waters and breathtaking, truly unforgettable vistas. But there’s much more to Horseshoe Bay than just lounging in one spot all day.

Arrive early and wander east past the cliffs to discover serene coves that offer gorgeous views and quieter relaxing spots. During low tide, you can walk from Horseshoe Bay to Jobson’s Cove or start at Jobson’s Cove and make your way back. These walks reveal the quieter, hidden charms of Bermuda’s coastline.

Tip: Bring water shoes with rubber soles for safety and comfort.

Tip# 7: First Timers – Book a Tour of the Island

colorful structure, palm tree and cobblestone street in st. george bermuda

One Bermuda cruise tip we wish we had followed as first-time visitors is booking a guided tour of the island. If this is your first time in Bermuda, we highly recommend doing so. 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 explored Bermuda using an electric vehicle, we realized later that a guided tour would have been invaluable. Although the taxi drivers we used for short trips were knowledgeable and shared great insights, having a dedicated guide from the start, even if it was just for a few hours.

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

Tip# 8: Bermuda is Expensive

Rum Swizzles, snorkeling at Tabacco Bay, and touring the Crystal Caves.

No doubt about it: Bermuda can be pricey, from the food to the fun stuff like snorkeling and touring. But don’t worry; there are ways to keep your spending in check:

Meal Savings: Have lunch while exploring the island, then head back to the cruise ship for dinner since it’s already included in your fare. This simple switch can save you quite a bit on meals.
Beach Day Budgeting: Before your beach day, stop by a market or general store to grab water bottles and snacks to fill a collapsible cooler. The high prices at beach venues for drinks will make you glad you did.
Enjoy Free Activities: Don’t overlook Bermuda’s free things to do, such as hiking trails, public parks, and open-air markets.

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Kathy Ava

Meet Kathy Ava, a food, travel, and cruise writer based in Los Angeles/Pasadena, and the owner and main writer of Tasty Itinerary. With over 20 years of experience planning trips and logistics at her full-time job and for herself, she's become a pro at crafting unforgettable tasty itineraries. She's always on the hunt for delicious, fun travel destinations and cruise itineraries. She firmly believes that life is short and we must make the most of it, so always say yes to dessert.