Bermuda Cruise Port Guide: Crystal Waters, Sea Caves & What to Do
Bermuda feels different from almost every other cruise destination I’ve visited.
Part of that is because you don’t just stop there for a few hours. Ships typically stay for multiple days, which completely changes the experience. Instead of rushing from one excursion to another, you actually have time to explore the island.
We visited Bermuda aboard Norwegian Breakaway, and some of my favorite memories weren’t even the major attractions.
They were the little things.
Riding public buses across the island. Watching local kids jump off bridges into the water. Taking ferries between different parts of the island. Wandering through towns filled with colorful houses, flowers, and views that seemed to appear around every corner.
Of course, Bermuda’s biggest attractions lived up to the hype too. Horseshoe Bay was beautiful, the Crystal and Fantasy Caves were unlike anything I’ve seen elsewhere in the Caribbean, and the water was some of the most striking I’ve ever photographed.
But what I remember most is that Bermuda felt less like a cruise port and more like a place where people actually live.
And that’s a big part of why it still stands out to me years later. For more on Bermuda, be sure to visit our Top 10 Things to Do in Bermuda Cruise Port.
Quick Verdict
Best for:
- Beach lovers
- Scenic island exploration
- Catamaran excursions
- Nature lovers
- Cave exploration
- Multi-day cruise stays
Not ideal for:
- Travelers looking for nonstop nightlife
- Guests expecting ultra-hot Caribbean water
Royal Naval Dockyard (Where Your Ship Docks)
The Royal Naval Dockyard is where most cruise ships dock in Bermuda, and it’s where every day of our trip usually started and ended.
Beyond the shops and restaurants, one thing I remember is the chickens and roosters wandering around the area. It sounds random, but after a few days you just start expecting to see them everywhere.
We also booked one of our catamaran excursions directly at a tour booth in the Dockyard rather than through the cruise line, which saved us some money. Back then, they also sold internet cards that were much cheaper than paying for ship Wi-Fi.
If you’re planning to explore Bermuda on your own, the Dockyard is a great starting point. The ferry terminal and bus connections make it easy to reach most parts of the island without needing a taxi.
Crystal & Fantasy Caves
Crystal and Fantasy Caves were easily one of the highlights of our Bermuda trip.
The caves are beautiful, but they do require some effort. There are 88 steps down into the caves, and because my mom has mobility limitations, we were usually the last people in the group. That’s pretty normal for us when we travel. She takes her time, everyone waits, and we eventually get there.
It was absolutely worth it.
The water inside the caves is incredibly clear, and I still remember how cold it looked and felt. At one point, the guides asked everyone to stop talking and put away their cameras so we could simply appreciate the cave in silence. That ended up being one of my favorite moments of the entire tour.
The tour itself lasted about 45 minutes, and the guides also shared the story of how two local boys discovered the caves more than a century ago. Between the history, the rock formations, and the crystal-clear water below, it’s one of the most unique attractions I’ve visited on any cruise.
Horseshoe Bay Beach
Horseshoe Bay is probably the most famous beach in Bermuda, and after visiting, I understand why.
The sand is incredibly soft, the water has that unreal Bermuda color, and we even spotted several White-tailed Tropicbirds, known locally as Longtails, nesting in the cliffs around the beach.
The one thing that surprised me was the water temperature.
Coming from Florida and cruising the Caribbean, I expected warm water. Bermuda had other plans. The water was noticeably colder than what we’re used to, which meant neither my mom nor I spent much time swimming. My mom especially prefers bathwater-warm Caribbean water, so she was perfectly happy enjoying the views from the beach instead.
Even without spending much time in the water, Horseshoe Bay was still one of the highlights of the trip. It’s one of those places that’s every bit as pretty in person as it looks in the photos.
Catamaran & Snorkeling Excursions
One of the excursions we booked was a catamaran snorkeling trip that we purchased independently in the Royal Naval Dockyard rather than through the cruise line.
The catamaran itself was fantastic. The views of Bermuda from the water were beautiful, and the color of the ocean almost didn’t look real at times.
The only challenge was the temperature.
The water was much colder than what we’re used to in the Caribbean. I would jump in, swim around for a bit, take a few photos, look at some fish, and then climb right back onto the catamaran to warm up. Then I’d do it all over again.
My mom had the better strategy.
She spent the entire time relaxing onboard, enjoying the scenery, and staying dry. Considering how cold the water felt, I honestly can’t blame her.
Even with the chilly water, I’d still recommend a catamaran excursion in Bermuda. The coastline is stunning, and seeing the island from the water gives you a completely different perspective than you get from shore.
Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo
The Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo ended up being one of those places that was better than I expected.
It’s not a huge attraction, and honestly that’s part of why we enjoyed it. My mom was able to take her time, sit when needed, and enjoy the exhibits without feeling rushed.
We saw sea turtles, sharks, tropical fish, flamingos, and one of my personal favorites—lemurs. I’ve always liked lemurs, so that was probably the highlight for me.
The aquarium and zoo won’t take up your entire day, but if you’re looking for a relaxing activity that’s easy to explore, it’s a nice way to spend a few hours while seeing a different side of Bermuda beyond the beaches.
Getting Around Bermuda (Better Than Most Ports)
One of the things I appreciated most about Bermuda was how easy it was to explore on our own.
We mostly used the public buses and ferries, and they worked great. We never felt the need to take taxis or book transportation through the cruise line.
In fact, some of my favorite memories came from simply riding around the island. Watching local life, seeing the colorful homes, passing beautiful flowers, and stopping in places we probably wouldn’t have seen otherwise made Bermuda feel much more authentic than many cruise destinations.
If you’re comfortable using public transportation, Bermuda is one of the easiest islands I’ve visited to explore independently.
Food Stop: Swizzle Inn (Local Favorite)
No trip to Bermuda seemed complete without a stop at the Swizzle Inn, so naturally we had to see what all the fuss was about.
The atmosphere was probably my favorite part. The place has a lot of character, and I still remember the menus being printed like newspapers, which was a fun touch. Of course, I also had to try a Rum Swizzle while I was there.
For lunch, I ordered the fish sandwich, which I actually enjoyed quite a bit. It came with sweet potato fries, which aren’t really my thing, but the sandwich itself was very good. My mom went with the chicken sandwich and enjoyed hers as well.
Is it the best meal I’ve ever had on vacation? No. But between the history, the atmosphere, and the famous Rum Swizzle, I’m glad we stopped by.
Hamilton
We didn’t spend a ton of time in Hamilton. We mostly took the ferry over, walked around a bit, and caught transportation to other parts of the island. My mom also found another magnet for the refrigerator collection. What I remember most wasn’t the attractions. It was seeing people dressed in the classic Bermuda combination of shorts, dress shirts, and ties. Somehow it sounds ridiculous until you see it in person, and then it just feels normal.
Final Verdict: Is Bermuda Worth It?
Without question.
Bermuda is one of the few cruise destinations that still stands out clearly in my memory years later. The beaches were beautiful, the Crystal and Fantasy Caves were unforgettable, and the island was incredibly easy to explore on our own using buses and ferries.
What I probably remember most, though, is that Bermuda never felt like a typical cruise stop. Because ships stay for multiple days, you have time to slow down, explore, and experience the island beyond the main tourist attractions.
Whether it was watching local life from a bus window, relaxing at Horseshoe Bay, exploring the caves with my mom, or simply enjoying the scenery from a ferry, Bermuda felt more like a destination and less like a port visit.
If you’re planning a Bermuda cruise, I highly recommend it.
And if you’re looking for more ideas, be sure to check out my Top 10 Things to Do in Bermuda guide. If you’re sailing on Norwegian Breakaway, you can also read my full Norwegian Breakaway review to see what the onboard experience was like during our trip.
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