How to Plan a Bermuda Cruise Vacation

Plan a Bermuda cruise vacation soon

Bermuda is becoming a very popular destination with cruisers. With it's beautiful pink sand beaches, British culture, and sub-tropical climate, it is easy to understand why a Bermuda cruise vacation should be in your future plans. Bermuda is located about 600 miles east of North Carolina in the Atlantic Ocean. There are many cruise lines that now travel to Bermuda so there are plenty of options for you to look at as you plan your Bermuda cruise vacation.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Internet
• Travel agent

1. Cruise ship docking in Bermuda

   Decide on a cruise line. There are several of the major cruise lines that make over 25 trips to Bermuda during the cruise season of April through November. The cruise lines that travel to Bermuda are Princess, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruises, etc. Each cruise line offers a different style of cruising, cruise lengths, rewards programs or other benefits, and of course, price. The main ships that sail to Bermuda are: Norwegian Majesty, Norwegian Spirit, Norwegian Dawn, Explorer of the Seas, Grandeur of the Seas, and Caribbean Princess.

2. Hamilton, Bermuda port

   Choose a port of call. There are 3 major ports in Bermuda: Hamilton, St. George, and Kings Wharf. Hamilton cannot accommodate the larger cruise ships so you will most likely need to decide between St. George and Kings Wharf. Also note that since Bermuda is not very large, you can travel from one end of the island to another in about an hour. That way you can visit the attractions in both ports. Bermuda only had public transportation to get around the island. You can choose from ferries, scooters, or buses.

3. Norfolk, Virginia cruise terminal

   Decide on the port of departure. There are seven major ports that have ships sailing to Bermuda in the United States. Which port you choose depends on how far you want to travel to get to the port and which cruise ships are sailing from them and when. The ports where you can cruise to Bermuda are Baltimore, New York, Philadelphia, Norfolk, Charleston, Fort Lauderdale, and Cape Liberty (New Jersey).

4. Bermuda's flag

   Obtain a passport. Beginning June 1, 2009, all tourists arriving by sea back to the United States will need a passport, passport card or WHTI-compliant documents. Apply for a passport several months before your cruise to Bermuda so that you receive it in time.

5. Catch the beautiful rays in Bermuda

   Pack for your Bermuda cruise vacation by bringing light clothing suitable for warm, slightly humid weather. Don't forget a hat, sunscreen, beach clothes and good walking shoes.

6. Bermuda beaches are beautiful

   Once you arrive in Bermuda, you will want to visit as many attractions as you can. Definitely see at least one beach to experience the pink sand that is unique to Bermuda. There is also snorkeling and scuba rentals available for viewing the beautiful reefs. Hamilton offers shopping and restaurants while St. George is a historic town on the World Heritage Site list. The Dockyard at the West End is near the Bermuda Maritime Museum as well as other shopping opportunities.

Tips & Warnings

• Watch for Bermuda cruise deals either at the last minute or very early (when cruise is first announced)

Resources

• Bermuda Cruises information
• Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)