Bermuda — a tiny little island off the coast of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina — has been attracting cruisers for generations. The best way to get to Bermuda is on a cruise ship. Spend a day or two at sea enjoying the relaxing onboard amenities. Then, hit the gang plank running, ready to explore this pretty little vacation paradise.
Bermuda is an island gem just waiting for beach lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and happy cruisers looking for a fun time. The small island packs a punch of activities to keep everyone happy. An added bonus is the pre-cruise and post-cruise options of leaving from Boston, Massachusetts.
1. Pre-Cruise Or Post-Cruise Boston Getaway
Boston is a magical city full of early American history, culture, sports, shopping, and great eats. You can keep as busy as you desire on a 3-day, pre- or post-cruise visit to Boston.
Neighborhoods tucked around the city are little pockets of exploration. Stroll the cobbled streets of the tiny Beacon Hill neighborhood. Taste your way through the iconic North End, where Italian cuisine reigns supreme. Explore Boston’s famous breweries like Sam Adams and Harpoon.
Boston is also centrally located allowing you to road trip your way around New England. Drive up the coast to Gloucester or south to Newport, Rhode Island. Hike your way through the mountains with help from the Appalachian Mountain Club or plan a pre-cruise romantic getaway.
2. Bermuda Ports Of Call
Cruise ships arriving from Boston typically dock at St. George’s Port in St. George’s Harbor or Hamilton Port in the capital city of Hamilton. A third option is the Royal Navy Dockyard, which includes King’s Wharf and Heritage Wharf.
It is easier to explore the island if your ship docks in both St. George’s Port and Hamilton Port. This allows you to explore both parts of the beautiful island without major transportation challenges. When you are docked for a day or two in each port, your expedition planning is simpler.
3. Days At Sea
When you sail from Boston to Bermuda, you should only have around 2–2.5 days at sea. Typically, you sail overnight one way which saves precious vacation time. Some of the cruises add coastal ports of call to mitigate the extended time at sea.
Even the smaller cruise ships offer lots of activities to keep passengers busy during sea days. Besides the stunning pool, there are movies, games, spa treatments, cooking classes, fitness workouts, and more to keep every guest happily busy. Of course, you can always grab a lounge chair and a great book to decompress and while away the time.
4. Bermuda Beaches
Sugar white and pink sand beaches are Bermuda’s most attractive features. Some of the best in the world, the shimmering sand softly kissed by Sargasso Sea and Atlantic Ocean waves beckon you to swim in crystal blue waters.
The soft pink sand of Horseshoe Bay Beach is the place to see and be seen. Tourists flock to the crescent-shaped bay beach in Southampton for warm ocean breezes and beautiful blue waters. Don’t let the steep hill dissuade you, there is a shuttle bus (small fee required) that will take you to the beach and back.
Elbow Beach near Hamilton is a beautiful white sand beach perfect for water sports. You will see kayakers, stand-up paddleboarders, snorkelers, and divers mixed in with happy sun worshippers and wandering beachcombers.
A wonderful beach for snorkeling is Tobacco Bay Beach. Close to the St. George’s cruise ship port, Tobacco Bay Beach has coral reefs perfect for snorkeling. The rough-worn rocks and white sand make for an interesting beach day. It’s a fun spot to enjoy a beverage on your own little outcrop.
Another truly magnificent Bermuda beach is Jobson’s Cove. Near Warwick Long Bay, the snorkeling in and out of the rugged rock formations makes this out-of-the-way beach perfect for quiet days exploring the sea creatures and working on your tan.
Nature walks on soft Bermuda sand is the peaceful haven you will find at Somerset Long Bay Park and Nature Reserve. Known as a resting spot for migrating birds, you can find a shady trail to stretch your legs.
In addition to Somerset Long Bay Park and Nature Reserve, the Bermuda Audubon Society lists over two dozen bird watching spots across the island.
5. Bermuda Shore Excursions
Both cruise lines that sail to Bermuda from Boston offer a wonderful array of curated shore excursions. Glass-bottom boats, island scenic drives, famous homes and hideaways, sunset catamaran sails, snorkeling, crystal caves, bike tours, and walking tours are just a few of the types of island adventures you can book.
The excursions offer guests a unique view of Bermuda beyond the stunning beaches. The island has exciting activities to offer guests of all ability levels.
6. Outdoor Activities
Golf is going to be your favorite sport once you tee off on one of Bermuda’s seven golf courses. Duffers of every level will be in awe of the gorgeous pink sand views. Even the most serious golfers will find the stunning panoramic views distracting.
Since your cruise ship is anchored for several days, you can opt for additional adventures not offered by your cruise lines — sailing, paddleboarding, horseback riding, whale watching, kiteboarding, and more. The island is your oyster.
7. Onboard Dining
One of the best things about cruising is you have your hotel and restaurants with you wherever you go. Start with a leisurely breakfast to fuel up for the day’s activities. You can return to the ship for lunch or pack out a nosh for a full day at the beach.
After exploring all day, a gourmet dinner awaits. No need to scout restaurants, there will be something for everyone with the ship’s multiple dining options. Of course, if you have a restaurant that is a must-visit on your Bermuda list, your ship will be docked and awaiting your return.
8. Reunions And Friend-Getaway Cruises
A short, 7-day cruise is perfect for family reunions and bestie getaways. On the Boston-to-Bermuda cruises, you have a day at sea to share stories and bond, followed by 4 days of exploring fun, where everyone can do their own thing and get together for dinner. Finally, you have the last day at sea to tell stories and plan your next getaway.
Best Time Of The Year To Sail To Bermuda From Boston
Late spring is the perfect time for a Boston-to-Bermuda cruise. In April and May, Boston is beautiful shedding her snowy winter coat. The temperature in Bermuda is typically in the low-to-mid-70s with sunny days and ocean breezes.
If you live in the northeast, you will be ready to set sail for balmy breezes. If you are visiting Boston and New England, you will love the cool yet sunny spring weather.
Cruise Lines – Boston To Bermuda
Smaller cruise ships can access the Flynn Cruiseport Terminal, formerly known as Black Falcon Pier, located in Boston’s hip Seaport District. It is a 10-minute ride from Boston Logan International Airport affording easy access to travelers.
Norwegian Cruise Line sails from Boston to Bermuda. They offer a 7-day, on-the-water adventure in your floating hotel with time split between sailing days and docking in Bermuda during March and April. From April through August, you can sail from Boston to Bermuda, then to stunning Bar Harbor, Maine, before returning to Boston.
The luxury cruise line Oceania also sails from Boston to Bermuda several times a year. They include the historic seaport of Newport, Rhode Island, in one itinerary along with two different ports of call in Bermuda.
Pro Tip: Sailing from Boston to Bermuda is a perfect short cruise if you have limited vacation time. It is also a wonderful starter cruise for the cruising novice. The long time docked in one locale, sandwiched between 2 short days at sea, offers a good taste of what a cruising vacation looks like. Bon Voyage!
