Bermuda
Home of pink, soft sand beaches, Bermuda is a beautiful, tropical island which is, believe it or not, only 650 miles off the coast of North Carolina. Wearing traditional Bermuda shorts and high socks, the locals are friendly and love to talk about their home. I've included some great ideas and activities to do when cruising to Bermuda. You can get anywhere fairly easily if your ship is docked in either Kings Wharf or Hamilton. One of the best parts of cruising here is that the ship's stay overnight and you don't have to rush back at a certain time. It's a fantastic place to experience the nightlife, both on and off of the ship.
Original print created by My Virtual Vacations photographer.
Bermuda for Luxury Family Travel and Cruise
Tour of Bermuda
If you've never been to Bermuda, a fantastic and surprisingly economical way to see the island is with a private tour guide. This is something that is perfect for groups or families because with a little research, you can arrange ahead of time and your guide will pick you up right at the ship. Then if you need to make an unexpected stop along the way, they can easily adjust the plans.
Even if you don't plan this ahead of time, look for the blue flag taxi drivers at the dock and throughout Bermuda. They have been giving tours for years and know all of the history, best picture spots, etc. Just tell them your interests and they will tailor the tour just for you. This is the advantage of cruise overnight stays in Bermuda since you don't have to rush back to the ship at any particular time. We had a wonderful tour! Here are just a few of the sights were were able to experience in just a few hours.
Even if you don't plan this ahead of time, look for the blue flag taxi drivers at the dock and throughout Bermuda. They have been giving tours for years and know all of the history, best picture spots, etc. Just tell them your interests and they will tailor the tour just for you. This is the advantage of cruise overnight stays in Bermuda since you don't have to rush back to the ship at any particular time. We had a wonderful tour! Here are just a few of the sights were were able to experience in just a few hours.
Update: I recently found out that our tour guide, Dennis Hollis (shown below) passed away in July 2018. We had such fond memories of the fantastic tour he provided our family. We'll always remember his passion for Bermuda and he will forever be in our hearts.
The boys loved our tour guide Dennis Hollis
The flowers are gorgeous with vivid colors.
Gibbs Lighthouse
The smallest working drawbridge in the world.
Bermuda has gorgeous landscaping. Lots of flowers and herbs grow wild. Our guide told us many restaurants pick them right off the paths.
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Stops along the way of our tour were beautiful.
Early Bermuda Weather Stone.
Love this saying!
Close up from Gibbs Lighthouse while inside. It's a steep walk up, but definitely worth the trek.
Lovely churches are found throughout Bermuda
Beautiful limestone moongates are found throughout the Bermuda landscaping. It's supposed to bring a lifetime of happiness and good luck when newlyweds walk under. (We walked under for the first time at almost 22 years of marriage and it still seems to be working!)
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The water views everywhere you look in Bermuda are breathtaking.
There is nothing like a sunset overlooking the ocean.
Bermuda Harbor at Night
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I've never seen such a brilliant blue water!
Gorgeous view of a Bermuda harbor
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Royal Navel Dockyard
The Royal Naval Dockyard is within walking distance from the port at Kings Wharf and is a fun-filled day all on it's own. However, if you are too full from the ship's buffet lunch and don't feel like walking, there are continuous trams that go between the ship and Royal Navel Dockyard all day long. Take some time to browse in the quaint shops for souvenirs and gifts to take home. You'll find a fantastic variety of Bermuda themed items, as well as handmade goods, beautiful jewelry and wonderful local perfume (my favorite is "Bermuda Blue".)
Originally built for the British Navy in the late 1800's, it's used today for stores, restaurants and offices.
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The clock tower. Great landmark seen through King Wharf.
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Horseshoe Bay Beach
The pink sand beaches are the place to be in Bermuda. They are easy to get to by taxi or by signing up with the cruise line excursion. The cruises typically pick beaches that are busier, but they will also have the most beach chairs, snacks and rest rooms available. We loved Horseshoe Bay Beach in Bermuda. It was a bit touristy, but for good reason...it's beautiful! Pro tip for Horseshoe Bay Beach: Wear good, waterproof, walking shoes and you can easily walk away from the busier areas of the beach.
Horseshoe Bay is only one of the many beautiful pink sand beaches.
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The natural rocks on the beaches are a stunning contrast and help naturally form fun places to splash in for kids of all ages.
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Harbor Nights in Hamilton, Bermuda
If you happen to be visiting over a Wednesday night in the summer months, don't miss Harbor Nights in Hamilton. This is a traditional Bermudian experience with a parade, live music, and local street crafts and food to enjoy. You can either grab a taxi with a blue flag (always look for the ones with a blue flag flying, or insignia on the car) right at the dock to take you to Hamilton, or sign up with your cruise ship. The ship's excursion will usually provide a charter ferry, complete with rum punch, which will drop you right in the middle of the festivities.
Sailing is a popular water sport in Bermuda.
The harbors are always bustling with boats and fisherman all around Bermuda.
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Don't miss the music and Gombey dancers at Harbor Nights in Hamilton
Wonderful local cuisine at Harbor Nights. It's not inexpensive but an authentic Bermudian experience is worth it. Or you may opt to dine back on the ship if it's not too far away.
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Bermuda Dining
For lunch, I highly recommend The Frog and Onion Pub which is within walking distance from the port. Located in the Royal Naval Dockyard, not only do they have house brewed beer but kids and adults will love the drinks and authentic English specialties. With traditional English pub fare like fish & chips or cottage pie, it's authentic and delicious! They have their own original brews that you can sample as a flight. Order a specialty drink and they'll even give you a souvenir glass to take home.
Vacation Budget: $ $
Dining Suggestion: Lunch, Dinner
Dining Suggestion: Lunch, Dinner
Soak up the beautiful Bermudian weather outside or inside for authentic pub ambiance.
Local house brewed beer. If you are adventurous, try a flight to sample all of their ales.
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The Frog and Onion Pub is within walking distance from the cruise ships.
A "Pink Frog". We now make this at home! It's a refreshing non-alcoholic drink made from Sprite, sour mix and grenadine.
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Virtual Hint: While adults are enjoying the traditional English pub food and live music at The Frog and Onion, send the kids with some quarters (U.S. coins are welcome) to the restaurant's huge arcade room filled with air hockey, video games and more. It's right off of the main seating area.
Not shown, but another great spot to visit close to the cruise ships is Snorkel Park Beach. They have their own beach, water sports, and restaurants. Just pay one nominal admission fee and you can enjoy the park all day long. This is a perfect place for all age groups and interests.
