3-Day Bermuda Cruise Itinerary

Alluring natural wonders and deep cultural traditions have sparked mystique and attracted adventurers to Bermuda for centuries. Today, cruising to Bermuda offers a world of fun and flavour for the whole family, all found within a compact, easy-to-explore 21 square miles. Plus, a reliable ferry service makes getting around the island a breeze. Follow this three-day cruise itinerary to get a fulfilling taste of island life in Bermuda.

Only have a day to explore? Check out one-day itineraries.

Day 1

CRUISE INTO DOCKYARD, GRAB LUNCH & EXPLORE THE SOUTH SHORE 

You’ve docked in the Royal Naval Dockyard, a former British Royal Navy stronghold dripping with maritime history. The 19th-century barracks surrounding the port once kept guard over the West End but now house the treasure-filled National Museum.

An award-winning playground and dolphin sanctuary are pulls for the younger family members, but head straight to the Hall of History mural to get some quick perspective first. Local artist Graham Foster has colourfully chronicled Bermuda’s history on the two-story wall; take a few minutes to admire his awe-inspiring depictions before diving into the main attractions.

It’s ideal to explore the area on foot. Stop at must-sees like The Arts Centre, Dockyard Canvas to see local craftspeople at work. While you're here, get a three-day bus and ferry pass and start planning with a locally made scoop (or two) of Alex & Pete’s Artisan Ice-Cream in hand. It’s a 10-minute bus ride to lunch at local-favourite Woody’s to enjoy their famed fish sandwich dockside. After washing it down with a cold ginger beer, get back on the bus – look out for the pink stop – to head to the astonishing South Shore Beaches.

It wouldn't be a proper Bermuda cruise itinerary without plenty of time to explore the island's breathtaking beaches. There are several stops to choose from: Church Bay is a snorkeller’s paradise thanks to a network of shallow reefs close to shore. Horseshoe Bay is one of the world’s most photographed beaches – the wide crescent of soft, pink sand and crystal-clear water make a great starting point for exploring nearby coves, and the on-site rental concessions,Horseshoe Bay Live, and changing facilities provide everything you need for a great day at the beach. 

Further east, Warwick Long Bay, known for having some of Bermuda’s pinkest sand, stretches for half a mile and is great for swimming. Elbow Beach gets its name from the curve of its shoreline and offers a long stretch of pristine sand. Whichever you choose, it’s impossible to go wrong.

Hop on a bus back to Dockyard with enough time to freshen up in your cabin and grab a bite before taking a Gosling’s Rum Tasting Cruise with Fantasea. This quintessential twilight Bermuda cruise departs from Dockyard at 7:30 pm. It’s not only a way to learn about rum – perhaps Bermuda’s best-known export – but a great way to learn about Bermuda overall. Cruise along as captain, crew and Gosling’s ambassadors regale you with historical morsels and personal tales of the gorgeous homes you see along the way. At the end, you’ll have the chance to purchase rum duty free.

Day 2

FERRY TO ST. GEORGE’S, SHOPPING, SNORKELLING & LIVE MUSIC

The second leg of your Bermuda cruise itinerary begins with a little island-hopping. While it’s one country, the archipelago of Bermuda is actually a ribbon of 181 islands that take on the shape of a fish hook. A fine way to see it is from the water, and during cruise season, Bermuda's ferry runs from end to end. Take the early boat from Dockyard to St. George's to spend a day in the former capital and UNESCO World Heritage Site: the Town of St. George.

Browse local shops such as Confections, with its tasty gourmet cookies, and Long Story Short, with its local literature and unique goods. Pop into The Things We Love for bohemian fashions, and savour the sweet scents of indigenous flora at Lili Bermuda, a perfume shop housed in photogenic Stewart Hall.

Browse local shops such as the handmade Salt Spray Soap Company, local literature and goods at Long Story Short, The Island Shop and the sweet scents of indigenous flora at The Bermuda Perfumery housed in photogenic Stewart Hall.

Grab island-style lunch from Mama Angie’s, a mom-and-pop food stall by Somers Garden, and take a stroll through the grounds. Legend has it that the heart of the town’s namesake, the Admiral Sir George, is buried there.

Take a cab or minibus from Kings Square to Fort St. Catherine, a stunning 17th-century fortress and museum overlooking Achilles Bay. Go exploring or beach it further down the coast at Tobacco Bay. The latter is a laidback spot, made remarkable with its unique limestone rock formations and coral reef, popular with snorkellers. Snorkel gear is available for rent, there’s a fun pool table right on the beach, and live entertainment flows frequently. The terrace serves frozen cocktails and beach snacks to an island soundtrack. It’s an easy place to spend an hour or two.

Catch the Orange Route ferry back to Dockyard in time for dinner onboard the ship and venture out again for live music at Bone fish Bar and Grill before hitting late-night venue Snorkel Park.

Day 3 

PRE-DEPARTURE SHOPPING & LUNCH WITH A VIEW

With an afternoon departure, there’s plenty of time for a morning excursion, so stretch out the final hours of your Bermuda cruise itinerary accordingly. Take the 20-minute ferry to the City of Hamilton, the island’s business centre and capital.

The loop around Front Street to Queen Street to Reid Street forms the main shopping route for your island souvenirs. Grab a cup of joe at Rock Island Coffee – it’s made from beans roasted in-house – and snack on freshly baked pastries before browsing the shops. Discover classic Bermuda style at The English Sports Shop, vivid T-shirts at Flying Colours, hand-painted ceramics and glassware at The Island Shop, and a pink-sand charm from Alexandra Mosher or ocean-inspired blue jewellery from Davidrose. 

On Front Street, find a table on the terrace of the Pickled Onion for a quick lunch. Start with the Bermuda Fish Chowder, served with a dash of black rum and sherry peppers, while you look out on Hamilton Harbour. Then, order the Bermuda Rockfish tacos or the Dockyard Brewing Co. beer-battered fish and chips and wash it all down with the microbrewery’s local beers – the Somers Amber Ale is a popular English bitter style – or a traditional Dark ‘n Stormy.

Catch the fast ferry back to Dockyard, your final on-island cruise before Bermuda calls again next year.