10 Best Cruises to Bermuda for Every Type of Traveler
Bermuda is world-renowned for its pink-sand beaches, shipwrecks, enchanting caves, and historic attractions and landmarks. This, coupled with Bermuda’s close proximity to the eastern coast of the United States, makes it a popular vacation destination — especially among cruisers.
“While there are stunning hotels in Bermuda, accommodation and dining can be expensive; [however], overnighting on a ship with accommodations and meals (and, in many cases, beverages) included tends to be a good value,” explains T+L A-List advisor Rob Clabbers, the founder and president of Q Cruise + Travel, a Virtuoso agency in Chicago. While there are many Bermuda cruises to choose from across an array of different lines — from small-ship luxury fleets to massive mega-ships — it’s worth noting that “most larger ships dock at the historic Royal Naval Dockyard in the West End” while some smaller ships “call at the port of Hamilton, the capital of Bermuda,” explains Clabbers.
Whatever port interests you, these 10 itineraries are some of the best Bermuda cruises currently on the market.
Norwegian Cruise Line
This World’s Best Award-winning mega-ship ocean line stands out for its laid-back approach to cruising. (Fun fact: They were the first line to eliminate set dining times to afford passengers more flexibility.) According to Fora travel advisor Cameron Tempest, the line “offers multiple itineraries from 4-9 days, leaving from several East Coast cities” for optimal convenience; meanwhile, the itineraries “offer some great options to spend up to three days in Bermuda or even see Bermuda and sail all the way down to NCL’s private island, Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas.” We’d also be remiss not to mention the ample onboard activities, entertainment, restaurants, and bars that are sure to please cruisers of all ages. Last but not least, guests can choose from a slew of accommodation options — from wallet-friendly interior cabins to splurge-worthy suites — across all the line’s ships.
Itinerary: Norwegian Cruise Line offers an array of Bermuda cruise itineraries from which to choose. However, says Clabbers, “Time-starved adults and families alike will appreciate a quick 4-day cruise on the brand-new Norwegian Aqua,” which sails round-trip from New York. The 3,571-passenger vessel is loaded with amenities, including the Aqua Slidecoaster, a combination rollercoaster and water slide; the glass-bottomed Oceanwalk promenade; and the Haven complex, a “ship within a ship” area reserved for suite guests (which Clabbers notes is a favorite of his clients). “You will absolutely not be bored en route to the island,” he says, “with so many activities, restaurants, and entertainment.”
Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises is among our readers’ favorite mega-ship ocean lines thanks to its upscale ambiance, which Clabbers describes as “more sophisticated but not stuffy.” What’s more, this World’s Best Award Hall of Fame honoree is sure to impress with its sleek onboard spaces, including an adults-only Solarium and the swanky Retreat, which is exclusive to suite guests. Clabbers is also quick to call out the line’s exceptional dining — including eateries helmed by Michelin-starred chef Daniel Boulud — and its spa, which offers over 120 treatments.
Itinerary: The 7-night Bermuda cruise from Cape Liberty, New Jersey, takes place aboard Celebrity Silhouette, which Clabbers describes as “impressive.” Part of Celebrity’s popular Solstice class, this ship offers “something for everyone,” Clabbers says, from the Camp At Sea kids club to croquet and bocce ball and luxurious suites at the Retreat. These sailings also include two nights at Bermuda’s Royal Naval Dockyard, offering passengers plenty of time to explore the island’s pink-sand beaches and other attractions, including the Crystal and Fantasy Caves and the historic town of Saint George.
Oceania Cruises
While not explicitly adults-only, this luxury cruise line — which is among our readers’ favorite mid-size ocean lines — is definitely geared more towards grown-ups thanks to its refined vibes, gourmet cuisine, and sophisticated atmosphere. And while an Oceania sailing can be pricey, it packs plenty of value: The line’s signature Simply More offer includes a slew of free perks, like shore excursions, drink packages, Wi-Fi, and gourmet specialty dining.
Itinerary: “While most cruise lines depart from the New York area to visit Bermuda, the highly rated Oceania Vista (1,200 guests) can take you round-trip from Miami on April 19, 2025,” says Clabbers, who also notes the quality food and “country-club casual atmosphere” that’s well suited for cruisers without kids. He also describes the itinerary as “unique,” since it includes stops in Key West, Cape Canaveral, Charleston, and a private island in the Bahamas — in addition to two days at Bermuda’s Royal Naval Dockyard.
Silversea Cruises
Bermuda cruisers craving an intimate onboard ambiance coupled with top-notch amenities and all-suite accommodations — each with ocean views, most with private balconies — need not look further than Silversea, which offers a luxury all-inclusive experience. High-end dining, unlimited pours of certain alcohol, shore excursions, and gratuities are all built into the cost of a Silversea cruise, making planning a breeze. While days in port are best enjoyed off-ship, travelers can easily pass the time on board by visiting the tranquil spa, listening to a guest lecturer, or enjoying live music.
Itinerary: While some Bermuda itineraries are on the shorter side, this one, which cruises from Fort Lauderdale to New York, offers 15 days of idyllic island bliss. Taking place aboard the 382-guest Silver Shadow, this specific sailing comes highly recommended by Clabbers. “You’ll visit Samana in the Dominican Republic; Aruba; St. Barts; [and] St. Thomas, USVI, before spending one night/two days docked in the heart of Hamilton, Bermuda.”
Royal Caribbean International
“My preferred cruise line for Bermuda is Royal Caribbean,” says Melissa Loor, a travel agent at Marvelous Mouse Travels. This massive mega-ship ocean line offers fun for everyone, including (but not limited to) rock climbing, ziplining, water slides, several pools, carousels, Broadway-caliber shows, ice skating, and onboard escape rooms. As such, its splashy entertainment offerings — which vary depending on the ship — are ideal for kids, kids at heart, and, well, anyone in search of a good time coupled with fun in the sun. Ships are also equipped with ample drinking and dining venues to suit every palate — picky eaters included.
Itinerary: Loor especially recommends this 6-night Bermuda cruise, which sails roundtrip from New Jersey. “With overnight stays at the Royal Naval Dockyard, you are not pressured to be back on the ship in the afternoon/early evening, so you get more time to explore,” she says. Her recommended activities while you’re on shore include the pink beaches of Horseshoe Bay, the shopping in Hamilton, and themed restaurants like Calico Jack’s Floating Bar, which comes with its own diving board so you can “walk the plank” into the surrounding bay waters. Bermuda is the only stop on this itinerary, she notes, and it’s bookended by travel days, meaning travelers will have “a few days at sea to relax and unwind after all [their] Bermuda adventures.”
Virgin Voyages
Virgin Voyages — which was named our readers’ favorite mega-ship ocean line in the 2024 World’s Best Awards — is one of the industry’s truly adults-only cruise lines. It also boasts unique onboard amenities such as a sprawling nightclub, a tattoo parlor, and a dining scene with no buffets (instead, there are 20-plus menu-based drinking and dining venues that are completely complimentary). “I personally love the fact that Virgin Voyages is truly all-inclusive — Wi-Fi, gratuities, and all essential beverages (think water, soda, and drip coffee) are already included in your cruise fare,” says Charlene Recio, a travel advisor at Marvelous Mouse Travels.
Itinerary: Spanning a total of five nights, the Big Apple to Bermuda cruise features an overnight stay at Kings Wharf in Bermuda — which, per Recio, “allows travelers to truly immerse themselves in the culture and history” of the destination — as well as two days at sea. According to the travel advisor, the itinerary is “perfect for travelers who consider the features of the ship just as important as the destinations they are traveling to.” Passengers will sail aboard Brilliant Lady, the line’s newest ship, slated to debut in 2025.
MSC Cruises
This mega-ship ocean line is sure to please families of all ages with its splashy entertainment offerings, bustling common spaces, and all-around high-energy vibes. That said, those craving a more refined onboard experience should splurge on a suite in the MSC Yacht Club, a ship-within-a-ship concept that offers access to exclusive venues — including a dedicated restaurant, a private solarium, and a swanky lounge — as well as butler service. Yacht Club guests enjoy free Wi-Fi, spa access, and the line’s signature Premium Extra Package for drinks, among other perks.
Itinerary: MSC Cruises offers a handful of Bermuda cruises sailing round-trip from Brooklyn, New York, aboard the massive MSC Meraviglia. Onboard highlights include the 315-foot promenade dotted with shops and restaurants, a bowling alley, racing simulators, and several water slides. Tight on time? Opt for the six-night sailing, which includes three blissful days/two nights at the Royal Naval Dockyard, plus two sea days.
Windstar Cruises
Windstar Cruises is known for its fleet of small luxury ships, each carrying fewer than 350 passengers. The line also stands out for this acclaimed culinary programming — it’s the official cruise line of the James Beard Foundation — both on the ship and off, thanks to excursions such as chef-guided market tours. While the line isn’t technically all-inclusive, guests have the option to purchase all-inclusive fares — which include Wi-Fi; unlimited beer, wine, and cocktails; and gratuities — for as little as $89 per guest, per day.
Itinerary: The aptly named Bermuda Bliss itinerary sails from New York City to San Juan, Puerto Rico, and includes an overnight in Saint George. Passengers will spend seven days cruising aboard Star Pride, which offers signature Windstar amenities such as a BBQ feast and a watersports platform with complimentary kayaks and stand-up paddleboards.
Carnival Cruise Line
Calling all kids and kids at heart: Carnival’s motto is quite literally “Choose Fun,” which means you can expect, well, lots of onboard fun in the form of water slides, ropes courses, an indoor trampoline park, and live game shows (note that specific offerings vary depending on the ship). The mega-ship ocean line is also famous for its wallet-friendly fares, making it a popular pick among cost-conscious cruisers.
Itinerary: The four-day Bermuda sailing from New York makes for an easy and affordable long weekend escape. Unlike the other itineraries listed above, this one doesn’t include an overnight in port; rather, it docks in Bermuda from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., making it ideal for those who are tighter on time. Passengers will cruise aboard Carnival Venezia, which offers a Venetian-inspired atrium (aptly called Piazza San Marco), 15-plus bars and restaurants, and action-packed activities like mini golf and pickleball so guests can let loose while en route to and from Bermuda.
Holland America Line
Holland America Line stands out for its live music programming — most ships boast a Music Walk, a collection of onboard venues that offer all sorts of genres, from blues to rock and beyond — and top-notch dining. (They’re best known for the Global Fresh Fish Program, featuring over 80 varieties of fresh fish sourced from local ports of call.) The 11 stylish ships in its fleet feature elegant common areas and impressive art collections.
Itinerary: The 14-day Southern Caribbean sailing from Boston to Fort Lauderdale calls on Kings Wharf, Bermuda — along with equally stunning Caribbean locales like St. Thomas, St. Maarten, Martinique, Barbados, Curacao, and Half Moon Cay, a pristine private island in the Bahamas. You’ll sail aboard the 1,964-guest Zuiderdam, which offers the aforementioned Music Walk plus pickleball; 12-plus bars, lounges, and restaurants; a tranquil spa; and three sparkling swimming pools.