Best companies for Bermuda cruises

Pink-sand beaches, traditional afternoon teas, candy-colored estates and the legendary rum swizzle drink, Bermuda is a destination that adventure-seekers, history buffs and the beachy keen can all adore.

It’s traditionally an upscale destination with a price tag to match, but these cruise companies allow you to experience the islands no matter your budget.

Best cruises to Bermuda

Best for value for money: Norwegian

A four-night cruise starts from as little as $400 per person, which is around what you would pay for round-trip airfare to Bermuda alone. Plus, Norwegian often throws in freebies like excursion credits and an open bar if you book far enough in advance.

• Room service included
• No free alcohol
• Food included

• No price matching
• Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners, Discover Card

Price ($-$$$):

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Best for families: Carnival

Carnival carries the flag for family cruising with every generation covered. The tiniest of the crew can hang out in the kids' club, onboard water parks and the dive-in movies. Meanwhile, the grown-ups can get time away in the adults-only retreat and dance the night away in the nightclub.

• No free room service
• No free alcohol
• Food included

• No price matching
• Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners, Paypal, Carnival EasyPay, Gift Card, Discover Card, Debit, Western Union, Cheque

Price ($-$$$):

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Best for the most time in Bermuda: Royal Caribbean

While the other cruise lines might only give you a taste of Bermuda, the Empress of the Seas' Best of Bermuda sailings gives you two nights in Hamilton and one night in St. George — more than enough time to really get to the heart of the islands.

• Room service included
• No free alcohol
• Food included

• Price matches
• Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners, Discover Card

Price ($-$$$):

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Best for a luxury, all-inclusive voyage: Regent

Embrace Bermuda's upmarket lifestyle and take the guesswork out of your holiday costs. All-suite accommodation (most with private balconies), shore excursions, specialty dining, beverages, Wi-Fi and gratuities are all included.

• No free room service
• No free alcohol
• Food included

• No price matching
• Visa, American Express, Discover Card

Price ($-$$$):

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Best for foodies: Celebrity

Celebrity takes your holiday up a notch with locally inspired and sourced menus crafted by a Michelin-starred chef. Culinary-focused shore excursions include a James Beard Award-nominee-led tour to the island's only organic farm where you'll indulge in a farm-to-table Bermudian feast.

• Room service included
• No free alcohol
• Food included

• No price matching
• Visa, Mastercard, American Express

Price ($-$$$):

Book now

When is the best time to cruise to Bermuda?

Bermuda’s cruise season falls between April and early November. The peak season is from June to August and that’s when you’ll get the warmest weather and less chance of being affected by a hurricane.

This is, of course, when you’ll find the majority of people also looking for somewhere to spend their summer vacation. Here are some other times of the year to consider when deciding on your perfect itinerary.

• Shoulder season. If you can deal with sea temperatures that are still warming up, travel during April and May offers long, sunny days, much smaller crowds and the chance of discounted fares. September is also a great option for a quieter cruise with ideal temperatures.
• Hurricane season. Bermuda Triangle mysteries aside, the hurricane season officially runs from June to November with most storms likely to occur from August to October. Hurricanes don’t generally hit Bermuda with as much frequency or strength as islands in the Caribbean but it’s still a good idea to look into cruise travel insurance to make sure you’re covered in case a storm does threaten your plans.

What are the must-do cruise excursions in Bermuda?

• Bermuda Triangle Evening Cruise. Take a glimpse at the ghostly shipwrecks and colorful creatures in the undersea world on a glass-bottom boat ride.
• Horseshoe Bay. Soak up the sun as you relax in the pink sand and crystal clear waters of this iconic Bermudian beach.
• Port Royal Golf Course. Avid golfers could be excused for forgoing beach time for teeing off instead on one of the best public golf courses in the world, ranked by Golf Digest.
• Catamaran sail and snorkel. Spend the day out on the ocean taking in the island’s breathtaking beauty as you sail along the coast.
• Railway Trail. Get off the beaten path and hike or bike a portion of a scenic 21-mile trail with a conveniently placed beach break at the end.
• Crystal Caves. Head 120 feet underground to discover a clear ocean-fed lake and dramatic cave formations, millions of years in the making.

Bottom line

A cruise to Bermuda can be whatever you want it to be, whether that’s an island escape, adventure holiday or chance to travel back in time. Stay on top of the latest cruising sales with these top cruise deals.

Frequently asked questions

• What should I pack for a Bermuda cruise?

  While a bathing suit, shorts and flip flops are essential for the beach, keep in mind that Bermuda is a more conservative destination than ports you might be familiar with in the Caribbean. Consult your cruise’s guidelines so you’re prepared for any formal nights onboard, and remember some smart-casual gear for shopping or dining in port.

• How long is a Bermuda cruise?

  A Bermuda-only itinerary of four or five nights is common and ideal if you’re interested in a mix of cruising and land adventures as most ships tend to stay in port for two or three days.

  You can also add Bermuda on to a longer itinerary paired with East Coast or Caribbean destinations. These tend to be from seven to 10 nights with some longer cruises stretching up to two weeks in duration.

• How much is a Bermuda cruise?

  A good price on a four-night sailing with a more economical cruise line like Norwegian Cruise Line starts from $400 for an inside cabin. On the more luxury end of the scale, you could sail with Regent Seven Seas Cruises from around $340 per night with most of your expenses included.