Royal Caribbean Cruises to Bermuda – 10 Questions to Ask Before You Step Ashore

Royal Caribbean cruises give visitors a great opportunity to discover Bermuda, with ships docking at the Royal Naval Dockyard and many itineraries including an overnight stay. Whether you have a single afternoon, a full day or several days ashore, a little advance planning can help you make much more of your time on the island.

Here are answers to ten of the questions Royal Caribbean passengers most frequently ask when planning a visit to Bermuda.

What Are the Best Things to Do in Bermuda on a Royal Caribbean Cruise?

Bermuda offers much more than beautiful beaches, so the best way to spend your time depends on what interests you most.

First-time visitors might combine Bermuda’s spectacular South Shore and famous pink-sand beaches with Hamilton and historic St. George’s. History lovers can explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of St. George’s, centuries-old churches, museums and impressive coastal fortifications, while families may prefer a combination of beaches, caves and water activities.

If your Royal Caribbean itinerary includes an overnight stay, don’t try to see everything immediately. Divide the island into areas and give yourself time to enjoy them.

How Should We Plan Our Time in Bermuda?

Start by checking exactly when your Royal Caribbean ship arrives, when you need to be back aboard and whether your itinerary includes an overnight stay.

If you have more than one day, consider using your first full day to explore farther from Dockyard. The South Shore, Hamilton, St. George’s and the East End are all easier to enjoy when you aren’t watching the clock.

Save attractions close to the Royal Naval Dockyard for a shorter arrival day or your final morning.

If this is your first visit, taking a private island tour early in your stay can also be helpful. You’ll see several different parts of Bermuda while gaining a better understanding of the island’s geography, history and transportation system, making it easier to explore independently afterwards.

Can We Explore Bermuda on Our Own, or Should We Book an Excursion?

Bermuda is relatively easy to explore independently. Public buses and ferries connect much of the island, taxis are widely available, and many popular attractions can be visited without joining an organized excursion.

The main consideration is how you want to spend your time.

If you simply want to visit Horseshoe Bay or shop in Hamilton, exploring independently can work very well. If you want to see several parts of Bermuda, learn about the island’s history and culture, discover places you might otherwise overlook or avoid spending valuable vacation time figuring out transportation, a guided tour can be worthwhile.

A private tour offers the additional advantage of flexibility. You can travel at your own pace, ask questions, stop for photographs and concentrate on the places that interest you most.

What Is the Best Way to Get from the Royal Naval Dockyard to Horseshoe Bay?

Horseshoe Bay is one of Bermuda’s most famous beaches and is easily accessible from the Royal Naval Dockyard.

The #7 public bus travels along Bermuda’s South Shore and stops near the entrance to Horseshoe Bay. Taxis and dedicated beach minibuses are also generally available from the Dockyard area and can be a convenient alternative.

Horseshoe Bay can become busy when several large cruise ships are in port, particularly around the middle of the day.

If you have an overnight stay, consider visiting earlier or later in the day. And remember that Horseshoe Bay is only one of several spectacular beaches along Bermuda’s South Shore.

Is St. George’s Worth Visiting from the Royal Naval Dockyard?

Absolutely — particularly if you are interested in Bermuda’s history and culture.

Founded in 1612, the Town of St. George and its Related Fortifications is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its narrow lanes, historic houses, churches, museums and fortifications tell the story of more than four centuries of Bermudian history.

Highlights include St. Peter’s Church, King’s Square, the Old State House, the Unfinished Church, Tucker House and the historic forts surrounding the East End.

St. George’s is at the opposite end of Bermuda from the Royal Naval Dockyard, so allow enough time for the journey. During the summer cruise season, scheduled direct ferry service between Dockyard and St. George’s can make visiting the East End considerably easier.

If your Royal Caribbean cruise includes an overnight stay, St. George’s is an excellent destination for your full day ashore.

How Do Bermuda’s Buses and Ferries Work?

Bermuda has an extensive network of public buses and ferries, and both are popular with cruise visitors.

The ferry is generally the quickest form of public transportation between the Royal Naval Dockyard and Hamilton. During the summer cruise season, scheduled ferry service also connects Dockyard directly with St. George’s.

Public buses reach many popular attractions, including the South Shore beaches, Hamilton and locations throughout the island.

Bermuda’s Shorelink app can help you plan journeys, purchase fares, locate stops and track buses and ferries.

Schedules can change seasonally, so check current information before travelling, particularly if you are heading a long way from Dockyard on the day your Royal Caribbean ship departs.

Can We Visit Horseshoe Bay, St. George’s and Other Bermuda Highlights During Our Cruise?

Yes, particularly if your Royal Caribbean itinerary includes an overnight stay, but don’t try to squeeze everything into a few hours.

Horseshoe Bay is on the South Shore, St. George’s is at Bermuda’s eastern end and your ship is berthed at the Royal Naval Dockyard in the West End. Travelling between them using public transportation can take a significant portion of your day.

If you have two days, consider dedicating your main sightseeing day to the South Shore and East End and using your remaining time for Dockyard, Hamilton or a beach.

A private island tour can make it possible to see several different parts of Bermuda efficiently without spending as much time coordinating buses and ferries.

Whatever you choose, leave some unscheduled time. Bermuda is much more enjoyable when you aren’t rushing from one attraction to another.

What Can We Do in Bermuda in the Evening When Our Royal Caribbean Ship Stays Overnight?

An overnight stay gives you the freedom to enjoy Bermuda without having to rush back to the ship in the afternoon.

You can have dinner ashore; enjoy a drink overlooking the water or simply explore Dockyard after many of the daytime visitors have left.

Hamilton offers the island’s largest selection of restaurants, bars and evening entertainment, while Dockyard has several restaurants and pubs within easy reach of the ship.

If you venture farther afield, check the evening bus and ferry schedules before leaving. Public transportation becomes less frequent later in the day, so plan your return journey in advance.

What Are the Best Things to Do Near the Royal Naval Dockyard?

There’s plenty to explore within easy reach of your Royal Caribbean ship.

The Royal Naval Dockyard was Britain’s principal naval base in the western Atlantic and contains some of Bermuda’s most impressive military architecture. The National Museum of Bermuda occupies the historic Keep and includes Commissioner’s House, with sweeping views across the surrounding area.

Dockyard also offers restaurants, shops, galleries and waterfront activities, and much of the historic complex can be explored on foot.

It’s an excellent choice for an arrival afternoon or final morning when you don’t want to travel far from the ship.

But don’t mistake Dockyard for Bermuda as a whole. The character, scenery and history of the island change considerably as you travel east.

How Much Time Should We Allow to Get Back to Our Royal Caribbean Ship?

Always follow the all-aboard time provided by Royal Caribbean for your particular sailing and plan to be back at the Royal Naval Dockyard comfortably before it.

Don’t build your return journey around catching the last possible bus or ferry. Traffic, passenger demand, weather and transportation delays can all affect journey times.

This is particularly important when visiting St. George’s or the East End, which is at the opposite end of Bermuda from your ship.

If you’re taking a private shore excursion, make sure your guide knows your ship and departure time. A reputable local operator will plan the day’s itinerary around returning you to Dockyard with plenty of time to reboard.

For the final few hours of your visit, staying relatively close to Dockyard is usually the most relaxing option.