One Day in Bermuda: What to Do on a Cruise Stop

Sponsored| Bermuda is one of those destinations that seems almost too beautiful to be real. With its turquoise water, pastel-colored buildings, historic forts, pink-sand beaches, and relaxed island atmosphere, it is easy to understand why Bermuda has become such a popular getaway. Bermuda had been on my travel list for quite some time, so I was excited when I finally had the opportunity to visit.

Traveling to Bermuda from Virginia

There are a few ways to travel to Bermuda. Flying is the quickest option, and depending on your departure airport, you may have to connect through another city, but Bermuda is relatively close to the East Coast. Flights from New York, for example, can take approximately 90 minutes.

Another option is to travel by cruise ship. A cruise can be a convenient way to visit Bermuda because transportation, accommodations, meals, and entertainment are combined into one vacation. I arrived in Bermuda by cruise ship after sailing from New York City on the Carnival Venezia. For anyone considering a Bermuda cruise, I recommend looking for an itinerary that includes an overnight visit. Bermuda has enough history, beaches, restaurants, and activities to fill more than one day.

I enjoyed arriving by cruise ship because I could step off the ship and begin exploring right away. The overnight stay also made the visit more relaxed. There was time to enjoy the island during the day without feeling as though I had to hurry back onboard after only a few hours.

Visitors should plan their transportation in advance. Taxis, buses, ferries, and other transportation options are available, and a taxi is a convenient choice for travelers who want to visit a beach farther from the cruise port.

Exploring the Royal Naval Dockyard

My day in Bermuda began at the Royal Naval Dockyard. The Dockyard is a great place to start because it combines history, shopping, restaurants, museums, and access to the water.

The area was once an important British naval base. Today, many of the historic buildings and fortifications have been preserved. Visitors can walk through the Dockyard, browse the shops, stop for a meal, and learn more about Bermuda’s maritime past.

I visited the National Museum of Bermuda, which is located inside the historic Keep Fort. The museum features exhibits about Bermuda’s maritime and military history, shipwrecks, archaeology, and island culture. The surrounding fortifications also provide a glimpse into how the Dockyard was once protected.

The museum was an interesting way to begin the day because it provided background about Bermuda before I continued exploring the island. The beaches are certainly a major attraction, but the history of Bermuda is just as fascinating.

The Royal Naval Dockyard is also convenient for cruise passengers. Many attractions are within walking distance of the port, which makes it possible to see several places without spending most of the day traveling.

Snorkeling at Snorkel Park Beach

After exploring the Royal Naval Dockyard, I spent time at Snorkel Park Beach. Its location near the cruise port makes it a popular choice for visitors who want to enjoy the water without traveling too far.

The beach was absolutely beautiful. The clear water made it easy to see beneath the surface, and I was excited to get in and snorkel.

During my time in the water, I saw a variety of fish, including parrotfish. I also saw beautiful fan coral and brain coral. The fan coral moved gently with the water, while the brain coral had the rounded ridges and patterns that give it its name.

The underwater scenery was one of the highlights of my visit. Snorkeling gave me the opportunity to see a different side of Bermuda and appreciate the marine life surrounding the island.

Snorkel Park Beach offers swimming, snorkeling, equipment rentals, food, drinks, and other water activities. Its location near the Royal Naval Dockyard makes it especially convenient for anyone spending one day in Bermuda from a cruise ship.

Visitors planning to snorkel may want to bring reef-safe sunscreen, water shoes, and a waterproof case for their phone. I also recommend allowing plenty of time for the beach. The water was so inviting that it would have been easy to spend the entire day there.

For visitors who want to see more of Bermuda after snorkeling they can take a taxi to one of the island’s other beaches. Horseshoe Bay Beach is a popular choice and is one of Bermuda’s most famous beaches. Located along the South Shore, it is known for its curved shoreline, turquoise water, rock formations, and pale pink sand. This beach is approximately a 20-minute taxi ride from the Royal Naval Dockyard.

Trying a Bermuda Rum Swizzle

Trying a rum swizzle was one of the things on my Bermuda bucket list. The drink is often described as Bermuda’s unofficial national drink and is made with rum and fruit juices.

My rum swizzle was fruity and refreshing, making it a good choice for a warm day in Bermuda. The drink had plenty of flavor, although the rum was noticeable enough that I took my time enjoying it.

Bermuda is known for its dark rum, which is used in the rum swizzle and other popular drinks, including the Dark ’n Stormy.

Sampling local food and drinks is one of my favorite parts of traveling. A rum swizzle was a simple way to experience something associated with Bermuda while taking a break from sightseeing.

Trying a Traditional Bermuda Fish Sandwich

I also wanted to try a traditional Bermuda fish sandwich. This is a popular local specialty, but it is different from the typical fried fish sandwich served in many coastal destinations.

A Bermuda fish sandwich is usually made with a fried fish fillet served on raisin bread or whole-wheat bread. Depending on how it is prepared, it may include coleslaw, tartar sauce, hot sauce, lettuce, tomato, grilled onions, and cheese.

The raisin bread was the ingredient that made me the most curious. The sweetness of the bread paired well with the fried fish, creamy tartar sauce, spicy hot sauce, and crunchy coleslaw.

The sandwich was filling and full of different flavors. Trying it gave me another opportunity to experience Bermuda through its local food, and it was one of the meals I will remember from the trip.

Beaches, History,and Local Food Is One Day in Bermuda Enough?

One day in Bermuda is not enough to see the entire island, but it is enough to experience several memorable highlights. During my visit, I explored the Royal Naval Dockyard, learned about Bermuda’s history, snorkeled with colorful fish, saw beautiful coral, tried a rum swizzle, and enjoyed a traditional fish sandwich.

Visitors can create a similar itinerary and enjoy staying near the cruise port. Your choices depend on whether the priority is convenience, sightseeing, snorkeling, or seeing Bermuda’s famous pink sand.

My day in Bermuda gave me a wonderful introduction to the island. I enjoyed the scenery, the history, the food, and the opportunity to spend time in the water. I left with happy memories and a list of places I would like to visit the next time I return to Bermuda.