Cruising to Bermuda

Probably the most common misconception about Bermuda is that it’s a Caribbean island. It isn’t. Located in the North Atlantic, the nearest land mass is North Carolina, some 570 miles distant. Actually comprised of 150 tiny islands of volcanic origin, collectively Bermuda encompasses only 21 square miles of land. The locals tend to regard the connected islands as one and refer to the largest, Bermuda Island, simply as “the island.”

While Bermuda has dozens of resorts, small hotels, and cottages, a land vacation can be pricey. We consider the best way to enjoy a Bermuda holiday is by ship. Cruises depart weekly from Boston and New York City, and less frequently from other ports such as Philadelphia and Baltimore. After spending a day and a half at sea, smaller ship will berth either in Hamilton, St. George, or larger vessels in King's Wharf (the Royal Naval Dockyard, pictured above). The most desirable itineraries are those that include the former two city ports because the Dockyard's location is isolated, although new facilities offer a few shopping diversions and pubs and high speed ferries make getting around a snap.

There's more information about what to see and do in Bermuda in Cruise Diva Goes Ashore in Bermuda and Fodor's Bermuda 2009.