Veendam Spends Three Nights at Hamilton on 2016 Bermuda Cruises

The Cruise Diva crew has sailed to Bermuda a number of times on ships that have docked in Hamilton, which can accommodate only small-to-mid-sized vessels, or the Royal Navy Yard, where the mega-ships dock. In our opinion, berthing in Hamilton is a top choice.

Next year, cruisers looking to spend a few days immersing themselves in the laid-back lifestyle of Bermuda centered in Hamilton can embark Holland America Line's ms Veendam for 7-day cruises to the island in May and June. Sailing roundtrip from Boston, the four 2016 departures each feature two half-days, two full days and three nights at Hamilton, the country's capital, known for its pink-sand beaches, pastel architecture and exceptional golf courses.

Carrying just 1,350 guests, Veendam offers an ideal mid-sized, premium cruise experience in Bermuda that enables the vessel to dock at Hamilton, in the center of town. The 7-day voyages spend a day at sea after departing Boston and arrive at Hamilton mid-day, with enough time for guests to go ashore and enjoy the town. The ship then spends three nights, including two full days and another half day, serving as a base from which guests can experience local nightlife and dine ashore, if desired. While in Hamilton, the ship's facilities including lounges, entertainment venues, the casino and gift shops will be open so guests may relax and enjoy the shipboard life as well. Veendam departs Bermuda mid-day on day four at the island, with two nights and a full day at sea before arriving back at Boston.

"Our Bermuda cruises in 2015 have been a huge success, and we're excited to take more guests to the beautiful island in 2016," said Orlando Ashford, Holland America Line's president. "It's rare for cruisers to get to spend three nights in a port, and this itinerary is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of all that Bermuda has to offer—both during the day and evening."

With two full days and two half-days, guests will find multiple ways to experience Hamilton's British-tinged charm, cultural heritage sites and world-renowned beaches on a variety of shore excursions. From the ship, guests can take a short walk to Front Street and explore its array of colorful shops and restaurants. Hamilton also is home to a massive, 19th-century neo-Gothic cathedral and the Georgian-style Sessions House that was built in 1815. Shore tours offered by the ship include island tours, snorkeling or diving among famous shipwrecks along the coastline, cycling to scenic vistas, ocean kayaking, and a 360-degree coastal tour of the island with a stop in St. George's. Passengers can also take advantage of the island's bus and fast-ferry services to tour independently.

The 7-day Bermuda itinerary can be combined with a 7-day Canada/New England cruise to create a 14-day Bermuda & Canada/New England Collectors' Voyage. The four Collectors' Voyages in May and June start or end at Montreal, Quebec, Canada; and call at Quebec City, Quebec; Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island; Sydney and Halifax, Nova Scotia; Bar Harbor, Maine; Boston; and Hamilton, with cruising in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.