King’s Wharf, Bermuda
Pink-sand beaches, a 400-year-old town and a naval fortress turned harbor village. Most ships stay two or three days, so here’s how to make the time ashore count.
An Atlantic original
Bermuda sits in the open Atlantic about 650 miles off the coast of North Carolina, far north of the Caribbean. It’s a British territory with pastel cottages, white limestone roofs, cricket, afternoon tea and some of the softest pink sand you’ll ever walk on, all packed into about 21 square miles.
Most ships dock at the Royal Naval Dockyard and stay two or three days, which is the real advantage here. You can give one day to the south shore beaches, another to the UNESCO-listed town of St. George’s and still have time for a long lunch in Hamilton. Below are the cruise line favorites and the details that keep each day easy.
Which pier you’ll dock at
Large ships use the Dockyard. Smaller ships may dock in Hamilton or St. George’s, so confirm yours on your itinerary.
King’s & Heritage Wharf
Two side-by-side berths at the Royal Naval Dockyard, the 19th-century British naval base on the island’s west end. Step off and you’re a short walk from the National Museum of Bermuda, the Clocktower Mall, craft markets and Snorkel Park Beach. King’s Wharf was lengthened in a project scheduled to wrap up in spring 2026, so larger ships can now use either berth.
Used by: Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Norwegian, Princess, Holland America, Virgin Voyages, Oceania, Regent and Crystal.
Hamilton Front Street
St. George’s
Only small ships fit through Town Cut into St. George’s Harbour, where they tie up at Penno’s Wharf or Ordnance Island. King’s Square and the historic town are a short walk from the pier.
Used by: Windstar.
Cruise line favorites
Book these in your cruise planner. Ship-sold tours cost a bit more, but the ship waits for you if the tour runs late.
- Horseshoe Bay Beach. A drop-off at Bermuda’s best-known pink-sand beach, often with chairs and umbrellas available for an extra charge. Lifeguards are on duty in season.
- Crystal & Fantasy Caves. Walkways and floating pontoons over clear underground pools, lit to show off the formations. There are a fair number of steps.
- Glass-bottom boats & shipwrecks. Cruises over the reefs and wrecks around the island, some with a snorkel stop. Bermuda’s reef has claimed hundreds of ships over the centuries.
- St. George’s history. Guided walks through the UNESCO-listed town, the oldest continuously inhabited English town in the New World, with stops at St. Peter’s Church and the Unfinished Church.
Exploring without a tour
Prefer to explore at your own pace? These are the highlights to know, wherever your day takes you. Keep an eye on the clock.
The Royal Naval Dockyard
The National Museum of Bermuda fills the old fortress above the pier, with ramparts, cannons and a two-story history mural. Below are the Clocktower Mall, the Bermuda Craft Market and Snorkel Park Beach. Museum entry and beach access cost extra.
The south shore
Horseshoe Bay, Warwick Long Bay and Elbow Beach are the pink-sand stretches Bermuda is famous for, backed by limestone cliffs and turquoise water.
Hamilton & St. George’s
Hamilton has the island’s best shopping and dining along Front Street. St. George’s, founded in 1612, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site of narrow lanes, King’s Square and the Unfinished Church.
Before you go ashore
- All-aboard is firm. Even on a multi-day call, plan to be back at the pier an hour before final all-aboard. Ships do leave without late guests.
- Use your extra days. Most Bermuda sailings stay two or three days, so you can spread your plans out. Book popular tours early, since they sell out on busy dock days.
- Water can be cool. Bermuda isn’t in the Caribbean. Sea temperatures are comfortable from about June through October, and spring water can feel brisk.
- Mobility at the Dockyard. The Dockyard is mostly flat, but the fortress, caves and St. George’s have steps and uneven paths. We can arrange wheelchair assistance with your cruise line in advance.
- Bring your passport. U.S. guests on round-trip sailings may be allowed other proof of citizenship, but a valid passport is the safest choice. Your advisor can confirm what your sailing requires.
Sailing to Bermuda
Bermuda sailings run round trip from New York, Cape Liberty in New Jersey, Boston, Baltimore and Philadelphia, mostly from spring through fall.Find a cruisePlan with Harr Travel
Ready for a few days in Bermuda?
We’ll match you with the right Bermuda sailing and help you plan your days ashore. There are never any booking or consultation fees.
