Bermuda became a second home to Mark Twain. Before his death, he famously said, “You can go to heaven if you like. I’ll stay right here in Bermuda”. Once you visit Bermuda once, it’s not hard to see why. Today, Bermuda is known for its luxury, which is reflected in the expensive hotels, million dollar homes, yachts, and boutiques. Yet, the island maintains its charm as seen in its colonial buildings, historic sites, and tropical surroundings.
Bermuda is actually not located in the Caribbean, but in the Atlantic Ocean. First time visitors to the island should visit the capital city, Hamilton, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of St. George’s, and Crystal Caves. Adding to the list, you should also see a pink sand beach, try Black Seal Rum and maybe a pair of Bermuda shorts!
Ferry Ride to Hamilton
Bermuda was a port of call on our Royal Caribbean cruise and we were excited to have 8 hours to explore the island on our own. We waited 25 minutes for a ferry to Hamilton from the Ferry Terminal in King’s Wharf. Tickets are not available onboard so purchase them from the Visitor’s Info Centre.
Read my Review of Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas Cruise
Hamilton
The capital city is a business hub with specialty shops, historic buildings, churches, museums, and gardens. We passed by City Hall, the Historical Society Museum and Par-La-Ville Park.
Horseshoe Bay Beach
Next, we were ready to hit the beach! We took Bus #7 from the Bus Depot on Church Street all the way to Horseshoe Bay Beach. The ride took about 25 minutes and only cost $3.50 per person, compared to a $60 cruise excursion!
Due to the popularity of this world-famous beach, many tourists flock to Horseshoe Bay Beach to see the pristine pink sand and sparkling turquoise waters. The pink sand is incredibly soft! Look for the hidden Port Royal Cove where the water is more calm and shallow, with fewer people. You can also climb the massive rock mass for a higher vantage point of the beach.
As soon as we sat down on the beach, some friendly tourists let us know that their friends who rented beach loungers beside them had left and we were welcome to sit there. Sweet! I didn’t lounge for long – all I wanted to do was sink my toes in the pink sand. Did I mention how soft the sand is?!
The Royal Naval Dockyard
We took a minibus transfer from Horseshoe Bay Beach back to the cruise dock for a nominal cost instead of the public bus. We ended the day by walking around the Royal Naval Dockyard, and visiting the Bermuda Rum Cake Company where traditional rum cakes are made with Goslings Black Seal Rum. The rum cake was a perfect end to a relaxing day in Bermuda.
Have you been to Bermuda on a cruise? What’s your most memorable port of call on a cruise?
Safe Travels!
xx Deb
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