First Timer's Guide to Bermuda on the Regent Seven Seas Splendor: What to See, Sip & Savor

If your cruise itinerary includes a stop in Bermuda, get ready to fall in love with one of the most beautiful and welcoming islands in the Atlantic. Often mistaken for a Caribbean destination, Bermuda actually sits much farther north — just 650 miles off the coast of North Carolina — and blends British charm, subtropical beauty, and island flair in a way that’s all its own.

Whether you’re docking for a day or a long weekend, here’s how to make the most of your time in this pink-sand paradise.

First Impressions: The Lay of the Land

Most cruise ships dock at the Royal Naval Dockyard, on Bermuda’s western tip. Once a major British military base, the Dockyard has transformed into a lively visitor hub filled with shops, restaurants, and historic sites. From here, you can easily explore other parts of the island by ferry, taxi, scooter, or the island’s efficient pink-and-blue buses.

Bermuda is only about 21 square miles in total, so you can see quite a bit even in a single day — but don’t let its size fool you. Each area has its own personality, from historic St. George’s in the east to the elegant capital of Hamilton in the center.

Top Things to Do on a Bermuda Cruise Stop

🏖️ Relax on a Pink-Sand Beach

No trip to Bermuda is complete without experiencing its legendary beaches. The most famous is Horseshoe Bay Beach, with its rosy-tinted sand and calm turquoise waters. If you prefer something quieter, check out Warwick Long Bay or Jobson’s Cove, both nearby and a bit more secluded.

🏛️ Step Back in Time in St. George’s

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, St. George’s is one of the oldest continuously inhabited English towns in the New World. Stroll its narrow lanes, visit St. Peter’s Church (dating to 1612!), and pop into quaint shops and cafés that line the cobblestone streets.

🌊 Explore the Underwater World

Bermuda is famous for its shipwrecks — more than 300 of them! If you love snorkeling or scuba diving, you’re in for a treat. Popular snorkeling spots include Church Bay and Tobacco Bay, where you can spot colorful parrotfish and coral formations just offshore.

🛍️ Shop and Stroll in Hamilton

Bermuda’s capital, Hamilton, is a short ferry ride from the Dockyard. It’s the island’s commercial and cultural heart, filled with boutique shops, and waterfront restaurants. Don’t miss the Front Street promenade, perfect for a leisurely walk (and a few Instagram photos).

Taste of the Island: What to Eat and Drink

Bermuda’s cuisine reflects its mix of British and island influences. Here are a few must-try bites and sips:

• 🐟 Fish Sandwich – Usually made with fried local fish, tartar sauce, and coleslaw on raisin bread — yes, raisin bread, and it works!

• 🍲 Bermudian Fish Chowder – A savory soup flavored with sherry peppers and black rum.

• 🍹 Rum Swizzle – The island’s unofficial cocktail, a fruity mix of rum and citrus juices.

• 🍹 Dark ’n Stormy – Bermuda’s other signature drink, made with Gosling’s Black Seal Rum and ginger beer.

Quick Tips for Cruise Visitors

• Currency: The Bermudian dollar is pegged 1:1 to the U.S. dollar, and both are accepted everywhere.

• Transport: Ferries are fast, scenic, and great for hopping between the Dockyard, Hamilton, and St. George’s.

• Weather: Bermuda enjoys mild, sunny weather most of the year. Pack light layers — and don’t forget sunscreen!

• Etiquette: Bermudians are famously polite. A friendly “Good morning” or “Good afternoon” goes a long way.

Final Thoughts

Bermuda may be small, but it’s bursting with color, history, and natural beauty. Whether you’re lounging on a pink-sand beach, exploring centuries-old forts, or sipping a rum swizzle with a sea view, your cruise stop here will leave you dreaming of your next visit.

Fair winds and following seas — Bermuda awaits! 🌺⚓️