BERMUDA ROYAL NAVAL DOCKYARD
Bermuda Cruise Port Guide (Royal Naval Dockyard + Where to Stay)
Most cruise ships visiting Bermuda dock at the Royal Naval Dockyard, located on the western side of the island.
Unlike many Caribbean ports, ships often stay in Bermuda for one or more nights. During these overnight stays, passengers remain on board, so staying in a hotel near the cruise port is generally not necessary.
Because of this, hotel searches around the dockyard are usually not related to cruise embarkation, but to travelers visiting Bermuda independently or extending their stay before or after a cruise.
If you are visiting Bermuda as part of a cruise, the focus is less on proximity to the port and more on how you plan to explore the island during your time ashore.
Where Do Cruise Ships Dock in Bermuda?
The Royal Naval Dockyard is the main cruise port area, with shops, museums, and ferry connections to other parts of the island. It’s where the majority of large cruise ships dock. More details about the dockyard and its facilities can be found on the official Royal Naval Dockyard website.
Within the dockyard, ships typically berth at King’s Wharf or Heritage Wharf. These terminals are located within walking distance of shops, restaurants, museums, and ferry connections.
In addition to the dockyard, smaller ships may occasionally dock in Hamilton or St George’s. These ports are more centrally or historically located but are used less frequently than the Royal Naval Dockyard.
For most cruise passengers, it is safe to assume that your ship will dock at the Royal Naval Dockyard unless stated otherwise.
Is It Worth Staying Near the Royal Naval Dockyard?
The Royal Naval Dockyard is more than just a cruise terminal. It is one of the main visitor areas on the island, with museums, restaurants, shops, and ferry connections to other parts of Bermuda.
For cruise passengers, most of the activity is centered around the dockyard itself, especially during the day. This makes it a convenient base if you want to stay close to where ships dock.
At the same time, the dockyard is located on the western end of the island. Other areas such as Hamilton or the south shore offer a different experience, with easier access to beaches, restaurants, and a wider variety of accommodation.
If you plan to stay in Bermuda outside of your cruise, the choice is less about distance to the port and more about the type of stay you are looking for.
Where to Stay in Bermuda
If you plan to stay in Bermuda before or after your cruise, choosing the right area is more important than staying close to the cruise port itself.
The island is relatively compact, but different areas offer very different experiences in terms of beaches, atmosphere, and accessibility.
Royal Naval Dockyard (Most Convenient)
Staying near the Royal Naval Dockyard is the most straightforward option from a logistics point of view. You are close to where cruise ships dock, and the area itself has restaurants, shops, and a few attractions.
The dockyard is also well connected by ferry, making it easy to reach Hamilton and other parts of the island.
However, accommodation options in this area are more limited, and the overall setting is less varied compared to other parts of Bermuda.
Hamilton (Best Overall Location)
Hamilton, the capital of Bermuda, is one of the most practical and balanced areas to stay.
It offers a wider choice of restaurants, shops, and hotels, along with easy access to public transport and ferry connections. From here, you can explore different parts of the island without needing a car.
For most travelers staying a few nights, Hamilton provides the best combination of convenience and variety.
South Shore (Best for Beaches)
The south shore of Bermuda is known for its pink sand beaches and more scenic setting.
This area is better suited for travelers who want a more relaxed stay focused on beaches and ocean views rather than proximity to the cruise port.
While it requires a longer transfer to the dockyard, the overall experience is often more in line with what many visitors expect from Bermuda.
A Few Well-Located Hotels in Bermuda
Below are a few well-located hotels in Bermuda that work well depending on where you choose to stay on the island. The focus is on location and practicality rather than specific amenities or rankings.
Cambridge Beaches Resort and Spa (Near Royal Naval Dockyard)
Located on a peninsula close to the Royal Naval Dockyard, this is one of the more convenient options if you want to stay near where cruise ships dock.
The setting is quieter and more spread out compared to the dockyard itself, with easy access to nearby beaches. Transfers to the port are short, while ferry connections make it possible to explore other parts of Bermuda.
Hamilton Princess & Beach Club
Situated in the center of Hamilton, this hotel offers one of the most practical locations on the island.
From here, you have easy access to restaurants, shops, and ferry connections, including routes towards the Royal Naval Dockyard. It works well for travelers who want a central base to explore Bermuda while keeping transfers relatively straightforward.
Royal Palms Hotel (Hamilton)
Also located in Hamilton, this smaller boutique-style property offers a quieter alternative within walking distance of the city centre.
The location makes it easy to access transport options across the island, while still being removed from the busier parts of town. It’s a practical choice for travelers who prefer a more low-key stay.
The Reefs Resort & Club (South Shore)
Located along Bermuda’s south shore, this hotel is better suited for a more scenic, beach-focused stay.
While it requires a longer transfer to the dockyard, the setting offers direct access to the coastline and a quieter environment. It’s a good option if your priority is the overall experience rather than proximity to the port.
Getting Around Bermuda
Getting around Bermuda is relatively easy, even without renting a car.
One of the most useful ways to travel across the island is by ferry. Regular ferry services connect the Royal Naval Dockyard with Hamilton and other areas, offering a convenient and scenic alternative to road transport.
Public buses also run across the island and cover most major routes, including connections between the dockyard, Hamilton, and the south shore beaches. They are a budget-friendly option, although less flexible if you are short on time.
Taxis are widely available and provide the most straightforward way to travel, especially if you are carrying luggage or want direct transfers between locations.
Because of the island’s size, most journeys take between 20 and 40 minutes, depending on your destination.
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