Bermuda beauty

Every cruise port has its own vibe, and Bermuda was a pleasant surprise in the best way. My family and I arrived by cruise ship and spent the day exploring the island — and while every port offers something different, Bermuda stood out for its helpful locals, easy transportation, and beautiful beaches.

We docked at King’s Wharf and took a short walk to the port area. Right away, we noticed how organized everything was — there were multiple shuttles waiting to take cruisers to beaches and shops, along with a small trolley headed to the nearby shopping area across the marina. There was even an excursion building where you could book last-minute adventures if you hadn’t planned ahead (which, with our group of 17, we definitely hadn’t!).

All dressed in our swimsuits and ready for some iconic pink sand, we originally considered going to Horseshoe Bay — Bermuda’s most famous beach. But a super helpful local suggested we head a little further down to Warwick Long Bay, which was less crowded and just as beautiful. Funny enough, a friend had also recommended it before our trip, so that sealed the deal.

We hopped on a shuttle and made our way to Warwick. It cost a few extra dollars, but it was absolutely worth it. After walking a short path, we found a quiet little cove with calm, clear waters — perfect for our crew of kids ranging from 3 to 11. They splashed and played while we soaked up the sunshine. Later, we wandered to another beach nearby with much rougher waves. It was a wild ride — and a total blast.

Eventually, we got hungry and hot, so we packed up. On the way out (via a different path than we came in), we found a small truck selling food, drinks, and renting beach chairs and umbrellas — something we definitely would’ve taken advantage of if we had seen it earlier!

We made our way up the hill and flagged down a taxi. Our driver was a gem, sharing all sorts of fun facts about the island. Did you know Bermuda is only 21 miles long? Or that even though it’s a British territory, UK citizens can’t come work there — but Bermudians can work in the UK? Also, each family is only allowed one vehicle. And the local must-try food? A fried fish sandwich on sweet raisin bread. Sounds odd, but trust me — it works!

Back near the port, we fit in a bit of shopping and returned to the ship. But since our ship docked overnight, we were lucky enough to experience Harbour Nights in Hamilton — a weekly Wednesday night street festival with food trucks, artists, music, and more. It was just a 20-minute ferry ride from our port, and it was such a fun way to experience a little Bermudian nightlife. We even grabbed a nightcap at a local bar before heading back to the ship.

All in all, Bermuda was one of our favorite stops. The beaches were clean, the water was crystal-clear, and I saw some of the most colorful fish I’ve ever seen. Yes — the sand really is pink. If I could change one thing, I would’ve pre-booked a tour to learn more about the island’s history… but with 17 people it's hard to plan ahead.