Bermuda Cruises from Boston
Best Bermuda cruise vacations
Bermuda cruises from Boston on Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Spirit depart weekly from April through mid-September. These 7 night / 8 day round-trip Bermuda cruise vacations are the most popular cruises out of the Port of Boston - and for good reason.
When you go on one of these Bermuda cruises leaving from Boston, you get the best of both worlds.
You'll relax and enjoy the excitement of being at sea on the glamorous Norwegian Spirit as you cruise to Bermuda . . . then you'll have 3 days on land to enjoy Bermuda's famed pink sand beaches, water sports, and world-class shopping . . . and finally another couple of days to enjoy the ship during your return cruise to Boston.
Norwegian Spirit makes 20+ cruises to Bermuda from Boston each year, so you'll need to know:
- How to pick the right time to go
- How to find the best deals
- How to have the best experience aboard the cruise ship
- What land activities to enjoy when you get to Bermuda
- Other Bermuda cruise options to consider
Best time to cruise to Bermuda from Boston
Bermuda cruises from Boston begin in late April and continue through late September. Although Bermuda is only 600 miles off the North Carolina coast, it enjoys a semi-tropical climate.
By the time the first cruise ship arrives from Boston in April, air and water temperatures will reach the mid-70s, so you can enjoy swimming and snorkeling. A cool breeze almost always blows at night.
During the summer, the outdoor temperature seldom goes above 85°, although the water temperature can be a degree or two higher. Temperatures begin to drop in October and November - but by then, cruises from Boston have ended.
Hurricane season officially lasts from June through November, although Bermuda is much less likely to be hit than the Caribbean - or for that matter, Florida. If you're concerned about trip disruptions related to hurricanes, you can buy reasonably priced insurance to protect you against this risk.
If you want to do everything possible to avoid a hurricane, select one of the earlier Bermuda cruises from Boston with April, May, or even early June departures.
Horseshoe Bay Beach in Bermuda - pink sand and turquoise water
How to find best deals on Bermuda cruises from Boston
If you're looking for cheap Bermuda cruises from Boston, you'll find these at the beginning and at end of the cruise season. Prices peak during summer months, when schools are on vacation and family cruises are popular, and then drop again in mid-August and September.
When you book your Bermuda cruise also matters. Sometimes the best prices are about 6-8 months before the cruise departs, or at the last minute, right before the departure date.
Even though the Norwegian Spirit Bermuda cruises from Boston are attractively priced, quotes will still vary by hundreds of dollars. Never pay the brochure price.
Usually travel agents will have access to the best deals, as well as special discounts and other "freebies" that they can pass on to you. An easy, fast way to get quotes from multiple agents with just a click of your mouse is at CruiseCompete.com. Just fill out their on-line form to let them know what you're looking for, and they'll show you quotes from a bunch of independent agents.
If you see a quote you like, you can e-mail the agent for more info. Be sure to ask about any special deals, discounts, or special promotions. If you're traveling with your family or a bunch of friends, you may also qualify for a group discount.
How to have a great time aboard the Norwegian Spirit
Bermuda cruises from Boston on the Norwegian Spirit offer "Freestyling" cruising. This means you can pay for some amenities and services a la carte if you want them - or if you don't, you can spend your money on other things. You can find more information here about the Norwegian Spirit cruises departing from Boston.
Some cruisers like this, and some don't. Be sure to get your travel agent to explain before you go exactly what is included and what is an extra charge. That way, you won't have surprises can make decisions based on what you want.
One advantage of being on a huge cruise ship like the Norwegian Spirit is that you can enjoy the cruise in lots of different ways. Maybe you want to explore all 11 decks . . . or try all 9 restaurants, or all 10 bars and lounges. Maybe your idea of a great time is basking in the sun next to the pool, listening to favorite tunes on your iPod . . . or trying your luck at the casino . . . or treating yourself to some serious pampering in the spa.
Or maybe you simply want to enjoy the exhilaration of being on the ocean . . . the reflection of sunlight dancing on waves . . . the sea creatures that you'll observe along the way.
The key point is that on a cruise ship like the Norwegian Spirit, you can have it all!
Shore activities in Bermuda
When you reach Bermuda, Norwegian Spirit docks in King's Wharf on the western tip of the island, in the attractive Royal Navy Dockyard. Once the largest British Naval base in Bermuda and now a lively cruise port, the Dockyard complex now rates as the number one tourist attraction on the island. It features Clocktower Mall, where you'll find many shops with fine British goods as well as inexpensive souvenirs, a craft market, Snorkel Park, and the Bermuda Maritime Museum.
Snorkel Park offers a small but lovely beach, as well as the opportunity to rent snorkel equipment, kayaks, and small paddleboats. You can also book underwater tours and boat rides here.
The easiest and cheapest way to visit other parts of Bermuda is on the public bus and ferry system. Go to the Dockyard Terminal, located close to the pier, and buy a multi-day transportation pass, good for unlimited bus and ferry rides throughout Bermuda. Taxis are also plentiful and convenient, although costlier than Bermuda's public transportation.
Pastel-colored buildings along Front Street in Hamilton, Bermuda
The ferry is the fastest way to reach Hamilton, Bermuda's charming capital. Front Street, lined with pastel-colored buildings and filled with shops and restaurants, marks Hamilton's center. I find the shopping here even better than at Dockyards, especially for unique home goods and clothing from England, Scotland, and Ireland. Waterfront restaurants and pubs along Front Street offer gorgeous views.
Coral reefs surround Bermuda, and produce its famed pink-sand beaches. Some of the best for you to enjoy include:
- Horseshoe Bay - great for families who appreciate the lifeguards on duty all summer. You'll find changing facilities and water sports equipment rental here as well
- Elbow Beach - almost a mile of pale pink sand and safe swimming thanks to protective offshore coral reefs
- Church Bay - gorgeous deep pink sand. The sheltered location harbors abundant marine life. You can rent snorkel gear on site
Packing tips for your Bermuda cruise from Boston
Remember to pack your sunglasses, sun block, and beachwear!
If you want to try the cruise ship's specialty restaurants, consider bringing a dressier outfit (collared shirt for men, nicer dress or pants for women). Otherwise, casual clothes suit the ship's relaxed ambiance.
Bermuda has a wide range of restaurants, from casual cafes to gourmet dining. If you plan to try one of the fancier eateries or nightlife, pack the same type of thing that you'd wear to a similar place in Boston in the summer. A lightweight sweater or shawl can be useful in air conditioned restaurants.
Casual clothes are fine for exploring Bermuda's tourist attractions.
Elbow Beach - check out Bermuda's famous pink sand!
Other Bermuda cruise options
If you live in the Boston area, there's nothing easier than choosing one of the Bermuda cruises from Boston.
But if you live elsewhere, keep in mind that cruises to Bermuda also depart from other East Coast U.S. ports, such as New York, Fort Lauderdale, Cape Liberty, Norfolk, Miami, and Baltimore, as well as ports in other countries. Some of these cruises give you several days in Bermuda, while others include Bermuda as just a 1-day port of call along with other Caribbean or even European destinations.
An easy way to see all cruises to Bermuda is on the CruiseCompete.com website. Click on "Search Cruises" and search for cruises going to Bermuda. You'll see all Bermuda cruises from Boston and other ports that stop in King's Wharf, Hamilton, or St. Georges, Bermuda.
You're sure to get some great ideas for your next cruise vacation!
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