Bermuda Cruises
Bermuda is a popular cruise destination, with well over 300,000 visitors choosing to visit the island this way. The popularity of cruising to the island stems from its many advantages and relatively few disadvantages.
Most visitors arrive by contracted ships operating regular schedules between April and November. Ships depart from the east coast ports (New York, Baltimore, Norfolk, Boston, Charleston, and Philadelphia) and dock in Bermuda at either Kings Wharf or St George.
In 2008 none of the contracted ships are docking in Hamilton, though the capital will receive a small number of casual visits from ships on longer Caribbean and Transatlantic cruises.
In 2008 the regular callers are:
| Ship | Line | Departs | Docks | Passengers* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caribbean Princess | Princess Cruises | New York | Kings Wharf | 3,100 |
| Explorer of the Seas | Royal Caribbean | New York | Kings Wharf | 3,114 |
| Grandeur of the Seas | Royal Caribbean | Baltimore, Norfolk | Kings Wharf | 1,950 |
| Norwegian Dawn | NCL | New York | Kings Wharf | 2,224 |
| Norwegian Dream | NCL | Boston | St George | 1,748 |
| Norwegian Majesty | NCL | Charleston, Baltimore, Philadelphia | St George | 1,462 |
* Passenger figures are based on double occupancy.
Latest News
Jun 9, Gambling ban on docked cruise ships to be lifted
The Bermuda Government have given the go ahead to allow cruise ships to operate casinos while docked in port. The concession is part of a wider plan to increase the competitiveness of the island as a major cruise destination.
Premier and Tourism Minister Dr Ewart Brown announced the decision in the House of Assembly last week. Cruise ships would also be allowed to open bars, shops, and allow entertainment while docked, all prohibited under current legislation.
The Government have defended the plans, stating that Bermuda is losing its competitive edge in the cruise market, particularly the ability to attract smaller ships capable of docking in Hamilton and St George.
Cabin tax for ships visiting Hamilton and St George has also been waived for 3 years.
Feb 25, 2008 tourism statistics announced
Ewart Brown, Premier and Minister of Tourism and Transport, has announced improved tourism statistics for 2007. Total visitor arrivals were 663,767, up 3.4% on 2006. 305,548 visitors arrived by air (up 2.2%) while 354,024 (up 5.3%) came by cruise ship. Hotel occupancy rates rose to 67.1%, compared to 63.8% in 2006.
He also emphasized that with cruise ships moving from Hamilton to Dockyard in 2008 there would be a significant reduction in the number of cruise arrivals during the transition period.
Nov 9, NCL commits to Bermuda
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has signed a deal with the Bermuda government that will see at least two of the company’s new Panamax ships visiting the island until 2018. Under the terms of the 10-year agreement, commencing in 2009, each ship will make at least 22 visits per cruise season. NCL has also agreed to sponsor the Bermuda Music Festival and extend their Freestyle Dining Ashore Programme.
