Bahamas vs. Bermuda cruises: Which itinerary will I like more?
Ah, the bliss of island cruising! Who cares if you choose the Bahamas or Bermuda as your next cruise destination — all islands offer warm weather, gorgeous beaches and outdoor activities year-round. Right?
Wrong. Sure, the Bahamas and Bermuda are both island nations located in the Atlantic Ocean, and you can hit the beach on your cruise to either place. But that’s where the similarities end. Bermuda and the Bahamas each possess a unique island vibe and culture, and itineraries to each destination vary in departure ports and cruise styles.
Which itinerary is best for you? Compare Bahamas versus Bermuda cruises to make the right choice for your next vacation at sea.
Bahamas vs. Bermuda cruise itineraries
You can sail on a cruise ship to the Bahamas year-round from a number of port cities in the U.S. including Baltimore; New York City (via ports both in Manhattan and in nearby Bayonne, New Jersey); Fort Lauderdale; Miami; Palm Beach, Florida; Port Canaveral, Florida; Galveston, Texas; and New Orleans. That’s because it’s beach season all year long in the Bahamas – except when a passing hurricane brings the rain in summer and fall.
Itineraries can be as short as two nights or as long as a week. Both short and weeklong Bahamas cruises sail exclusively to Bahamian ports, but some seven-night sailings mix it up with ports of call in the Caribbean or Florida.
Bermuda, on the other hand, is not hot year-round, so cruises typically sail from April through November. Some cruise lines offer the occasional winter Bermuda cruise, or tack a visit onto an off-season transatlantic sailing. You’ll still have fun in the shoulder season, but it might not be swimming weather.
The standard Bermuda cruise is a week, though you can find four- and five-night options. Bermuda cruises depart exclusively from Northeastern ports, including Boston, New York and Baltimore. In most cases, the ship will sail to one of the Bermuda ports and dock there for one to three days before heading back home.
RELATED: Does it make sense to take a short cruise to Bermuda?
The benefit of this style of itinerary is you’re in port overnight and can explore the island nation in-depth, from early morning bike rides to romantic sunset sails. However, cruisers who love getting rocked to sleep by the waves will miss those extra nights of sailing when they’re docked for two evenings straight.
Bahamas vs. Bermuda ports of call
Bermuda is a former British colony, with a more formal vibe than you’ll find in the laid-back Bahamas. Though it’s made up of more than 100 islands, its largest and most populated islands are connected by bridges to form the destination we think of as Bermuda. Cruise ships don’t island-hop here. They pick one of three cruise ports and dock.
Cruise ships that dock in Hamilton are in the heart of the action; the city is the nation’s capital. Visitors can choose from city pursuits like shopping and dining or head to the beaches and golf courses. The Royal Naval Dockyard, referred to as King’s Wharf by some cruise lines, is a historic naval site located at the western tip of Bermuda. St. George’s on Bermuda’s eastern end is a World Heritage Site with narrow, cobblestone streets and oodles of charm. (It was one of the first colonial settlements in the New World.)
Cruises to the Bahamas will visit several Bahamian ports on a weeklong cruise, though a few itineraries feature two days at a cruise line’s private island. These private islands -- such as Holland America’s Half Moon Cay, Disney Cruise Line’s Castaway Cay and Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay – are popular with cruisers for their pristine beaches and plentiful activities, all in a safe environment where your cruise card is accepted currency and a lunch buffet is free.
Avid cruisers give the staple Bahamian ports of Nassau and Freeport mixed reviews. The Freeport cruise port is isolated, and the beaches and resorts on surrounding Grand Bahama Island don’t always live up to expectations. Nassau is touristy; the cruise port is located in the heart of a large shopping district. Escape downtown to find yourself a spot on a gorgeous resort beach or hop in a boat for some water sports action.
Bahamas vs. Bermuda beaches and water sports
Neither Bermuda nor the Bahamas will disappoint when it comes to beaches. The Bahamas lure visitors with beach weather year-round, but Bermuda has a more temperate climate. If you cruise there in the shoulder season, the weather might not be warm enough for swimming.
Bermuda is known for its pink-sand beaches, such as Horseshoe Bay Beach, often with scenic rock formations framing the sand and sea. Beaches here are smaller than the far-ranging stretches of sand you find in the Caribbean or U.S. You’ll need transportation from the cruise port to the best beaches, though little Snorkel Park Beach is walking distance from King’s Wharf.
You can snorkel from a Bermuda beach in many places, or rent kayaks, stand-up paddleboards or boogie boards. Book a tour to try snuba, jet skiing or parasailing. Sailing tours by day or for sunset are popular choices.
All of the cruise line private islands in the Bahamas offer idyllic beach days, with gorgeous white-sand beaches, on-site bars and buffets, and a variety of activities, from snorkeling to kayaking and horseback riding. You won’t be bothered by vendors trying to braid your hair or sell you souvenirs, though staff will come through taking drink orders.
Nassau and Freeport are also popular beach destinations, and many people will purchase day passes to resorts for the nicest and safest options. Junkanoo Beach is walking distance from the Nassau cruise port and offers on-site bars, restaurants and water sports rentals, but it’s more of a party beach than a tropical idyll. Head to Atlantis if you want a beachfront waterpark as your playground for the day. Be warned, though: Day passes don’t come cheap.
Freeport’s beaches range in quality when it comes to resort amenities, and beach clubs occasionally over-promise and under-deliver. Bimini has that private-island vibe, with an emphasis on sunbathing, diving, snorkeling and boating.
You’ll find all your favorite water sports in the Bahamas. Snorkel, dive, sail, kayak or take a glass-bottom boat tour on your own or via an excursion. If you’re a wildlife fan, you can swim with dolphins, stingrays, sharks and even pigs.
Bahamas vs. Bermuda shore excursions and activities
The main difference between Bermuda and the Bahamas is that beaches and water sports are the key activities in the Bahamas, while Bermuda’s attractions are more varied.
In Bermuda, cruise visitors can enjoy the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo, as well as historic forts and the limestone formations of the Crystal Caves. The island’s capital, Hamilton, is a small city and its Front Street is chock-full of shops and restaurants. Hop on a bike and pedal your way along the Bermuda Railway Trail or to Cooper’s Island Nature Reserve.
Bermuda is also famous for its plentiful golf courses, and enthusiasts can book tee times at courses such as Belmont Hills and Turtle Hill.
Nassau has a few historic sites, such as the Queen’s Staircase and Fort Fincastle, but they are not the main attraction. The Pirates of Nassau Museum is a fun rainy day destination, and the small National Art Gallery set in a historic home is a hidden gem. You’ll find plenty of shopping on Bay Street from the straw market to high-end jewelry stores, but check out the artisans market in Pompey Square for locally made goods.
Bottom line
When pitting Bermuda versus the Bahamas as your potential cruise destination, you need to match each island nation’s beaches, activities and ports of call with your preferred vacation style.
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
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Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.