Are you torn between a Caribbean cruise and a Bermuda cruise? Both cruises are similar in many ways but also very different. Let’s weigh the pros and cons of a Caribbean cruise versus a Bermuda cruise.
Pros and Cons of a Caribbean Cruise versus Bermuda Cruise
Cruise Ports
The main difference between a Caribbean cruise and a Bermuda cruise lies in the departure cruise port. A Caribbean cruise has more departure port options. You can take a Caribbean cruise from Florida, Louisiana, Texas, and East Coast ports like Baltimore, New York, and Virginia.
On the other hand, if you want to go on a Bermuda cruise, it primarily departs from East Coast ports like Boston, Baltimore, New York, and New Jersey. This is convenient if you live on the East Coast because you can easily drive to the cruise port without having to fly.
Immersive Cruise
One of the advantages of taking a Bermuda cruise is the opportunity to enjoy an immersive cruise experience. Unlike the typical few hours spent at a cruise port, most Bermuda cruise will stay overnight at the cruise port allowing you to spend the evening in port.
Since Bermuda cruises are one-destination cruises, it’s common to see cruise itineraries with two nights in Bermuda. This means you can leisurely explore Bermuda, enjoy dinner, relax at the beach, and tour the island’s attractions without having to rush back to the ship.
On the other hand, when you go on a Caribbean cruise, you will be sailing from one island to another, with limited time at each port and the need to rush back to the ship.
A Caribbean cruise will not give you the same immersive experience as a Bermuda cruise. If you’re after an immersive cruise experience, a Bermuda cruise is the way to go.
Cooler Temperature
One advantage of a Caribbean cruise is that you get beach weather pretty much all year long. With Bermuda cruises, you will only enjoy beach weather in the summer months. This is not necessarily a bad thing because many people prefer Bermuda’s cooler temperatures.
Bermuda, located further away from the equator, near North Carolina, doesn’t get very hot during the summer, unlike the Caribbean islands, where it can soar into the 90s F. This makes Bermuda a more comfortable choice for those who don’t like extreme heat.
So, if you’re planning a summer cruise and prefer milder temperatures, a Bermuda cruise is the way to go. However, if you’re cruising in the Spring and Fall, Bermuda may be too cold for beach weather with temperatures in the 70s F, a Caribbean cruise will be more enjoyable for you.
Safety
One good thing about going on a Bermuda cruise is that it’s safe. Bermuda is an upscale island, so the crime rate is low, and safety is not a major concern. However, in the Caribbean, there are some islands with high crime rates, prompting the US Department of State to issue Level 3 and 4 travel advisories, which mean “Reconsider Travel” and “Do Not Travel,” respectively.
For example, Jamaica has a Level 3 “Reconsider Travel” advisory, and Haiti has a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory.
While, Bermuda has the lowest, safest Level 1 advisory, which means “Exercise Normal Precaution.” If safety is a top priority for you, then a Bermuda cruise is a better choice for you.
Pink Sand
One of the highlights of taking a Bermuda cruise is the opportunity to experience the renowned pink sand beaches. Bermuda is the place to go for stunning pink sand beaches!
But that’s not to say the Caribbean beaches aren’t great. The Caribbean, on the other hand, is world famous for its beautiful white sand beaches and stunning turquoise waters, creating a different but equally appealing experience. Ultimately, the choice between a Bermuda or Caribbean cruise comes down to personal preference.
If you’re all about those iconic pink sand beaches, then a Bermuda cruise is the way to go. On the other hand, if your heart is set on enjoying the world-renowned beaches of the Caribbean, then a Caribbean cruise is the perfect choice. It’s not a matter of one being better than the other; it’s all about what you personally prefer.
Private Island
One downside of taking a Bermuda cruise is that you won’t have the chance to visit the cruise line’s private island since all of the private islands are located in the Caribbean. These private islands are a major attraction for Caribbean cruises.
They have pristine, white-sand beaches and stunning turquoise waters, with plenty of amenities like lounge chairs, restaurants, and bars without the usual crowds since they are exclusively reserved for the passengers on your cruise ship. If visiting the cruise line’s private island appeals to you, a Caribbean cruise would be the ideal choice.
I did find one cruise itinerary that gives you the best of both worlds- Royal Caribbean’s combination cruise departing from Port Canaveral in Florida, which allows you to visit both Bermuda and their private island in the Bahamas! It’s worth noting that this cruise is longer, though, lasting 8 nights.
Short Cruises
If you’re looking for short cruises, your best bet is to go on a Caribbean cruise. You can find cruises as short as two nights, perfect for a weekend getaway. These short Caribbean cruises leave from Florida on Friday and return on Sunday, making a stop at their private island. This makes it an easy weekend cruise if you live within driving distance of the Florida cruise ports.
While if you go on a Bermuda cruise, the shortest cruises are the 5 night cruises from Baltimore and New Jersey. This is a better cruise option than the 2 night cruises from Florida for people who live within driving distance of Baltimore and New Jersey since you don’t have to fly to Florida, and you save on airfare! Check out: 15 Caribbean Cruise Mistakes to Avoid
Check out these free cruise printables