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
Cruise Essentials
Suburbs 101 participates in affiliate programs including the Amazon Associates Program and may earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Cruise Lanyard
Bring cruise lanyards; to make your life easier so you are not constantly looking for your cruise card!
Towel Bands
Towel bands are great in keeping your beach towels in place! So, they are slipping off the pool lounge chairs!
Power Strip
Definitely bring a cruise-approved power strip so you have more outlets for charging your devices. Cruise cabins never have enough outlets! Please double-check with your cruise line, as some do not allow power strips and will only allow USB charger cubes.
Packing Cubes
Use packing cubes to make cruise packing easier. These cubes will help keep your clothes organized. Unpacking is easy because you just need to take the cubes out of your luggage and put them in the drawers and shelves—so easy! Assign a color for each person in your cabin so you don’t get your cubes mixed up.
Anti-Theft Cross Body Bag
This anti-theft crossbody bag is perfect for travel. It features a slash-resistant design and RFID-blocking technology for added security. It even comes with a side pocket to hold your water bottle.
Luggage Tags
For safety, make sure every luggage and bags are labeled with a luggage tag. I like these custom luggage tags that you can order and personalize with your information.
Magnetic Hooks
Bring magnetic hooks to organize your cabin and keep it clutter-free. These hooks are for hanging baseball caps, cruise lanyards, goggles, bathing suits and towels.
Detergent Travel Packets
These detergent travel packets are great for handwashing bathing suits in the sink.
Anti-Seasickness
This anti-seasickness medicine is a go-to to combat seasickness on a cruise. If you have kids, make sure you bring the chewable version. If you are looking for a natural solution, try these acupressure bands.
Hanging Toiletry Bag
Cruise cabin sinks are notoriously small. Get a hanging toiletry bag to make it easier!
Cruise Travel Planner Printable
Get our cruise travel planner to stay organized before and during your cruise. It includes pre-cruise and post-cruise itineraries, a cruise port planner, sea days planner, packing lists, cruise budget tracker and more!
- Bahamas Cruise Travel Planner (30 pages)
- Caribbean Cruise Travel Planner (30 pages)
- Bermuda Cruise Travel Planner (29 pages)
- Mexico Cruise Travel Planner (30 pages)
Cruise Travel Insurance
It’s smart to always buy cruise travel insurance. Get a quote for CFAR (Cancel for Any Reason) if you are going on a cruise during hurricane season.
Wrinkle Releaser
Keep your clothes wrinkle-free and odor-free with these travel size Downy wrinkle releaser.
Shore Excursions
Cruise shore excursions are expensive, I suggest doing a quick price comparison with Viator to see if you can get the same tour for less.
Check out these free cruise printables