Bermuda Port of call

Royal Naval Dockyard

Stay close or cross the island.

Dockyard has enough for a close-to-ship day. Horseshoe Bay and Hamilton are separate outings, so choose a beach trip or ferry trip before adding lunch and sightseeing.

Explore on your own

Royal Naval Dockyard harbor entrance, Bermuda.
Royal Naval Dockyard harbor entrance, Bermuda, photographed in 2010.David Broad · CC BY 3.0 (cropped)

Royal Naval Dockyard at a glance

Walk from portExplore Dockyard on footDock or tenderUsually dockedGoing fartherFerry or road transfer farther outCurrencyBermuda and U.S. dollarsTime ashoreCheck your ship’s all-aboard time

Option 1

Explore on your own

Choose a plan for the stops, food, walking and extra costs. Suggested plans are flexible; use your ship’s all-aboard time to set your return.

Hours and prices checked Oct 6, 2026.

Commissioner’s House at the National Museum of Bermuda.
Commissioner’s House at the National Museum of Bermuda, photographed in 2023.P. Hughes · CC BY-SA 4.0 (cropped)

The Keep and waterfront

Dockyard history & shops

Explore the museum, crafts and shops without a separate ferry or beach transfer.

Total needs confirmation2 hr–3 hr at the stopsAdd getting there, back and time to spare.
  • Explore Dockyard on foot
  • Museum & purchases extra
Horseshoe Bay Cove shoreline, Bermuda.
Horseshoe Bay Cove shoreline, Bermuda, photographed in 2023.P. Hughes · CC BY-SA 4.0 (cropped)

A separate beach day

Horseshoe Bay

Make the pink-sand beach your main destination with return transport arranged.

Total needs confirmation3 hr–4 hr at the stopsAdd getting there, back and time to spare.
  • Return road transport
  • Ride, rentals & food extra
Hamilton harbor waterfront, Bermuda.
Hamilton harbor waterfront, Bermuda, photographed in 2009.David Broad · CC BY 3.0 (cropped)

Blue Route ferry

Hamilton & lunch

Choose a city visit and Front Street lunch with a usable return ferry identified first.

Total needs confirmation2 hr–3 hr at the stopsAdd getting there, back and time to spare.
  • Return Blue Route ferry
  • Ferry & meals extra

Start with the time you actually have

Count from when you can get off the ship, or ashore by tender, to the all-aboard time, using ship time. Times on these plans are our estimates, with time to spare; they cannot promise a plan fits your sailing.

Short plans need up to 4 hours in total, medium up to 6, long more than 6. A plan with a connection still to confirm has no total.

Put your day on the map

Select a terminal or place to see its location and open directions.

Open Royal Naval Dockyard in Google Maps

Choose a place for its location, then open Google Maps for directions. Confirm the terminal on your cruise documents; a map result does not establish your ship’s berth or an accessible route.

Getting around

Ferry ride time and fares

Tourism estimates the Blue Route between Dockyard and Hamilton at 15–20 minutes aboard and the seasonal Orange Route to St. George’s at about 45 minutes. It publishes an adult single-fare range of approximately BMD 3.50–5 depending on route, checked Oct 5, 2026. Confirm your route’s current fare and timetable; add the walk to the ferry, queues, boarding and the onward visit. The Orange Route is described as May–October, not a year-round option.

Bermuda Tourism Authority: ferry route times and fare range (checked Oct 5, 2026)

Tickets and connectivity

Shorelink sells digital transport tickets, but validation at boarding requires an active mobile-data or Wi-Fi connection. Consecutive-day transport passes cover buses and ferries; compare them with the journeys you actually intend to make.

Bermuda tourism: transport and Shorelink tickets

Museum visit from your berth

The museum is at The Keep within Dockyard. Start with the opening for your date, then ask about access to the exhibits you want before extending the walk through shops. Keep any Snorkel Park visit optional and check its separate entry terms; your return destination is the ship’s assigned berth. Checked October 6, 2026.

National Museum of Bermuda: seasonal opening and facilities, checked October 6, 2026

Horseshoe Bay return pickup

Horseshoe Bay is in Southampton, away from Dockyard. Confirm where your outward ride drops you and where the return vehicle will meet you; a road stop is not automatically the beach entrance. Ask about the approach to the sand and any assistance you need, and agree the return to your actual berth before renting equipment. Checked October 6, 2026.

Bermuda Tourism Authority: Horseshoe Bay location and facilities, checked October 6, 2026Norwegian Cruise Line: Royal Naval Dockyard arrival and currency

Blue Route return from Hamilton

Use the Blue Route between Dockyard and Hamilton ferry terminals. Check the timetable effective on your call date and a usable earlier return before committing to lunch; weekday, weekend and special services can differ. Confirm boarding assistance with the operator and a usable ticket at validation. The published ride estimate excludes the berth walk, queues and city visit. Checked October 6, 2026.

Bermuda government: ferry route map and terminals; effective timetable date unconfirmed, checked October 6, 2026Bermuda tourism: transport and Shorelink ticketsBermuda Tourism Authority: ferry route times and fare range (checked Oct 5, 2026)

Make room for lunch

Woody’s: fish sandwich on the West End

Bermuda tourism recommends Woody’s fish sandwich as a stop outside Dockyard. Allow for a ride and a separate food bill. Serving hours were not established; confirm lunch before heading out.

Bermuda tourism: cruise-day routes and local food

What costs extra?

Published information checked Oct 6, 2026. Confirm current prices before paying.

Plan your spending

Transport is a separate purchase

Budget for ferry or bus tickets, or agree a taxi fare. Our advice: compare the complete return journey before buying a day pass or choosing a beach transfer.

Bermuda tourism: transport and Shorelink tickets

Port details

Can I walk from the ship?

Nearby Dockyard visits can be planned separately from Hamilton or St. George’s. Tourism estimates the Hamilton ferry ride at 15–20 minutes and seasonal St. George’s at about 45 minutes, excluding the ship-to-ferry approach, waiting and onward travel. Complete walking distances to Dockyard sights and beach transfers remain unverified.

Bermuda tourism: exploring Royal Naval DockyardBermuda tourism: Horseshoe Bay BeachBermuda tourism: ferry routes and schedulesBermuda Tourism Authority: ferry route times and fare range (checked Oct 5, 2026)Norwegian Cruise Line: Royal Naval Dockyard arrival and currencyBermuda tourism: transport and Shorelink ticketsNational Museum of Bermuda: seasonal opening and facilities, checked October 6, 2026Bermuda Tourism Authority: Horseshoe Bay location and facilities, checked October 6, 2026Bermuda government: ferry route map and terminals; effective timetable date unconfirmed, checked October 6, 2026

Beach outing: Horseshoe Bay needs a ride. The pink-sand beach is in Southampton, away from Dockyard.Bermuda tourism: Horseshoe Bay Beach

Use your actual terminal. Any quoted walk starts at the location named, not automatically at the gangway. Allow for port access, weather and your walking pace.

First steps ashore

Getting ashore

Ships usually dock at the cruise facilities listed below. Your ship confirms the actual berth and any change to tender arrangements.

Your ship confirms the arrival pier and any tender arrangements for your sailing.

Royal Naval Dockyard terminals, checked Oct 6, 2026
Arrival pointWhere you landWhat to plan for
Royal Naval Dockyard cruise berthWest End of BermudaConfirm your ship’s berth and all-aboard time before exploring.Norwegian Cruise Line: Royal Naval Dockyard arrival and currency
Dockyard ferry wharfDockyard Terrace, SandysThis is onward public transport. Check the route, departure and return service separately from your ship’s schedule.Bermuda tourism: ferry routes and schedules

Before you go ashore

How long is the ship in port, and when is all-aboard?

Port hours vary by ship and date in Royal Naval Dockyard. Check your sailing itinerary for scheduled arrival and departure, then the onboard app or daily notice for all-aboard, ship time and any last-tender deadline. Subtract clearance, both transfers and a return buffer before choosing an outing. Scheduled arrival is not your guaranteed time ashore.

Can I explore independently?

Our suggestion: stay in Dockyard for the museum, shops and a possible Snorkel Park visit. Check beach access first, then keep the afternoon flexible around all-aboard. This is our planning suggestion. Compare a ship excursion or reputable independent tour for more complicated outings, including the meeting point and return arrangements.

Sources checked Oct 6, 2026

UK FCDO: Bermuda safety and security

What should I take ashore?

Take your ship card or wearable, the identification specified in the ship’s port briefing, any tour ticket and a way to pay. Save your terminal name, return deadline and ship’s emergency contact offline. Ask whether your original passport is required for this visit; do not assume a phone photo replaces required identification.

Sources checked Sep 24, 2026

Royal Caribbean: shore-excursion documents and planningCarnival: identification when reboardingU.S. Department of State: cruise travel planning

How do I get off and back on the ship?

Wait for the ship’s announcement that passengers may go ashore. Follow its gangway, shuttle or tender instructions and any ticketing order. Keep your ship identification ready when leaving and returning. Allow for terminal access checks, queues and security screening before reboarding; tender passengers also need to meet the last return boat.

Sources checked Sep 24, 2026

Carnival: identification when reboardingRoyal Caribbean Group: boarding and port-call screening

What should I know about safety around the port?

Do not leave bags unattended, including on rental scooters, and avoid quiet streets after dark. Strong rip currents occur at some beaches. Check beach conditions before swimming and the actual ferry or other return service before leaving Dockyard; these local precautions do not verify every beach approach or transport connection.

Sources checked Oct 5, 2026

UK FCDO: Bermuda safety and security

Currency and payments

Bermuda and U.S. dollars. Confirm the currency of any quoted fare and check card acceptance before paying.

Currency checked Sep 24, 2026

Bermuda Tourism Authority: currency

More details for Royal Naval Dockyard

Beaches and local sights

What costs extra

A practical port day

For a shorter call

Our suggestion: stay in Dockyard for the museum, shops and a possible Snorkel Park visit. Check beach access first, then keep the afternoon flexible around all-aboard.

For a longer call

Our suggestion: choose Horseshoe Bay or Hamilton. If eating in Hamilton, check the return ferry before sitting down. Combining both outings needs more transport planning than this simple day plan.

The port, beaches and places to explore

Kings Wharf Night, Royal Naval Dockyard
Kings Wharf Night, Royal Naval Dockyard.Widgety
Kings Wharf, Royal Naval Dockyard
Kings Wharf, Royal Naval Dockyard.Widgety

Voyages that call here

116 itineraries in the catalog

Royal Naval Dockyard cruise port FAQs

Can I walk from the cruise port into Royal Naval Dockyard?

Nearby Dockyard visits can be planned separately from Hamilton or St. George’s. Tourism estimates the Hamilton ferry ride at 15–20 minutes and seasonal St. George’s at about 45 minutes, excluding the ship-to-ferry approach, waiting and onward travel. Complete walking distances to Dockyard sights and beach transfers remain unverified.

Bermuda tourism: exploring Royal Naval DockyardBermuda tourism: Horseshoe Bay BeachBermuda tourism: ferry routes and schedulesBermuda Tourism Authority: ferry route times and fare range (checked Oct 5, 2026)Norwegian Cruise Line: Royal Naval Dockyard arrival and currencyBermuda tourism: transport and Shorelink ticketsNational Museum of Bermuda: seasonal opening and facilities, checked October 6, 2026Bermuda Tourism Authority: Horseshoe Bay location and facilities, checked October 6, 2026Bermuda government: ferry route map and terminals; effective timetable date unconfirmed, checked October 6, 2026

Sources checked Oct 6, 2026

Do cruise ships dock or tender in Royal Naval Dockyard?

Ships usually dock at the cruise facilities listed below. Your ship confirms the actual berth and any change to tender arrangements. Check the terminal comparison above for the different arrival areas.

Norwegian Cruise Line: Royal Naval Dockyard arrival and currencyBermuda tourism: ferry routes and schedules

Sources checked Oct 6, 2026

What is a beach or sightseeing option from Royal Naval Dockyard cruise port?

Beach outing: Horseshoe Bay needs a ride. The pink-sand beach is in Southampton, away from Dockyard.

Bermuda tourism: Horseshoe Bay Beach

Sources checked Oct 6, 2026

Can I explore Royal Naval Dockyard without a ship excursion?

Our suggestion: stay in Dockyard for the museum, shops and a possible Snorkel Park visit. Check beach access first, then keep the afternoon flexible around all-aboard. This is our planning suggestion. Compare a ship excursion or reputable independent tour for more complicated outings, including the meeting point and return arrangements.

UK FCDO: Bermuda safety and security

Sources checked Oct 6, 2026

How do I get around during a Royal Naval Dockyard port stop?

Ferry ride time and fares. Tourism estimates the Blue Route between Dockyard and Hamilton at 15–20 minutes aboard and the seasonal Orange Route to St. George’s at about 45 minutes. It publishes an adult single-fare range of approximately BMD 3.50–5 depending on route, checked Oct 5, 2026. Confirm your route’s current fare and timetable; add the walk to the ferry, queues, boarding and the onward visit. The Orange Route is described as May–October, not a year-round option. Tickets and connectivity. Shorelink sells digital transport tickets, but validation at boarding requires an active mobile-data or Wi-Fi connection. Consecutive-day transport passes cover buses and ferries; compare them with the journeys you actually intend to make.

Bermuda Tourism Authority: ferry route times and fare range (checked Oct 5, 2026)Bermuda tourism: transport and Shorelink ticketsNational Museum of Bermuda: seasonal opening and facilities, checked October 6, 2026Bermuda Tourism Authority: Horseshoe Bay location and facilities, checked October 6, 2026Norwegian Cruise Line: Royal Naval Dockyard arrival and currencyBermuda government: ferry route map and terminals; effective timetable date unconfirmed, checked October 6, 2026

Sources checked Oct 6, 2026

What should I bring ashore in Royal Naval Dockyard?

Take your ship card or wearable, the identification specified in the ship’s port briefing, any tour ticket and a way to pay. Save your terminal name, return deadline and ship’s emergency contact offline. Ask whether your original passport is required for this visit; do not assume a phone photo replaces required identification.

Royal Caribbean: shore-excursion documents and planningCarnival: identification when reboardingU.S. Department of State: cruise travel planning

Sources checked Sep 24, 2026

What is the all-aboard time in Royal Naval Dockyard?

Port hours vary by ship and date in Royal Naval Dockyard. Check your sailing itinerary for scheduled arrival and departure, then the onboard app or daily notice for all-aboard, ship time and any last-tender deadline. Subtract clearance, both transfers and a return buffer before choosing an outing. Scheduled arrival is not your guaranteed time ashore.

What safety advice should I check for Royal Naval Dockyard?

Do not leave bags unattended, including on rental scooters, and avoid quiet streets after dark. Strong rip currents occur at some beaches. Check beach conditions before swimming and the actual ferry or other return service before leaving Dockyard; these local precautions do not verify every beach approach or transport connection.

UK FCDO: Bermuda safety and security

Sources checked Oct 5, 2026

Sources and updates

Local guide checked Oct 6, 2026. New practical guidance carries its own source dates. Published prices, hours and terminal use can change. Our outing suggestions are editorial advice, not cruise-line schedules or return guarantees. Cruise-line links illustrate their own policies; your line’s instructions govern your sailing.