Bermuda Cruises

With its tropical climate and clear-blue skies, the archipelago of Bermuda can be enjoyed all year round, but the best time for a cruise to Bermuda is during spring or autumn. Bermuda's high season, which runs from August to October, is a great time to visit. You'll be treated to near-guaranteed sunshine, paired with warm ocean waters, making long and lazy beach days irresistible. Thanks to those premium conditions, this is also the best season for watersports, which might include jet skiing, windsurfing or paddleboarding, and it's also the most rewarding time for snorkelling trips, too. August also marks Bermuda's Emancipation, when residents celebrate with a four-day-long holiday weekend. Meanwhile, October has been designated as Art Month and will therefore have lots to impress culture-lovers. Most importantly, this includes the Bermuda Gombey Festival, an annual event celebrating folk traditions through music, dancing and drumming. The festival is always a highlight of cultural calendars, for both locals and visitors, and offers a great way to understand a little more of life in Bermuda April is also a good month for Bermuda holidays thanks to dry and warm weather. There's also the added bonus of being able to see Bermuda during the Easter period, when celebrations include baking traditional hot cross buns (and savouring them afterwards, of course), and crafting kites - don't be surprised to see flocks of homemade kites in the skies over Easter weekend.

A speck in the North Atlantic Ocean, Bermuda - often mistaken for a Caribbean island - is excitingly remote. The closest landmass to the archipelago is more than 570 miles away, in North Carolina, and this geography contributes to Bermuda's weather system and climate. Many months of the year provide long, warm spells and seemingly endless sunshine, and this Atlantic Ocean paradise never sees frost or snow due to the Gulf Stream's warm waters close by. When planning a cruise to Bermuda, spring (particularly in April) and high-summer seasons (from August onwards) provide optimal weather for a memorable holiday. April signals the start of warmer weather (and thus lots more outdoor activities and events), but without getting too hot. Summer and the beginning of autumn - August to October - are also ideal times to visit. August sees Bermuda in full summer mode, with enjoyably warm weather, averaging at around 29°C. September and October are somewhat cooler, making these months perfect for watersports, sailing trips and lots more.

Bermuda is a remote British Overseas Territory in the North Atlantic Ocean. While some may mistake Bermuda for an island, it is in fact an archipelago made up of over 180 islands and islets. A Bermuda cruise is an optimal way to experience this show-stopping collection of islands, not least because it offers a sweeping geographical overview from the sea. Myth and legend have surrounded the archipelago for centuries, thanks to its association with the Bermuda Triangle, but this fabled stretch of ocean is far from Bermuda itself; Bermuda simply makes up one of the points of the triangle, along with Miami and San Juan in Puerto Rico. There are seven main islands in Bermuda, with Main Island (also simply known as Bermuda) being the largest. Other notable islands have been owned by billionaires and celebrities, while many boast appealing names, such as Spectacle Island and Irresistible Island. In its entirety, the archipelago is about 24 miles long and less than one mile wide. Town Hill, at 79 metres high, is Main Island's highest point. Bermuda is also fringed by coral reefs and a submerged volcanic mountain range, and is home to ancient shipwrecks dotting its waters.

When sailing with MSC Cruises, your Bermuda cruise ship will dock in the Royal Naval Dockyard, located on Cross Island. The dockyard is filled with historic buildings and striking architecture, and holds a range of entertainment and dining options. Its healthy list of sights, attractions and restaurants - alongside a shopping mall - have made it one of the country's most-visited locations.

MSC Cruises offers a wide range of Bermuda cruise deals to suit all budgets. Guests who plan their holidays in advance can take advantage of early booking fares, but whatever budget you've allocated, there'll be a Bermuda holiday waiting.

Since sun-blessed Bermuda enjoys numerous warm days and balmy evenings, it's best to pack lightweight clothing - such as soft natural fabrics like cotton and linen - when visiting in summer, but also in warmer spring months (such as April) and autumn months (particularly October). You'll likely be spending a lot of time on Bermuda's marvellous beaches, so swimwear is essential - think printed one-pieces or tropical-print bikinis with cool kaftans and coverups for long lunches. Several pairs of shorts are a necessity, plus a selection of cotton T-shirts or short-sleeved shirts. It's also wise to pack some formal trousers/shirts and smart dresses, in case you visit fine-dining restaurants, for example. Overall, though, the dress code in Bermuda is generally relaxed. When it comes to footwear, consider comfy, flat sandals or trainers for exploring (and perhaps heels or smarter shoes for those luxe dinners). During your cruise to Bermuda, evenings can get chilly, so it's worth packing a few lightweight cover-ups and a rain jacket, just in case. Whatever you pack, don't forget to leave some space in your luggage for a pair of Bermuda shorts to take home as a stylish and colourful souvenir.

The nation of Bermuda uses the Bermudian dollar, which trades at the same rate as the US dollar (although there aren't any US banks in Bermuda, US dollars can also be used as currency). The Bermudian dollar is subdivided into 100 cents and there are various paper dollar denominations in circulation, some featuring images of wildlife from across the islands. Local ATMs accept most major cards, and credit and debit cards are widely accepted in shops, bars and restaurants.

Bermuda is on Atlantic Standard Time (AST) and observes daylight savings, meaning it is three hours behind the UK (GMT) from March to November, and four hours behind the UK the rest of the year. During summer hours, sunrise is typically at around 6.40am and the sun sets at around 8pm.

MSC Cruises offers a range of itineraries that include Bermuda alongside other global destinations. Immerse yourself in the heady sights of New York City before sailing to Bermuda, then enjoy the high-octane thrills of Florida's Port Canaveral, where you'll find world-class theme parks and the opportunity to learn about space exploration at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. There's also the chance to savour some time in The Bahamas, both at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve (MSC Cruises' very own private island in the region, home to truly beautiful beaches, watersports and other activities), and Nassau, The Bahamas' buzzing yet easy-going capital.

As your Bermuda cruise docs in the Royal Naval Dockyard, this area is a fine place to begin. Make the most of its restaurants and shops (and visit the National Museum of Bermuda, which houses important artefacts and exhibitions) before hitting the beach, starting with famed Horseshoe Beach, loved due to its near-unbelievable pink sands. Other choice spots include Jobson's Cove and the vast Elbow Beach. Next on your Bermuda holiday, get to grips with key sights on a tour of Main Island, Bermuda's largest island and where you'll spend most of your time. Next, enjoy an incredible view of Bermuda by climbing the 185 steps of Gibbs Hill Lighthouse. Soak up some nature amongst the 36 acres of Bermuda Botanical Gardens, which also houses Camden, an 18th-century mansion that acts as the official residence of the Premier of Bermuda. Activity-lovers can take advantage of kayaking tours, trail bike rides and Bermuda's esteemed golf courses. Alternatively, take to the water for a combined catamaran snorkel and swim tour. The more adventurous can head off on a full snorkelling adventure to explore some of Bermuda's many shipwrecks, including the remains of the Montana and Constellation ships. For something more relaxing, a glass-bottom boat trip allows for easy and comfortable marine life viewing. Reflect on your adventures at one of the numerous bars or restaurants in Hamilton, the country's cool and charming capital that's also packed with boutiques and museums, if you need a culture fix.