Quick answer: Cruise ships use one of three ports in Bermuda: the Royal Naval Dockyard at the western tip (King's Wharf and Heritage Wharf), Hamilton in the middle of the island, and St. George's at the eastern end. Almost every big ship docks at the Dockyard, while smaller ships may use Hamilton or St. George's. The capital of Bermuda is Hamilton. From the Dockyard, the fast ferry to Hamilton takes roughly 15 to 20 minutes.
Quick Facts
- Ports: Royal Naval Dockyard (King's Wharf and Heritage Wharf), Hamilton and St. George's.
- Big ships: Dock at the Dockyard, because the channels to the other ports are too narrow for mega ships.
- Capital: Hamilton, which replaced St. George's as capital on January 16, 1815.
- Dockyard to Hamilton: About 15 to 20 minutes by the Blue Route ferry, versus about 60 minutes by bus.
- Dockyard to St. George's: About 45 minutes on the Orange Route ferry, which is seasonal. Confirm the days before you count on it.
Most people picture Bermuda as one place you sail into. In reality, your ship ties up at one of three very different spots on a long, thin island, and which one it is changes your whole day. This guide explains all three, how to get between them, and answers a question that sends many people to search: what is the capital of Bermuda? For a wider look at the island, see our Bermuda cruise ports guide.
The Three Bermuda Cruise Ports at a Glance
| Royal Naval Dockyard | Hamilton | St. George's | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Location | Western tip of the island | Central, on Hamilton Harbour | Eastern end |
| Berths | King's Wharf and Heritage Wharf | City wharf beside Front Street | Penno's Wharf or Ordnance Island |
| Ship size | All sizes, including the biggest | Smaller ships, with one source citing a limit of about 700 feet | Small to medium ships |
| Vibe | Restored naval base with shops, a museum and a beach | Busy capital with shops and restaurants | Quiet UNESCO World Heritage town |
| Best for | Beaches, history and easy ferry access | Shopping and dining | History and charm |
Royal Naval Dockyard (King's Wharf and Heritage Wharf)
The Royal Naval Dockyard sits on the western tip of Bermuda and is a former British naval base. It is where the big ships go. Cruise Critic lists Norwegian, Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, Oceania, MSC, Regent Seven Seas, Carnival, Disney, Holland America and Princess among the lines that use it. There are two berths, King's Wharf (used more often) and Heritage Wharf, and both host the same cruise lines, so check your itinerary for your ship's berth. Our King's Wharf port guide has the details for planning a day here.
What you will find within walking distance:
- Shops, restaurants and cafes around the Dockyard area.
- The National Museum of Bermuda in the old fortifications, which charges an entrance fee and takes about an hour.
- Snorkel Park Beach, roughly a six or seven minute walk from the pier.
- A taxi stand next to King's Wharf, plus a ferry terminal and bus stops nearby.
The tradeoff is location. Dockyard is at the far end of the island, so reaching the capital, the pink sand beaches or St. George's means a ferry, bus or taxi ride. Cruise Critic notes there is no indoor waiting area at the port, only limited outdoor seating, and that WiFi is paid. For more ideas, see what to do at King's Wharf on a cruise day.
Hamilton
Hamilton is Bermuda's capital and commercial center, on the northern edge of Hamilton Harbour. Ships that dock here tie up beside Front Street, the main shopping and dining strip, and the central bus terminal is about a five minute walk up Washington Street. Ships under about 700 feet are cited for the downtown wharf, and boutique lines such as Azamara, Regent Seven Seas, Windstar, Oceania and Silversea have a good chance of docking here. Large ships that go to the Dockyard can still reach Hamilton by ferry. Our Hamilton port guide covers the town in more depth.
St. George's
St. George's sits at the eastern end of the island and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, listed in 2000. Permanent settlement began in 1612, and UNESCO calls it the earliest example of an English colonial town in the New World. The two cruise berths are Penno's Wharf and Ordnance Island, and it is a port for small to medium ships. From either berth you can walk into town. Tobacco Bay Beach is roughly a 20 minute uphill walk from the port, so many visitors take a taxi instead. It is the quietest of the three ports. See our St. George's port guide and things to do in St. George's.
What Is the Capital of Bermuda?
The capital is Hamilton, the City of Hamilton on Hamilton Harbour. St. George's was the island's first capital. Hamilton, which had been incorporated in 1793, replaced it as capital on January 16, 1815, which is part of why St. George's is such a well preserved historic town.
Getting Between the Ports
Most ships dock at the Dockyard, so these are the routes that matter. Times come from the Bermuda tourism and government sources linked below, and they can change.
| From the Dockyard to | By ferry | By bus | By taxi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hamilton | About 15 to 20 minutes on the Blue Route fast ferry | About 60 minutes | Metered fares, which can be expensive |
| St. George's | About 45 minutes on the Orange Route, seasonal | Take the Hamilton ferry, then a connecting bus | Pricey |
| Horseshoe Bay | Not by ferry | Via Hamilton on bus #7, per Go To Bermuda | About a 25 minute drive |
The St. George's ferry changed for 2026. Bermuda's government announced that from April 6, 2026 the summer ferry runs directly from Dockyard to St. George's, which returned for the first time since the pandemic. Local reports say the first Dockyard departure is at 9:30 a.m. and the last departure from St. George's is at 6 p.m., with schedules aligned to cruise ship arrivals. Sources disagree on which days it runs and for how many months, with the government citing Monday through Saturday and others citing fewer days or a May to October season. Check the current schedule before you plan a day around it. Norwegian has also offered a direct ferry for its own guests.
Passes and fares. Single rides run about $3.50 to $5 by zone, and combined bus and ferry passes are sold for 1, 2, 3, 4 and 7 days, at roughly $19 to $62. Buy tickets at the Hamilton Ferry Terminal, the Visitor Service Centres in Dockyard and St. George's, or use the government's Shorelink app. Bermuda drives on the left, and visitors generally cannot rent regular cars. Taxis, ferries, buses and scooter or electric car rentals are the usual options, and helmets are required on scooters.
Ideas for Each Port Day
Docked at the Dockyard
- Spend the morning at the museum, the fort and Snorkel Park Beach.
- Take the ferry to Hamilton for lunch on Front Street.
- Or head for the pink sand at Horseshoe Bay.
Docked at Hamilton
- Walk Front Street, then take a bus or taxi to the South Shore beaches.
- Browse the waterfront restaurants and shops.
Docked at St. George's
- Walk the historic center and visit the old churches and forts.
- Take a short taxi to Tobacco Bay for snorkeling.
Tips for Any Bermuda Port Day
- Check which port your ship uses first. Your itinerary will say, and it affects your whole plan.
- Buy a pass if you will ride several times. A day pass can beat paying per ride.
- Watch the clock. The far end of the island takes real time to reach, so do not cut your return close to the all aboard time. Our guide on what happens if you miss your cruise ship explains the risk.
- Pack a swimsuit. Beaches are the main draw. Our cruise packing checklist can help.
- Carry exact change for buses. Cruise Critic notes local buses require exact change in coins.
Sources: Go To Bermuda cruise page, Go To Bermuda ferry schedule, Bermuda government 2026 summer ferry announcement, Bernews on the St. George's ferry, Cruise Critic's Dockyard port page, Royal Gazette on Hamilton becoming capital and the St. George's World Heritage listing.
Plan the Rest of Your Bermuda Cruise
- Bermuda Cruise Ports Guide
- Airport to Cruise Port: Complete Transportation Guide
- Which Terminal Does My Cruise Line Use?
- Cruise Departure Ports
- 5 Tips for a Smooth Cruise Embarkation Day
- Cruise FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the cruise ports in Bermuda?
There are three: the Royal Naval Dockyard (King's Wharf and Heritage Wharf), Hamilton and St. George's.
Where do most cruise ships dock in Bermuda?
At the Royal Naval Dockyard on the western tip of the island, at King's Wharf or Heritage Wharf. The channels to the other ports are too narrow for the biggest ships.
What is the capital of Bermuda?
Hamilton. It replaced St. George's as capital on January 16, 1815.
How far is Hamilton from the cruise port?
If you dock at the Dockyard, Hamilton is about 15 to 20 minutes away on the Blue Route fast ferry, or around 60 minutes by bus.
Can you get from the Dockyard to St. George's?
Yes. A direct ferry runs on the Orange Route, taking about 45 minutes, and a summer 2026 service was announced from April 6. You can also take the Hamilton ferry and a connecting bus. Check the current schedule for days and times.
Is Bermuda a tender port?
The sources we checked describe ships tying up at wharves at all three ports, but your cruise line's port notes for your specific sailing are the final word. Our guide to tender ports explains the difference.
