Alison Rieger Fell in Love with Bermuda's Unexpected Charm
I thought I knew what to expect from Bermuda. Another Caribbean island, maybe a little more upscale, but essentially the same recipe I'd experienced dozens of times before. I was wrong. Completely, wonderfully wrong.
My first trip to Bermuda in August 2022 was aboard the NCL Joy, departing from New York City. I was hosting a group of friends and family, focused on making sure everyone had a good time on the ship. Bermuda was almost an afterthought. What I didn't anticipate was that this island would capture my heart and fundamentally change how I approach cruise planning for my clients.
A Different Kind of Island
The moment we arrived, I knew this wasn't just another Caribbean destination. The ocean shimmers in a shade of turquoise I've rarely seen elsewhere. The beaches glow with that famous pink sand. But it was the atmosphere that truly set Bermuda apart. Everything felt clean, safe, and genuinely welcoming. There were no vendors approaching us on the beaches, no aggressive sales pitches. Just peace.
The British influence is everywhere, and I mean that in the most charming way possible. Locals proudly wear their Bermuda shorts with knee-high socks, and there's a sense of order and pride that permeates every corner of the island. It felt prosperous without being pretentious. Sophisticated without being stuffy.
The Joy of Staying Put
Here's what I discovered that changed everything: being docked in Bermuda for three full days transformed the entire cruise experience. The ship became our floating hotel, and we could come and go as we pleased. No rushing to be first off the ship when we docked. No anxiety about making it back before departure. We explored at our own rhythm, returning for dinner or a show, then heading back out the next morning refreshed and ready for more.
My biggest insider tip? Rent a Twizy. These little electric vehicles are the perfect way to explore the entire island independently. The first time we did it, we weren't sure what to expect. This time, every single person in my group has already reserved one. You can zip along the winding coastal roads, stop wherever catches your eye, and truly see Bermuda at your own pace. It's the kind of freedom that makes a destination feel personal.
Who This Trip Is Made For
This itinerary is perfect for cruisers who appreciate a relaxed pace and don't mind sea days. In fact, they should embrace them. Leaving New York on Saturday, you have a sea day Sunday before arriving in Bermuda Monday through Wednesday. Thursday and Friday are sea days again before returning to New York on Saturday. For my upcoming trip on the NCL Aqua, I've planned significantly more onboard activities to make those sea days feel like an integral part of the adventure rather than just transit time.
This cruise works beautifully for couples seeking romance, friends looking for a sophisticated getaway, or families who want a destination that feels safe and welcoming. If you're looking for non-stop port hopping or a party atmosphere, this probably isn't your trip. But if you want to truly absorb one extraordinary place while enjoying the comfort of a cruise ship as your base, Bermuda delivers in ways I never expected.
Why I Keep Going Back
That first hosted cruise in 2022 started something. I've hosted a cruise every year since, and I've already booked my return to Bermuda next month on the NCL Aqua. There's something about this destination that keeps calling me back. The way the light hits the water in the morning. The genuine warmth of the people. The feeling of discovering a place that exceeds every expectation.
I didn't just visit Bermuda. I fell in love with it. And now I have the privilege of helping my clients experience that same unexpected magic for themselves.