Cruising to Bermuda is an unforgettable experience. Royal Caribbean offers incredible itineraries to this beautiful island. We recently sailed on the Independence of the Seas out of Cape Liberty.

Many cruisers immediately book shore excursions when they secure their sailing. These guided tours can cost anywhere from 89 to 150 dollars per person. That adds up incredibly fast for couples and families.

We believe in smart luxury here at Ports and Pensions. You do not need to spend hundreds of dollars to see the best parts of Bermuda. The island has one of the best public transit systems in the world. You can skip the crowded tour groups. You can explore entirely at your own pace. The secret is the Bermuda Transportation Day Pass.

The Ultimate 19 Dollar Island Hack

Your cruise ship will dock at the Royal Naval Dockyard. This spot serves as the main hub for public transportation. You can purchase a day pass for just 19 dollars.

Bermuda currency is pegged one to one with the US dollar. They accept US cash everywhere. This single pass gives you unlimited access to every public bus and ferry. You can travel all over the island for the whole day.

Getting your pass is incredibly easy. You can download the ShoreLink app on your phone. You simply buy the pass and activate it when you are ready to board. You can also visit the visitor center right near the ferry terminal if you prefer a physical ticket. They sell transit tokens and paper passes there.

Ride the Sea Express Ferry to St Georges

Your first move should be catching the ferry. You want to take the Orange Route ferry directly to St Georges. This is a gorgeous 45 minute boat ride across crystal clear water.

Cruise lines often charge over 100 dollars for boat tours to this exact same area. You get the exact same stunning views from the public ferry for a fraction of the cost. You get to see the island from the sea just like the Royal Navy did centuries ago.

Step Back in Time in St Georges

St Georges is the oldest continuously occupied English settlement in the New World. It was established way back in 1609. The cobblestone streets are full of history. Cruise line excursions often skip this area or rush you through it to get to a beach. Public transit gives you the freedom to wander and take your time.

You definitely want to visit St Peters Church. It is the oldest active Anglican church in the western hemisphere. You can walk inside and see the original wooden beams. Consider leaving a small donation to help with their upkeep.

You also need to walk up the hill to see the Unfinished Church. Construction started in 1874 but the parish ran out of funding. The stone arches are open to the sky today. It is hauntingly beautiful and completely free to enter.

Local Food and Drinks Without the Rush

Exploring will definitely build your appetite. The waterfront in St Georges is the perfect place to relax. You can grab a drink on the patio at White Horse and watch the boats go by. There is no guide telling you it is time to get back on a tour bus.

We highly recommend Wahoos for a casual local lunch. The fish sandwich is fantastic. The wahoo nuggets are incredibly fresh and simple. This is exactly what smart luxury is all about. You can finish your afternoon with a local beer at Moongate Brewing. You actually get to sit and talk with the people who live on the island.

Always check the ferry schedules first thing in the morning. They are posted at the dockyard and available in the ShoreLink app. The ferries are very reliable but they do stop running in the late afternoon. The last ferry from St Georges usually leaves around five in the evening.

You can watch our full video guide to see exactly what this looks like in action. We show you the terminal and the ferry ride and all the best spots in St Georges. Be sure to subscribe to the channel for more real deal cruise advice. Let us know in the comments if you have ever used the Bermuda ferries.