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.

 Let's talk about Johnny Rockets. It's one of those spots on a Royal Caribbean ship that you either love, skip entirely, or have strong opinions about the moment someone mentions a cover charge. We're talking $18 per person to walk in the door. And on Independence of the Seas, that question gets even more interesting, because this ship has no shortage of dining options competing for your attention.

So we sat down, ordered a full spread, and gave it a real shot. Here's what we found.

Eighteen dollars sounds steep for lunch — and honestly, if you're paying cash out of pocket for two people, you're already at $36 before you even think about drinks. Add a milkshake for each of you (because why would you come to Johnny Rockets and not get a shake), and you're looking at roughly $50 for a casual lunch. That's the version that'll make you pause.

But here's how we handled it: we were on the unlimited dining package, which covered the cover charge completely. No math needed, just walk in and eat.

For the shakes, we used our diamond drink vouchers and that's a great use of those credits, by the way. If you've got the refreshment package or the deluxe beverage package, you're also covered. The one thing to know: the classic soda package does not cover milkshakes here. If that's what you're carrying and you want a shake, you'll be paying the difference which is somewhere around $9–10 per shake.

I went with the mushroom and Swiss burger. My wife ordered the BLT. Quick tip if you're getting a sandwich: tell your server upfront how you want the mayo. They are generous with it. Like, really generous. If you're not into a heavy spread, ask for it light or on the side before the food comes out. You'll be happier.

For shakes, I went chocolate and she had a root beer float. Both were exactly what you'd hope for — rich, classic, no complaints. The fries? They looked great. Golden, fresh out of the fryer, or so it seemed. But only the top layer was actually hot. Everything underneath was lukewarm at best. A little disappointing, but not a dealbreaker.

I've been around this ship. I've eaten at Playmakers. And I'll say what I said on camera: these are the best onion rings I've had on Independence of the Seas. Crispy, light, perfectly cooked none of that heavy grease situation you sometimes run into. Playmakers is great, don't get me wrong, but their rings can lean a little greasy depending on the day. These were a different level. If the onion rings are the only reason you walk through that door, I'd understand it.

So… Is It Worth It?

Here's the honest answer: it depends on your setup.

If you've got the unlimited dining package and something to cover the shakes (diamond vouchers, refreshment package, deluxe beverage package) then yes, absolutely. It's a fun, retro break from the buffet, the food is solid, and those onion rings alone make it memorable.

If you're paying full price for everything? You're probably spending around $50 for lunch for two. That's a real decision, and only you know if that fits your vacation budget. We're not here to tell you how to spend your money. We're just here to give you the full picture.

Watch the Full Video

Want to see the full spread before you decide? Check out our video below. We walk through everything from the menu to the milkshakes to that onion ring moment. Watch on YouTube →

Have you been to Johnny Rockets on a Royal Caribbean ship? Drop a comment — we want to know if you think $18 is too steep or if those onion rings are worth the price of admission. And if you're following along on the Independence of the Seas journey, hit subscribe so you don't miss what's next.

Wishing you smooth sailing and calm seas. 

Matt | Ports and Pensions — Documenting cruising adventures and life at sea in full retirement mode.