Carnival docks at King's Wharf on the Royal Naval Dockyard

Carnival cruise ships dock at King's Wharf, located in the Royal Naval Dockyard on the western end of Bermuda's main island. This is the primary cruise port for all major cruise lines visiting Bermuda, including Carnival. The wharf sits in a protected harbor and can accommodate multiple large ships at once.

King's Wharf is about 15 minutes by taxi or ferry from the capital city of Hamilton, and roughly 30 minutes from the pink-sand beaches on Bermuda's south shore. The dockyard itself is a working port with shops, restaurants, and a small museum, so you can walk around the when ready area without leaving the port.

Your ship will typically arrive in the morning—most Bermuda cruises dock between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m.—and depart in the evening around 5 p.m. or 6 p.m. This gives you a full day to explore the island, though you will need to return to the ship several hours before departure.

Key Takeaways

  • Carnival ships dock at King's Wharf in the Royal Naval Dockyard, the only cruise port in Bermuda.
  • The port is 15 minutes by taxi or ferry from Hamilton and about 30 minutes from the south-shore beaches.
  • Ships typically arrive between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. and depart around 5 p.m. or 6 p.m., giving you a full day on the island.
  • You can walk around the dockyard shops and restaurants without leaving the port, or take a taxi, ferry, or rental scooter to explore further.

Getting from King's Wharf to other parts of Bermuda

Taxis are available at the wharf exit, but they are expensive—a ride to Hamilton costs around $20 to $25 USD, and to the south-shore beaches $30 to $40 USD. Drivers do not always have change for large bills, so bring smaller denominations or ask the taxi stand attendant to call a cab that can make change.

The ferry is cheaper and more scenic. A ferry terminal sits at the dockyard itself, and ferries run to Hamilton (about 20 minutes, roughly $5 USD one way) and to the town of St. George's (about 35 minutes, roughly $5 USD one way). Ferries run frequently during the day but less often in early morning or late afternoon, so check the schedule when you arrive.

If you want to explore on your own pace, you can rent a scooter or bicycle at the dockyard or nearby. Bermuda drives on the left side of the road, and scooter rentals require a valid driver's license. Rental shops are within walking distance of the wharf, and a scooter typically costs $50 to $70 USD for the day.

What to do at King's Wharf and the Royal Naval Dockyard

The dockyard itself has several shops selling Bermuda crafts, souvenirs, and duty-free goods. There are also restaurants and cafes where you can eat without leaving the port. The Bermuda National Museum is located in the dockyard's Keep building and covers the island's naval history; admission is around $15 USD.

The dockyard grounds are pleasant to walk around, with views of the harbor and access to a small beach area. If you do not want to venture far from your ship, you can spend a few hours here, eat lunch, and return to the ship without taking a taxi or ferry.

Timing your return to the ship

Carnival requires all passengers to be back on board at least 30 minutes before the posted departure time. In practice, you should plan to return one to two hours early, especially if you are taking a taxi or ferry that might be delayed. If you are late, the ship will leave without you, and you will be responsible for your own transportation to the next port.

The last ferries from Hamilton and St. George's typically run around 4 p.m. or 5 p.m., so if you take the ferry, check the schedule before you leave the ship. Taxis are available throughout the day but can have wait times during peak hours (around 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.), so factor that into your plans.

Customs and immigration at King's Wharf

Bermuda is a British Overseas Territory, and all passengers must clear immigration when the ship arrives. This process happens on the ship itself before you disembark—Carnival crew will direct you to the correct deck and line. Have your passport ready, even if you are a U.S. citizen.

The immigration process usually takes 30 to 60 minutes depending on how many passengers are on your ship. You will not be able to leave the ship until immigration is complete, so plan accordingly if you want to maximize your time on the island. When you return to the ship, you will go through a security screening similar to airport security.

What documents you need to visit Bermuda

U.S. citizens need a valid passport to enter Bermuda. Canadian citizens also need a valid passport. Some other nationalities may need a visa; check the Bermuda government website before your cruise if you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen.

If you are traveling with children, each child needs their own passport. Birth certificates are not sufficient for cruise travel to Bermuda. If your passport is expired or will expire within six months of your cruise, renew it before you travel—the cruise line will not allow you to board without a valid passport.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I stay on the ship if I do not want to go ashore in Bermuda?

Yes. Some passengers choose to stay on board and enjoy the ship's facilities, pools, and restaurants while the ship is docked. However, you will still need to clear immigration when the ship arrives, even if you do not plan to leave. Check with Carnival about whether you need to disembark and re-board for immigration purposes.

Is there a beach at King's Wharf?

There is a small beach area at the dockyard, but it is not the main attraction. Bermuda's famous pink-sand beaches are on the south shore, about 30 minutes away by taxi or scooter. If beach time is your priority, plan to take a taxi or rent a scooter to reach one of the main beaches like Horseshoe Bay or Warwick Long Bay.

What currency does Bermuda use?

Bermuda uses the Bermuda Dollar, which is pegged to the U.S. Dollar at a 1:1 rate. U.S. dollars are widely accepted throughout the island, so you do not need to exchange currency. Credit cards and debit cards are also accepted at most shops and restaurants.

Do I need to go through security again when I return to the ship?

Yes. When you return to King's Wharf to board the ship, you will go through a security screening similar to airport security. Have your room key card and passport ready. The process usually takes 10 to 20 minutes depending on how many passengers are returning at the same time.

What happens if my ship is delayed and I miss the departure?

If the ship leaves without you, you are responsible for your own transportation to the next port of call. Carnival will not refund your cruise fare or provide transportation. This is why it is important to return to the ship well before the posted departure time, especially if you are relying on taxis or ferries that may be delayed.