Saint George Cruise Port

History

Saint George was founded in 1612, three years after the wreck of the Sea Venture, the flagship of a Virginia Company fleet headed for Jamestown. Admiral Sir George Somers and his crew were stranded on these reefs, an event that eventually led to the permanent British settlement of the islands. For over 200 years, this town served as the capital of Bermuda and a vital hub for transatlantic trade and privateering. During the American Civil War (1861–1865), Saint George’s became a critical base for Confederate blockade runners, who used the North Atlantic Ocean routes to swap cotton for British munitions. You will see this legacy in the substantial brick warehouses that still line the waterfront. The town was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2000, preserving its unique 17th-century street grid. Unlike many Caribbean ports, the architecture here—characterized by white-stepped limestone roofs designed to catch rainwater—remains functionally identical to what settlers built four centuries ago. You will notice that the most significant historical site, St. Peter's Church, contains Bermuda cedar pillars dating to the 1600s, offering a direct sensory link to the island's earliest days. The town's historical prominence waned when the capital moved to Hamilton in 1815, which paradoxically saved Saint George's from the modern development that would have destroyed its medieval character.

The Verdict

The travelers who find the most joy in Saint George's are those who appreciate that history here is a living thing, not a museum exhibit. The guide reflects the collective intelligence of local partners, vetted for accuracy by J. Richard. A fully customized Bermudian itinerary, including private taxi tours of the hidden East End forts and guaranteed back-to-ship excursions, can be arranged in advance through your cruise line or a licensed local operator. Saint George's still has secrets to share with those who know where to look after 400 years.

Bermudian cuisine is a fusion of British, Caribbean, and Portuguese influences, shaped by 400 years of isolation on the Atlantic. The definitive dish is Fish Chowder, a spicy, tomato-based soup thickened with ground fish and flavored with Gosling's Black Seal Rum and Outerbridge's Sherry Peppers. You should also look for a 'Fish Sandwich'—but it must be on raisin bread with tartar sauce and coleslaw to be authentic. To drink, the Dark 'n Stormy (ginger beer and rum) or the Rum Swizzle are mandatory. While many tourists expect 'island' tropical fruit, the local soil is actually best for root vegetables like the famous Bermuda onion (now rare) and potatoes. Be aware that 'Sunday Codfish Breakfast'—a plate of salted cod, potatoes, hard-boiled eggs, avocado, and banana—is the most authentic meal you can find, though it is usually only served on Sunday mornings. For street food, seek out a local vendor selling 'Cassava Pie,' a sweet-and-savory meat pie that is a staple of Bermudian holiday celebrations.

Getting back to the ship

The latest safe departure time from Hamilton to Saint George's is 90 minutes before all-aboard if traveling by taxi, or 2 hours by bus. A taxi from Hamilton to the Ordnance Island pier takes approximately 35 minutes and costs ~45.00 BMD (~$47.00 USD). If you are coming from the Royal Naval Dockyard via the Orange Route ferry, leave on the second-to-last scheduled ferry to provide a one-hour safety buffer. If you are running late, contact the Port Agent (number provided in your ship's daily newsletter). The ship will not hold for independent travelers. Missing the ship in Saint George's is particularly difficult as it requires an expensive flight to the next port (usually the US East Coast) and involves complex customs processing at LF Wade International Airport.

Cultural etiquette

Bermudians are traditionally formal and take great pride in politeness. (1) Greeting: It is considered rude to ask a question (like 'Where is the church?') without first saying 'Good morning' or 'Good afternoon.' A nod is not enough; a verbal greeting is the expected convention. (2) Dining: Meals are a relaxed affair. To signal you are finished, place your knife and fork parallel across the plate. In Saint George's, splitting a single entree is common and acceptable in casual bistros like Wahoo's. (3) Photography: Always ask permission before photographing locals, especially in residential alleys. Do not photograph the interior of St. Peter's during a service. (4) Queueing: Bermudians queue strictly for buses and ferries; jumping the line is a major offense. (5) Tipping: 15% to 17% is standard in restaurants and is often automatically added to the bill—check before adding more. For taxis, a 10% tip is appreciated. One common mistake cruise passengers make is wearing swimwear into the town's shops or administrative buildings; Bermudians consider this highly disrespectful and you may be asked to leave.

Practical tips

Bermuda uses the Bermudian Dollar (BMD), which is pegged 1:1 to the US Dollar. USD is accepted everywhere, and you will often receive a mix of both currencies in change. Credit cards are accepted at all restaurants and most shops, but the public buses and some small souvenir vendors are cash-only. A standard tip is 15–17% in restaurants (often included) and 10% for taxis. Five phrases that earn goodwill: 'Good morning' (essential), 'Please and thank you,' 'Which way to the Square?', 'Beautiful day,' and 'Where is the best fish chowder?'. The main scam to avoid is the 'unlicensed taxi'—only use vehicles with 'T' license plates and working meters. Dress code for St. Peter's Church requires covering shoulders and knees. The best crowd-avoidance strategy is to visit the Unfinished Church and Fort St. Catherine before 10:30 AM, then retreat to the town center for lunch just as the large ferry from the Dockyard arrives, bringing the crowds to the northern sites you've already seen.