Bermuda is a dazzling gem set in the Atlantic Ocean, famous for its pink sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and striking limestone cliffs. Beyond the island’s natural beauty, its rich culture and vibrant art scene are equally captivating. Bermudian culture is an amazing fusion of African, Caribbean, and British influences. This is evident in everything from the island's architecture—charming pastel-colored cottages with white, stepped roofs—to its arts, crafts, music, food, and local traditions.

Royal Naval Dockyard

Just steps from the cruise ship pier, Bermuda’s Royal Naval Dockyard is a treasure trove of history, culture, and art. Perched on the island’s western tip, it is a historic maritime hub that once served as the British Royal Navy's strategic stronghold in the Atlantic. Its grand stone structures, including the iconic Clocktower, reflect the island’s colonial past and the military importance of the site.

Today, the Royal Naval Dockyard has been revitalized as a vibrant cultural destination. Its historic buildings now house museums, shops, galleries, and restaurants, including the Bermuda Maritime Museum, where visitors can discover the island's seafaring history.

**Clocktower in Bermuda's Royal Naval Dockyard**

Bermuda Craft Market

Nestled inside the Old Cooperage Building, the Bermuda Craft Market is a wonderland of handmade treasures. Talented local artisans showcase their skills, offering everything from hand-poured candles and exquisite jewelry to bath products and hand-dyed scarves. You’ll find books on Bermuda’s rich history, prints, reproduction maps, and stunning cedar wood décor that evokes the island’s natural beauty.

And what’s even more magical? Many of these artisans are creating their masterpieces right before your eyes!

**Jennifer Rodrigues** crafts stunning pink sand jewelry set in sterling silver. Each piece is hand-sculpted and cast in her Bermuda studio.

**Teresa Warner’s** vibrant Gombey dolls, inspired by Bermuda’s traditional Gombey dancers, are full of energy and history. Inspired by her mother’s crafting of Gombey costumes, each doll is meticulously crafted utilizing the same vibrant fabrics, colorful beads, and detailed stitching.

**Lynn Morrell** creates breathtaking jewelry using sterling silver, Bermuda’s iconic pink sand, and mesmerizing blue limpet shells. Her Bermuda Beach Bowls are crafted from recycled paper into paper mache vessels with sand, shells and sea glass.

**Warren Fray’s** architectural sketches bring Bermuda’s landmarks to life through stunning pen-and-ink creations, capturing the island’s unique charm in his “Shades of Grey” portfolio.

**Bermuda Antiquities** offers a treasure trove of historical collectibles, from antique bottles and coins to rare maps, books, and spoons—a time capsule of Bermuda’s past.

The Frog and Onion Pub

Across from the Craft Market, you’ll find the historic Frog and Onion Pub, where traditional English pub fare meets Bermuda’s laid-back vibe. Step inside the Coopers Room, warmed by a massive stone fireplace, and savor a pint or cocktail in the cozy bar. Frog and Onion is the only establishment in Bermuda to specially blend their own rum named Frog Grog. Featuring 4 parts Rum and 1 part water, the spirit was named Grog by sailors in the 1700s.

Bermuda Arts Centre

The Bermuda Arts Centre at the Dockyard is an artist’s dream, brimming with creativity and local talent. Established in 1984 by a collective of local artists, it’s a gallery and working studios all in one. It feels like stepping into the heartbeat of Bermuda’s art scene.

The following artists create amazing works of art in studios located in the Bermuda Arts Centre.

Christopher Grimes

This artist transports visitors back in time with his “Old Bermuda” paintings, a series inspired by circa 1900 vintage photographs of Bermuda landscapes. An avid Bermuda history fan, he has produced many paintings documenting Bermuda’s history from as early as the wreck of the Sea Venture in July 1609. His work is highly sought after by collectors worldwide. Christopher Grimes

Nahed EID

Creating whimsical mixed-media art and jewelry using shells, glass, and wire, Nahed transforms everyday materials into stunning, one-of-a-kind pieces of art. Her compositions are vibrant and colorful with a distinct raw and unrestrained quality. She enjoys combining elements with different textures and forms yielding whimsical and unique pieces. Take a look at her studio and designs in this video link. Nahed EID

Christopher Marson

Christopher’s watercolor landscapes and still-life paintings capture the island’s serene beauty, offering a true feast for the eyes. He paints quickly and directly enjoying the transparency, the immediacy, and the unpredictability of the watercolor medium. Christopher has worked in watercolor for over 40 years and has won numerous awards. Christopher Marson

Jon Faulkner Pottery

At Jon Faulkner Pottery, you’ll discover an artist who has been mastering his craft since the age of 15. In his stunning gallery, located in a historic Dockyard building, Jon creates beautiful, high-fired stoneware and porcelain pieces, all fired in an eco-friendly kiln that he built himself. His glazes, developed from scratch, add a magical touch to every piece, from vases to his signature Bermuda Rockpool bowls, which mimic the island’s turquoise blue waters and rocky shores.

Clocktower Mall

Housed in a former naval warehouse, Clocktower Mall is a treasure chest of local shops and galleries, perfect for hunting down one-of-a-kind crafts and artistic works. Here are just a few that caught my eye.

**Carole Holding** blends her talents as an artist and chef to create paintings and signature gift items including table linens, tableware, hand towels and more, while also crafting delicious rum cakes and jams.

**Bermuda Bags** offers handcrafted, vividly colored crocheted bags inspired by the Wayuu Tribes of Colombia and the island’s bright palette.

**Studio 8 Glass** crafts stunning glass jewelry and gifts, made from sea glass, sand, and stones. For a memorable keepsake, create your own pink sand locket!

Lisa-Anne Rego Art Gallery

Lisa-Anne Rego Gallery showcases over 100 striking artworks that capture the essence of Bermuda, available as prints, giclées, or originals. Lisa’s artwork is very vibrant, detailed and descriptive. In 2012, Lisa was voted “Top 50 Artist in the U.S.” In 2017, she was the officially licensed artist of the America’s Cup. Her background, talent and vision are remarkable. Lisa shares her story in the video below.

Hamilton

Venturing on to Hamilton, Bermuda’s colorful capital, charming pastel colonial buildings line the harbor along Front Street. If you’re visiting on a Wednesday evening during summer, the lively Harbour Nights festival transforms Front Street into a bustling celebration of local culture. Locals fill the street, offering fine art, handmade crafts, island eats, and music.

Gombey dancers, of all ages, adorned in brightly colored costumes with intricate beadwork and mirrors, parade down Front Street, weaving African, Native American, and British elements into their lively dances, set to rhythmic drumming. This traditional performance art represents the heart and soul of Bermuda, reflecting its diverse roots.

The Pickled Onion

A great place to watch Harbour Night festivities is The Pickled Onion Pub and Restaurant. It boasts one of Hamilton’s largest patios overlooking Front Street. Indulge in one of their spirited martinis or signature Pickled Swizzle while enjoying delectable fresh seafood dishes. Try a sample of the day’s homemade infused rum offering. Delish!

The following are just a few of the creative artists welcoming visitors to Hamilton and exhibiting during Harbour Nights.

**Alexandra Mosher** creates captivating jewelry made of precious metals and sparkling gemstones. She also invites visitors behind the scenes at the flagship store studio, where her stunning sterling silver and Bermuda pink sand designs take shape.

**Patricia Medeiros** captures Bermuda’s coastal essence in her mesmerizing resin art jewelry and décor.

**Danl and Deanne DeSilva** create stunning floral photography and paintings, zooming in on the intricate beauty of Bermuda’s nature.

**One Love Designs** bursts with vibrancy, thanks to Charmaine and Jerry Friday’s colorful hand-painted tiles and apparel.

St. George’s

Take a day to rent an electric vehicle at the Dockyard for a scenic ride through beaches, and the mesmerizing Crystal Caves, and make sure to stop by Swizzle Inn for a taste of Bermuda’s famous rum swizzle. Once you arrive at the far side of the island, you’ll be in St. George’s, a charming town full of history.

Once in St. George’s, explore the Dragon’s Lair Gallery, a co-op gallery of artists showcasing everything from jewelry to cedar wood carvings. Then, visit Kelly Pretorius-Sea Glass Studio, where stunning sea glass creations are transformed into jewelry and home décor.

When visiting St. George’s, be sure to stop by the historic White Horse Pub and Restaurant, located at the water’s edge, for a pint in a building dating back to the 1700s. Opened in 1930 as Ye Olde White Horse Tavern, it was both a bar and hotel at that time. Today, the White Horse Pub remains a St. George’s historical landmark and gathering spot for locals and visitors alike.

Bermuda is a creative paradise, where the island’s kaleidoscope of colors and natural beauty inspire artists worldwide. Whether discovered in local markets, studios, or galleries, each artistic piece captures the island’s spirit, allowing visitors to bring home a forever memory of their time in blissful Bermuda.

Next Voyage - October is almost here, and I can’t wait to board the Sapphire Princes to embark on a voyage to the Southern Caribbean! I’ll be searching for unique arts and crafts in the ports of Dominica, Martinique, St. Kitts, Antigua, and Fort Lauderdale.

Till then, keep cruisin’ through life, discovering your own special Things!

CHEERS!

Enjoying Island Art, Culture, and Colorful Crafts in Blissful Bermuda

Cruising to Bermuda on NCL’s Joy

20 Unique Art, Crafts, Food and Decor to Bring Home From a Princess West Coast Cruise