Bermuda Power Restoration And Port Calls After Melissa

Published on Nov 1, 2025, 2:10 pm CDT

5 min read

Key points

BELCO's outage total fell sharply overnight as crews restore feeders and substations
Government declared an all clear on October 31 with ferries resuming on adjusted schedules
Marine & Ports weekly sheet lists early-November cruise berths at Heritage Wharf
King's Wharf construction continues through March 31, 2026 and can shift berths
Travelers should verify tendering or berthing details with their line on the day of call

Impact

Cruise Calls: Expect ships to use Heritage Wharf at Royal Naval Dockyard with possible day-of adjustments while King's Wharf works continue
Ferry Links: Public ferries are operating with route timing tweaks so allow extra time for transfers to and from Dockyard
Hotels And Services: Power restoration is progressing which eases constraints on properties, restaurants, and waterfront vendors
What To Do: Check your cruise line app, the day's Marine & Ports shipping sheet, and hotel messages for any last-minute changes
If You're Ashore: Confirm return-to-ship all-aboard against the latest ferry timetable or use taxis if ferry frequency is reduced

Bermuda's power grid is recovering quickly after Hurricane Melissa's closest approach. Bermuda Electric Light Company (BELCO) reports active restoration across the island, taking the overnight outage count down substantially by early November 1, which reduces operating constraints for hotels, restaurants, transport providers, and port services. On the marine side, the Government declared an "all clear" on October 31 and the Department of Marine & Ports Services resumed ferries with schedule updates, while the weekly shipping notice shows cruise calls slated for Heritage Wharf at Royal Naval Dockyard in the days ahead. Travelers should still verify day-of plans because minor adjustments are possible as cleanup continues and works at King's Wharf proceed.

Power: Rapid Restoration Is Easing Strain On Operations

BELCO's post-storm update emphasized that restoration follows a staged process, prioritizing substations and main feeders before smaller branches for safety and speed. That approach, combined with full incident command activation, has driven a steady drop in customers out since the storm's passage. The utility's live outage map captured the trend early on November 1, listing several hundred customers affected across parishes, down from peaks near 20,000 reported overnight by local media. For travelers, this means fewer localized blackouts at hotels and businesses, improving reliability for check-ins, restaurant operations, and card payments as the weekend begins.

BELCO also reiterated field safety and the need to work methodically around downed lines and tree damage. That caution is a useful proxy for traveler expectations: while lights are coming back on quickly, isolated pockets may remain on generators or reduced service through the weekend. If your accommodation messaged earlier about conservation measures, expect follow-ups as mains power returns.

Ferries, Buses, And Getting To Dockyard

Government operations moved from ride-out to reopening on October 31. The Department of Marine & Ports Services announced ferries resumed that day with route timing adjustments, and the Department of Public Transportation restarted bus service at 1:00 p.m. local time with temporary route changes where utility work continued. If you are transferring to or from Dockyard for a ship call, build in buffer time and confirm the specific Blue and Pink route departures that match your schedule.

Background: Bermuda's ferry network is a primary connector for cruise guests staying ashore or taking independent tours, especially between Hamilton and Dockyard. After storms, the service typically returns in phases, starting with the most trafficked routes, then normalizing as marine checks and pier housekeeping wrap up. That pattern is in play here.

Port Calls: Heritage Wharf In Use, King's Wharf Works Continue

Marine & Ports' Weekly Shipping sheet dated November 1 lists cruise movements for the coming week, including calls at Heritage Wharf, Royal Naval Dockyard. For example, the sheet shows Brilliance of the Seas and Seven Seas Splendor due to berth at Heritage Wharf in the first half of the week, signaling that the port is operating and hosting ships post-Melissa. Always confirm with your cruise line, as arrival and departure times can change with harbor conditions or cleanup activity.

Separately, the Government has already flagged a medium-term operational variable: construction at King's Wharf began in October and is scheduled to continue through March 31, 2026, to extend the pier and align it with Heritage Wharf's capacity. During this period, ships are more likely to use Heritage Wharf or to see berth assignments shuffle between the two Dockyard piers. This is unrelated to Melissa but will overlap with post-storm days, so check your line's notifications for any late switches between berthing and tendering.

What We Are Watching

First, BELCO's outage map and advisories for the final pockets without service, which correlate with small-area hotel and restaurant impacts. Second, Marine & Ports' daily ferry notes and each week's shipping sheet for any near-term schedule edits. Third, cruise line app notices that could adjust all-aboard times if ferry frequency is temporarily reduced. Local media reported the island avoided major damage, with peak overnight outages near 20,000, and the official "all clear" on October 31 supports the ongoing normalization narrative.

Final Thoughts

For Bermuda travelers and cruise guests, conditions are moving from caution to normal. Power restoration is well advanced, ferries are running with tweaks, and Dockyard is hosting ships at Heritage Wharf while King's Wharf upgrades continue. Keep verifying the day's ferry departures and your ship's berth or tender plan, then expect a largely smooth experience as the island tidies up after Melissa.