Bermuda Recovery, Power, Ferries, and Dockyard Calls

Published on Nov 2, 2025, 11:27 am CSTUpdated on Nov 2, 2025, 11:35 am CST

4 min read

Key points

BELCO reports active restoration work with storm-related outages progressively reduced
Ferries resumed October 31 on Blue, Pink, and Green routes, with Orange route still suspended
Heritage Wharf expects Brilliance of the Seas November 4 and Seven Seas Splendor November 4-5

Impact

Hotel And Waterfront Operations: Power restoration is easing property operations, but localized outages may persist in some parishes
Shore Excursions Timing: Plan around resumed ferries on Blue, Pink, and Green; Orange, the St George's link, remains suspended until further notice
Turnaround And Berthing: Expect calls at Heritage Wharf on Nov 4 and an overnight through Nov 5 that may tighten afternoon transport windows
Traveler Actions: Confirm shore times with your line, check day-of ferry notices, and monitor BELCO for localized restoration updates
Vendors And Guides: Stage groups at Dockyard earlier on Nov 4-5 and allow margin for inter-harbor transfers without the Orange route

Bermuda is moving into recovery mode after Hurricane Melissa, with BELCO restoration crews working island-wide and ferry services largely back in operation. That stability supports this week's cruise calls at the Royal Naval Dockyard, including a daytime visit and an overnight at Heritage Wharf that will concentrate activity around the western hub. Travelers and operators should still plan for localized power work and one ferry route suspension that can affect transfers and excursions.

BELCO restoration and hotel operations

BELCO's storm page shows systematic restoration, including work at multiple substations and rolling repair of main lines. The utility's October 31 updates listed parish-level outage counts through the day, then committed to continuing status posts as crews cleared hazards such as pole fires and moved feeders back online. That cadence, and the reported reduction in total affected meters compared with morning peaks, signals steady progress that helps hotels, restaurants, and waterfront merchants reopen services.

Local media and government briefings framed the island's brush with Melissa as serious but short of worst-case, with nearly 20,000 properties losing power at the peak before restoration advanced. This context helps explain why many hospitality operations are reopening quickly, while a minority wait on feeder repairs or on-premise electrical checks.

Ferries, routes, and what changed

The Department of Marine and Ports Services resumed ferries on Friday, October 31, with the Blue Route from Hamilton to Dockyard returning first, followed by Pink and Green later in the afternoon. The Orange Route, which links Dockyard and St George's and is popular for shore excursions, remains suspended until further notice. That suspension is the main operational constraint for inter-harbor excursions and private tours that would normally pivot through St George's by sea.

For planners, note that the seasonal winter schedule governs frequencies and spans, so passengers should build in extra margin for pier-to-pier moves and consider bus or taxi alternatives if St George's is on the itinerary and timing is tight.

Dockyard calls at Heritage Wharf this week

Marine and Ports' official cruise schedule lists two calls at Heritage Wharf this week. Royal Caribbean's Brilliance of the Seas is slated for Tuesday, November 4, 900 a.m. to 400 p.m., followed by Regent's Seven Seas Splendor arriving late afternoon November 4 and remaining overnight to a 4:00 p.m. departure on Wednesday, November 5. These timings imply afternoon pressure on Dockyard transport, particularly for independent tours and late-day ferry connections.

Third-party trackers echo those calls, showing the Brilliance of the Seas day call on November 4 and the Seven Seas Splendor overnight over November 4-5. When cross-checking day-of timing, rely on the Marine and Ports list first, then verify on your line's app or pier signage.

Analysis

With BELCO progressing through feeder and substation work, properties around Hamilton, Pembroke, Warwick, and Paget can expect improving service, though isolated repairs may continue. That means most waterfront merchants at Dockyard should operate near normal on November 4-5, but backup plans remain smart for venues on still-affected circuits. Ferries are largely back, yet the suspended Orange Route removes the direct Dockyard, St George's link, which can add time for any east-end excursions on tight back-on-board windows. Build itineraries around the Blue Route for Hamilton access and confirm last-sailing times before committing guests.

Background Bermuda Electric Light Company Limited, BELCO, is the island's sole electric utility, and post-storm sequences typically move from substation safety checks to main-line repairs, then to lateral branches and individual service drops. Ferry operations are managed by Marine and Ports; seasonal schedules and post-storm service resumptions are published on the Government of Bermuda site. Cruise berths at the Royal Naval Dockyard include King's Wharf and Heritage Wharf, with most large-ship calls using Heritage Wharf; the official cruise schedule is compiled by Marine and Ports and lists ship, berth, and time.

Final thoughts

Bermuda's recovery after Melissa is advancing, power reliability is improving, and Dockyard is set for a busy November 4-5 at Heritage Wharf. The main operational watch item is the suspended Orange Route. Confirm ferry options the morning of travel, leave margin for afternoon pier moves, and monitor BELCO's restoration feed if your plans depend on specific neighborhoods.