Bermuda has been called a tiny chunk of England that floated away in search of better weather.

For the past couple of centuries, it has been the playground for British and European royalty. Famous people and wealthy honeymooners from America’s Eastern seaboard have flocked to its shores, as have socialites, money barons and celebrities from around the world.

Now, thanks to easy access by cruise ships, Bermuda has become a must-visit island for everyone, a place for soft adventure, romantic interludes and just plain fun.

You can discover the beauty of Bermuda on one of four week-long sailings a week between April and October - three sailings from New York and one from Philadelphia. With a Wednesday sailing aboard Crown Cruise Line’s, Crown Dynasty sailing from Philadelphia’s Naval Yard, you’ll be the only cruise ship in Bermuda over the weekend.

The country is actually an archipelago of over 150 small islands linked together by causeways and bridges. One of Britain's oldest self-governing territories, it’s a celebration of contrasts with ancient forts and modern amenities side by side. And while new developments accent a splendored setting above ground, historic ship wrecks lie below awaiting exploration by curious divers.

With an average temperature of 70 degrees, it’s a place that combines tiny stone churches, pubs, cricket and tea-time with hibiscus flowers, pink sandy beaches and island rhythms. Country cottages are painted lilac and lime, and the water's edge is never more than a mile away.

Encircled by protective coral reefs and miles of soft pink sandy beaches, Bermuda is a delight for swimmers, snorkellers and sunbathers alike. The Island's elongated shape ensures you are never far from the shore whether you seek the rolling surf, a tranquil bay or inshore reefs to snorkel around, all are conveniently within reach.  

But, Bermuda is more than pretty beaches and story-book cottages. Within the islands are a series of spectacular man-made and natural sites.  

At Spittal Pond, Bermuda's largest nature reserve offers herons, terns, ducks, a loving pair of bright flamingoes, and many migratory and resident water fowl that populate the pond and the untouched surroundings.  
 
Part of Britain’s design to fortify Bermuda as the "Gibraltar of the West" was the building of the Royal Ship Yard that began in 1809. Today the meticulously restored Dockyard is an entertainment and shopping complex, with restaurants crafts market, arts center, Bermuda Maritime Museum, historic Commissioner's House, cinema, and Clocktower shopping mall.

The Supreme Court and House of Assembly meet in the lovely, Italianate Sessions House, one of the government Buildings in the City of Hamilton, in which you can observe the government in action. Visit the Cabinet Building on Front Street, the offices of the Premier and Senate. Hamilton City Hall & Arts Center, that houses two art galleries and a theater.

The Bermuda Maritime Museum at the Royal Naval Dockyard has a treasure from a 16th Century Spanish wreck, relics from the Sea Venture, and other fascinating exhibits.  

There was even a close link between Bermuda and the Confederacy during the American Civil War, one so close that the town of St. George's was once described as "a nest of secessionists". The Globe Hotel, once the offices of Confederate agents, now the Confederate Museum, answers those questions with memorabilia, period furnishings, maps and informative displays.

Combine these and other memorable activities with the gracious style that has been a part of Bermuda for several centuries, and you have all of the ingredients of a trip guaranteed to stay with you long after it’s over.