If you’re looking to spend the night in a tropical place, consider a cruise to Bermuda. Sailings to the British island – only a few hundred miles off the coast of North Carolina -- typically spend two days in port, allowing guests to really dig their toes into its famous pink-sand beaches.

For all of its refined island appeal, Bermuda can get a pricy. Hotel nights, drinks and meals quickly accumulate a hefty vacation price tag, which makes your ship -- a virtual floating hotel -- a great option for visiting. Though it's encouraged to try some of the local cuisine (and especially the rum cocktails), it's handy to have included meals and amenities waiting for you back onboard if your wallet needs a break.

Bermudians blend their British roots with the pace of island life; you might go sailing and swimming in the morning and settle in for a proper cup of tea in the late afternoon. Golf courses are plentiful, and a round at one is on many golfers' bucket lists.

A day in the sun is par for the course here, where pristine beaches meet the Atlantic on all sides. Cruisers might book a tour that picks them up right from the port to go snorkeling with turtles, sailing or Jetskiing. Or, hop in a cab over to the famous Horseshoe Bay Beach. Crystal and Fantasy Caves are a shaded (read: underground) spot on the island where visitors can explore this awesome natural wonder.

Shopping is also a productive way to spend a day in Bermuda. Popular souvenirs include anything rum-related (especially rum cakes), a sherry pepper sauce that gives the local seafood chowder its kick, hand-blown glass from studios in Hamilton and French perfume from a perfumery in St. George's that has been selling scents for more than 90 years.

Bermuda enjoys mild weather year-round in a sub-tropical climate, but cruises here are concentrated in the spring, summer and fall, as temperatures do dip beyond swimming weather in the winter months.

There are three cruise ports across the nearly 21 square miles of Bermuda, but chances are your ship will be docked in a place called King's Wharf. The Royal Naval Dockyard, located at King's Wharf, is a historic military base that now houses dining, retail, handicrafts and the Clocktower Mall. A family-friendly beach and other amenities are within walking distance of the terminal.

Hamilton, the capital of Bermuda, is an easy ferry ride away from King's Wharf. Mega-ships aren't able to dock here, though the smallest ships still do. Bars and restaurants are concentrated in Hamilton. Every Wednesday night during the summer, a street festival called Harbour Nights brings music, food trucks and entertainment along the city's main drag.

Also accessible by ferry is St. George's, the former capital of Bermuda and the first English settlement. Only smaller ships (roughly less than a thousand people) are able to call here, but it's well worth a day trip to explore the pastel-hued homes and historic landmarks.

Cruise ports that cater to Bermuda sailings are mainly located on the East Coast and include Boston, Baltimore, Bayonne, New York and Charleston.

Here are our best tips for finding a cheap cruise or cruise deal to Bermuda. If you book a “guaranteed cabin” (they select for you), a cabin on a lower deck or sail on an older ship from a brand you enjoy, then you can get the best price for a specific cruise to Bermuda. Last-minute cruise deals to Bermuda appear as you get closer to the sail date, usually four weeks in advance. Taking a cruise to Bermuda in the shoulder season (before or after the peak season), or during hurricane season, can also be a great way to find a cruise special.