Barbados is one of the more popular ports of call on Southern Caribbean itineraries.
Barbados is in the Lesser Antilles, the eastern most island in the Caribbean. It is an independent British Commonwealth nation, bounded on the east by the Atlantic Ocean and on the west by the Caribbean Sea. Barbados is also a popular departure port for cruise itineraries.
This beautiful island has the highest literacy rate in the Caribbean and one of the best standards of living. In addition to the tourist based economy, Barbados has a significant manufacturing base.
Where Your Ship Docks
In Barbados cruise ships dock at the Bridgetown Cruise Terminal and free shuttles take passengers from the ships pier to the terminal building. There are lots of shops inside the terminal, public facilities and WiFi is available but not free. Walking out from the terminal is allowed and there’s a walkway into Bridgetown that runs along the waterfront and past some beautiful beaches. The distance into town center is approximately two miles. Most stores are open during the week but close at noon on Saturday and are not open on Sunday.
Wheelchair Accessibility
Disembarking – This port has cruise ship piers with a central terminal accessed by port buses so the ease of disembarking varies by the individual ships gangway designs. For passengers using wheelchairs there can be a moderate ramp incline to deal with and you will need to access buses.
Port City Area – This port has a reasonable wheelchair friendly infrastructure. The port area and nearby Bridgetown are flat with few inclines. Intersection crosswalks have few issues with curbs or other wheelchair obstacles.
Transportation
There are lots of taxies available from the Barbados cruise port area. The fares are regulated by the government but it is still important to agree on a price before the trip. The Georgetown Bus Terminal is located two blocks outside the port area, behind Pelican Village. Exact fares must be paid for bus rides and tokens can be purchased at the bus terminal. Rental cars are available but the rates are fairly steep and you will have to pay for a Barbados tourist driving license. Driving is on the left side of the road and, once you leave the city areas, many roads do not have name signs. While the main highways are modern and multi-lane, secondary roads are narrow and the major traffic intersections on the island are traffic circles and it takes some skill to get through one.
Currency
The official currency is the Barbados Dollar (BBD) but US Dollars (not coins) are widely accepted. The exchange rate is fixed at US $1.00 = BBD $2.00.
Tipping
A service charge of 10% to 15% is typically added to bills at restaurants in Barbados. Additional tipping is expected but should be only a few dollars and should reflect service quality.
Attractions
Beaches! There are many beautiful beaches in Barbados but the easiest one to get to from the cruise port is Boatyard Beach on Carlisle Bay. It is about a 20 minute walk from the terminal or an inexpensive taxi ride. A fee of US$20.00 is charged to use the facilities which includes a beach chair, shared umbrella, one cocktail, WIFI and free transport back to the ship.
Mount Gay Rum Distillery (web site) in Brandons, St. Michaels offers tours Monday to Friday and sometimes on Saturday. The current fee is $20.00 which includes a presentation on the rum’s history and a tasting. Tickets can be booked online.
Harrison’s Cave (web site) in St. Thomas is a network of caves, waterfalls, lakes and streams approximately 170 feet below ground. Tours are offered daily for a fee. The area above ground is a good place to spot green monkeys.
Earthworks Pottery (web site) is located mid island in St. Thomas Parish. It is an opportunity to view local potters at work and purchase some hand made souvenirs. Closed Sunday.
George Washington House in Bush Hill welcomes visitors Monday through Saturday. It is the only place outside the United States that George Washington ever visited.
Bathsheba on the rugged Atlantic coast (eastern shore) is a great place to see surfers and enjoy a lunch at one of the local restaurants.
Black Pearl Party Cruises (web site) provides a 4 hour trip on the Jolly Roger which includes a buffet lunch, swimming, snorkeling, dancing and unlimited house drinks. The price is just under $90.00 with discounts for online booking and groups.
IMPORTANT – Do not wear camouflage clothing as it is illegal in Barbados; Only smoke in designated areas; Avoid touching or standing under the big shady Manshineel Trees as they are poisonous. Most of these trees are marked in red or banded in red. Traffic drives to the left so get in the habit of looking both ways before crossing streets.
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