With more cruises than ever before choosing to begin and end their voyages in Barbados, you will realise that getting in and out of the island is convenient, easy and hassle-free.
That way, you can plan for a longer stay on island, either before or after your cruise! There’s so much you’ll want to explore.
16 Homeporting Lines to choose from:
Windstar
Seabourn
Silversea
Sea Cloud
Sea Dream
Oceania
Scenic Luxury Cruises
Tradewind Voyages
Aida
P&O Cruises
TUI UK
TUI GmbH
Star Clipper
Hello, again! It is my pleasure to bring you another exciting issue of this newsletter. It’s the season of Fall and we’re ready to fall head over flip-flops in love with all Barbados has to offer. We’ve got so much to tell you this quarter so let’s get started!
We’re always so excited when we get to introduce some of our partners in the cruise industry who are all doing their part to ensure that our guests have the best experiences and this time, we have St. James Travel & Tours - a diversified company that offers various destination management services; George Washington House & the Garrison Tunnels - where you can go deep into an historical experience; Calabaza Sailing Cruises - intimate catamaran cruises along a translucent coastline; and Walkers Reserve - the largest regeneration project of its kind in the Caribbean.
This season we will be firing up our appetites as we get ready for the Barbados Food & Rum Festival and relaxing our bodies and minds at Calma Beach Club, one of the newest shoreside restaurants on island.
One way to get here to enjoy all of this is via one of our homeporting lines, the sensual Star Clipper.
Ready to fall in love again? Let’s cruise Inside Barbados!
Shelly Williams Shelly Williams BTMI Chairman
Come as a stranger, leave as a friend! Join one of their intimate cruises, offering up to a maximum of 12 guests and swim with the turtles and rays. You can even explore a shipwreck!
Lunch cruises are from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and include taxi transfer, tea and coffee, breakfast nibbles, snacks, local buffet lunch, dessert and an open premium bar.
Sunset cruises are from 2:45 pm to 6:15 pm and include taxi transfer, finger food and open premium bar. Visit sailcalabaza.com for details and booking.
A visit to George Washington House in Barbados, will describe to you the fascinating story of George Washington’s visit to Barbados in 1751. You will learn how this visit helped him to win the American War for Independence. George Washington House is also part of Barbados’ UNESCO World Heritage site: ‘Historic Bridgetown & its Garrison’. The house is located within the most complete and authentic 18th or 19th century British military base (1789– 1905) anywhere in the world.
After his visit in 1751 the house eventually became an Officer’s Residence, within the largest Garrison in the region. There are still four buildings on this site that were here when the
Washington brothers visited; all built around 1717, making them over 300 years old today.
This would be the only international visit George Washington would ever make in his life. During his visit, he spent much of his time exploring the island, delving into many aspects of Barbadian life. He spent time examining the agricultural systems at the Plantations, the commercial activities at the port and, he spent time with the Militia, visiting various fortifications including the nearby Charles Fort (C1650).
You will also see one of the mysterious Garrison Tunnels, completed in 1822 and stretching from what was the Soldiers Prison (today the Barbados Museum) to Carlisle Bay (Bridgetown Harbour). This tunnel is part of a larger network of tunnels that exceeds 10,000 feet or 2 miles in length. These tunnels were responsible for saving the lives of thousands of soldiers.
. The site is open daily from 9:00am to 4:00pm.
. Tours are self-guided and are delivered in 6 languages: English, French, German, Spanish, Italian and Mandarin Chinese.
. Entrance fees: Adults US$20. Children US$10. Groups 10% discount for 11 or more persons.
Calabaza
Garrison Tunnels
George Washington House
Walkers Reserve
Walkers Reserve
Connect and reconnect with nature at Walkers Reserve. Known as one of the most unique ecotourism destinations in Barbados, this 277 acre sand quarry has been transformed into a nature reserve and is the largest regeneration project of its kind in the Caribbean.
Visit Walkers Reserve and embark on an immersive journey through their variety of offerings. Knowledgeable guides will lead you along various paths during the Coastal Nature Walk, pausing along the journey to connect and experience a wealth of biodiversity.
Challenge yourself to a rugged outdoor adventure on the East Coast Soil to Sea Nature Hike or be driven along nature trails during the Tropical Driving Adventure.
Experience the buzzing world of honeybees through the Bajan Bee Experience or delve into
the world of avian wonders on the Caribbean Birding Experience. Offset your carbon footprint with regenerative tree planting through the “One Tree for Every Bajan” program or donate to those in need through the “Slow Soup Drive”.
Join this journey of regeneration, helping to build biodiversity and increasing habitats for local and migratory birds, green monkeys, bees, and so much more! Visit wirred.org to learn more.
For more than 40 years, St. James Travel & Tours has built a reputation of excellence as one of the Caribbean’s leading Destination Management Companies.
They not only offer a full range of shore excursions but they also provide a comprehensive selection of ground services including complete Pre-and Post-Cruise Programs, hotel bookings and hospitality desk services just to name a few.
Here is just a small selection of some of their services:
. Historic Tours
. Interactive Tours
. Authentic Experiences with local flair
. Culinary Tours
. Five Star Fast Track Service for Arrival and Departure
. Check-in Assistance
. Air/Sea Charter Arrangements
. Embarkation and Disembarkation Tours
. Transportation; standard, luxury, ultra-luxury, handi-capped, luggage
. Concierge Services
. Guide Services (English and Foreign Languages)
. Charter Arrangements/MICE market; Themed Events, Team Building, Events For A Cause
For more details contact St. James Travel & Tours at cruiseservices@stjamesgroup.com
The birthplace of rum and the culinary capital of the Caribbean is appropriately the home of the ultimate food and rum festival.
The Barbados Food and Rum Festival has become one of the most sought-after festivals in the world featuring local and international chefs, renowned rum producers and culinary personalities. The Festival encapsulates the essence of Barbados’ culture where food, rum, and celebration intertwine in pure culinary bliss. Join us this October 19th to 22nd, to celebrate Barbados cuisine in a series of flavourful events spread over four days at enticing locations.
Food Network host and Chef Anne Burrell.
Embrace the relaxing atmosphere at one of Barbados’ newest beachside restaurants, the invigorating Calma Beach Club.
Calma Beach Club is located on the peaceful shores of Holetown beach, just minutes walk from all the amenities of Holetown. They offer an all day menu featuring elevated Bajan classics as well as their iconic sharing boards, the finest crafted cocktails and the perfect vibe where locals and tourists come together and share their stories.
Find out more by visiting calmabarbados.com
There is no better way to experience the best the Caribbean has to offer than on board the world’s largest fully-rigged tall-ship, the Royal Clipper of the Star Clipper fleet of cruise ships.
With blissful sunshine, unspoiled beaches and unique hideaways paralleled by Royal Clipper’s expansive teak decks and billowing sails, the tranquillity of being on a true sailing vessel remains an experience impossible to match.
Sailing from Bridgetown, Barbados, Royal Clipper encapsulates all that is to be admired about this beautiful part of the Caribbean. From the aromas of nutmeg, cinnamon and vanilla encircling the air in Grenada, to the fresh scent of coconut palms lining St Lucia, all mixed together with salty sea air creates a magical experience for the senses. Explore Marigot Bay and Soufriere, smaller bays largely untouched by bigger cruise lines, as well as Martinique’s Fort De France where wild and mysterious scenery blends seamlessly with an urban and sophisticated ambience. Tobago Cays, four small islets in the Grenadines, mirrors the unexplored and deserted waters of explorers gone by, where snorkelling opportunities are extensive and cascading palms provide welcome shade. Antigua’s Falmouth Harbour - a quiet, horseshoe-shaped bay - proves a calm solace for Royal Clipper as guests can filter off to explore the epicentre of the Caribbean yachting world. Returning to the beautiful island of Barbados, we highly recommend extending your stay to experience the very best of what the Caribbean has to offer.
For more information contact your travel agent or visit starclippers.com
Set sail with Virgin Voyages, AN irresistible travel brand founded by Sir Richard Branson. Delivering epic vacations at sea, Virgin Voyages launched at the end of 2021.
The brand’s four Lady Ships – inspired by 50+ years of Virgin history -- include Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady, Resilient Lady and Brilliant Lady. Designed for discerning travelers, Virgin Voyages offers relaxing, exclusively adult (18+) sailings. Working with a Creative Collective of the world’s most sought-after designers, performance artists and architects, Virgin Voyages delivers an enchanting boutique hotel at sea with fresh, elevated spaces that strike the perfect balance of nautical chic and glamour. Currently departing from the sun-soaked cities of Miami, Barcelona and Athens – and soon to include San Juan and Melbourne – the fleet offers itineraries to more than 100 awe-inspiring destinations across four continents with port of call sailings to Barbados beginning in January 2024. Virgin Sailors are spoiled for choice with 20 eateries offering Michelin-star culinary experiences all included, a festivallike line-up of entertainment, stylish and comfortable cabins, Rockstar Quarters, authentic and locally inspired shore excursions, and a dose of Vitamin Sea with well-being naturally intertwined throughout the experience. Promising to Create an Epic Sea Change for All, Virgin Voyages also puts sustainability front and center.
There’s so much more to discover that a quick day trip or two is simply not enough in Barbados. But as a cruise hub, it’s easier than ever to stay even longer either before or after your cruise, or both!
As distinct and multifaceted as Barbados itself are the accommodations which range from the luxury of a private villa or 5 star hotel to the authenticity of a rustic beach house. Familiar names such as the Hilton, Courtyard by Marriott, Radisson and Sandals are located mere minutes from the port and a variety of quaint and charming boutique hotels dot the shoreline from coast to coast.
Daily airlift from major source markets and cities in North America, the United Kingdom and Europe make getting in and out of the island convenient and hassle-free.
Contact your travel agent for booking information on our pre and post cruise packages.
Sweetfield Manor Sandals O2 Beach Club & Spa
On the historic site of Sam Lord’s Castle, the legend of luxury and adventure lives on at the all-new Wyndham Grand Barbados Sam Lord’s Castle Resort.
Among the first distinctively eco-luxury and sustainably designed resorts in the Caribbean, it aligns with the modern traveler’s focus on green-living and well-being. This 422-room, all-inclusive beachfront resort is Barbados’ largest and offers more meeting, event and wedding space than any other. Wellness offerings reign supreme here, from the luxurious spa and fitness center to farm-to-table dining. There are separate sections for adults and families, and the latter is catered to with family-friendly activities and amenities. From its storied past to its forward-thinking present, Sam Lord’s Castle Wyndham Grand Resort now stands ready to surprise and delight future travelers to Barbados.
If you’ve ever dreamed of living where you vacation Barbados is making it a reality with the 12-Month Barbados Welcome Stamp. This one year visa gives visitors the opportunity to work remotely. For more details visit www.barbadoswelcomestamp.com
Barbados’ accommodation choices caters to those looking for luxurious all-inclusive resorts, intimate hotels with outstanding service and amenities, private villas or a home away from home like an Airbnb or HomeAway property. These longer stay visitors will now be able to utilise cruising to explore neighbouring islands in this enchanting archipelago, all from the homeporting hub, Barbados. Check out www.visitbarbados.org/covid-19-travelguidelines-2022 to stay up-to-date.
Visitors arriving on transit calls are free to disembark and select from a series of Supervised Shore Excursions via authorized Taxi Operators and independent Tour Operators. Please visit our website for further information.
Barbados is pleased to welcome cruise visitors to our shores again to experience all the island still has to offer. The vast number and amazing diversity of attractions and experiences in Barbados encourage longer stays – more than just a few hours in a single day can fulfil. The longer the cruise stay and island encounter, the greater the chance to celebrate Barbados with its people, beautiful landscapes, food, rich heritage and beaches too.
Contact your travel agent for booking information on our pre and post cruise packages.