Barbados Cruises: Ports, Ships and Things to Do

At a glance

801 current cruises call at the 3 ports Cruiseable lists under Barbados, on 84 ships from 23 cruise lines. The busiest of those ports is Bridgetown, on 801 itineraries. The lowest lead fare across those cruises is $179. The lines sailing the most of them are P&O Cruises (126), Princess Cruises (105) and Seabourn (82).

Destination guide

Barbados travel guide: What to do & see

Barbados, located in the Caribbean’s Lesser Antilles, is a gorgeous tropical paradise set far away from most other Caribbean islands. Ruled by the British until 1966, it is nearly 1,000 miles east of the Netherlands Antilles chain and fuses African and British culture to create a charming, friendly world where travelers often have a memorable experience.

RELATED GUIDE

A perfect day in Barbados

Barbados is also one of the Caribbean's leading tourist destinations and is the most developed island in the region. It offers everything from inexpensive guest houses to five-star luxury hotels and resorts, many of which line the island’s abundant beaches. The Boatyard is among the most popular of the many accessible beaches around the island, but there is more to Barbados than sun and surf.

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A sea turtle swims off the coast of Barbados. Brandon / Creative Commons BY

What visitors can do & see in Barbados

Bridgetown

The capital of Barbados, Bridgetown is known as a Caribbean gem with strong British colonial roots. Broad Street is home to several large department stores and duty-free shops. Sunbury Plantation House, which dates from 1660, features historic antiques, including carriages and farm implements. St. Nicholas Abbey is part of new Slave Route Project, a heritage tourism initiative of the Ministry of Tourism. Erected in 1650, it is one of the only three houses of Jacobean architecture still standing in the Western Hemisphere and features Dutch gables and finials of coral stone.

The Careenage is a narrow inlet that runs through the heart of Bridgetown. You can take a small, recreational boat and see some of the city. If you want to unwind, Queen's Park is one of the most popular spots to enjoy a picnic lunch and offers plenty of shade and tranquility.

The Barbados Museum

The Barbados Museum (246-427-0201) is a fascinating place to catch up on the history and culture of Barbados and Bridgetown. This was a military prison, used to house criminals and prisoners of war. The museum also features an exhibit, which shows the island's progression from prehistoric to modern times. Barbados has an extremely strong natural environment, evidenced by a showcase of indigenous spices and resources on the island.

Beaches

The waters on the West Coast around Bridgetown are calm and peaceful, and there are numerous exquisite beach destinations. Paynes Bay is the perfect location for all kinds of water sports, and it's serene, so it's great for families. Directly south of Paynes is Brighton Beach, which is right next to where cruise ships dock. Snorkelers are drawn to Mullins Beach because of its crystal blue waters and upscale facilities located on the shore.

The sun sets on a catamaran on a quiet bay on Barbados. Joe Ross / Creative Commons BY-ND

Sports

Golf lovers can tee off at one of three golf courses, including the Green Monkey at the rebuilt Sandy Lane resort. There's also professional horse racing, tennis, squash and polo to watch. However, due to the island's longstanding British history, cricket is the most popular game. In per capita terms, there are more Barbados-born world-class cricket players than any other country in the world.

Dining & nightlife

The most popular dishes in Barbados are flying fish (an icon also found on the island’s currency), "cutters," a local sandwich made using salt bread, and pepperpot, a pork stew in a spicy dark brown sauce. Make sure to sample these local favorites before you leave.

If you're looking to drink, the most popular location in all of Barbados for drinking and dancing is Harbour Lights on Bay St. (246-436-7225). There is a cover charge, but this is the hottest joint on the island.

Bridgetown, Barbados, on a summer night. Courtesy of Barbados Tourism Authority

Fun facts

In Barbados it is considered good luck to have a mongoose cross the road in front of you.
Barbados is hailed as the “land of the flying fish” due to the high volume of flying fish in the local waters. Flying fish can jump out of the water and glide for 100 to 160 feet (30 to 50 meters)!
International pop star Rihanna is a native of Barbados.
Barbados’ Mount Gay brand rum is among the world’s oldest rums.
In 1536, during a quest for fresh water, the Portuguese "discovered" Barbados. They gave the island its current name, which translates as "the bearded ones." This name was derived from their observation of local fig trees that have roots resembling thick beards.

When you arrive

Docking information

All ships dock at the Bridgetown Cruise Terminal, about a mile west of downtown Bridgetown.

Getting around

Like in most of the United Kingdom, drivers in Barbados use the left side of the road.

Taxis are a great choice for transportation in Bridgetown and all around Barbados because they are on a fixed rate set by the government. Up to five passengers can ride in a taxi at no additional charge. Paramount Taxi Service (246-429-3718) is the best company in Bridgetown. Taxis are everywhere and easily spotted, look for the "Z" on their license plates. Lyndhurst Taxi Service is another quality outfit (246-436-2639). From Bridgetown out to many of the island's most popular destinations will typically cost around $15.

Buses: The bus system is extensive, cheap and fast. Blue-colored public buses are run by the Barbados Transport Board.

Need to know

Documents: U.S. and Canadian citizens need a passport to enter Barbados.

Store hours: Stores in Barbados are typically open from 10 am to 5 pm, Monday through Saturday. Many shops are located right in the cruise terminal.

Tipping: Service staff typically expect a 10% to 15% tip. Taxi drivers expect a 10% to 15% tip, but it isn’t mandatory.

Safety: Barbados is generally a safe place, but it's recommended to stay in tourist locations. As always, be aware of your surroundings and keep your valuables locked up.

Your take

Have you been to Barbados? Please share a story, tip or discovery. What was the highlight?

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Photos of Barbados

The view from St. James in Barbados.
A sea turtle swims off the coast of Barbados.
St. John Parish Church in Barbados.
A sea turtle swims with snorkelers in Barbados.
Windsurfing in the waters of Barbados.
A catamaran whisks passengers to a secluded beach on Barbados.
The harbor at Bridgetown, capital of Barbados.
The Animal Flower Cave is located under the cliffs at the Northern tip of Barbados.
On the beach at the Hilton in Bridgetown on Barbados.
The harbor at Bridgetown, capital of Barbados.
The sun sets on a catamaran on a quiet bay on Barbados.
Barbados flower fence.
Parliament building in Bridgetown, Barbados.
Carlisle Bay fronts Bridgetown, capital of Barbados.
Crane beach on Barbados.
A visitor goes ziplining across a canopy of trees on Barbados.
A steel band playing the Crop Over celebration on Barbados.
The illuminated pool of the Hilton Barbados Resort at night.
Accra Beach on the south coast of Barbados.
The village of Bathsheba, located on the rugged east coast of Barbados.
A beautiful beach on Barbados.
When you're feeling lucky, head to Norwegian Spirit's Maharajah's Casino on deck 7 to play the slots and game tables.
Warm waters and white sand add up to a relaxing afternoon at Bottom Bay Beach in southern Barbados.
Bridgetown, Barbados, on a summer night.

Ashore

Tours and excursions in Barbados

Shore excursions, day trips and activities you can book before you sail.

Sailing soon

Cruises calling at Barbados

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Showing the 12 soonest of 801 cruises.

Who sails here

Ships and lines that call at Barbados

Cruise lines

Ports

Ports in Barbados

Bridgetown801
Barbados
Sunbury Plantation House (Barbados)

Numbers are current cruises calling at each port. Linked ports open their day-by-day cruise ship schedule on Cruise Itinerary.

Overheard

“Make like a local and try some of Barbados’ famed local fare including flying fish, conkies, cou-cou and rotis. Wash it all down with Barbadian rum, considered some of the finest in the Caribbean.”

Lonely Planet

“So entrenched is the recipe for Bajan rum punch that it's known by a timeless rhyme: One of sour, two of sweet, three of strong, four of weak. The combination of lime juice, simple syrup, Mount Gay rum, and chipped ice is pretty much inescapable.”

Travel + Leisure

“Traveling on foot from the cruise ship dock, you can explore Broad Street stores, traditional markets and cafes serving Bajan favorites. If you want to travel further afield, loser yourself in ancient forests and gardens at Welchman Hall Gully and the Flower Forest of Barbados.”

Lonely Planet

“Flying fish is one of the island's national treasures. Fried, blackened or grilled, it's all good. Try it at Oistins Fish Fry on Friday nights in the south, or in Moontown, north of Speightstown. For a quieter alternative I visit Sand Dunes restaurant on the east coast.”

Islands magazine

“John Moore Bar: Barbados is a huge rum producer, and no place is more authentic to enjoy its bounty than a no-frills Bajan rum shop amid games of dominoes and a crackly radio belting soca music. No fancy labels here; only cheap ones. Locals order flasks. Tourists order shots. You know what to do to fit in.”

Islands magazine

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