Barbados is still very British. In fact, the island is commonly referred to as "Little England." Afternoon teatime is observed in some circles, cricket is the national passion and polo is played all winter. Many villages, streets, monuments and parks in Barbados are named after locations in the U.K., as well. And Bajans (
BAY-juns), as they call themselves, often possess a bit of the English reserve.
What's more, British aristocrats have wintered in Barbados for decades, and the island reflects their influence in many ways. The resorts are luxurious, and the restaurants provide fine dining. Even duty-free shops are more upscale than those on other Caribbean islands.
In recent years, the culture has seen an increase in American influence and more appreciation of African roots as well, resulting in a revitalized discourse on Barbadian identity, particularly in the arts. Barbados is generally conservative, and prides itself on being Christian.
Though efficient is a word that is not used often in the Caribbean, it fits Barbados better than many other islands. It's been catering to visitors for decades and has one of the most fully developed tourism infrastructures in the region.
Barbados is hardly an undiscovered or unspoiled paradise. Although it lacks rain forests, mountainous terrain and world-class reef systems, the island's natural beauty and scenic variety are magnificent. You'll find dramatic natural caves, rocky cliffs with blowholes by the sea, miles/kilometers of sugarcane fields and some remote scenic beaches. Those seeking a week of relaxation on beautiful beaches, perhaps with a little nightlife and history mixed in, will likely be pleased with what Barbados has to offer.
Another plus is the people of Barbados. Bajans are some of the best-educated people in the Caribbean (Barbados boasts a literacy rate of 99%), and they enjoy conversing on a wide range of subjects. This quality even spills over into entertainment: The island's calypso music always has something to say and often deals with Barbados politics.
English is the official language, but a dialect with its own syntax, special meanings and some African words is also spoken. Though it may seem like a cross between bad English and gibberish, it is remarkably expressive and is often used even by the highly educated for emphasis or comic effect.
Location
Nearly 50% of visitors to Barbados arrive by cruise ship. Ships dock on the southwest corner of the island at Deep Water Harbour, about 1 mi/2 km west of the capital, Bridgetown. As many as six to eight cruise ships may dock at one time. The port is International Shipping and Port Security (ISPS) compliant. When going off the premises, be sure to take along your ID and sailing card so you can get back in.
Near the piers is a modern, disabled-friendly terminal. Its interior resembles a colorful island street scene, with storefronts reflecting the designs and colors of the island's colonial past. Inside are duty-free shops, lots of arts-and-crafts booths, souvenir and specialty shops, a business services center that offers Internet access, pay phones, a post office and a tourism office. There's no currency exchange bureau, bank or ATM available for getting local currency, but U.S. currency is accepted anywhere on the island. Outside, there's a simple restaurant under shade serving local food (a good place to select a taxi driver based on personality), and a bar with great music to put you in an island mood. http://www.bridgetowncruiseterminals.com.
Once you disembark, we recommend that you take a Bds$4 shared shuttle to Bridgetown or spend Bds$6 for a shuttle to Brown's Beach or Brighton Beach. A taxi ride from the ship terminal to central Bridgetown will cost about Bds$12 a car (not per person). Preposted fares to other parts of the island range Bds$20-$70, depending on the distance. The 10-15 minute walk to town has been landscaped along busy Princess Alice Highway and offers refreshments and art and crafts at Pelican Craft Village en route.
Shore Excursions
Consider signing up for the excursions offered by your ship. They may not be the least expensive way to see the island, but you won't have to waste your limited time making arrangements—and you won't have to worry about missing the ship. Shore excursions—and their prices—vary from cruise line to cruise line. Typical tours on Barbados include an island bus tour or an off-road Jeep adventure; visits to colonial plantation houses, formal gardens and other historic sites; and sailing out to swim with the turtles, snorkeling, kayaking or a submarine descent to view exotic fish and colorful coral. Try to plan time to fit in a tour of the Andromedia Botanic Gardens and the Barbados Wildlife Reserve. The beachfront Boatyard caters to cruise passengers with food and drink, sun loungers and umbrellas, and inflated water toys to climb, jump on and slide down. Check with your ship's shore-excursion staff or your travel agent for additional information.
