Try Some Water Adventures
If you are feeling like some activity and adventuring, Barbados has many water adventures which are fun for the entire family! You can try out paddle boarding, windsurfing, boogie boarding, snorkeling, sailing, kayaking, and more.
If you have never tried any of these sports before, do not worry, experienced guides are waiting to teach you and your family how to safely partake in any of them.
Royal Caribbean Updates Testing Entry And Vaccination Requirements
Royal Caribbean for pre-cruise testing and vaccination requirements before boarding, as well as updated entry requirements for upcoming cruises outside the United States. The current update is valid through March of 2022, making this update one that guests will be able to rely on for the coming winter months.
Over the last period, the cruise company released health protocols that were valid for very short amounts of time. The newest update mainly involves changes to the cruise companys policies for children and how they can sail if they are vaccinated and when they are not vaccinated.
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“Our top priority is always the well-being of our guests, our crew, and the communities we visit. Despite stringent health and safety measures, including vaccination and testing requirements for guests and crew, and extensive contingency planning, we have had to move forward with this decision,” Royal Caribbean shared in an email to travel agents.
Hochberg, whose blog has no affiliation with Royal Caribbean, suggested that crew members testing positive was the likely reason, based on posts on his site’s message board.
All crew members quarantine when they board the ship and they must be fully vaccinated. In addition, crew members are tested regularly and have strict rules about when and how they can leave the ship when it’s in port.
Royal Caribbean requires all passengers 12 and over to prove vaccination before they can board a ship. All passengers must all show a negative Covid test taken no more than two days before their sailing.
In addition, the company has recently tightened on-board mask rules requiring masks to be worn in all indoor areas except when passengers are stationary and eating or drinking. Previously, passengers in indoor areas reserved for vaccinated passengers could take their masks off.
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Royal Caribbeans Grandeur Resumes Service With New Barbados Program
After a 21-month operational pause, the Grandeur of the Seas is resuming service for Royal Caribbean International today. The vessel is also launching a new program for the company that features Barbados as a new homeport.
Sailing from Bridgetown, the Vision-class ship is now offering a series of island-hopping itineraries throughout the Southern Caribbean and Latin America.
The program includes new ports of call for Royal Caribbean, with itineraries ranging from seven to 14 nights.
For its first cruise the Grandeur is offering the “Southern Caribbean Explorer” itinerary that features calls in Grenada, Dominica and St. Lucia, in addition to three new ports: Scarborough, Tobago Port of Spain, Trinidad and Kingstown, St. Vincent.
Another itinerary offered is the “ABC Caribbean Adventure Cruise” featuring Grenada, Bonaire, Curacao, Aruba, Trinidad and one day at sea.
In January, a longer 14-night cruise also includes stops in Central and South America, with calls to 11 ports, including Limón, Costa Rica Colón, Panama and Cartagena, Colombia.
, the Grandeur of the Seas is now the first Vision-class ship to resume service for Royal Caribbean.
The vessel is the third in the series of six ships and entered service originally in 1996. Built in Finland, it has capacity for 1,950 guests and 74,140 tons.
The Grandeur of the Seas is the first of three ships that are resuming service for Royal Caribbean International in December.
Relax In The Botanical Gardens
Both the Andromeda and Huntes botanical gardens in Barbados are truly a magical experience. These gardens were designed specifically to offer you a sensory experience with vibrant orchids, yellow-tipped craboo trees, and other rare and exotic plants.
Stroll along the marked pathways as you admire the trees soaring above your head, the scents of the flowers satisfying your nose, and the vibrancy of the colors along your way. Stop on one of the many benches to rest as you listen to the tropical birds singing their favorite songs to you.
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Culture & History Of The Bridgetown Cruise Port
European colonization came to Barbados in the 16th century, but before that, the area was home to the native Arawaks and the Caribs. Barbados is heavily influenced by West African culture and the effects of over 300 years of British occupation. The regions profitable sugar cane trade was built by the slave trade, but it took until 1834 for slavery to finally be abolished in Barbados. In 1838, former slaves celebrated their full freedom in the streets of Barbados by singing and dancing folk songs. In 1966, Barbados was declared a constitutional monarchy.
Barbados is known for its unique culinary offerings too, from macaroni pie, cou cou, fish cakes, and other regional delicacies must be experienced while on your Barbados cruise. They take their food and drink seriously, whether those are cheap eats downtown or spending time at one of Bridgetowns many rum shops. Food is a huge part of the culture here.
Bridgetown Port Facilities & Location
Youll find standard cruise port amenities here like free WiFi throughout the port, an information desk, and duty-free shopping for souvenirs. Within the port, theres an area for tour guides to set up so passengers can purchase tours and depart from the port with their tour group. There are now over 60 businesses and shops located within the port. Bridgetowns port welcomes you to Barbados with a festive, lively atmosphere, sometimes including performances from entertainers.
Go On A Sunset Cruise
One of the best things to do in Barbados is to climb aboard a luxury yacht and go on a sunset or day cruise. The day boats depart mid-day to allow you to go snorkeling, soak up the sunshine, and relax. These cruises include a full lunch, an open bar, and fun island music to enjoy.
If you are attending a sunset cruise, you will depart in the later afternoon as you sip on fine wine and enjoy the breathtaking sunsets that Barbados has to offer.
Traveling with your whole family? There is a cruise for that too! Climb aboard the pirate sunset cruise where you and your family can partake in pirate activities such as walking the plank and pretending to be pirates.
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Royal Caribbean Extends Protocols Through March 2022 And Adds Barbados Requirements
Royal Caribbean informs guests and travel agents of protocols that will remain in place through March 2022 including new details for Barbados.
Royal Caribbean has extended its health and safety policies through March 2022. These policies apply to cruises that sail from ports in the United States, Puerto Rico, and Barbados. Guests and travel agents have started receiving emails detailing the protocols.
The changes to the guidelines mainly involve requirements for children aged 5-11 years of age, as these can now get vaccinated inside the United States and elsewhere. However, the most significant changes are new guidelines for Grandeur of the Seas sailing from Barbados starting this December.
Cruises From Bridgetown Barbados
Cruises from Barbados offer a great way to visit the Caribbean. Whether joining your cruise on the stunning island, departing your ship, or visiting as a port of call, Barbados is a gorgeous island filled with a vibrant culture, friendly locals, and amazing year-round weather. While in Barbados there are some wonderful places to visit, such as the famous fish market in Oistins, especially if you are there for the Friday Fish Fry, Harrison’s Cave, and the world-famous rum distilleries for Cockspur and Mount Gay.
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Port Of Departure Bridgetown Barbados
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Port Has Cruise Protocols In Place
Chairman of the Bridgetown Port Peter Odle, said in the last few weeks and months, Barbados had extensive discussions on its COVID-19 protocols.
And with strict protocols in place, he added, we were really trying to make sure that Barbados did not have an unnecessary spread of the COVID virus particularly in light of the presence of the Delta variant.
As far as we can see, and all the stats have shown, the cruise lines nor the airport nor people arriving have been responsible for this. Most of it has been community spread, Barbadians coming back in from visits overseas. We have tried to remain as positive as we can, Barbados has it under control and the numbers will start to recede shortly.
He was speaking on Saturday morning when the cruise ship Aida Sol made its inaugural call at the Bridgetown Port, the third such call by a cruise line in three days. Odle said the port expected 335 cruise ship visits this season.
The ship, with a passenger capacity of over 2 198, brought 926 passengers and 620 crew. Barbados was the initial stop on the first of three 40-day AIDA Sol cruises which all start and end in Hamburg, Germany.
There was no flurry of activity in the port as the cruise terminal remained closed and no independent port taxi operators in sight. Disembarking passengers headed directly to tour buses that took them on tours pre-booked on the ship.
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Dance To Islander Music
After filling your belly at the fish fry, there is nothing more enjoyable than dancing it off to some vibrant islander music. Head to the West coast to Holetown where many bars are waiting for you to dance the night away.
Islander music is fun, upbeat, and very easy to dance to, so get your dancing shoes ready and go dance and mingle with the locals!
Royal Caribbean Will Launch Cruises From Barbados For The First Time
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Is Royal Caribbean trying to break free from U.S. government oversight of its cruises to the Caribbean?
Thatd be one way to read the Miami-based cruise giants announcement Wednesday that it soon would launch its first-ever sailings to the Caribbean out of Bridgetown, Barbados.
Unlike Caribbean sailings out of such traditional Royal Caribbean hubs as PortMiami and Port Canaveral in Florida, Caribbean cruises out of Barbados are not subject to U.S. regulation, including the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Preventions current, coronavirus-related ban on cruises.
Only cruises that touch U.S. waters are subject to such regulation.
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Still, Royal Caribbean on Wednesday told TPG the CDC ban on cruising from U.S. ports had nothing to do with its decision to begin running some of its Caribbean cruises out of Barbados.
When asked if the CDCs current rules were a factor in the decision to move a ship to Barbados, a spokeswoman gave a straightforward, one-word answer: No.
The CDC has blocked Royal Caribbean and all other lines that operate ships that carry more than 250 people from operating cruises out of U.S. ports since March.
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Where Can I Sail To From Barbados
A variety of exciting itineraries are available with cruises from Barbados, travelling to an array of tropical destinations across the eastern and western regions of the Caribbean. Visit the stunning island of Antigua, where 365 immaculate beaches offer the perfect place to relax in the sunshine. A trip to St Lucia will be rewarded with views of lush and verdant scenery, both along the coast and further inland, where majestic waterfalls and mountains create a spectacular and exotic setting. Iconic island nations such as Jamaica and Cuba are also available on cruises from Barbados, so make the most of the opportunity to experience the unique culture and colourful character of these wonderful countries while you have the chance
The Caribbean is home to a multitude of picturesque island destinations and a Caribbean cruise will only begin to scratch the surface. From St Kitts, St Maarten and St Vincent and the Grenadines to Bermuda, Dominica and Puerto Rico, you will be spoilt for choice with the impressive range of Caribbean cruise itineraries.
On cruises from Barbados, you will embark on the adventure of a lifetime, setting sail from an exotic and enchanting port to call at some of the worlds most beautiful destinations throughout the Caribbean and its neighbouring regions.
Join In On A Fish Fry With The Locals
A fish fry, also known as a barbeque, is one of the most favorite events for the locals. So there is nothing more cultural than joining in with the locals on a fun fish fry weekend party!
In Oistins, which is a small village on the south coast, there is a famous fish fry every Friday and Saturday evening. Here you will find multiple open-air stalls of BBQs grilling up a storm with freshly caught fish and local BBQd chicken.
Thats not all you will experience, you can then add in one of their popular side dishes such as baked potatoes, macaroni, and cheese, coleslaw, rice and peas, yams, or fries. At the end of the night, you will have a full belly, and a warm heart after supporting the locals and joining in on their festivities.
Try the flying fish sandwich, it is a locals favorite!
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Bridgetown Tours Shore Excursions Hotels
City Tours and Shore Excursions
Barbados Garrison: World Heritage Site of UNESCO. It dates from 1780 when it was established to be the Imperial Forces military headquarter. Now it is a home to the Barbados Defence Force. You can tour George Washington House, St. Anns Fort, the Barbados National Armoury and the Savannah park.
Parliament Buildings: or the Public Buildings. They were constructed in the period 1870-1874 of coral limestone in neo-gothic style. They house the Barbados Parliament. The Senate and House of Assembly are housed in the east wing. The Parliament Museum and the National Gallery are housed in the west wing. There also is the clock tower.
National Heroes Square: formerly Trafalgar Square, it is located between the Parliament buildings and the Constitution River Inner Basin. There you will see three sculptures. The first is a memorial to the Barbadians that were killed during the two World Wars. The Lord Horatio Nelson bronze statue marks the center of the city. The clamshell-shaped fountain is the third one.it is a memorial of the Bridgetown first piped water.
St. Michaels Cathedral: located two blocks away from the National Heroes Square, direction East. It dates from 1789 and replaced the 1665 wooden building. The church is made of coral stone and got its cathedral status when Bishop William Harte Coleridge arrived in 1825.
Nidhe Israel Synagogue: UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of the oldest Western Hemisphere synagogues dates from 1654.
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Things To Do In Barbados
This white-sanded paradise is a beach-lover’s dream. But if you thought that your days in Barbados would be limited to lying horizontally and sipping Pina Coladas you’d be mistaken. Bridgetown is actually a UNESCO World Heritage Site, filled with historic sites to explore. A walking tour of Bridgetown will take you to St Michael’s Cathedral, the Bridgetown Jewish Synagogue, the Parliament Buildings and Lord Nelson’s statue in the National Heroes Square.
Barbados is a lush tropical island, with a dense Caribbean jungle filled with fascinating exotic plants and wildlife such as green monkeys. Nature lovers will enjoy the Andromeda Botanic Gardens and the lush oasis of Hunte’s Garden. The magnificent Baobab Tree is a must-see on a visit to Queen’s Park – it’s so huge that it takes 15 people to stretch their arms around its trunk!
If you’re visiting Barbados in late July or early August you’ll be there for carnival season. Caribbean carnivals are events like no other – the colourful costumes, lively beats and delicious street food make for an atmosphere that’s simply out of this world.
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New Barbados Health Requirements
Grandeur of the Seas will commence operations from Bridgetown, Barbados, on December 12, with a series of 7-day Caribbean cruises calling in places like Trinidad, St. Lucia, Tobago, Dominica, and the Grenadines. Guests that would like to sail on these unique itineraries will need to make some effort.
The voyages are available only to those that have been fully vaccinated if they are 12 years or older. To enter the country, all guests five years and older must show a negative PCR COVID-19 test result to fly into Barbados regardless of vaccination status.
The test must be taken within the three days before the day you fly into the country. Guests must upload this to the Barbados immigration website more info here:Visit Barbados.
Kids that have not been vaccinated will need to show a negative PCR COVID-19 test result at the cruise terminal taken no more than three days before the day they board the ship.
As with Puerto Rico entry requirements, this test can be the same as the Barbadian entry test if timed correctly. It may occur that guests will need to take an additional COVID-19 test before debarking the vessel to satisfy Barbados debarkation requirements.
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