Cruises to Bridgetown, Barbados

On a cruise to Barbados, you’ll discover a tiny Caribbean island filled with glorious beaches, a bucolic countryside, impressive historical architecture, and some of the best rum punch in the Caribbean. Choose the Barbados you want to see: sleepy villages where roosters scratch in the dust, the glamor of the celebrity-studded Platinum Coast, or brightly colored chattel houses and aromatic food shacks where the catch of the day sizzles. 

Explore UNESCO-protected Bridgetown, and tour grand old plantation houses. Head through rippling sugar cane fields to the island’s interior and descend into the mysterious caverns of Harrison’s Cave, dripping with stalactites. Unwind on one of the pristine, coral sand beaches, from the tranquil waters of the west coast, where sea turtles cruise the shallows, to the drama and sea spray of the wild Atlantic shoreline.

Barbados has an eclectic cuisine with influences from West Africa, Europe, and the Caribbean region. The national dish is flying fish and cou cou, a combination of cornmeal and okra. You can try flying fish in a traditional fish cutter, which is a salted roll stuffed with fried fish, lettuce, tomato, cheese, and a spicy pepper sauce. Cuz’s Fish Stand at Pebbles Beach is one of the most iconic food shacks for these tasty snacks.

Fishcakes with hot pepper sauce are another great on-the-go snack, while creamy, cheesy macaroni pie topped with breadcrumbs and served with chicken is the ultimate comfort food. Roti has Indian influences; it’s a pita-like pocket stuffed with spiced meat, fish, or vegetables. Pepperpot stew is a spicy, warming stew of beef, pork, and mutton, served with rice and designed for sharing. Meat-eaters will enjoy pudding and souse, pickled pork served with potatoes and onions. Don’t forget the island’s famous rum punch; the classic recipe is dark rum, sugar syrup, water, lime juice, and nutmeg over ice.

Barbados was originally inhabited by native Carib and Arawak peoples before the arrival of the British in the early 17th century. The colonizers developed large sugar cane plantations, enslaving the local population and boosting their numbers with shiploads of people from central and west Africa, the direct descendants of whom live on the island today. By 1650, the island was the world’s top sugar producer. Slavery was abolished in 1838.

In 1966, Barbados opted for full independence from the UK, becoming a republic in 2021. It does, however, remain a member of the Commonwealth. The culture here is a blend of West African and European, with a lively calendar of festivals, a distinctive cuisine, and strong family values. 

Barbados has an excellent public transportation network, and traveling by bus is a great way to experience local culture. The government-owned electric buses are blue and yellow and criss-cross the whole island; simply wave to the driver from the marked red, white, and black bus stops.

You can also use the island’s privately-owned minibuses, which are painted yellow with blue stripes, or ZR vans, also private, which are white with maroon stripes. The ZR vans are famed for their hair-raising speeds and loud music, and are not for the faint-hearted. Carry cash for the fare for all three options, in Barbados dollars. Taxis are also available, and there’s a local ride-hailing app, PickUP. You could rent a car, scooter, e-bike, or Mini-Moke, too, but remember that driving is on the left in Barbados.

There’s no end of fun souvenirs to bring home from Barbados. Rum is one of the most popular—Mount Gay, distilled on the island, is one of the world’s most famous brands. Hot sauce and cane sugar rum cake also make great edible gifts.

Pick up island-made pottery and mahogany wood carvings, as well as locally made jewelry, beach fashion, and art. One of the best places to find local crafts is the colorful Pelican Craft Centre in Bridgetown, close to the cruise terminal. You’ll find 25 shops here, as well as 14 workshops. For upscale department stores and duty-free shopping, try Broad Street in the city center.

The official currency of the island is the Barbados dollar (BD$), but U.S. dollars are often accepted. You’ll be given change in Barbados dollars. Some small rural establishments may be unwilling to accept U.S. dollars, so it’s advisable to carry some local currency on excursions. There are ATMs in Bridgetown, and many establishments take credit cards, although cash is useful for food shacks and small souvenirs. At restaurants, your bill will typically already have a 10-15% service charge included, so there’s no need for a further tip. If there’s no service charge, a 10% tip is customary for good service.

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