Overview Bridgetown is the capital of, and largest city in, the Caribbean island nation of Barbados. Located on the southwest coast of Barbados, Bridgetown is used by the major cruise lines as the port of access into and out of Barbados. The island of Barbados is a major West Indies tourist destination and is located in what is considered the Southern Caribbean portion of the Caribbean.
The hottest months of the year in Barbados are May through September, while December through January are the coldest. Don't be mislead through, as the average high temperature during these "cold" months is over 80°F, so it's always pretty hot in Barbados. Because of this, cruises that port in Barbados are typically offered year-round by quite a few cruise lines.
Barbados happens to be one of the (very) few Caribbean islands that are used by the major cruise lines as a departure and/or embarkation port.
Destinations The following destinations can be visited on a cruise leaving from Bridgetown, Barbados:
Caribbean (Eastern & Southern)
Currency The official currency is the Barbadian Dollar (BBD). US Dollars are usually accepted in many locations as well. ATM machines are available, but make sure you use one that works with the card you're using. ATM machines will usually give you a better exchange rate than a hotel. Using a credit card is a great way to avoid having to exchange currency.
Language The official language of Barbados is English. It is spoken with an accent having a distinct West Indies influence.
Tourist Attractions Barbados has more than 70 miles of pink and white sand beaches. Popular beaches in Barbados include Paynes Bay (also known as Platinum Coast, considered a great swimming beach with many restaurants located nearby), Brighton Beach (which is close to many cafes and bars) and Miami Beach (also known as Enterprise Beach, considered to be one of the most popular beaches in Barbados, with a shopping area there as well).
Shopping is a popular tourist activity in Barbados, as there are quite a few duty-free shopping venues available. One such area is Cave Shepard, a department store in Bridgetown. Other stores are available on Broad Street, the city's main shopping area.
Saint Lawrence Gap (in the Christ Church neighborhood of Barbados) is a popular night-life spot in Barbados. It's located on the southern tip of the island, along Highway 7. There are many bars, nightclubs, shops, hotels and restaurants in this area. Some of the best restaurants in this area include Josefs and Restaurant at South Sea.
National Heroes Square is located in the city centre of Bridgetown, along Upper Broad Street. There is a bronze statue of Admiral Lord Nelson in the square. Prior to 1999 this area was known as Trafalgar Square.
The coastal town of Oistins is another popular hang out spot for tourists. There are many nice hotels in this area, as well as the popular Miami Beach (as described above). A fun part about many of the beaches in this area is that some of them lie in the flight path of planes. Many sunbathers enjoy laying down and watching the planes fly by overhead.
Other popular activities in Barbados include water sports, scuba diving, wildlife reserves, rum factory tours, helicopter rides and golf. The Kensington Oval is a popular sporting stadium, used mostly for cricket.
Port Location The cruise port in Bridgetown is located only about a mile from downtown Bridgetown.
