Best Barbados Cruise and Stay Holidays

Introduction

From its UNESCO World Heritage-listed capital Bridgetown to its secret caves, beaches and coves, Barbados is a sunny, picture-perfect Caribbean dream. Relatively flat compared to its nearest neighbour - the volcanic peak of St. Lucia is some 100 miles away - the small island is easy to explore, with incredible stretches of sand in an array of colours and azure blue waters that hold a wealth of aquatic life.

OVERVIEW

BARBADOS

As well as boasting some of the finest beaches and coral reefs in the Caribbean, Barbados is also known for being one of the friendliest, most welcoming islands. Visitors will find plenty of beachside bars, luxury restaurants and dance clubs to keep them entertained all day and night, but it's the island's famous rum bars where the famous Barbados atmosphere is most alive.

Both scenic and historic spots are bountiful on the island - from the popular George Washington House to ancient shipwrecks and beautiful botanic gardens. Barbados is also home to several colourful markets, giving visitors the chance to pick up unique souvenirs for their friends and family back home.

However you decide to spend your days on Barbados, don't miss the chance to catch the sun going down from your favourite stretch of sand in the evening - these are some of the most colourful, magical and memorable sunsets in the Caribbean.

THINGS TO DO

BARBADOS

Parliament Buildings, Bridgetown

Learn about the history of Barbados at two of the island's most historic buildings. The UNESCO protected Parliament Buildings located on Trafalgar Street, are home to the Senate and House of Assembly, as well as the popular National Heroes Gallery and Museum of Parliament. The exhibition takes visitors on a journey through the island's development, from the first settlement to Independence and present day.

Harrison's Cave

Named after Thomas Harrison - the prominent 18th-century landowner - Harrison's Cave is one of Barbados' most popular tourist attractions. Located 700 ft above sea level, the caves were naturally created by water erosion through the limestone, leaving unusual stalactites and stalagmites formations behind. Visitors can tour the caves by tram and stop at the "The Great Hall" - a part of the cave that measures an impressive 50 ft in height.

Andromeda Botanic Gardens

Located on a scenic hillside spot, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the Andromeda Botanic Gardens are renowned for their large collection of tropical plants and trees, including breadfruit trees descended from those originally collected by Captain Bligh.

Submarine Reef Cruise

Discover the hidden underwater world of Barbados on a submarine reef cruise. Popular with young explorers, an underwater tour is the best way for non-divers to see the island's coral gardens, tropical fish and the Lord Willoughby shipwreck up close. Reaching depths of 130ft, you'll have the chance to spot angelfish, barracudas and eels.

NIGHTLIFE

BARBADOS

Coral Reef Club Bar

Overlooking the Caribbean Sea on the island's West Coast, the luxurious Coral Reef Club might be known best for its upmarket restaurant, but it's also home to an excellent bar. Family-run and set within lush gardens, arrive before sunset and order one of the Coral Reef Club cocktails to sip by candlelight.

Cafe Sol Mexican Grill & Margarita Bar

Alongside a great menu of Mexican food, Cafe Sol is the place to go on Barbados for Margaritas. The friendly bar has range of flavours and takes on the popular Mexican cocktail, as well as a selection of beers and spirits. The atmosphere is relaxed and fun, with live music on Wednesdays and 2-1 Happy Hour on Margaritas.

John Moore Bar

Of the many rum bars found on Barbados, the John Moore Bar beats them all in terms of location. Situated on the waterfront, the bar is popular with both residents and tourists alike, making it a great place to meet some of the island's friendly locals. Their speciality drink is, of course, rum, but the beach shack-esque bar also has some great, affordable seafood.

Mojo

This music-themed beach bar is popular with tourist, with cocktails, burgers and quick, friendly service. You'll be greeted by photos of legends including Bob Marley and Jimi Hendricks, but the interior leans towards fun rather than tacky and the affordable drinks make this a relaxed and enjoyable place to spend cocktail-hour.

Red Door

Considered the premier nightlife spot on Barbados, Red Door is a cocktail bar which turns into a late-night DJ and dance venue when the sun goes down. Open Thursday to Saturday, this busy club serves up some of the best drink concoctions on the island, as well as a great selection of rums and other spirits.

EVENTS

BARBADOS

Crop Over Festival

Taking place every summer, Barbados' Crop Over festival is the biggest and brightest of the year. Originally held to celebrate the end of the sugar season, the Crop Over festival today is packed with markets, parades, carnival-like shows, concerts and exhibitions, culminating in the final Grand Kadooment parade.

Barbados Food and Rum Festival

Held at the end of October, the Barbados Food and Rum Festival is a celebration of the island's unique mix of flavours, dishes and drinks. Local and international celebrity chefs are joined by the world's top mixologists, as well as rum experts - giving visitors the chance to explore the past and present of Barbados' most famous spirit.

Barbados Holetown Festival

Commemorating the date of the first settlement in Barbados, the Holetown Festival takes place in February each year. Lasting for one week, the festival includes street parades, fashion shows, historical lectures and live music concerts, as well as local vendors selling traditional Bajan food and Barbados rum.

RESTAURANTS

BARBADOS

The Tides

Considered one of the most beautiful restaurants on Barbados' west coast, The Tides offers diners both indoor and outdoor seating, served with incredible sea views. The menu is simple but delicious, with dishes presented to an impeccable island standard. Opt for their coconut shell-stuffed Thai chicken curry and finish off with a dessert of traditional Barbados bread and butter pudding.

Tapas

Barbados favourite Spanish eatery, Tapas is located along the Richard Haynes Boardwalk. With beautiful views, an excellent drinks menu and, as the name suggests, plenty of delicious tapas to try, this is an ideal spot for a sunset meal.

The Cliff

Barbados' most famous and expensive restaurant was made for special occasion dining. Perched above a cove with awe-inspiring ocean views, the location and service are second-to-none on the island. The Cliff fills up fast, so ensure you book ahead, and don't leave without trying one of the restaurant's incredible dessert creations.

Champers

The star restaurant of Barbados' south coast, Champers is the place to go on the island for fresh seafood and oceanfront dining. Set above the rocks, when you eat at Champers you can practically feel the sea spray on your face. The menu is international but heavily inspired by strong Caribbean flavours, with decadent desserts for those who still have room.

Popular Cruise Lines that visit Barbados

With an array of different cruise liners including Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises and Princess Cruises – Cruise Nation is dedicated to offering the biggest range of savings on the top Barbados holidays. Budget-savvy travellers will also love our Smart Packages, allowing you to both Cruise and Stay, or Cruise and Fly, at unbeatably low prices.

BARBADOS

Introduction

OVERVIEW

BARBADOS

THINGS TO DO

BARBADOS

Parliament Buildings, Bridgetown

Harrison's Cave

Andromeda Botanic Gardens

Submarine Reef Cruise

NIGHTLIFE

BARBADOS

Coral Reef Club Bar

Cafe Sol Mexican Grill & Margarita Bar

John Moore Bar

Mojo

Red Door

EVENTS

BARBADOS

Crop Over Festival

Barbados Food and Rum Festival

Barbados Holetown Festival

RESTAURANTS

BARBADOS

The Tides

Tapas

The Cliff

Champers

Annual Average Temperature

Popular Cruise Lines that visit Barbados

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