As COVID-19 restrictions prevent travel, Cruise Barbados—the cruise division of the Barbados Tourist Board—is tapping into the emerging trend of “armchair travel.”
Barbados is just 166 sq. miles and filled with more attractions per square mile than any other Caribbean island. Due to the ease of getting around and wealth of things to do, it has become an increasingly popular port of call for cruise lines. Cruise Barbados is helping future travelers recreate the feel of the island by sharing some of its rich history, heritage and culture.
Swizzle Sticks
Sugarcane swizzle sticks are a staple of Barbados cuisine—and a reminder of the fields of sugarcane that can be found across the island. Cruise Barbados suggests using them as a skewer for grilled shrimp or to sweeten a cup of coffee, and while savoring this taste of the Caribbean, daydream about cruising to Barbados and visiting Morgan Lewis Mill, the only fully restored sugar windmill in the Caribbean.
Sounds of Barbados
Due to extended hours introduced during the most recent cruising season, cruise guests can now stay late or overnight on the island. This playlist of Barbados-style beats is here to transport you until you can dance the night away in person, featuring reggae, calypso, American jazz and the indigenous spouge style. Barbados is also the home country of pop star Rihanna.
Videos
Explore these videos that are guaranteed to transport viewers mentally, spiritually and emotionally to their ideal Barbados getaway. It’s easy for cruise guests to experience Barbados “in a nutshell” and estimate to be back to port in a matter of two to four hours, due to a variety of short island excursions available.
Bush Medicine
Get an insight into Barbados’ Green Therapy by reading about the island’s tropical flora and “bush medicine” online. A popular shore excursion for cruise guests is visiting the lush Coco Hill Forest, where you can experience the rejuvenating Barbados Green Therapy for yourself by breathing in the oxygenated trade winds at 1,050 feet above sea level.
Mount Gay Rum
Barbados is considered the birthplace of rum and is home to Mount Gay distillery, the world’s oldest commercial rum distillery, founded in 1703. The distillery is only a 20-minute walk or 5-minute drive from the cruise port, and is open for tours and tastings. Kick back with a glass of rum or a rum punch and imagine that you’re there.
#BarbadosADreamAway
Cruise Barbados is inviting past and future guests to share a photo of their Barbados-inspired at-home party on social media utilizing the hashtag #BarbadosADreamAway. Throw on a pair of sunglasses, a bathing suit and a captain’s hat as it’s officially island time in your living room.
For more information, go to visitbarbados.org.
