From Ship to Shore
The Port provides a complimentary, optional shuttle service to move passengers two-way between the ship and the Cruise Terminal. The service is offered based on the ship’s location at the berth, moving passengers safely and quickly, to maximize their time on shore. The Port is accessible to passengers with disabilities and special wheelchair accessible units are available to transport passengers from the ship to the Cruise Terminal.
The Cruise Terminal has all the right elements in place to make the onshore welcome a memorable experience for cruise guests. It offers some of Barbados’ finest shopping and entertainment, with 60+ businesses with an expansive offering of everything from beachwear, t-shirts and casual attire to jewellery, crystal, leather goods and souvenirs, accessories for bikers, fragrances, cosmetics, condiments, sweet treats and liquor. Hot and cold beverages, including local beer, are available at any one of the bars- both indoor and outdoor, and local dishes are a delight not to be missed. At various times on select days, passengers are treated to food or rum samplings with mixologists showcasing the award-winning rums of Barbados, all of which are available for purchase in the terminal.
Outfitted with modern amenities, multilingual wayfinding keeps you on track as you make your way. There is a dedicated Tour Departure Area for passengers who have pre-booked tours. If your tour is not quite ready you can either sit or indulge in an indigenous game of Hopscotch, Draughts or Road Tennis.
Complimentary Wi-Fi is available to passengers and crew. The Visitor Information Centre located within the terminal, offers information in brochures, booklets and maps, with friendly personnel on hand to answer any queries.
Government offices, including, Customs, Immigration, Health and Quarantine services are all housed within the terminal, in addition to a Post Office which provides worldwide service.
In addition to providing great berthing spots and friendly, efficient service as it welcomes guests, the Port of Bridgetown is an access point to the island’s many attractions. At just 166 square miles, Barbados has more attractions per square mile than any other Caribbean island— a rich combination of culture, heritage, adventure, sport, cuisine, shopping and other activities.
There are numerous ground transportation options available from the Port of Bridgetown for visitors to take in the abundance of attractions and events throughout the winter and summer cruise seasons.
Tour Buses
Pre-arranged tour buses are usually provided through multiple tour operators. Tour guides in the Tour Departure Area are on hand to assist.
Taxis
If you prefer going on an island tour at your own pace and with more flexibility, then a taxi may be the option for you. On exiting the Cruise Terminal, a taxi dispatch service is offered from the Taxi Dispatch Centre. There are approximately 255 authorized taxis at the Port of Bridgetown which are identified by a coloured Authorized Seaport Taxi sticker on the side panel of the vehicle. You can use them to travel to a specific destination (remember to fix a pick-up return time if you are continuing on a cruise), and for tailor-made half- or full-day island tours. Establish the cost before setting off and check whether the price is per person or trip, and in Barbados or US dollars. For timing, factor in heavy traffic around Bridgetown during morning and late-afternoon weekday rush hours. Taxis also ply a shuttle service to Bridgetown and the beach.
Within Walking Distance
For those who enjoy walking, the exit from the Port’s Main gate leads to Trevor’s Way, an ocean-side footpath which leads to the Pelican Craft Centre on the left and the historic Bridgetown shopping centre straight ahead. The 20-minute walk to Bridgetown is both safe and pleasurable.