Cruise Barbados - Inside Barbados Newsletter Aug 2021

Issue 10 / August 2021

Inside Open for Business and Pleasure

Health & Safety Protocols

The Royal Treatment

Prime Time at Primo

An Old Favourite with New Adventures

When Fury is Fun!

Barbados on the Water

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Welcome Back It has been 15 months since cruising came to a halt with the announcement of the no-sail order in March 2020. Since then, we have kept busy preparing our island to welcome you back. Like many other destinations, we had to pivot; in our case, assisting cruise lines with repatriation efforts. Hundreds of passengers and crew safely returned home in an amazing humanitarian effort led by our Prime Minister, the Hon. Mia Amor Mottley.

This further strengthened our relationships with many of our cruise partners and solidified for us the resilience of our industry.

During this time, we also worked to develop and design new itineraries and products, but most importantly, we recognized the significance of safe cruising. That’s why we’ve worked around the clock with our partners to ensure we have comprehensive travel protocols in place to guide the safe resumption of cruising. The mutual safety of our visitors and our local community are top of mind as we welcome you back. So rest assured, we are all working together to ensure you have a much-deserved, safe holiday.

When we were ready to reopen, we were ecstatic about the grand return of the Millennium on June 7th. And we now look forward to welcoming back Seabourn Odyssey to homeport with us this summer. The outlook for cruise for the rest of the year is promising and we anticipate a robust winter season as ships return in their numbers, especially our loyal homeporting partner cruise lines.

It has indeed been a long journey here, but with safe protocols, new product and 15 months to make up for, we are pleased to finally welcome you back home and we wish you many memorable moments in Barbados.

Craig Hinds ..............................................

Craig Hinds, Interim CEO Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.

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Health and Safety Protocols Barbados has instituted health and safety protocols for travellers arriving by air and sea to ensure the safety of everyone on island. Review the most current Health and Safety Protocols here.

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The Royal Treatment

Winter is coming and so is Royal Caribbean International to its next homeport in Bridgetown, Barbados, offering fresh ways to experience the Southern Caribbean on Grandeur of the Seas. Michael Bayley, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean International noted, “sailing from the heart of the Windward Antilles unlocks new opportunities for memorable vacations for our guests to share with family and friends in breathtaking destinations, such as Grenada, St. Lucia, and now St. Vincent, Trinidad and Tobago.”

Royal Caribbean International is applying the recommendations of its Healthy Sail Panel of public health and scientific experts to provide a safer and healthier cruise vacation on all of its sailings. Health and safety protocols, regional travel restrictions and clearance to visit ports of call, are subject to change based on ongoing evaluation, public health standards, and government requirements.

Royal Caribbean’s new 2021-22 winter cruises from Barbados are now available.

The itineraries depart on Sundays and ports of call for each are: 7-night Southern Caribbean Explorer: Departing Bridgetown, Barbados (new) and visiting Scarborough, Tobago (new); Port of Spain, Trinidad (new); St. George’s, Grenada; Kingstown, St. Vincent (new); Roseau, Dominica; and Castries, St. Lucia.

7-night Southern Caribbean Adventure: Departing Bridgetown, Barbados (new) and visiting St. George’s, Grenada; Kralendijk, Bonaire; Oranjestad, Aruba; Willemstad, Curacao; Port of Spain, Trinidad (new) 14-night Ultimate Caribbean: Departing Bridgetown, Barbados (new) and visiting St. George’s, Grenada; Kingstown, St. Vincent (new); Kralendijk, Bonaire; Oranjestad, Aruba (overnight); Willemstad, Curacao; Port of Spain, Trinidad (new); Cartagena, Colombia; Colon, Panama; and Puerto Limon, Costa Rica.

Please contact your local travel agent for further booking information.

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Prime Time at Primo

Located on the edge of St. Lawrence Bay, Primo offers rustic sophistication with stunning views.

This elegant restaurant is the ideal spot for a very special lunch or dinner dining experience or, if you prefer, just a quick bite & drinks.

Primo serves up a unique menu that balances delicate flavours with an intense charm that will delight your tastebuds every time.

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An Old Favourite with New Adventures At the heart of Barbados, only 25 minutes from the Cruise Ship Pier, lies one of its greatest wonders – the magnificent Harrison’s Cave.

Now under the management of Chukka Caribbean Adventures, the Caribbean’s largest nature-adventure tour operator, the Harrison’s Cave experience will be like no other!

The Signature Tram Tour immerses you in nature with picturesque views of running streams, waterfalls and magnificent stalactite and stalagmite formations. Once you have completed the journey underground, chill out at the Green Monkey Bar & Grill or browse the gift shop.

Relish all of this under the care of our experienced and instructive tour guides. Grab your favourite people and prepare yourselves for an escapade of a lifetime!

Coming soon to Harrison’s Cave is the launch of its Eco-Adventure Park with activities for the entire family. Additional elements will include a Zipline, Free-fall Tower, Dry Slide, Hanging Bridge, Challenge Course, Swimming Pool, Monkey Experience, Bird Aviary and Nature Trail.

These new elements will complement the main attraction of the Cave, while providing a “stay and play” environment.

Stay tuned to social media pages @harrisons_cave and @chukkacaribbean for updates.

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Barbados on the Water Q&A with Chairman of the Barbados Watersports Association, Tony Babb

Q: What’s the latest on watersports in Barbados?

A: We’re happy to report that people are getting back in the water! We’re seeing even more activities happening now including flyboarding, waterskiing, paddle boarding, and sailing, whether on Hobie Cats or catamaran cruises.

Q: What are the range of watersports options available?

A: Oh, it’s far and wide, just like the ocean! For the adventurous we’ve got surfing, plus windsurfing, kitesurfing, the jet packs that propel you into the air above the water, waterskiing, wakeboarding and of course the wave runners, more commonly known as jet-skis. We’ve also got scuba-diving and visiting some of our reefs is a must once you’re down there. Or you could just go snorkelling with the turtles. If you’d prefer not to get your whole body wet take in a glass-bottom boat short cruise or some deep sea fishing with a local fisherman.

Q: Cruise passengers generally have limited time on island.

What are the best watersports for them to check out?

A: Snorkelling with the turtles is a must! You would not believe how friendly the turtles are. We’re re-introducing parasailing in the next few months so look out for that experience.

Q: Are these watersport activities ideal for beginners, too?

A: Many of our watersports guides are trained in dealing with everyone from beginner to expert. We want to ensure that you have an enjoyable and safe time in our waters.

Q: What would you recommend for families?

A: A daytime catamaran cruise with inflatable rides is always a fun time for the whole family.

Q: What are the safety protocols the Watersports Association implemented during this time?

A: We have all been trained in how to approach and deal with guests. Some of us have been fully-vaccinated and we are proud to say that we have had no COVID-19 cases reported within our industry. We are ready to greet our guests again!

https://www.visitbarbados.org/things-to-do/experiences/beaches-activities?pageindex=1 INSIDE BARBADOS I AUGUST 2021

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When Fury is Fun!

Off Road Fury Barbados is the ultimate off road Go Kart experience.

The guided buggies traverse through various terrains such as hills, cart roads, slopes, stretches of straight roads, inclines, mud, and water trails for miles of fun.

The facility offers free Wi-Fi, and bathroom and shower facilities. Drivers must possess a valid driver's license and children ages 6 years old and up are allowed and must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Visit Off Road Fury Barbados on Facebook for more details.

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See You Soon!

If you’ve ever dreamed of living where you vacation Barbados is making it a reality with the 12-Month Barbados Welcome Stamp. This one year visa gives visitors the opportunity to work remotely. For more details visit https://barbadoswelcomestamp.bb/ Barbados’ accommodation choices caters to those looking for luxurious all-inclusive resorts, intimate hotels with outstanding service and amenities, private villas or a home away from home like an Airbnb or HomeAway property. These longer stay visitors will now be able to utilise cruising to explore neighbouring islands in this enchanting archipelago, all from the homeporting hub, Barbados. Check out https://www.visitbarbados.org/travel-guidelines-2021 to stay up-to-date.

Visitors arriving on transit calls are free to disembark and select from a series of Supervised Shore Excursions via authorized Taxi Operators and independent Tour Operators. Please visit our website for further information.

Pre & Post Stays

Barbados is pleased to welcome cruise visitors to our shores again to experience all the island still has to offer. The vast number and amazing diversity of attractions and experiences in Barbados encourage longer stays – more than just a few hours in a single day can fulfil. The longer the cruise stay and island encounter, the greater the chance to celebrate Barbados with its people, beautiful landscapes, food, rich heritage and beaches too.

Contact your travel agent for booking information on our pre and post cruise packages.

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