When is the best time to visit the Barbados?
The island's dry season, between November and March, is the best time to book a Barbados cruise. There's little rainfall and temperature highs average 29°C, meaning you'll be able to enjoy plenty of sun and see the beaches at their most impressive - two essential components of holidays to Barbados.
What's the weather like in the Barbados?
Those looking for reliably sunny weather and warm temperatures are bound to enjoy a Barbados cruise. The Caribbean Island is known for having high temperatures all year round and around 3,000 hours of sunshine annually, while northeast trade winds stop the heat from getting overbearing. MSC Cruises' itineraries take place between November and March, when rainfall is at its lowest and temperatures are pleasantly high without reaching their peak.
Where is Barbados?
Holidays to Barbados mean heading to the Caribbean. Barbados is a small, independent island floating between the Caribbean and the North Atlantic Ocean. Its closest neighbour is Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, located 160km to the west. St Lucia is about 175km to the north, while Trinidad and Tobago sit 332km to the south.
Where do cruise ships dock in Barbados?
Measuring 34km by 23km, Barbados's compact size means that there is a single place for ships to dock: Bridgetown cruise port. This bustling setting is where your Barbados cruise will arrive into, also providing the perfect entry point for navigating the country's fascinating capital.
How much is a cruise to Barbados?
MSC Cruises provides cruises to Barbados for all budgets. Peruse our cruise deals to Barbados for all the latest offers and then start mapping-out your Caribbean getaway.
What to pack for a Barbados cruise?
Unsure of what to pack for a Barbados cruise? Given the island's reputation for incredible beaches, swimwear is a must, along with suncream, flip flops and sunglasses. For days spent in the city or exploring the countryside, bring comfortable shoes and lightweight clothing, such as sundresses or shorts and T-shirts. Evenings can be slightly cooler, so a thin cardigan, shawl or long-sleeved shirt is useful to have.
What is the currency of Barbados?
The Barbados dollar (BBD) is the official local currency of Barbados, although US dollars are also widely accepted around the island.
What is the time zone in Barbados?
Barbados observes Atlantic Standard Time (AST) all year. This means that Barbados is four hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and five behind British Summer Time (BST) in the UK.
What other countries are included in a cruise that goes to Barbados?
Depending which itinerary you choose, you can take a Caribbean cruise from Barbados to a wide range of other countries and territories. These include the British Virgin Islands, St. Maarten, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Grenada.
What to do in the Barbados?
One of the best things to do on Barbados is perhaps its most famous activity: go to the beach. From sandy stretches by the Caribbean Sea along the west's so-called Platinum Coast, to the quiet shores and surf spots on the east, there's a beach to suit everyone. If you're interested in sea life, there's much to be found when snorkelling in the island's turquoise waters. However, holidays to Barbados don't have to be solely spent by the sea, as there are plenty of other pursuits found further inland. Take a swing at one of its golf courses, hike in its verdant hills, drive a 4X4 along the Cattlewash or catch a cricket or 'road tennis' match. Also don't miss Gothic-styled St. John's Parish Church (dating to the 19th century), handsome Sunbury Plantation House and its collection of antiques and art, and the gorgeous Tropical Garden, housing a waterfall, countless orchids and other colourful flora, over six acres. There's also a great deal to see in historic Bridgetown, on the outskirts of which you'll find Rihanna Drive (where the Bajan star grew up). The island is also the birthplace of rum, so a visit to a distillery like Mount Gay is a must. Natural wonders abound, so make sure to visit some on your Barbados cruise. Harrison's Cave, for example, is a resplendent limestone cave network brimming with stalagmites and stalactites, while Animal Flower Cave - thought to be the island's only accessible sea cave - has salt water rock pools and incredible views out across the Atlantic.
