The History of Cruising in Barbados
Welcome to the Bridgetown Cruise Terminal Inc.
Nestled on the outskirts of Bridgetown lays one of the busiest ports in the Caribbean. With the movement of people and cargo, the Bridgetown Cruise Terminal Inc. (BCTI) is the hub that make these everyday activities seamless. From the peak of the Cruise Season in October which runs to April the following year the Bridgetown Cruise Terminal is working to ensure a safe and entertaining hub cruise passenger and crewmembers alike.
The Bridgetown Cruise Terminal is one of the unsung gems of Barbados.The Cruise Terminal as it is abbreviated by locals, has an excellent port especially for departure. Many cruise vessels have Bridgetown as a staple destination on their itinerary: Carnival Cruise Lines, P & O Cruise, Princess Cruise and Windstar Cruise just to name a few. The Bridgetown Cruise Terminal was originally called the Deep Water Harbour and can accommodate up to six large cruise liner at one time. The harbour is divide into four quays. BCTI provides service facilities such as Health Center, Animal Quarantine, Barbados Tourism Office, Customs, Immigration and Post Office.
The Cruise Terminal was conceptualized to provide convenient access to the island’s shops and services. BCTI has been operational since January 14, 1994 and provides over 20,000 sq. ft. of retail shopping including: cafes, bars, duty free shops, car rental offices, just to name a few. You can purchase souvenirs, art, T-shirts, perfumes, crystal, jewellery, cigars, cigarettes, liquor. The Cruise Terminal also provides free Wi-Fi to all cruise passenger and crewmember where you can read our Free online Magazine About Barbados.
The Bridgetown Cruise Terminal Inc. welcome persons daily from all over the world. You are sure to received a warm and friendly Barbadian welcome and be entertained by local artist either through dance, song or instrument. The Cruise Terminal has over 40 shops and push carts as well telecommunication and visitor services. From exquisite jewelry and fine china to souvenirs and locally produce treats. Check out the Terminal Listing to see which shops are available at the Bridgetown Cruise Terminal Inc.
The History of Cruise Development in Barbados
Bridgetown was the first port of call in the New World for vessels arriving from Europe for over three hundred years. Thus Barbados became a center of commerce, and the trans-shipment center of the Lesser Antilles. To the southwest of Bridgetown lies Carlisle Bay, it was the most sheltered area for ships, and provided ease of access to landing. Carlisle Bay was thus established as a principal anchorage port from 1641 until the official opening of the Deep Water Harbour in 1961. The Deep Harbour now renamed Bridgetown Port was establish to solve the problem of the then steamboat vessels displacing sailboats.
Aerial view of the Bridgetown Port
The Bridgetown Cruise Terminal is an integral part of the Bridgetown Port and which has a long history dated back to May 1961 when the Deep Water Harbour was opened by Sir Grantley Adams, then Prime Minister of Barbados, on Pelican Island located just 600 yards away from the mainland. Pelican island has a unique past of its own, until the 1940’s, Pelican Island served as a quarantine station. It was here that persons; Barbadian nationals as well as crew and passengers of the many ships crossing the Atlantic and within the Caribbean were process. Pelican Island was joined to the mainland by filling in the sea between the two, adding just over 90 acres of land to Barbados. The Pelican Island historic site is marked by a lone carved pelican perched atop a one- ton boulder just inside the main entrance of the Port.
This landmark in the infrastructural development of Barbados signalled a realization of an effort that had started in 1694 when work began to “form a harbour at the town of St Michael (Bridgetown’s former name), capable of accommodating and protecting ships of 200 tonnes”. This project was in the final phase of completion when the entire structure was destroyed by a violent hurricane. The cost of reconstruction was prohibitive and the government was forced to abandon it.
Bridgetown Cruise Terminal Entrance
The ground breaking for the Bridgetown Cruise Terminal took place on August 1, 1993 and the terminal was officially declared open by the then Prime Minister, the Right Honourable Lloyd Erskine Sandiford, on January 14, 1994 as the center for all services provided for the use of cruise passengers and crewmembers visiting Barbados. It offers free Wi-Fi, more than 60,000 square feet of space. Some 20,000 square feet is allocated to duty free shops, the remainder comprises space for quaint pushcarts, unique Chattel Houses, the offices of Customs, Immigration, Port Health, Plant and Animal Quarantine, Post Office and the Barbados Tourism Product Authority .
{gallery}Cruiseterminal{/gallery}© Photos Compliments The Bridgetown Cruise Terminal Inc.
NEARBY - Bridgetown – The Capital
Bridgetown is the largest town in Barbados and also the capital city of the island. Bridgetown, previously known as “Indian Bridge” and the “town of St. Michael” obtained status as Barbados’ capital in 1838 after slavery was abolished and in June 2011 was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Careenage in Bridgetown facilitated trading and commercial activity among vessels. Bridgetown is almost always active, bustling with people; except for Sundays and Bank Holidays.
Bridgetown is located south of the terminal and is just a 10-minute walk away. If you prefer not to walk a taxi is the next best option or you can rent a car; do keep in mind with this option a car park structure is a must. Bridgetown has a unique blend of Historic, Military and Sightseeing Tour influence to full an entire day; and of course Duty-free Shopping. Read more about a Self Guided Walking Tour of Barbados or Lil tings about de island or Our Barbados Bucket List!
Click the image to read the articles below
- Broad Street – the largest department stores and malls for duty free shopping are located on Broad Street. These include the Colonade Mall, Mall 34 and Cave Shepherd. Cave shepherd – the leading department store in Barbados and over 100 years old. Offers the best from footwear, to electronics, clothing, books, children clothes and toys and cosmetics all at duty free prices
- Norman Centre Mall – house popular international stores such as Converse and Payless.
The Colonade Mall – formerly called Dacosta’s Mall, is the oldest mall in Barbados. Not only does it have a variety of shops to do your shopping but the food court also allows you a place to relax and unwind and take a bite to eat. - Harrisons – Offers the best in cosmetics and high end shoes and bags at duty free prices.
Pelican Village – located just on the outskirts of the town and offers the best in local arts and craft. Steel pan music is also played here at times.
Other stores and shops are located on the main streets in Bridgetown – Swann Street, James Street, Tudor Street and Roebuck Street. These streets house the smaller but popular retail stores such as NuLook Boutique, Dallas Discounts, Ouch! and Superstyle Shoe Store. Also, as you walk along these streets there will be no shortage of vendors selling a variety of items ranging from purses, clothes and shoes.
Dont Miss out on these Sights! and Other Must -See - Ums
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Food
Beaches
Beautiful white sandy beaches, perfect sunny weather, clear waters– it’s just another gorgeous day in Barbados. Features are beaches on the South and West Coast of the island. On the South Coast has many beach gems nestled within its territory. From swimming and snorkeling, to the wide variety of watersports available, it is no wonder that the South Coast is often referred to as the “Fun Coast’. This coast also reveals several street vendors, ranging from food to arts and crafts. You may even pass some coconut vendors on the sides– be sure to take a taste of the refreshingly cool and delicious coconut water. As this Coast is where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Caribbean see, the waters are gentler than those on the East Coast, yet rougher than those on the West so swimmers must be aware of possible unexpected, strong sea currents that may naturally occur.
On the West Coast, from the capital city of Bridgetown, the coast runs upwards to the parish of St. Peter. The West Coast is a favorite for many tourists looking to experience sun, sea and sand. With jet skis, snorkelling adventures, swimming with the turtles, as well as numerous bars, shops and restaurants, there are a host of activities to partake in. Also dubbed as the ‘Platinum Coast’, the West Coast of Barbados can provide a truly spectacular time with tons of wtaersports, and amenities for all.
Remember:
1. Watch out for sea urchins when swimming/snorkeling near reefs.
2. Where there are water-sport activities persons should be cautious when entering outside the area marked with orange coloured buoys!
If you only have a few days to Play in Barbados Read our Article - 5 Days To Play
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