Bridgetown Cruise Port Guide

Bridgetown, Barbados

The most easterly of the Caribbean Islands, Although the Iberians opted not to settle on the island, they did give it a name, Los Barbados (the "bearded ones"), which is generally believed to have derived from the aerial roots of the Bearded Fig Tree.

Europeans did not begin settling in Barbados until the English arrived in 1625. The island presented an ideal opportunity to acquire a colony with considerable scope for agricultural development. The English landed at the site of today's Holetown and claimed the island in the name of the Crown.

They began cultivating the land with the first 80 settlers and a number of slaves they had captured from a trading vessel. With the planting of tropical crops, particularly sugar cane, they found a flourishing commodity that was in high demand in Europe and provided the base for English rule during the next 300 years.

A strong British atmosphere prevails to this day, despite independence achieved from Britain in 1966. Judges and barristers still wear robes and wigs, cricket remains a national passion and traffic operates on the left.

Genuinely proud of their island, the quarter-million Bajans welcome visitors as privileged guests. Tourism and off-shore finance are major sources of income, providing a healthy existence for the island's population.

Barbados draws scores of visitors thanks to its great natural beauty, varied terrain and historic monuments. There are 900 miles of pristine beaches, a rugged Atlantic coastline, fertile valleys, distinguished plantation houses, stalactite-studded caves, a wildlife preserve and attractive tropical gardens. The island's capital, Bridgetown, is one of the Caribbean's major free ports, bustling with activity.

Visitors looking for outdoor activities such as golf, tennis, boating, fishing and swimming will find plenty of opportunities on Barbados. Fine dining is available around Bridgetown and in restaurants and hotels around