Following the outstanding popularity of Rover, the “Chief Dog Officer” of Icon of the Seas, Royal Caribbean International, has announced that the second Icon-class ship, Star of the Seas, will also have its own Chief Dog Officer onboard.
The furry member of the crew family will be named Sailor, and will set sail with the ship when it launches in late August 2025.
Chief Dog Officer Announced for Star of the Seas
The upcoming Star of the Seas will be Royal Caribbean’s second Icon-class vessel, and will offer many of the same amazing features as her sister ship – including the wagging tail of a Chief Dog Officer.
The cruise line first introduced Icon of the Seas‘ canine crew member, a female golden retriever named Rover, in January, just two weeks before the ship’s maiden voyage. Now, Royal Caribbean has announced that Sailor will join the crew of Star of the Seas.
Very few details about Sailor have been confirmed. The dog’s breed and age have not yet been announced, nor is it known whether the dog will be male or female – the official announcement only says that Rover will have a “sibling.”
While this could indicate another golden retriever – a very popular dog breed that is known for its friendly nature, excellent trainability, and adaptability – the term sibling could simply be a convenient description.
Many dog owners treat multiple pets of different breeds, or even different species such as cats, as “brothers” and “sisters” in the family structure.
It is also unknown whether Sailor will be aboard Star of the Seas for the inaugural sailings, though this seems likely with the announcement of the dog’s appointment to the crew more than a year in advance.
Furthermore, bringing the dog onboard ahead of the ship’s initial sailings will give the animal time to acclimate to the unusual environment and prepare for the business of being a friendly cruise line ambassador.
What Does a Chief Dog Officer Do?
While some cruise ships have permitted senior officers to have pets onboard – such as the popular “Bug Naked” hairless Sphynx cat that belongs to Captain Kate McCue of Celebrity Beyond – Rover and Sailor are the first-ever official canine crew members for a major cruise line.
While Sailor’s duties aren’t yet defined with Star of the Seas still under construction at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Turku, Finland, Rover has been filling out and helping define the role of Chief Dog Officer.
The canine is more than just a furry ambassador, however. She provides comfort and happiness to crew members and guests alike, and has an active Instagram account (@chiefdogrover) to share her duties and insights into cruising on the world’s largest cruise ship.
Rover Dog on Icon of the Seas (Photo Credit: godwin_fernandes2000)
Those duties include joining in onboard trivia games, helping out at Guest Services, singing along at karaoke, previewing portraits with the ship’s photographers, playing fetch on the bridge, taking a lap around the jogging track, and much more.
Rover has even showed off “Royal bling” with a customized bone-shaped dog tag while posing with the one-of-a-kind $100,000 goblet aboard Icon of the Seas (a special purchase that comes with a lifetime unlimited drinks package!).
Undoubtedly, Sailor’s duties will be similar, and there might even be a doggy play date when the two canine crew members meet up for a run on the beach at Royal Caribbean’s private island destination in The Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay.
Meeting Sailor
Star of the Seas was originally planned to debut on August 17, 2025, but has unfortunately been slightly delayed and will now set off on her inaugural cruise on August 31, 2025. The 250,800-gross-ton vessel will be able to welcome 5,610 travelers at double occupancy, and will be home to an international crew of more than 2,300 team members.
The second Icon-class ship will be homeported from Port Canaveral, offering Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries, with each voyage including a visit to CocoCay. Bookings are now open for Star of the Seas, and new details and unique features of the ship will undoubtedly be announced in the months to come.
Discover these 10 well-known Western Caribbean cruise ports to help you plan your itinerary and choose exciting things to do during the voyage. Western Caribbean cruises typically visit ports of call in Central America and the beautiful Caribbean Sea. These tropical destinations include various ports in Mexico, Belize, and Honduras, and tropical islands such as Grand Cayman and Jamaica.
Here’s our informative guide for cruisers covering these popular ports of call. We include terminal and pier info, which ports have tenders, popular shore excursions, and things to see and do independently if you don’t want to join an official cruise shore excursion.
Lying just off the coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, the island of Cozumel is one of the most popular ports of call. The port is towards the west of the island. The cruise terminal can accommodate up to eight cruise ships at a time with three dedicated cruise piers: Punta Langosta, the International SSA Pier and Puerta Maya.
Additional ships use tenders to transport passengers ashore. Punta Langosta is just a five-minute stroll south of downtown and the Main Square. The other two cruise piers are further south and visitors can use shuttle buses or take a taxi for the 5-minute trip.
Photo Credit: CathyRL / Shutterstock.com
Once ashore, there’s plenty of duty-free shopping and authentic Mexican restaurants to explore before you even leave the port area. Cozumel has some of the best and clearest diving and snorkeling sites with caves, underwater tunnels and a coral reef brimming with marine life.
Take your pick from jet boat tours, fishing trips, Jeep excursions to Mayan ruins and Tequila tastings. There are plenty more thrills, such as ziplines and glass-bottom kayaking at Chankanaab Adventure Beach Park.
Cruise lines visiting Cozumel in 2024-25 include:
Holland America
Carnival Cruise Line
Royal Caribbean International
Norwegian Cruise Line
MSC Cruises
Princess Cruises
Celebrity Cruises
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Disney Cruise Line
Marella Cruises
Oceania Cruises
Virgin Voyages
TUI Cruises
Viking Cruises
Hapag-Lloyd Cruises
Margaritaville at Sea
Grand Cayman
Located in the Western Caribbean, midway between Cuba and Jamaica, Grand Cayman is the largest of the three islands making up the Cayman Islands. The cruise terminal is in the capital, George Town, on the sheltered west coast.
Grand Cayman is a tender port, which means the ships drop anchor in the harbor and use tenders/ lifeboats to transport cruisers ashore. There are three terminals: South, North, and Royal Watler. They have modern facilities for welcoming cruisers along with duty-free shopping and excursion departure points.
Cruise Ship in Grand Cayman, Caribbean (Photo Credit: eric laudonien)
Once famous for its turtles, the island has an interesting Turtle Center where you can learn more about turtle conservation and see new hatchlings and fully grown turtles up close. Go snorkeling with rays at Stingray City, swim with dolphins or visit Starfish Point Beach to see bright red starfish in abundance.
Relax and enjoy swimming and watersports on idyllic Seven Mile Beach, or visit Hell, a rocky area of jagged black limestone, and send a postcard from Hell to your family and friends.
Cruise lines visiting Grand Cayman in 2024-25 include:
Carnival Cruise Line
Royal Caribbean International
Norwegian Cruise Line
MSC Cruises
Holland America Line
Princess Cruises
Celebrity Cruises
Disney Cruise Line
Marella Cruises
Oceania Cruises
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Virgin Voyages
Phoenix Reisen
Crystal Cruises
Costa Maya, Mexico
Located on the east coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, Costa Maya is just north of the town of Mahahual. It’s about 100 miles south of the popular resort of Playa del Carmen and the Mayan site at Tulum.
The port has modern facilities with duty-free shopping, restaurants and bars. There are plenty of local taxis to take you independently to Mahahual or other tourist attractions. Some cruise lines offer shuttle services to Mahahual, which has beautiful sandy beaches.
Cruise Ship Docked in Costa Maya, Mexico
Costa Maya is an exciting Caribbean cruise destination with an incredible number of attractions, including two biosphere reserves at Banco Chinchorro and Sian Ka’an. More reasons to visit Costa Maya include pristine beaches, jungle adventures and amazing watersports.
Visit Xcalax, an authentic fishing village, or take a tour to see exotic wildlife, including beautiful jaguars, monkeys, and crocodiles. Divers can visit shipwreck sites and see turtles, rays, tigers, and hammerhead sharks. All this, plus Mayan temples and carved pyramids at Kohunlich and Chacchoben.
Cruise lines visiting Costa Maya in 2024-25 include:
Carnival Cruise Line
Royal Caribbean International
Norwegian Cruise Line
MSC Cruises
Holland America Line
Princess Cruises
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
TUI Cruises
Oceania Cruises
Disney Cruise Line
Virgin Voyages
Roatan, Honduras
Honduras is the largest of the Bay Islands. The offshore island of Roatan is a popular port of call for cruises due to its cultural diversity and aquatic fun. The main cruise port is the Mahogany Bay Cruise Center, which is owned by Carnival Corporation. It is located on the southwest coast of the island near the town of Coxen Hole.
Tenders are generally used to transport guests to and from the ship. The Cruise Center actually has its own shopping village. From the cruise terminal, you can walk along a nature trail or take a chairlift down to the beach.
There’s also the Cozen Hole cruise ship dock, which is used by other non-Carnival cruise lines and opened in 2008. This facility features a mall and stores for cruise visitors to enjoy.
On Roatan, you can snorkel and scuba dive on one of the largest reef systems in the world, visiting caves and shipwrecks while spotting sharks, eels, and colorful marine life. And where else can you visit a Sloth Farm or an Iguana Park that protects toucans, parrots, monkeys and reptiles? Other attractions to see from a water taxi tour include the multicolored stilted houses of fishermen in Oakridge and 17th-century pirate fortifications at Coxen Hole.
Cruise lines visiting Roatan in 2024-25 include:
Carnival Cruise Line
Royal Caribbean International
Norwegian Cruise Line
MSC Cruises
Holland America Line
Princess Cruises
TUI Cruises
Oceania Cruises
Silversea Cruises
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Virgin Voyages
Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Perched on the northern coast of the Caribbean island of Jamaica, Ocho Rios is Jamaica’s largest cruise port. It is also a lively coastal town backing onto lush tropical hills.
Most larger cruise vessels drop anchor just offshore and use tenders to transport guests ashore. From there, cruisers can head to the local craft markets and beaches or take an excursion to see more of the island. Street performers are a popular sight around the port shopping area, providing entertainment and music.
Photo Credit: Rory Burchenson / Shutterstock
Ocho Rios offers some unique opportunities for adventure, including the chance to climb up Dunn’s River Falls, a dramatic cascade that is 180 feet high. At the top of the falls is a Craft Market where cruisers can pick up fragrant Blue Mountain Coffee that is grown on the island. The 600-foot-long waterfall ends at the beach.
Visitors can also enjoy hiking in the lush rainforest, lagoon swims, boat rides, ziplines and thrilling bobsleigh rides. Everywhere you go in Jamaica, you’ll hear the beat of reggae. Of course, Bob Marley fans can pay homage at his hometown of Nine Mile St Ann.
Cruise lines visiting Ocho Rios in 2024-25 include:
Carnival Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line
MSC Cruises
Holland America Line
Royal Caribbean International
MSC Cruises
Princess Cruises
TUI Cruises
Costa Cruises
AIDA Cruises
Montego Bay, Jamaica
Montego Bay is a popular port of call on many Western Caribbean cruise itineraries. Located on the northwest side of the island, this buzzing port is the second-largest cruise port in Jamaica and can accommodate up to four ships at a time. The MoBay terminal has good amenities, including duty-free shops, restaurants, bars and excursion desks.
Montego Bay Cruise Port (Photo Credit: Viktor Hladchenko)
Montego Bay cruise terminal is within easy reach of many attractions on the island, such as the Rastafari Indigenous Village, just 15 minutes away by taxi. Four championship golf courses combine a round of golf with stunning scenery. The vibrant Hip Strip is the main hub for shopping and local businesses, such as the world-famous Margaritaville, which combines water slides and pools with cocktails in the sun.
Montego Bay has some of the finest white sandy beaches and clear blue waters in the Caribbean. Chill out and sunbathe, browse the local shops or visit one of the historic plantation homes such as Rosehall. A rafting trip down Martha Brae River is the ultimate excursion from your cruise around the Western Caribbean.
Cruise lines visiting Montego Bay in 2024-25 include:
Carnival Cruise Line
Royal Caribbean International
Norwegian Cruise Line
Holland America Line
Princess Cruises
MSC Cruises
TUI Cruises
Marella Cruises
Viking Voyages
AIDA Cruises
Oceania Cruises
Ambassador Cruise Line
P&O Cruises
Progreso, Mexico
Located 30 km from the city of Merida in northwest Yucatan, the port of Progreso dates back to Mayan times. It remains a pretty fishing port as well as a busy cruise terminal that is growing in popularity as a port of call.
Progreso has an exceptionally long four-mile (6.5km) pier that goes over the shallow continental shelf to allow docking by larger cruise ships. Shuttle buses are provided to transport cruisers to the Progreso terminal. From there, you can walk just three blocks to the beach.
Carnival Ship Docked in Progreso
The most famous part of the port is El Malecon, an elegant mile-long seaside promenade that provides access to the sandy beach and has beautiful Gulf views. One of the main features is the traditional carousel right on the sand. The waters are warm and crystal clear for swimming.
The original Mayan city of Merida is worth a visit. Rebuilt by Spanish Conquistadors, it has grand Spanish-influenced architecture and palatial mansions. Shopping on the fashionable Paseo de Montejo is said to rival the Champs-Elysees in Paris!
Cruise lines visiting Progreso, Mexico in 2024-25 include:
Carnival Cruise Line
Royal Caribbean International
Disney Cruise Line
Margaritaville at Sea
American Queen Voyages
Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Playa del Carmen is a very popular resort on the beautiful Yucatan Peninsula. The nearest dock for visiting cruise ships is at Calica Quarry Docks, about a 10-minute drive to downtown. Consequently, most cruise ships use Playa del Carmen as a tender cruise port, transporting passengers to the ferry pier near the downtown plaza.
Photo Credit: posztos / Shutterstock
There are endless attractions and experiences on offer when visiting Playa del Carmen. If your cruise is docking in Cozumel, you can even take a 30-40 minute ferry ride from Cozumel, visit ancient Mayan temples such as the Kukulkan Pyramid at Chichen Itza, or just relax on miles of golden sandy beaches.
For something more unusual, book an excursion to one of the freshwater cenotes and swim in the clear waters of these limestone sinkholes. For families on a Western Caribbean cruise, a day at the Xcaret eco-archaeological park combines Mexico’s history, culture and cuisine.
Cruise lines visiting Playa del Carmen in 2024-25 include:
American Queen Voyages
Belize City, Belize
Belize City welcomes cruise ships to the port, which includes a cruise terminal officially known as Fort Street Tourism Village. It’s located in the heart of Belize City, the country’s capital. The terminal has good facilities, including restrooms, souvenir shops, and information desks.
Snorkelers and divers will be keen to visit Belize as the longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere lies just offshore. It provides amazing scuba diving, including the 300-meter-wide Blue Hole.
Belize Tender Port for Cruise Passengers (Photo Credit: Wirestock Creators / Shutterstock)
Excursions venture into the tropical jungle for zip-lining over the rainforest or visit long-lost Mayan ruins. Wildlife preserves and botanical gardens showcase exotic flowers, plants, and mammals, while Belize City has a bustling market and impressive Colonial architecture.
Cruise lines visiting Belize City in 2024-25 include:
Holland America Line
Cruise Line
Royal Caribbean International
Princess Cruises
Celebrity Cruises
TUI Cruises
Silversea Cruises
Hurtigruten
UnCruise Adventures
Viking Cruises
Key West, Florida
Key West, Florida, is the southernmost tip of the continental United States. Although the island community is just 120 miles or so southwest of Miami, it is a world away in lifestyle and culture. This colorful island is at the end of a chain of offshore islands linked by the breathtaking Overseas Highway.
Larger cruise ships dock at the deepwater Pier B at the Key West cruise port, while smaller vessels dock at the city-owned Mallory Square Dock. Both terminals are just a short stroll from the downturn area, making it easy to explore independently. There are plenty of small shops and stalls near the cruise terminal, along with waterfront bars and boat trips.
Photo Credit: Felix Mizioznikov / Shutterstock
This laid-back community is known for its pastel-painted architecture, naval and shipwreck museums, art studios and bars in the Old Town. Go shopping on Duval Street, visit the home of Ernest Hemingway, or take in the main sights on a whistle-stop trolley tour that includes the lighthouse, aquarium, and Truman’s Little White House. After that, treat yourself to a rum cocktail or a slice of Key Lime Pie as you watch street performers at sunset on Mallory Square, a Key West tradition.
Cruise lines visiting Key West in 2024-25 include:
Carnival Cruise Line
Royal Caribbean International
Norwegian Cruise Line
Celebrity Cruises
Holland America Line
MSC Cruises
Princess Cruises
ACL
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Virgin Voyages
Margaritaville at Sea
Armed with all this information, it’s easy to book a Western Caribbean Cruise based on places to visit and things to do that appeal to your personal taste. Bon voyage!
I’ve sailed a variety of cruise lines throughout the years, beginning with my first voyage as an 18-year-old living in Fort Lauderdale when my mother took me on a nighttime sail. Back in those days (not to date myself), you could get on a ship out of Port Everglades and go into international waters to drink and gamble.
It took a decade to discover cruises were so much more than an evening of debauchery, and I’ve since taken my children on cruises, experienced romantic voyages, and gathered the girls for weekend getaways at sea, many in the name of an upcoming wedding.
When my best friend suggested we needed some one-on-one girl time, we knew we wanted to spend a week in the Caribbean sun and escape winter’s wrath. It just so happened that Virgin Voyages, which has only been in operation since the pandemic, had recently launched a 7-night itinerary from San Juan to island hop in Antigua, Barbados, the British Virgin Islands, Guadeloupe, and St. Lucia. Always one to enjoy Sir Richard Branson’s hotels and airlines, a trip aboard the Valiant Lady seemed like an ideal match.
What Does Adults-Only Actually Entail?
If you Google Virgin Voyages, you may find earlier articles indicating that adults-only cruises are meant for raunchiness. My friend’s husband read too many comments about “swingers,” “in-cabin toy packages,” and other tales that made him wonder why we chose Virgin. We, and the people we met on board, laughed at those exaggerated stories. They simply are not true.
Valiant Lady’s Diva, A Woman Named Carlos (Photo Credit: Lissa Poirot)
What does adults-only mean on Virgin? It means that kids are not splashing in the pool and running down the corridors. It means the entertainment will be of interest to those 21 and older, including the paint-and-sip arts and crafts program we enjoyed one afternoon, the boozy Bingo games, where mothers and daughters sat side by side with mimosas in hopes of winning a big prize, and several evening performances with The Diva.
Honestly, adults-only simply meant “adult time.” To us, that equated to a lot of relaxing, listening to live music, and reading on a lounge chair with a cocktail in hand. I didn’t even notice that children weren’t on board because it just didn’t occur to me that anything should be noticed.
More to Cabins Beside the Iconic Red Hammock
Sharing a room with a friend is always a tricky proposition, but even more so in the tight quarters of a cruise ship. My friend and I shared a 225-square-foot Sea Terrace suite and from the photos, it looked like we’d have some trouble squeezing in clothes for two. But we were pleasantly surprised upon arrival, as the suite was filled with plenty of space to accommodate all of our clothes and toiletries.
Guests are given multiple configuration choices, including a double bed, and we requested our beds be configured in an L-shape. This way, we could each have a single bed at night and a couch during the day. But we were never in the cabin to even utilize the day couch!
The author in Valiant Voyages’ red hammock. (Photo Credit: Lissa Poirot)
Beneath one bed were two large drawers, and the closet/armoire featured another set of drawers so that everything had a place. We couldn’t fit our suitcases under the beds, but because of all the drawer space, we could fit them into the closet. While the vanity space in the bathroom was almost non-existent, we used two baskets from the closet to hold our toiletries on the shelf below the sink to keep things organized and within reach.
Where we weren’t impressed was the balcony. Sure, we had a balcony but space was tight. Virgin Voyages is pretty gung-ho about its scarlet red hammock on the balconies, but having the hammock hanging down made it feel even smaller for both of us to enjoy the space at the same time. It is a petty complaint, considering we were hardly ever in our suite, but the only time we would be in the hammock was when the other was in the shower.
Getting Healthy at Sea
We had decided to make our vacay a week of self-improvement, promising to partake in the ship’s more than 100 free exercise classes. We also swore we would utilize the open-air track on Deck 17 called The Runway, join the calming morning yoga sessions on The Perch, and visit the ship’s gym, B-Complex.
A lofty undertaking on a cruise? Actually, it was super easy to maintain a healthy lifestyle aboard Valiant Lady. We couldn’t get enough of Rees and his high-energy Spin classes set to Beyonce, Rhianna, and Madonna. These classes rivaled any class I’ve ever taken in the city.
The ship’s gym was divided into two very large spaces: one offering cardio equipment that looked out from floor-to-ceiling windows so we could take in the views while running, and the other offering weights, Pilates, and other strength- and flex-training areas, also featuring the same windowed walls on the other side of the ship.
Spin Class at Sea, B-Complex, Valiant Lady (Photo Credit: Lissa Poirot)
The ship’s food court-styled dining, found on Deck 15, was nothing like a traditional food court. Instead of pizza, burgers, French fries, and chicken fingers, the Galley featured Bento Boxes at Bento Baby, made-to-order salads at Daily Mix, and açai bowls at The Sweet Side. We could even find freshly made juices at Juice Sea on Deck 7 and poke bowls at Sun Club Café on Deck 16.
Knowing we would be burning through workout clothes, we even took advantage of Valiant Lady’s laundry, which was just $30 for an entire bag!
Of course, a sea day wouldn’t be a sea day without a visit to the spa, and Valiant Lady offered an easy and inexpensive way to enjoy the spa with its Thermal Suite Pass. For two hours, we could take advantage of Redemption Spa’s steam room, sauna, salt therapy room, mud bath room, hot and cold plunge pools, and heated Turkish marble lounges. It was highly worth the $70 price tag.
How Is Virgin Elevating Cruise Dining?
What is a cruise without an array of food options? Virgin wanted to take the dining experience up a notch. You won’t find a main dining room with set seated times. You won’t find a main dining room, period. The restaurants aboard Valiant Lady are restaurants, where a reservation is recommended and the service will be like any you’d find onshore. You just won’t pay to dine in them. (But you will pay for drinks.)
We didn’t feel like we had to dress to the nines or that meals were completely over the top when dining every evening. The restaurants are very hip, exciting, and social environments. Our favorite was Extra Virgin, “Elevated Italian,” on Deck 6. From crispy artichokes with caper aioli and charred lemon aperitivo to the secondo porcini-rubbed New York Strip with Calabrian chili butter, farro and sauteed escarole, we raved about every bite. We weren’t the only ones who loved this spot; every passenger we spoke to said it was their favorite, and we failed to secure a second reservation due to its popularity.
Our second favorite was The Wake, located Deck 6 aft. Not only did we have amazing views from our perch as we sailed by Richard Branson’s private Necker Island, but we caught Sir Richard aboard his catamaran, waving to the ship as it passed while his staff on the island lit a bonfire to guide our way. We were told he always greets his ships when he’s on the island, sometimes with fireworks.
The Wake is also the place to be for a boozy brunch. Or, so we were told. We were too busy with our morning workouts and excursions to make it to brunch!
Virgin Voyages Test Kitchen Test (Photo Credit: Lissa Poirot)
Of the ship’s additional restaurants, we loved Pink Agave’s taste of Mexico through tlayuds, memelas, sopes, tortas, esquites, and tamales, but were less impressed by Test Kitchen. The latter is Virgin’s Michelin-inspired lab-like eatery.
Although the menu was experiential, the dishes delivered didn’t wow us, especially when multiple servers lifted individual smoke-filled glass tops to be what seemed like a side dish of fresh peas and egg yolk. Our style was definitely the more lively, shared plates scenes.
Is It Worth It to Be a RockStar?
Although we didn’t stay in a RockStar suite, which are at least double in size, feature a bottomless in-room bar, and have marble bathrooms with Peek-a-Boo showers (and sometimes a bathtub), we did get RockStar VIP access.
RockStars get the first access to book restaurants and experiences and are moved to the front of the line for any shows that do not require reservations. Considering the booking window opens 45 days before the sailing date, and that passengers in the know set their alarms to begin booking as soon as the app launches, this first access alone can be worth its weight.
Richard’s Rooftop, Valiant Lady (Photo Credit: Lissa Poirot)
The real perks for RockStars, however, are the in-room stocked bar, complimentary drinks offered around the ship, daily spa access for complimentary Thermal Suite visits, a dedicated RockStar Agent at your service 24/7, and, our personal heaven, access to Richard’s Rooftop.
The rooftop lounge in the forward ship was dotted with shaded loungers and multiple hot tubs with a private bar, panoramic views, and nightly happy hour. We spent every afternoon lounging on the rooftop between excursions and watched the sunset during happy hour with an intimate group of cruisers we befriended. On our sea day, when the pool was most packed, the lounge remained an empty reprieve, and we certainly felt like RockStars with our whims catered to at every turn.
Is It Fun Going Ashore?
I can’t believe I am going to say this after years of giving my mother grief for not getting off cruise ships and exploring, but my friend and I loved Valiant Lady so much that we wished we spent more time onboard! Seven days felt too short to enjoy every bit of space.
Still, we took advantage of the Experiences offered by Virgin. By far, our best Experience was a day sailing to the Pitons in Saint Lucia, where we stopped to snorkel and dropped anchor in a quiet yet colorful bay for local eats and Piton beer.
We tried a similar excursion in Barbados but were disappointed when the catamaran took us in view of the ship, deposited us on a crowded beach, and then sailed us back after a quick swim, claiming the waves were too rough. We later discovered others who took the same excursion and sailed further afield through the same company. We think our detour was due to being the last excursion of the day.
Colorful St. Lucian lunch spot during an excursion (Photo Credit: Lissa Poirot)
One word of caution is that many of the excursions are extremely large and crowded. One passenger complained of having 40 people on his sailing excursion, while a kayaking trip in Antigua had more than 60 guests. We wished we had known how many people were booked on each excursion before selecting, as we would have chosen smaller Experiences.
What Is It Like on a Virgin Voyage?
The sold-out cruise featuring 1,400 cabins across 16 decks of Valiant Lady could have turned our vacation into a nightmare – trapped on a smaller cruise ship than, say, Oasis of the Seas, at full capacity worried us. But our fears were for naught because even during our one at-sea day, Valiant Lady never felt crowded.
The ship was filled with hangout areas, from lounging on a day bed in the Mediterranean-inspired Dock House and its utterly fabulous and very secluded outdoor area in the ship’s aft to the wonderful Sip Lounge, where afternoon tea and champagne were a constant.
The only areas that ever felt crowded were the pools at the Aquatic Club and Gym and Tonic, which is pretty typical of any cruise ship, especially on sea days. But besides feeling like we had the ship to ourselves, there was the feeling of inclusion aboard Valiant Lady.
The diversity was evident with and felt by the passengers and crew, and it seemed everyone was simply happy to be together at sea. I miss Valiant Lady and her crew and hope to sail with Virgin Voyages again soon.
It’s time once again for Cruise Hive’s weekly cruise news update, recapping all of the major developments you need to know about. This week, we have stories from Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Disney Cruise Line.
It’s easy to stay on top of the big cruise headlines of the week with Cruise Hive, a leading source for cruise news and features.
Our coverage this week includes fascinating articles on a cruise guest seen tampering with bottled water in her cabin, Princess Cruises revamping its dining policies, and three Carnival Cruise Line voyages where loyalty perks will not be available.
Also, read about the new dining venues planned for the new-build Norwegian Aqua, a social media image that prompted cabin safety concerns, and the dramatic evacuation of a Disney Cruise Line guest.
Cruiser Filmed Tampering With Water Bottle
A video showing a Carnival Cruise Line guest tampering with a bottle of water in her cabin is making waves on social media, and some comments suggest she ought to be banned from cruising, or even prosecuted.
Without providing a clue as to when the tampering happened, the video shows a guest filling an empty water bottle with water from her bathroom sink, gluing the top back on, and replacing the Carnival Cruise Line tag before placing the bottle back onto a cabin shelf.
It seems to suggest that the guest drank the spring water inside the bottle and then, in an attempt to fool the cruise line into thinking she did not drink it — and won’t have to pay for it — refills the bottle.
Cruise Passenger Tampers With cabin Water Bottle
The video does not confirm which cruise ship the guest was sailing on, but it is a Carnival Cruise Line vessel. While the date of the filming is unknown, one clue is found in the price of the 1.5-liter bottle. The video shows the price as $4.25, but the line raised the cost of that size bottle to $4.50 in December 2023, so presumably, the tampering happened sometime before then.
There has been no comment from the cruise line but some of the 100,000-plus people who have seen the video have suggested the guest be banned from cruising and possibly be charged with a crime, such as theft — if the video is real. There also is no indication as to who filmed the video.
Princess Cruises Restructures Main Dining Room Options
Princess Cruises restructured the dining options in its fleet’s main dining rooms, offering three distinct types of services: traditional, reservable, and walk-in anytime, effective with cruises departing on and after September 14, 2024.
Under the new policy, the traditional option enables guests to have the same table, wait staff, and meal time each night, while another offers reservable dinner times, and a third provides a dine-anytime approach.
The cruise line will designate separate dining room areas for each of the three options aboard every ship in the fleet, besides Coral Princess and Island Princess. On those ships, reservable and anytime-dining will be combined into one dining room area, due to space constraints.
Sun Princess Dining Room (Photo Credit: Vintagepix / Shutterstock)
Starting June 17, 2024, passengers booked on cruises departing after the effective date can use the Princess Cruises app to select the dining style they prefer.
The cruise line will automatically cancel existing main dining room reservations already booked for cruises departing after September 14, 2024, except for those on Sun Princess, the line’s newest ship.
Sun Princess launched in February 2024 with the three-choice dining plan in place. The 4,300-guest ship features a three-story dining room, and one level is designated for traditional, one for reservable, and one for dine-anytime service.
Reservations already booked in specialty restaurants across the fleet are unaffected by the new policy.
Loyalty Perks Get Pulled From Three Carnival Voyages
Loyalty club guests on three upcoming Carnival Cruise Line voyages will not receive some of the perks and services they normally do, according to an email alert they received.
The affected cruises are all Carnival Journeys sailings, which are longer itineraries that typically attract higher numbers of loyalty program guests. The loss of some benefits happens more often on these cruises due to operational challenges when so many guests are eligible for the upgraded services.
Carnival Pride Sailing (Photo Credit: Ella_Ca / Shutterstock)
In this case, all three sailings will not offer Diamond- and Platinum-level guests priority embarkation and debarkation, including at the beginning and end of the sailing and at all port calls. Also, the cruises will not guarantee main dining room seating requests from Diamond-level guests, which is the highest level in the line’s VIFP (Very Important Fun Person) loyalty program.
The three impacted voyages are Carnival Miracle’s April 6, 2024 departure of a 15-night Hawaii cruise roundtrip from Long Beach, California; Carnival Pride’s April 7, 2024 departure of a 14-night repositioning cruise from Tampa to Norfolk; and Carnival Spirit’s April 7, 2024 departure of a 16-night repositioning from Tampa to Seattle. The line apologized for the changes to the loyalty program benefits.
New Dining Venues Coming to Norwegian Aqua
Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Aqua, the line’s third Prima-class ship that is scheduled to launch in April 2025, will sport several new dining options for her guests along with some reimagined spaces.
The line announced it will delve into a brand new cuisine not offered on any of its ships, with the introduction of a Thai specialty restaurant called Sukhothai. Situated on Deck 17, the eatery will serve dishes such as Thai Cashew Chicken, Salt and Pepper Prawns, and Thai Grilled Steak Salad.
Norwegian Aqua New Dining Experiences
The ship’s Indulge Food Hall will feature a new station called Planterie, offering plant-based food bowls with healthy options such as spiced vegetables, tabbouleh, and honey-roasted carrots.
Some redesigned spaces will include new furnishings and nautical accents in the Commodore Room, the ship’s main dining room, which also is featured onboard sister ships Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva. Additionally, Cagney’s, the cruise line’s signature steakhouse, will be expanded on the new ship to enable more seating.
Norwegian Aqua will debut in Southampton in April 2025 and sail a transatlantic cruise to Boston before operating two cruises from Miami. After that, she will be based in Port Canaveral until August 2025 and then will reposition to New York for the fall 2025 season.
Social Media Image Sparks Cabin Safety Concerns
An alarming scene inside a cruise ship cabin showing electrical cords and fans hanging from a stateroom ceiling appeared on social media, prompting Carnival Cruise Line Brand Ambassador John Heald to weigh in on what is, and is not, allowed in guest cabins.
The posted image shows two fans suspended from the ceiling using a kind of pulley system, with their electrical cords, and possibly extension cords, draped along magnetic hooks attached to the metal ceiling. It is impossible to determine where the image was taken, so the identity of the cruise ship and cruise line is unknown.
Items Hanging from Carnival Cruise Cabin Ceiling
The scene inspired Heald to express safety concerns about the elaborate set-up in a post on his Facebook page. He informed followers that Carnival Cruise Line does not allow “anything like this to be done.” A rigged electrical system like the one in the image could lead to a fire, damage the ceiling, affect the efficiency of a cabin’s sprinkler system, and cause other problems.
Heald noted that guests who suffer from sleep apnea and rely on CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machines are allowed to use magnets to position the CPAP cords across the ceiling, so guests don’t trip over them.
Magnetic hooks can be used for storing bags, hats, and other items, but should only be attached to cabin walls or doors, and never to the ceiling.
Expectant Mom Evacuated From Disney Fantasy
The dramatic evacuation of an expectant mother sailing aboard Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Fantasy was expertly completed by the United States Coast Guard (USCG) on April 15, 2024.
The ship was about 180 miles northwest of Puerto Rico and headed to the British Virgin Islands when the 35-year-old woman developed health complications that needed to be handled at a shoreside medical facility. Neither her specific health concern nor her identity were revealed, and it is not clear whether the complication was related to her pregnancy.
US Coast Guard Evacuation from Disney Ship
A Coast Guard MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter and an HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircraft were dispatched to the scene to handle the evacuation of the guest and the ship’s doctor.
The Jayhawk crew hoisted the two onboard and transported them to the Fernando Luis Ribas Dominicci Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where local emergency personnel were waiting to take them to a nearby hospital.
The 4,000-guest ship continued on its voyage, a 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise that is due to conclude in Port Canaveral on April 20, 2024.
Like other cruise lines, Disney Cruise Line’s policy prohibits a guest from sailing if she is more than 23 weeks pregnant due to the ship’s lack of specialized prenatal and newborn care.
More Cruise Headlines
That’s right, there’s even more! Cruise Hive covers all of the cruise industry news from around the world, including developments such as TUI Cruises planning an at-sea christening of its newest ship, cruise ports in Scotland expecting their best season ever, P&O Cruises’ Pacific Adventure leaving dry dock with exciting new features, MSC Cruises rolling out add-on hotel packages, and Royal Caribbean cancelling a cruise due to Red Sea tensions.
Celestyal Journey’s port call at Kusadasi, Turkey, started with a bang. The 55,877 gross-ton cruise ship hit the pier while attempting to dock on Monday, April 15, 2024. Thankfully, the damage wasn’t too serious.
Celestyal Journey Experiences Docking Mishap
As part of a series of 7-night voyages that Celestyal Journey has been offering in the Aegean Sea, the 1,260-passenger cruise ship has called on Kusadasi, Turkey, quite a few times. But despite having prior experience with the port, sometimes things still go wrong.
On Monday, April 15, at around 12 p.m. local time, the cruise ship was in the process of making a routine arrival in the port. But this time, the crew onboard miscalculated the speed and approached the pier too quickly, causing the ship to hit the concrete structure with its bow bulb. Members of the 597-person crew tried to slow the approach by lowering the anchor, but were not able to prevent the collision.
Thankfully, the crash only caused minimal damage to the ship and to the pier. The last time a ship crashed in a cruise port, which occurred in Baltimore on March 26, 2024, it resulted in significant damage and loss of life – so Celestyal Cruises is lucky this collision was minor, as it could have been much worse.
The 3-ship cruise line has not had to alter any of its itineraries because of the incident, nor has Kusadasi Cruise Port, which has 8 berths dedicated to large vessels and is the most popular cruise port in Turkey, had any negative impact on its operations.
There were also no injuries reported by guests and crew onboard or from onlookers on the shore, which meant passengers were still able to enjoy their port day as planned. Kusadasi is a bucket-list destination for many, as it is the gateway to exploring Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient Greco-Roman cities in the world.
Celestyal Journey To Continue Sailing The Aegean Sea
Celestyal Journey, which entered service in 1994 and was acquired by Celestyal Cruises in 2023, will have many chances to redeem herself. She will call on Kusadasi many more times as she continues to offer 7-Night cruises in the Aegean Sea region until late October 2024.
These sailings are unique, because rather than operating one cruise at a time, the round-trip sailings overlap, meaning guests embark and debark from various cruise ports while other sailings are still ongoing. For these cruises, guests are able to meet the ship in Kusadasi, Turkey; Heraklion, Crete Greece; Piraeus-Athens, Greece; or Thessaloniki, Greece.
Celestyal Journey Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: GEORGE STAMATIS / Shutterstock)
The voyages are round-trip, and the ports that guests don’t select as their homeport will still be called upon, as well as Greece’s Santorini Island, Mykonos Island, and Milos Island.
Celestyal Journey’s final Aegean Sea cruise of the year will embark on October 19, 2024, which will be followed by a 14-day repositioning cruise beginning on October 26 from Piraeus-Athens, Greece, to Doha, Qatar.
Once the ship arrives at its new homeport, it will offer 7-night, round-trip, sailings to Khalifa Bin Salman, Bahrain; Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Sir Bani Yas, United Arab Emirates; and Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
We’re going to explain everything you need to know about Barbados Cruise Port, ensuring your visit to Bridgetown is as enjoyable and stress-free as possible. Formerly known as the Bridgetown Harbour Cruise Pier, we’ll explain how to get around, with transportation options, along with terminal information and nearby attractions that are easy to get to.
Let us guide you through everything you need to know!
Barbados Cruise Port, known officially as the Bridgetown Cruise Ship Terminal, is conveniently located one mile west of downtown Bridgetown. Bridgetown is the capital of Barbados and the nation’s largest and most populous city.
The port and Bridgetown itself are located on the southwestern side of the island nation. Thanks to its deep waters and eye-catching coastline, it is a popular stop for many top cruise lines. The port’s address is listed as Princess Alice Hwy, Bridgetown, Saint Michael, Barbados.
The location is ideal for cruise passengers, as the port is just outside of the city’s downtown core and is just 10 miles away from Grantley Adams International Airport, the main airport in Barbados. Passengers embarking on their cruise from Barbados can take a roughly 30-minute taxi or shuttle ride directly to the cruise port.
Entrance to Port of Bridgetown, Barbados (Photo Credit: AlanMorris / Shutterstock)
From the airport, passengers would travel along the Tom Adams Highway until exiting onto Errol Barrow Highway. The cruise port is well-marked from the highway, with ample parking and drop-off zones, so the commute is straightforward. Plus, there are plenty of hotels just outside the cruise port, so passengers can arrive early and enjoy the city before boarding.
Cruise Terminal Facilities and Services
Given the importance of cruise-related tourism to the economy of Barbados, it is no surprise that the cruise terminal is one of the best you will find anywhere in the Caribbean. It features all the modern amenities and facilities passengers could hope for, including a helpful Barbados Tourist Information Center.
There is also a well-marked free Wi-Fi zone, US dollar ATMs, modern restroom facilities, and even a post office, where passengers can purchase and send postcards and purchase commemorative stamps and coins that make excellent souvenirs.
For those not planning to shop in downtown Bridgetown, there are even a few souvenir and duty-free shops located directly within the cruise terminal. This is helpful for those who have booked an excursion or plan to visit one of the many beaches near the cruise port rather than spending their time shopping and dining in the city itself.
Cruise Ship Docked in Barbados (Photo Credit: thosgra / Shutterstock)
You will also find two convenience stores within the terminal, which are helpful if you want to pick up a few snacks or bottled drinks to enjoy during your time in Bridgetown.
In terms of accessibility, the Barbados Cruise Terminals are equipped to handle all guests, so you can easily find wheelchair-friendly ramps and elevators. Outside the terminal are car rental booths, shuttle bus pickup zones, and taxi lines.
Cruise Lines Operating Out of Barbados Cruise Port
Bridgetown, Barbados, is one of the most popular ports of call in the Caribbean, so it is no surprise that Barbados Cruise Port welcomes some of the world’s most renowned cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean International, Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises, Marella Cruises and P&O Cruises.
P&O Cruise Ship Docked at Barbados Cruise Port (Photo Credit: Roger Utting / Shutterstock)
Transportation Options from Barbados Cruise Port
While you can wait for a shuttle bus, most people choose to walk into Bridgetown along the ocean path or opt for a taxi. Taxi services are available in the shaded taxi dispatch center. Fares are always listed in US dollars, and a taxi into the downtown core costs roughly $2.00 per person.
Although ride-sharing services are starting to pop up in Barbados, you’re better off sticking with a taxi, as they are readily available and affordable. Bajans also tend to be friendly people, so there is a good chance your taxi driver will be able to recommend a few things to do while you explore the city.
Weather Conditions in Barbados by Season
Although Barbados is famous for its tropical weather, it’s still essential to know what to expect and how to pack for the season when you visit:
Rainbows in Bridgetown, Barbados (Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks / Shutterstock)
Spring (March to May)
Average temperatures sit between 77° and 88° F during spring. Humidity is also relatively low, which explains why this is such a popular time of year to visit Barbados. Since the spring months fall within the dry season, you shouldn’t have to worry about more than a few brief showers.
Light and breathable clothing is a good idea, given the warm and dry weather. Don’t forget sun protection, as the UV rays can be quite intense, even with cloud cover.
Summer (June to August)
Temperatures stay relatively the same, so expect 80° to 90° F during the daytime. While the temperatures are enjoyable, the wet season also lands during the summer, so you can expect high humidity levels and regular rain showers and thunderstorms.
These tend to be at their most frequent during the afternoons. Lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing and a lightweight rain jacket you can pack away are recommended.
Fall (September to November)
Temperatures drop a bit during the fall but stay relatively warm, with daytime averages between 70° and 85° F. The rainy season also continues into the fall months, so humidity levels are quite high, and rainfall can be an issue. Again, bring lightweight, breathable clothing, a waterproof jacket, and quick-dry footwear.
Winter (December to February)
Barbados is both warm and dry during the winter months, which partially explains why it is such a popular winter destination for those living in the colder climates of North America and Europe. Average temperatures are about the same as during the later fall, so expect it to be roughly 75° F during the day. Wear light, comfortable clothing, and pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat.
Exploring Nearby Attractions
Another reason the Bridgetown Cruise Terminal is such a popular port of call for so many cruise lines is that there is so much to do in Bridgetown. The Barbados cruise port is within walking distance to some delightful attractions, and it is also easy to get a shuttle bus that will take you directly into the historic Bridgetown downtown core from the cruise terminal.
Explore Downtown Bridgetown
For those who want to enjoy some fresh air and an opportunity to stretch their legs, a footpath can follow from the main cruise terminals along the ocean to the downtown area. On foot, it takes about 25 minutes to get from the Bridgetown Harbour Cruise Pier to the historic downtown area, which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Once you have walked to the downtown core along the ocean-view path, you can take a leisurely stroll along the city’s iconic Broad Street, packed with shops and restaurants. At the end of Broad Street, you’ll find the country’s beautiful and historic parliament buildings.
Broad Street is a great place to start if you hope to bring back a one-of-a-kind souvenir from your time in Barbados, with a perfect blend of duty-free shopping and locally owned souvenir shops. There are also plenty of jewelry boutiques selling affordable, hand-crafted goods, which is a particular specialty of the area.
Visit the Historical Sites
For those who are not interested in shopping, visiting St. Mary’s Church is a must. The historic church is in the center of town, just a short distance from the Bridgetown Cruise Terminal. Due to the area’s colonial roots, the church has a distinctly English style. It’s open to the public and is a great way to experience the distinct history of the island nation.
St. Mary’s Church, Bridgetown (Photo Credit: Dennis MacDonald / Shutterstock)
History buffs will also enjoy discovering the rich history of the nation at the George Washington House, Barbados Garrison, and the Barbados Museum & Historical Society, all three of which are less than 3 miles from the cruise terminal.
Wander and Enjoy the Local Flavors
With all of that said, one of the best things to do is simply walk around Bridgetown without a plan. With so many unique eateries and bars offering local cuisine and unique Barbadian cocktails, you can always make a quick stop to get out of the sun.
The Bridgetown Fish Market is also exciting to visit, and it’s located just half a mile from the port. As you wander, you will also find numerous shops selling local cigars and rum, especially if you visit the Pelican Village Craft Center.
Neighboring Beach Escapes
The entire nation of Barbados is renowned for its stunning beaches, and fortunately, many of the island’s best are within easy reach of the Bridgetown Port:
Brandons Beach
About a 20-minute walk from the cruise port, you can find Brandons Beach. The calm waters and wide-open white sand beach make it the perfect spot for an afternoon of swimming and sunbathing. You can rent plenty of beach chairs and umbrellas for a small fee, as well as beachfront restaurants and snack bars.
Brandons beach, Barbados (Photo Credit: photobeginner / Shutterstock)
Plus, on your way to Brandons Beach, you will pass the Mount Gay Rum Distillery along your walk to the beach, so you can enjoy a guided tour or lunch and a tasting flight.
Brighton Beach
Also located roughly a 20-minute walk from Bridgetown Cruise Terminal, Brighton Beach is a popular snorkeling destination. Unfortunately, there are no public restrooms or lifeguards, so you may want to choose Brandons if you’re not planning to snorkel.
Brownes Beach
Located along the crescent-shaped interior of Carlisle Bay, Brownes Beach is another popular Bridgetown beach. It is about double the distance from the other two beaches, so you may want to opt for a taxi, but it has plenty to offer.
Brownes Beach at Carlisle Bay Near the Cruise Port (Photo Credit: Mario Hagen / Shutterstock)
With numerous shipwrecks and a wide range of marine wildlife, like sea turtles and tropical fish, it’s really popular with snorkelers and scuba divers. The beach also has plenty of beach umbrellas and the highly popular Harbour Lights Beach Club, a great place to stop for lunch.
Dining in Bridgetown, Barbados
Make sure you take some time to try some of the local dishes. Plenty of restaurants offer fried flying fish, cou-cou, Bajan-style macaroni pie, brown stew chicken, curry beef, and other classic examples of Bajan cuisine.
Rolli’s Bar and Grill is just an 8-minute walk from the cruise port. Its fresh seafood menu and variety of vegetarian-friendly options make it a great place to enjoy some local flavors. With a casual patio and an impressive selection of beers and rum cocktails, you can also kick back and enjoy the famous hospitality of Barbados.
Dining Venues Near Barbados Cruise Port (Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks / Shutterstock)
If you’re willing to travel a little further, Harbour Lights is one of the most famous restaurants in Bridgetown. With its Caribbean-style BBQ buffet, refreshing rum punch, and tropical atmosphere, it’s always worth the 1.5-mile journey. If you plan to make your way to Carlisle Bay, grab a to-go plate at Cuzz’s Fish Stand. The fried seafood sandwiches have been a Bridgetown favorite for over 50 years.
Remember, Bridgetown is filled with cafés, bars, snack stands, and restaurants, so don’t be afraid to wander and discover somewhere of your own to eat. Oh, don’t forget to try some of the famous Barbados chocolate while you’re out exploring the city. We highly recommend The Green Monkey Chocolatier!
Shopping in Bridgetown, Barbados
If you want to shop, we highly recommend strolling down Broad Street. With duty-free shops, souvenir stands, jewelry stores, and so much more, it’s a one-stop destination for anyone who wants to shop until they drop.
Gift Stores Near Barbados Cruise Port (Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks / Shutterstock)
Pelican Craft Center and Cheapside Street Market are also great places to find unique gifts and souvenirs. We’d recommend giving the malls a pass, as they tend to cater mostly to locals and do not offer anything overly unique.
Excursions and Adventures
While Bridgetown has plenty to offer, one of the highlights of visiting Barbados is the opportunity to enjoy the wide array of excursions available to cruise passengers. We recommend trying one of the following:
Snorkeling and Scuba Diving
Plenty of excursion providers will take passengers from the cruise port to snorkel and scuba dive in the crystal-clear waters off the coast. Folkestone Marine Park is home to a large population of sea turtles, which makes it one of the most popular destinations for those looking to enjoy this type of once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Guided Walking Tours of Downtown Bridgetown
While you can certainly explore the area for yourself, a guided tour will allow you to learn more about the area’s unique culture and history. Plus, these excursions are affordable, and many will include lunch at one of the city’s more iconic establishments.
Touring Harrison’s Cave Eco-Adventure Park
Adventure lovers will enjoy a visit to this enormous underground limestone cave. Located in central Barbados, it takes a while to get to, but it is one of the nation’s most iconic natural wonders. An underground tram car takes tourists through the cave to explore flowing streams and towering stalactites.
Catamaran Tours
Just outside the cruise port, plenty of catamaran tour operators will take you around to see the area’s stunning coastline. Some also include stops to view shipwrecks and sea turtle breeding grounds. Plus, most will include a catered lunch and cocktails made with locally-made rum.
Visits to the Barbados Wildlife Reserve
Want to try feeding monkeys after strolling through the lunch, the natural habitat of a fully functional wildlife preserve? Book a guided excursion! It will include transportation to and from Saint Peter, where the reserve is located, and you will be offered lunch and refreshments.
Remember, always try to book excursions through your cruise line. Not only will they have you back in time for your ship’s departure, but these providers are vetted to ensure they are reputable, qualified, and adhere to all of the relevant legal regulations.
FAQ on Barbados Cruise Port
Where does the cruise ship dock in Barbados?
All cruise ships dock at the Barbados Cruise Port, located less than a mile outside the downtown core of Bridgetown, the nation’s capital city.
Can you walk to Bridgetown from the cruise port?
Yes, Bridgetown is within walking distance from the cruise port. The city even maintains a scenic walking path from the cruise port to the edge of the downtown core, so visitors can easily explore the city’s attractions, shops, and restaurants after a 20-minute stroll along the water.
Can you walk to the beach from Barbados cruise port?
Yes, two beaches are located less than a mile from the cruise port, so cruise passengers can easily enjoy an afternoon at the beach during their visit to Bridgetown.
Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, has been honored with the 2024 CLIA Lifetime Achievement Award and was inducted into the CLIA Hall of Fame. The award was presented during the CLIA Hall of Fame Cruise Industry Awards.
Celebrating Achievement
In recognition of her contributions to the cruise industry, Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, was honored with the Cruise Lines International Association’s (CLIA) Lifetime Achievement Award for 2024. The prestigious accolade was presented to Duffy during the CLIA Hall of Fame Cruise Industry Awards ceremony on April 18, where she was also inducted into the CLIA Hall of Fame.
Josh Weinstein, president and CEO of Carnival Corporation, introduced Duffy at the gala event.
Duffy, who has been at the helm of Carnival Cruise Line since 2015, oversees one of the world’s biggest cruise lines and its operations across a fleet of 27 ships. Under her leadership, Carnival Cruise Line serves over 5.5 million guests annually from 16 different homeports worldwide.
Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy
In her acceptance speech, Duffy shared her journey, saying,“I’ve felt my whole life that travel is the industry for me and while I may have missed the height requirement when I applied to become a flight attendant early in my career, I’m delighted and grateful that my work in the cruise industry has taken me to heights I never imagined.”
She continued,“I share this honor with my Carnival family and remind everyone in our industry that our work has great impact and contributes to what are often the most memorable moments in people’s lives.”
Her dedication to the industry and her role in driving substantial economic activity within the sector were key factors leading to Duffy’s recognition.
Steering Growth and Innovation
Since taking the helm as president, Duffy has been instrumental in guiding Carnival Cruise Line through periods of significant growth and recovery, particularly following COVID-19’s impact on the travel industry.
Under her leadership, Carnival was the first cruise line to fully resume operations after the pandemic, first launching Carnival Vista as the first Carnival ship to resume sailing in the U.S. since the shutdown began.
With a marked commitment to sustainability, Carnival also, under Duffy’s leadership, introduced Carnival’s Mardi Gras as the first LNG (liquified natural gas)-powered cruise ship in America, sailing from Port Canaveral in 2021.
Carnival’s Mardi Gras Ship (Photo Credit: EetuH)
Duffy’s tenure has been marked by ambitious fleet expansion, including the acquisition of five new ships within two years, plans for launching two additional Excel-class ships by 2028, and the development of Carnival’s exclusive destination, Celebration Key, set to open in July 2025.
The new $600-million destination will feature five distinct portals that mirror zones found on Carnival Excel-class ships, including the recently announced fourth and fifth Excel-class ships, which will be constructed at Germany’s Meyer Werft shipyard for a 2027 and 2028 launch, respectively.
As president of Carnival, which turned 50 in 2022 and welcomed its 100 millionth guest in 2023, Duffy heads a team of more than 48,000 employees, including operations in Australia, where three P&O Cruises Australia are under her wing.
Beyond corporate leadership, Duffy has actively advocated for the broader travel and tourism industry. Her roles have included an appointment to the United States Travel and Tourism Advisory Board by the Secretary of Commerce and chairing the U.S. Travel Association from 2020 to 2022.
Princess Cruises, in agreement with ship builder Fincantieri, has announced that the highly anticipated second Sphere-class vessel, Star Princess, will be delayed and will not be delivered in July 2025 as planned.
Instead, the new delivery is expected in late September 2025, which means that the ship’s first nine voyages must now be cancelled.
Star Princess Delayed
Just weeks after the debut of Sun Princess, the largest ever ship constructed for Princess Cruises and the lead vessel in the innovative Star class, the cruise line has announced that her sister ship, Star Princess, will be significantly delayed.
The announcement is made as a mutual decision with Fincantieri, the builder currently constructing the new vessel in Monfalcone, Italy. In a review of upcoming construction milestones for the ship, both the cruise line and the builder agreed that it would not be possible to deliver the ship on the expected timeline while maintaining the expected quality.
“Despite our collective dedication and relentless pursuit to deliver the ship in late July, it has become evident that additional time is required to ensure the Star Princess is delivered to the highest standards expected by our guests,”said John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises.
Instead of the original date of July 29, 2025 for the ship’s inaugural sailing, Star Princess will now debut on September 26, 2025.
This means that nine of the ship’s initial cruises must be cancelled to accommodate the change in dates. These were to have included departures from Rome, Athens, and Istanbul, with inaugural visits to amazing destinations such as Naples, Montenegro, Marseille, Barcelona, Gibraltar, Crete, and more.
Star Princess Cruise Ship (Render Courtesy: Princess Cruises)
It should be noted that Sun Princess was also initially delayed, with her first two cruises cancelled at the last minute – one cruise two weeks before departure, and the other just four days before sailing. The ship finally debuted on February 28, 2024.
While it will be disappointing for guests who had hoped to sail the first voyages aboard Star Princess, by announcing the delay more than a year in advance, fewer booked passengers are likely impacted and there is plenty of time for guests to change their travel plans if possible.
Compensation for Booked Guests
All guests already booked on the now-cancelled initial sailings of Star Princess have several options. They may rebook on alternative Princess voyages, including future sailings of Star Princess or her sister ship, Sun Princess, or any other ship in the fleet sailing anywhere in the world.
If guests do rebook, they will receive future cruise credits and onboard credit. Exact amounts of these credits will vary based on the original cancelled booking as well as the alternative cruise selected.
Travelers can also opt simply to cancel their cruise vacation plans at this time and will receive a full refund for all monies paid back to the original form of payment.
Booked guests should stay in contact with the cruise line or their travel agent for exact details of their options.
New Inaugural Sailings
With Star Princess now expected to debut in late September. Her first voyages will take her on a brief tour around the Mediterranean ahead of her first transatlantic crossing, a 16-night one-way cruise scheduled to depart Southampton on October 20 and visit ports in the UK, Spain, Portugal, and the Canary Islands before arriving in Fort Lauderdale on November 5.
The new ship will remain homeported from Fort Lauderdale at least through March 2025, offering a variety of Caribbean itineraries visiting the Bahamas, Mexico, and top tropical ports throughout the region, including both Eastern and Western destinations.
Star Princess is expected to measure 175,500 gross tons and be able to welcome 4,300 guests at double occupancy. She will also be home to 1,600 international crew members, and will feature the same amazing innovations as Sun Princess, including the unmistakable geodesic dome on the top deck and the suspended glass Sphere Piazza at the heart of the ship.
Guests aboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of America are not enjoying the cruise they originally thought they would be sailing this week.
A technical issue forced the ship to remain in Hilo, Hawaii longer than anticipated, which led to the cancellation of two additional port visits. Guests are being provided with compensation for the dramatic itinerary modifications, including credit for a future cruise.
Pride of America Technical Issue Causes Cancellations
Pride of America has developed a technical issue impacting her current sailing, a 7-night inter-island Hawaii cruise roundtrip from Honolulu. Originally, the ship was to have visited four amazing destinations in the Aloha state, but the need for repairs caused the ship to remain in Hilo longer than intended.
“Despite our best efforts to maintain our original itinerary, unfortunately, on April 16, 2024, a technical issue impacted our departure from Hilo, Hawaii, leading to the cancellation of our scheduled visits to Kona, Hawaii on April 17, 2024 and Nawiliwili, Kaua’i, on April 18, 2024,”a letter sent to guests’ staterooms read.
The letter goes on to confirm that the situation has been resolved, though details of the technical issue have not been disclosed.
The 80,439-gross-ton ship is now en route to Nawiliwili for a much shortened visit. Originally, guests were to be able to enjoy the port for a lengthy overnight stay from 8 a.m. on Thursday, April 18, through 2 p.m. on Friday, April 19. Now, the visit will instead be from approximately 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday.
Pride of America Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Jose Gil / Shutterstock)
Furthermore, the ship’s planned visit to Kona was cancelled completely. Fortunately, the visit to Kahului, Maui took place as planned from 8 a.m. on Sunday, April 14 through 6 p.m. on Monday, April 15, before the technical issue developed.
Pride of America‘s return to Honolulu, Oahu at 7 a.m. on Saturday, April 20 is not expected to be impacted and there should be no further delays or changes to the ship’s itinerary.
Compensation Provided
Because of the dramatic changes to the itinerary, Norwegian Cruise Line has provided generous compensation to guests onboard.
“We sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding throughout the course of these changes as we know how disappointing itinerary changes can be,”the letter acknowledged.“Therefore, due to the multiple modifications, and as a genuine acknowledgement of the inconvenience caused, we have arranged for a $200 non-refundable onboard credit per stateroom.”
There are restrictions on the non-refundable credit, and it will be applied as $100 each for the first two guests in each stateroom. Pride of America can welcome 2,186 guests onboard at double occupancy.
Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of America (Photo Credit: Jose Gil / Shutterstock)
Additionally, all guests are receiving a 20% discount as a future cruise credit (FCC) for any published future Norwegian Cruise Line sailing through December 31, 2025. This will hopefully encourage guests to enjoy a different cruise, one without the technical difficulties.
As would be expected, all shore excursions booked through Norwegian Cruise Line for Kona and Nawiliwili are automatically cancelled and fully refunded back to guests’ onboard accounts.
Will the Next Cruise Be Affected?
Pride of America operates inter-island Hawaii cruises year-round, and there is no indication that the next cruise or any future sailings will be impacted by the now-resolved technical issue.
Nevertheless, repairs and maintenance can be necessary on any cruise ship anywhere in the world, and travelers should always be flexible with their expectations in case itinerary changes, port cancellations, or route modifications may be necessary.
Staying in close contact with one’s cruise line in the days and weeks leading up to departure can ensure that guests stay informed about their cruise and any possible changes.
