Barbados - A Port of People, Protocols and Promise
Click on the video link above to see the message from The Captain of the Aida Perla thanking Barbados.
Home port away from home port On March 13, 2020, when the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) announced the suspension of all cruises owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, many ships needed to find a port that was suitably ready to handle the repatriation of passengers and crew and also bunker fuel, load provisions and offload waste. Barbados proved itself to be beyond ideal. This little island was well equipped to facilitate Barbados proved itself to be beyond high volume passenger and luggage transfers safely and efficiently between the seaport ideal. This little island was well equipped and airport, including ground transportation, to facilitate high volume passenger and airlift and security screening. luggage transfers safely and efficiently... At the time, many other countries had already closed their borders to control the spread of the virus. However, the government of Barbados made sure, as humanitarians, to provide safe harbour to any cruise liners who called on the Port of Bridgetown during this period of need. While in Port or anchored offshore, frequent mandatory reports were made on the health Helping to get status of the crew members onboard each vessel. Clearances and processing were visitors home facilitated electronically. Barbados also fulfilled its obligations under the International Health Regulations (IHR) 2007, to render medical care to anyone who became ill on board a cruise ship which homeports here. This included testing for COVID-19. So far, Barbados has assisted as many as 35 vessels with the repatriation of passengers and crew worldwide, moving people directly from the seaport to the airport in sterile convoy. Some of these ships with only crew on board have requested extended stays in Barbados until they can return to their respective home ports. Barbados has shown its commitment to the protection of its people and compassion to the cruise community as we battle this pandemic with hope, harmony and heart.
Aida Perla Cruise ship all lit up in a gesture of farewell and thank you to the people of Barbados
Health and safety protocols These are the current protocols we are following but are subject to change as required. To view the full Travel Protocol brochure click here
Your guests can have their cruise and stay here too! Did you know that ships that berth in Barbados for 12 hours or longer can open their shops and casinos while in port? Owing to an amendment to the Cruise Ship Opening of Facilities Act in 2015, cruise lines can now operate their onboard facilities while stationed in port. This means that the cruise passenger can either stay on board if they so desire or they can explore even more in Barbados. Hence, the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc (BTMI ) created the Festive Fridays Bridgetown Night Market specifically to provide unique destination experiences for cruise visitors. Operating within walking distance from the cruise terminal, the Pelican Centre came alive on Friday evenings and featured the best in food, music, craft and dance, and culminated with a lively street party. This weekly night market was introduced on Friday, May 17th 2019 when the two annual vessels switched their calls to Fridays. The inaugural market was a tremendous showcase to visitors, crew and cruise line executives of the depths of Barbados’ product diversity. The night market was designed to drive interest and demand for the island’s afternoon and night product. As a result, several attractions and experience providers designed tours and excursions to augment this experience. The development of these new night products allows for spaced scheduling of tours throughout the day in smaller bus groups which allow for social distancing and less congestion at stops and attractions, making them safe, secure, wholesome and enjoyable! It also enables the cruise line to provide a distinctively unique cruise experience for their guests at a marquee port, which is globally recognised as an immersive land-based destination that inevitably leaves travellers wanting more.
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Barbados Alive - Intimate small van tours, ideal for small groups of friends and family! From the eyes of a renowned master photographer comes Barbados Alive - a series of informative, interactive and immersive small van tours. Discover Barbados off the beaten path with no more than nine others, for a more personal, intimate experience, perfect for families or small groups travelling together. Guests can traverse the unusual, the historical, the beautiful and of course, the delectable corners of the island for an unforgettable outdoor escapade they will want to photograph. They will hear destination stories that will make them want to return for the sequel. • Rural, outdoorsy and chockfull with nature • Limited contact with others outside of touring party yet authentic and interactive • COVID-19 Protocols firmly in place at all touch points • No crowds • Small groups • Community spirited • Government certified
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Live where you vacation Visitors can work from the home of their choice with a beach, pool or garden view while attending virtual meetings in surf shorts and sipping rum punch from a coffee cup. The Government of Barbados has introduced the 12 Month Barbados Welcome Stamp giving visitors the opportunity to work remotely from Barbados for up to one year from the date of approval. Prime Minister Mia Mottley stated that because of the relatively low infection rate of the COVID-19 in Barbados as compared to Europe and North America, this offer of a 12-month Visa may be very attractive for those who can easily work outside of their regular office. “Given that it is anticipated there will be a second wave, particularly in Europe come November or December, we believe that we can offer people who have the capacity to work from home a different perspective, particularly given the mental health issues associated with this physical pandemic.� Currently, Barbados accommodations range from all-inclusive resorts to intimate, boutique hotels, private villas to AirBnB homes. The options are endless for entire offices, multi-disciplinary creatives, digital nomads and bold entrepreneurs. Barbados has worked to ensure the process to apply is as simple as possible to facilitate travel. Fees are US$2,000 for individuals and there is a family bundle fee of US$3000 available. The visa is valid for one year but may be re-applied for. Applicants will not be liable for Barbados Income Tax. The 12 Month Barbados Welcome Stamp provides an opportunity for the development of an additional niche segment for cruise lines as these long stay vacationers have an opportunity to explore the beautiful southern Caribbean on any of our cruise lines which homeport from Barbados’ shores. People wanting to work remotely in Barbados can apply electronically at Barbadoswelcomestamp.bb.
Travel Bubble
Barbados Implements Travel Bubble The Government of Barbados has implemented a travel ‘Bubble’ for specific countries with a low incidence of COVID-19, effective August 5, 2020. They are St. Vincent, St. Lucia, Dominica, St. Kitts and Nevis and Grenada. Under these new travel protocols, persons travelling within the ‘Bubble’ who have not travelled to or transited through any high, medium or low-risk country within 21 days prior to travel to Barbados, will not be required to take a COVID-19 PCR test prior to or on arrival and do not require monitoring during their stay. For further information click here.
Look out for more exciting news from Barbados coming soon. Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. 1st Floor Warrens Office Complex, Warrens, St. Michael, BB12001, Barbados, W.I. Tel: (246) 535-3700 Fax: (246) 535-3799 www.visitbarbados.org