Barbados

Regarded as one of the most outstanding flowering tropical gardens in the West Indies, Andromeda Gardens are set against a steep hillside strewn with ancient coral boulders. Amongst some of the trees you will find the 'Bearded Fig Tree' from which the island derives its name.

Tyrol Cot House was the residence of Sir Grantley Adams, the first premier of Barbados. The house has been carefully restored and is filled with a lifetime of Adams’ antique furniture and memorabilia. The surrounding heritage village depicts days gone by; see the quaint chattel houses, including the blacksmith’s shop and a replica 1820’s slave hut. A refreshing fruit juice will be offered during your visit.

Built in 1818, Gun Hill Signal Station stands 728 feet above sea level. This is one of the finest examples of a signal station used to signal the approach of enemy ships and the safe arrival of cargo. It commands a magnificent view from the east through to the south. Be sure to have your camera handy to capture the impressive vistas from this historic vantage point.

The 17th century St John’s Church, reminiscent of a typical British parish church complete with stained windows and traditional bell tower, is situated on a cliff 800 feet above sea level. From here, there are wonderful views of the rugged east and south east coast.

The original building of St John’s Church was erected in 1660 and the present gothic structure is situated on a cliff 800 feet above sea level. Step inside to see the double staircase of cedar leading to the organ gallery and the traditional high-backed pews. The frangipani trees in the yard lead you to some magnificent views of the east coast.

The views from the Highland Centre are also spectacular. Situated at the heart of the island, 1,004 feet above sea level, the picturesque landscape sweeps down to the east coast. You’ll be served a welcome refreshment of a rum punch or soft drink whilst you take in the surrounding views.

You’ll pass by sights such as Heroes Square (formerly Trafalgar Square) and Gun Hill Signal Station as you head towards the rugged Atlantic coastline. Travel inland up to the Highland Centre, where you'll have spectacular views. You’ll see St Thomas Church, and pass through Holetown for a photo stop at the monument to commemorate the place where the first settlers landed in 1627. Enjoy viewing the opulent Sandy Lane area before returning to the ship in Bridgetown.

After a short drive, you’ll be welcomed aboard your catamaran to set sail along Barbados’ beautiful coastline. Perched on magnificent white-sand beaches, you’ll see some of the island's finest homes and hotels, which are only visible from the sea.

A stop will be made at a secluded bay, where you’ll have the opportunity to take to the inviting waters for a refreshing swim. If you prefer, you may wish to don some snorkel gear and view the shoals of tropical fish.

Afterwards you can simply relax - lie in the shady cabin, bask in the sun on deck and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

At another stop, you’ll have a unique opportunity to view and swim with the enchanting Green or Hawksbill Turtles, an opportunity not to be missed.

During the cruise, enjoy a delicious Caribbean-style buffet lunch on board. The delicious local dishes will be accompanied by unlimited rum punch, local beer and soft drinks.

After a short bus ride, you’ll board a sleek catamaran for an unforgettable adventure. Soon you’ll be sailing along the island’s coast towards a sheltered bay for the experience of a lifetime! This area is known for its population of Green and Hawksbill Turtles, who enjoy the temperate calm waters off the west coast. Take this opportunity to snorkel with the graceful wild sea turtles and watch the crew feed these endangered creatures – an underwater camera is a must!

Take a dip in the warm, inviting waters from the boat; alternatively you may choose to simply relax on deck and enjoy the sunshine.

All too soon it’s time to depart and, as you sail back along the island’s west coast, the crew will serve drinks from the open bar.

Take a drive along the Spring Garden Highway to Holetown, where the island’s first settlers landed. From here, you’ll head inland towards the centre of the island passing by St Thomas Parish Church and the swaying sugar cane fields.

The Highland Centre offers excellent views over the east coast with its rolling hills and the pounding Atlantic surf; a perfect photo stop. Whilst enjoying the views from the Highland Centre, you will be offered a choice of refreshing drinks.

On arrival at Dover Beach, you’ll have approximately 2 hours to relax on the beach, swim or soak up the sun. Showers and toilets are located on the beach and there are some small local-style bars nearby.

Sail along Barbados’ scenic west coast with the spectacle of a tropical sunset as your backdrop. Enjoy the warm breeze and shimmering sea as you watch the horizon for the sun’s dazzling descent.

During your cruise, the friendly crew are on hand to pamper you as you relax and enjoy the gorgeous evening. Choose from a selection of Caribbean hors d’oeuvres as you sip champagne and watch the slowing sun set below the ocean.

An experience to be treasured.

A fun filled adventure taking in some of the off-road scenery that can only be discovered by 4x4 jeep.

Your convoy journey will take you inland, where you’ll wend your way through the greenery of Fisherpond Sugar Cane Estate. You’ll continue through Coffee Gully, after which you’ll capture a panoramic view of the Atlantic surf pounding the eastern coastline of Bathsheba.

Leaving Bathsheba, your return journey takes you through the heart of Barbados. Admire the beautiful coastline en route to historic Holetown where the first settlers landed in 1627, before returning to the port.

Complimentary refreshments will be available during your tour.

Cruise through an amazing undersea world at depths of 65 to 100 feet as you embark on a voyage of discovery aboard the Atlantis Submarine. Atlantis is one of the premier attractions in the Caribbean, providing a unique exposure to a fascinating underwater world.

You’ll board a boat for the short transfer out to the dive site to join the Atlantis Submarine. This ‘aquarium in reverse’ will provide you with a view of a world with marine life in its natural environment. The colour and abundance of exotic fish, spectacular sponge gardens and fascinating coral formations will be unveiled outside your porthole.

All this time Atlantis is maintained at a cool air conditioned temperature and sea level pressure. Experienced crew will point out and describe the sights in detail as tropical fish pass within touching distance beyond the portholes.

Setting off from the port, you’ll take a drive through the heart of Bridgetown and through the historic Garrison area, the site where the British Garrison was established in 1789. The area is home to St Ann’s Fort, the national armoury and the largest cluster of English cannons. Your drive will take you around the Garrison Loop with a photo stop along the way.

Afterwards, you’ll continue along the south coast and enjoy a short stop for a stroll along the boardwalk. Here you can capture lovely views of the stretching coastline and turquoise ocean.

To round off your tour, your journey will continue through the countryside and on to Sunbury House. This beautifully maintained plantation house is over 300 years old and is home to antiques and memorabilia from years gone by. Here you’ll be offered a delicious light buffet lunch, before heading to the airport for your flight home.

Get ready for an evening of rhythmic music and dynamic dancing at the Plantation Theatre. Only a short drive away, the Plantation Theatre features some of the Caribbean’s top performers and offers the only dinner and floor show in Barbados.

The Bajan, Roots and Rhythms show explores the fascinating musical history and heritage of Barbados. Listen to the steel pan music, watch the entertainers and dancers dressed in flamboyant carnival costumes and see the local fire eaters. The traditional West Indian limbo dancers will show you how to perfect this famous dance, with an opportunity to join in if you wish.

A delicious Bajan buffet will be available during the evening, complete with unlimited drinks.

Set in 6½ acres of beautifully landscaped interior highlands, Orchid World is home to over 30,000 exquisite orchids.

A meandering path winds its way between outcrops of coral, rock gardens, cool shady gullies and tranquil ponds. The orchids themselves are truly spectacular. Thousands of orchids are grown in shaded houses and outside on freestanding palisades. Many visitors are fascinated by the sight of orchid plants growing in mid-air, with their roots completely free of any soil. In front of the wonderful blooms are information boards offering facts about these unusual plants.

The Sunbury House Estate dates back to 1660, and was restored in 1996 following a fire. Sunbury possesses one of the country's superior collections of antiques, including a unique collection of carriages. Sunbury is also home to a very old collection of optical machinery, some of the first to come to the West Indies.

Whilst at Sunbury, you’ll have time to enjoy a delightful cream tea, with cakes and sandwiches in the extensively landscaped grounds. Relax, enjoy and soak up the wonderful colonial atmosphere of this charming location.

Enjoy a scenic transfer through the historic capital of Bridgetown, passing the parliament buildings and Independence Square and on to Carlisle Bay, one of the longest and widest beaches on the island.

Upon arrival, you’ll be offered a refreshing drink and have a brief orientation of the beach and facilities. It’s then time for you to sit back and relax on your complimentary beach chair and enjoy the sun, sea and sand.

After your stay, you’ll meet at the agreed time for the return drive to the ship.

Geographically located at the centre of the island, Harrisons Cave is a magnificent natural attraction formed from crystallised limestone.

Upon arrival, you’ll check in at the visitors centre and take one of the glass fronted lifts down to the valley floor. Here you’ll enter the interactive centre and enjoy a short informative film on how Barbados was formed. Afterwards, hop aboard one of the small electric trams for a journey through the incredible network of caverns. During your tram ride you’ll see delicate flowstone formations and spectacular stalactite and stalagmite pillars. The active stream cave system is evident as you encounter emerald pools and a plunging waterfall at the lowest point of the cave.

At various points, stops will be made along the way for you to enjoy a close up view of the natural formations.

Setting off from the port, you’ll take a drive through Bridgetown, the historic area of Garrison Savannah, and along the south coast en route to the Foursquare Rum Distillery. Set in the grounds of the Heritage Park, the modern rum distillery was once a sugar plantation dating as far back as the 15th century. During your visit, your guide will provide fascinating facts on the history and process of rum production.

Afterwards, your journey will continue to Sunbury Plantation, the island’s great heritage house. You’ll have the opportunity to view memorabilia of bygone days and to see the beautifully maintained collection of antiques.

Leaving Sunbury Plantation House, you’ll drive to your final stop, Medford Mahogany Creations. Here you’ll experience how mahogany works of art are created, from the raw wood on the ground through to the carving process and final product. This unique process can only be seen at the Medford Studio by self taught artist Reggie Medford, recognised as one of Barbados’ top sculptors. Browse the studio and perhaps purchase a souvenir of your visit before the return drive to the port.

During your tour, rum and fruit punch refreshments will be offered at the Rum Distillery and Sunbury Plantation House.

The west coast of Barbados, also known as the ‘Platinum Coast’, is widely known as one of the most expensive areas in the world to live. As you embark on a drive to the exquisite Sugar Hill and the Royal Westmoreland and Sandy Lane areas, you’ll gain an insight into the elite lifestyle.

During your journey, you’ll drive through the areas where Cliff Richard, Virginia Wade, Mel Smith, and Japser Carrott, to name but a few, have chosen to have their luxury holiday homes.

Afterwards, you’ll enjoy a cocktail, white wine or fruit punch refreshment at the Sandy Lane Country Club, which has played host to Brad Pitt, David and Victoria Beckham, Michael Winner, Bill Gates and Andrew Lloyd Webber.