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Awaiting Your Return From Shore |
 The most easterly of the Caribbean Islands,
Barbados stands as a welcoming sentinel at the gateway to the West Indies.
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
the island |
Awaiting Your Return
From Shore |
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Complimentary
Spirits Await |
Return to Your
Suite and Sail Away to The Next Adventure |
Entertainment
and Dancing Await You |
