The island experienced an 86 percent recovery rate, recording 625,847 passenger arrivals from 362 calls. This marked improvement compared to the 2018-19 season, which had 726,028 passengers and 384 calls.
Cruise Barbados announced results from its 2022/2023 season. The island saw a strong rebound in travel after relaxing COVID-19 protocols in September 2022. The tourism organization recorded a total of 625,847 passenger arrivals from 362 calls — an 86 percent recovery rate compared to the 726,028 passengers and 384 calls in the 2018-19 season.
Based on current bookings at the Port of Bridgetown, the 2023 – 2024 cruise season is expected to be a record-breaking cruising period for the country, projecting 741,265 passengers and 407 cruise calls from October to April.
“We are grateful to witness this remarkable level of recovery after years of struggle throughout the pandemic. It has emboldened us to emerge stronger than ever before, steadfastly building a brighter future,” said Cruise Barbados’ Senior Business Development Officer Tia Broomes. “With more than 25 major cruise lines calling to the Port of Bridgetown, we welcome all vacationers to explore the unforgettable and immersive excursions our island has to offer, including the signature cave experiences, swimming with the turtles, scuba diving, amazing culinary and authentic cultural experiences.”
Barbados is filled with incredible natural landmarks, award-winning restaurants and a colorful culture. The island hosts world-famous annual events such as the Barbados Food and Rum Festival, Barbados Reggae Festival and the Crop Over Festival. Guests can enjoy the alluring beaches for ultimate relaxation or take part in heart-racing adventures to satisfy every desire. Evidenced by the exceptional recovery of the cruise industry, Barbados is a fantastic destination for those cruising or traveling by sea to tropical getaways in the coming year.
Barbados has been nicknamed “The Gem of the Caribbean,” proven by the variety of awards it has won. In 2018, Barbados took home 13 awards in the TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice Awards, including Top Hotels Overall, Luxury and Best Service. It also boasts the Star Winter Sun Destination Award three years in a row, from 2017 to 2019, at the Travel Bulletin Star Awards and Destination of the Year by Seatrade Cruise Awards in 2020. Barbados was also recently awarded the Green Destination Story Award by ITB Berlin, the largest trade show in the world, which recognized destinations that are committed to sustainable tourism and has made efforts to reduce their environmental impact.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
