Barbados Cruise Hotels - how to choose the right hotel for your cruise!

Cruise Port Hotels in Barbados

Which Hotel is the best to stay for connecting for a cruise?

Cruise lines are choosing to home port in Barbados now more than ever. A cruise sailing from Barbados with Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Regent Seven Seas is sure to be wonderful. However, the I recommend you start your vacation at least a few days early with a beautiful stay on the island. 

Barbados is well known for extremely friendly and approachable people. With the kindness and joy of most Caribbean island nations, combined with the safety and security of transportation, take time to explore Barbados too in addition to your cruise.

If you want to explore the island and see all the sights - I recommend you go before the cruise. If you’re looking to just relax and soak up some sun, perhaps a stay after your cruise is a great way to unwind before heading home. 

Whatever you decide - you’ll need to pick a great hotel that suits you. I’ve written this handy guide to help you choose from the variety of fabulous hotels on the island. 

Barbados is a small island and you can get to the cruise port in less than 45 minutes from pretty much anywhere. So choose a hotel based on your needs and wants, not just on proximity. 

The Fairmont Royal Pavillion - $$$

Luxury and anticipatory service is to be expected at one of the most expensive hotels on the island. If you’re looking for serenity, The Fairmont Royal Pavillion is right for you. Situated on the West Coast this hotel is best for couples, those who enjoy finer things, sunsets and people who love a long and calm beach. 

Tip - every room in this small hotel (72 total rooms) has an identical view. When choosing a room, the Luxury and Signature are really the same layout of room. The only difference is that they are on the second and third floors respectively. Save yourself about ~$100 USD per night, and stick with the Luxury. Beachfront suites are substantially larger, and come with several complimentary perks like butler service and afternoon tea - so opt for that if you want to splurge. Be sure to ask Jakki what she can offer you in addition to the hotel amenities - booing with Jakki directly will get you complimentary breakfast daily and other luxury inclusions - even golf! Read more about our overview of this hotel here. Watch our YouTube tour of the property here.

The Sands Barbados - $$

This all inclusive hotel is a rare find, on the south coast of Barbados. This hotel will make it easy for you - all inclusive and very close to both the airport and cruise port - less than a 20 minute drive to either. This hotel is best for families or groups, people who want to be walking distance to local amenities and affordability. It is fairly priced and the all inclusive aspect makes it convenient and relaxing to unwind. No thinking about the price, just have that extra rum punch by the pool, all included in your stay!

Tip - ocean front rooms in the north block are spectacular and you can spot sea turtles from your balconies in your bi-level two bedroom family suite. The beach is narrow and has calm water, but is not the ideal place for long walks on the beach. There is only one long rectangular pool, so if you envision spending all day poolside, perhaps consider another hotel as it may be crowded. Enjoying live music on the rooftop bar is a great way to spend your final nights in Barbados. Watch our YouTube video on The Sands Barbados here (coming soon!). 

South Gap Hotel - $

Newly renovated, this hotel has both regular hotel rooms and self-catering suites (with full kitchens in some rooms). Situated in the lively St. Lawrence Gap (a main street kind of atmosphere), this is a great choice for people who wants to explore nightlife in Barbados before or after a cruise. This hotel is perfect for travellers on a budget who don’t wish to compromise on cleanliness or convenience. This hotel has no direct beach access, but they do have a modern new pool and of course still has incredible blue ocean views. Every room is ocean front - so waking up to waves is always on the agenda. The nearest beach is only a 5 minute walk away.

Tip - every room has the same view, while ground floor rooms have walk outs. These main floor units can be great if you want to spend time outdoors, with easy access to the pool and loungers. It would feel less private for those who want their outdoor space to themselves. Choose a room on the upper floors if you want a private outdoor space - room service for breakfast anyone? If you plan to be in Barbados for more than a few nights, consider a suite with a full kitchen - that way you can save some money if you wish to prepare your on meals. When thinking of Happy Hour options, steps from the hotel are many great local bars and restaurants offering daily late afternoon and evening specials and promotions. 

The Crane - $$

The best pool complex on the island. The Crane as a resort is like a small village. Four story hotel towers and lower three story Park rooms encircle the many on property restaurants and Bar 1887, named for the year the hotel was first built. On the east coast here, the water is for playing in - waves for boogie boarding and jumping. This active beach also boasts one of the best island beach restaurants and bars - The Grove. Plan to have lunch there, and you won’t regret it - ask for your fries cooked extra crispy! Choose this hotel if you plan to just stay at the resort itself, you won’t be limited with options and it feels like a community of itself. This hotel is perfect for almost any traveler, but isn’t optimal for those with mobility issues. While there is an elevator down to the beach, the resort itself is spacious and it may be a long walk (5+ minutes) to the bar or a restaurant for the evening. 

Tip - For a private pool upgrade to a rooftop deluxe room, or a garden one or two bedroom. You will have a spacious pool all to yourself. While they do offer 28’ long pools with ocean views, they are not ocean front (directly on the ocean) and the view can be limited by vegetation. Save yourself that money for dining out and enjoy a private pool in another room style. If you don’t need your own pool, The Crane has the best communal pools in Barbados. There are options for adults only, a shallow toddlers area and even chairs nearest The Carraige House restaurant. (Don’t worry you can have lunch brought right to your chair wherever you sit!) Plan to be at the pool before 10:00am if you want to have a spot in the shade. There are no umbrellas, but several pavilions that offer some sun protection, spaces in them can go fast. Read all about why we love The Crane here (coming soon!).

Bonus tip - The Crane hotel is the furthers one on my short list form the cruise port. So if you’re tight for time, or tight for taxi fare money, consider a hotel closer to the port itself. The drive will take approximately 40 minutes. 

Call Jakki 1-519-362-3672 or email travel@princeadventures.com to book your cruise hotel for Barbados or to learn about which cruise from Barbados you should take!