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Tens of thousands of Aussies cannot wait to get cruising again with bookings very strong indeed for the latter part of 2021 and into 2022 and 2023, so it is very timely that Royal Caribbean has launched three distinct new and exciting cruise adventure itineraries out of Barbados, beginning December 2021 on Grandeur of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean International will also for the first time be calling Barbados “home” next Caribbean winter, with the three distinct 7- and 14-night itineraries each featuring an unique line up of bucket-list destinations, including three new ports of call in the islands of Tobago, Trinidad and St. Vincent.

The itineraries will be showcasing the natural beauty and cultures of the region, with the weeklong sailings island hopping to a different destination every day or offer late-night stays in the famed “ABC” islands of Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao, plus Grandeur’s longer escapes will tout an overnight stay in Aruba coupled with visits to Cartagena, Colombia; Colon, Panama; and Puerto Limon, Costa Rica, among others.

Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International said, “We are excited to grow our longstanding partnership with Barbados and introduce Bridgetown as Royal Caribbean’s newest home port”, adding, “Sailing from the heart of the Windward Islands unlocks new memorable vacations to share with family and friends in breath-taking places, such as Grenada, St. Lucia, and now St. Vincent, Trinidad and Tobago,” and “The pink-sand beaches and unexpected adventures across Barbados also make it an ideal destination for our guests to experience even more of the Caribbean charm and culture before or after their cruise.”

Senator the Hon. Lisa Cummins, Minister of Tourism and International Transport for Barbados said, “After the year the industry and region have had, this is a shining light to look forward to this coming winter season”, adding “We have wanted to see for some time more homeporting operations from Barbados, the incorporation of pre- and post-stay vacations which expose cruisers to the best Barbados has to offer and at a regional level, the development of new itineraries that elevates the cruise experience throughout the Caribbean,” and, “So, we are extremely pleased to extend the welcome mat for Grandeur of the Seas to Barbados.”  She also said, “We are looking forward to displaying our Bajan hospitality, wide range of accommodations, rich culture, diversity of experiences, world class cuisine, unique attractions, and especially want to share the warmth of the Barbadian people….these are the things that keep visitors coming back for more!”

Royal Caribbean’s new 2021-22 cruises from Bridgetown, Barbados are open for sale, with the itineraries departing on Sundays and ports of call for each are:

7-night Southern Caribbean Island Hop: Departing Bridgetown, Barbados (new) and visiting Scarborough, Tobago (new); Port of Spain, Trinidad (new); St. George’s, Grenada; Kingstown, St. Vincent (new); Roseau, Dominica; and Castries, St. Lucia

7-night Southern Caribbean Adventure: Departing Bridgetown, Barbados (new) and visiting St. George’s, Grenada; Kralendijk, Bonaire; Oranjestad, Aruba; Willemstad, Curacao; and Port of Spain, Trinidad (new)

14-night Ultimate Caribbean: Departing Bridgetown, Barbados (new) and visiting St. George’s, Grenada; Kingstown, St. Vincent (new); Kralendijk, Bonaire; Oranjestad, Aruba (overnight); Willemstad, Curacao; Port of Spain, Trinidad (new); Cartagena, Colombia; Colon, Panama; and Puerto Limon, Costa Rica

Royal Caribbean’s says that its inaugural season sailing from Barbados adds even more variety to the cruise line’s current 2021-22 northern hemisphere winter season, with new departure ports and destinations bringing a breadth of fresh experiences for travelers to make the most of their highly anticipated vacations.

A report by John Alwyn-Jones