Days 11 and 12 of our Ultimate Word Cruise took us to Barbados and Grenada for our first experience with both islands.
Barbados – We arrived at Bridgetown, Barbados at about 8am but took our time and grabbed some quick breakfast at the Windjammer (the ship’s buffet where we can always find some quick healthy options) before we disembarked. The plan for today was a highly anticipated visit with a dear friend and business partner who had recently purchased a home in the area.
Just before 10am, we made our way from the ship and walked towards the cruise terminal that was filled with shops and souvenir vendors. They, of course, make this a long walk past every possible store before exiting the terminal. Once outside the terminal, we had to proceed through the security gates and out to the busy street. Fortunately, our friends were just coming around the roundabout and we quickly jumped in their vehicle.
We headed to a local coffee shop to chat about what our plans for the day would be. It was so nice to see familiar faces and have the opportunity to see so much more that we possibly could have otherwise. Also, it was so great have a great visit while we toured the island with such knowledgable, friendly guides.
We decided to head out of Bridgetown around the perimeter of the island towards the east coastline to Bathsheba Beach which has much rougher waters and is a favourite spot for experienced surfers. The surf was pretty rough and the beach was rugged and absolutely beautiful. We walked along the beach where the sand was golden and the water was cool. Based on the conditions, our decision was made as to where to head for lunch.
We headed to the northern most point of the island to Flower Pot Cave and Restaurant. When asked where we wanted to sit, we, of course, selected a table where there was a high probability of getting wet. The waves and swells were huge and the restaurant sat directly above them perched on the cliff side. It was a stunning, invigorating view.
We sat down and ordered a quick bite for lunch — the food was reasonably priced local options. I ordered a bowl with jerk chicken, black beans and rice, Chris had the ceviche and everything was so delicious. We tried the local Banks Deputy beer which was a light refreshing addition to our meal.
About half way through our meal, our friend jumped up and turned while the rest of us were not anticipating, nor did we react quick enough, the massive wave that crashed over our table getting us absolutely soaked — and added some additional saltiness to what was left of our meals. A large table next to us had a family with young children and there were absolutely some tears after they were completely soaked as well. It was fun and refreshing — a very special experience for sure.
We began our drive back to Bridgetown and the west side of the island where the waters are clear and calm. In search of a rum shack with some locals, we found a spot and had some more local beer and chatted with some fisherman who were done for the day. No one could believe that we were there on a 9-month World Cruise. Some days, neither can we.
Made a quick stop at Port St Charles to check out the property they were now working on in a gated community on the Marina. It was bright and airy in a beautiful Tuscan style. Gorgeous! As we drove back towards the cruise terminal, we got a taste of the more touristy area with beautiful big private homes, supermarkets, high end shopping and all-inclusive resorts.
The island definitely had a bit of everything and seemed safe and very friendly. We were very impressed with our quick but amazing overview of this beautiful island. It was a very good day!
Grenada – On the following day, Dec 21, we arrived in beautiful Grenada. No knowing what to expect and wanting to get a good overview, we decided to book an island tour through the cruise ship.
We met in the Tropical Theatre in the morning to join our excursion groups (something I really don’t enjoy). It went pretty smoothly though and we boarded a small bus with a friendly local guide. Right away, we made the same comment to each other — “This reminds me so much of St. Lucia”
There is a lot of elevation change here – windy, steep, switchback roads that were reminiscent of the Road to Hana.
Our first stop was at Minor Spices Cooperative Company – a tour of spices found in Grenada. Our guide was very knowledgeable and we learned about how many of our favourite spices originate – cinnamon, nutmeg, cocoa, basil, noni, cloves…. The park was beautiful and lush. The paths were covered with crushed nutmeg shells.
From there we headed to Fort Frederick, an old French-built fort with absolutely gorgeous sweeping views of the entire island.
After that quick visit, we headed to Annandale Falls – a beautiful, tropical spot with falls many jump into to cool off from the warm temperatures.
Our final stop was Grand Etang National Park where we visited the Grand Etang crater lake. It is legend that there is a mermaid living in this lake that draws men to their watery graves. The winding, steep drive through the park was both a nail-biting, treacherous drive and a stunningly beautiful, protected rainforest.
With this final destination in the southern Caribbean, Grenada was our last port visited before we began our journey to Brazil. We quite enjoyed the ease with which we could navigate and make the most of each destination. It was a great way to start this adventure — small, easy spots to explore and feel that you got a good taste to know if it would be on the list to re-visit. So far, I think Curaçao, Barbados and Grenada would make the short list.
