Hi - my husband & I will be on a cruise next year and spend 1 day in Barbados. The ship offers island tours - I think about 3 1/2 hrs ride in an open air truck. Worth doing? Do not know where the ships dock or anchor so dont know if we'd be in "the middle of no where?" Suggestions appreciated!

Barbados is a really pretty island, and I thought the 3 1/2 hour tour was worth it. We did the 'caves' tour (sorry, it was a while ago and I don't remember the name...). The caves were ok interesting, but the trip to and from the dock was worth the trip.

Do reading on Barbados before you go. I hired a cab for a half day and went to more places for half the ship was charging for a tour. Barbados is a beautiful island and Harrison's cave is facinating - it has trams that go down in the caves and everything. If you are into botanical gardens, the Flower Forest is very good - also has a nice gift shop and great views - the garden is in an elevated area and you can look down miles and see the coast line and the ocean.<BR><BR>We can give you recommendations, but the best thing to do is to read a Fodors or Frommers on Barbados and to know what you are interested in (beach, snorkeling, shopping, nature, adventure travel, etc.) I usually find using a local taxi driver to be a much better deal than the ship excursion.

when on a cruise to Barbados, I rented a car, and drove around the island. It was easy driving (except you drove on the left). There were rental spots right off the dock. Cruisecritic.com has a lot of information exchanged on various port.s

Hi : we rented a moke and travelled the island it was a wonderful day. We stopped for swims, lunch, drinks. Write or call the Barbados travel board, they will send a book the Ins and Outs of Barbados it is wonderful. We combined two of there suggested trips. Onne of the best travel days we have ever had. Sunset at the Barbados Hilton to end a great day.Karen

Mary, <BR>While I haven't been to Barbados, I have been to a lot of other islands that are cruise ship ports.<BR>I agree with the other posters who recommend you strike out on your own and go exploring.<BR>The cruise ships coordinate large groups of people into tours that don't usually give you the opportunity to see some of the more unique things an island has to offer and charge way more than the excursions are worth.<BR>I think you would have a much better time either renting a car or taking an island tour with a cab driver.<BR>You can go at your own pace, and if you see a beach you want to stop at or an out of the way spot, you can stop for as long as you like.