Have been reading info re currency on Barbados and it says US Dollars are accepted on Barbados - would it be better to have Barbados dollars or what? Also on a cruise ship Carnival Victory and visiting other islands in Souther Carribean so what currency is best for spending money for shore trips. Thanks

almost everybody in the caribbean will be pleased to accept your US dollar. you may occasionally recieve change in local currency.
i would not consider exchanging unless you planned to head to some extremely remote/obscure spots.
if you feel you must exchange there will be atm machines at each port.
enjoy the cruise.
i would take sunscreen as well as a can of bug spray.
when you off ship remember to drink lots of water.

I agree with virginia - if you are doing a cruise take $US and you'll be just fine no matter which island you visit.

If you are on a cruise and only in each port for a day, it would be stupid to try to exchange money. Moreover, it's completely unnecessary. You lose a little on the exchange rate, but not enough to worry about. U.S. dollars are the best currency to use in all these places.

Thank you all very much for this useful advice- tis great when others tell of their experiences and give of their time to reply . Thanks againx

Definitely US$. Rate of BD$2:US$1 in Barbados is generally accepted unless you go to a bank or bigger shop. Taxi drivers, most restaurants and smaller shops will all exchange at 2:1. Official rate otherwise of 1.98:1.

You can find exchange rates for Barbados and the other islands here:

http://www.destinationcaribbean.net/...=35&Itemid2=70

Enjoy!