10 000 tourists come-a-calling

Browne's beach was taken over by tourists from seven cruise liners yesterday-Errol Barrow Day.

By (AH) | Sun, January 22, 2012 - 3:30 PM

BRIDGETOWN WAS TRANSFORMED into a tourist haven yesterday as thousands of passengers, from seven cruise liners berthed in the Bridgetown Port, strolled through the city, admiring its cleanliness and eye-catching old buildings.

More than 10 000 cruise passengers came to Barbados on the ships Azura, Norwegian Dawn, Celebrity Constellation, Saga Pearl 11, Royal Clipper, Freewinds and Wind Spirit.

And unlike January 2 when 5 000 cruise passengers visited and found Bridgetown looking like a ghost town, yesterday tourists found a number of stores on Broad Street and some boutiques on Swan Street open.

However, there was no sign of heavy shopping.

Some tourists crowded the boardwalk along Wharf Road, admiring the buildings and the sea. Others visited Browne’s Beach or settled in at the Waterfront Cafe.

A number spoke about the island’s hospitality and cleanliness.

“It has been the cleanest island we have been on in the Caribbean,” said a Florida, United States resident who gave her name as just Martha.

“It is very nice. Not only is it clean but it has a beautiful town. We came off the ship to walk around town and see what is here.”

One tourist who gave his name as Art indicated that he was impressed with the architectural features of Bridgetown’s old buildings.

Sixty-five-year-old Paul Nash, who was accompanied by wife Karen, said he was overwhelmed by the “first class hospitality” he received from Bajans, including the staff of the port.

“Barbados is clean, tidy and very organized. The people in the shops we have been in are really friendly and helpful people.

“We are happy that we came. We will definitely come back and watch some cricket,” said the Englishman.