Port St. Charles, Barbados
Cruise Port Guide
Upcoming Sailings for Port St Charles Barbados
Port St Charles Barbados Port Overview
Port St. Charles does not function as a homeport (turnaround embarkation/disembarkation port) for any confirmed cruise line at this time. All major cruise line homeport operations in Barbados — including those operated by Carnival, Royal Caribbean, P&O Cruises, and Princess Cruises — are based at the Bridgetown Harbour Cruise Pier, approximately 12 miles (19.3 km) south. If you are beginning or ending a cruise in Barbados, confirm your exact terminal with your cruise line. Arriving at Port St. Charles for a Bridgetown embarkation would result in missing your ship. You should confirm this information before your visit.
Port Overview
Port St. Charles is a privately owned luxury marina development situated on the northwest coast of Barbados in St. Peter parish, approximately 12 miles (19.3 km) north of the capital Bridgetown, near the town of Speightstown. It is one of only two officially designated sea-based ports of entry in Barbados — the other being the Port of Bridgetown (Deep Water Harbour) — and is governed by Barbados Port Inc. under customs, immigration, and coastguard authority. Unlike the main Bridgetown cruise pier, Port St. Charles is not a mass-market cruise terminal. It functions primarily as a superyacht and mega-yacht marina serving high-end private vessels and small expedition-style cruise ships, with capacity for yachts up to 250 feet at its offshore breakwater berths and two offshore mooring buoys for vessels exceeding 250 feet. Passenger volumes here are a fraction of Bridgetown's roughly 700,000–800,000 annual cruise arrivals. Shore excursion pricing, when offered by small-ship cruise lines calling here, is benchmarked to the premium end of the market — you should confirm this information before your visit, as pricing varies significantly by operator. ()
The vast majority of major cruise lines — Royal Caribbean, Carnival, P&O Cruises, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises, and Cunard — do NOT call at Port St. Charles. They operate exclusively out of the Bridgetown Harbour Cruise Pier on the southwest coast. If your itinerary lists 'Barbados' as the port without specifying Port St. Charles by name, your ship is almost certainly docking in Bridgetown, not here. Passengers who see 'Port St. Charles' specifically named on their itinerary are typically aboard small or expedition-style vessels such as Emerald Azzurra (Emerald Cruises). Confirm your vessel's exact berth assignment with your cruise line before departure.
Terminal Assignments
Port St. Charles Marina — Offshore Breakwater Berths
Six mega-yacht berths on the offshore breakwater accommodating vessels up to 250 feet; two offshore mooring buoys for vessels exceeding 250 feet; maximum draft 13.5 feet at low tide; full port-of-entry status with immigration, customs, coastguard, and police on site. This is a private marina facility, not a purpose-built cruise terminal. No large-ship berths. Fuel, electricity, water, and telephone lines available dockside. Advance booking essential in winter season.
Port of Bridgetown — Bridgetown Harbour Cruise Pier (Deep Water Harbour)
Located on the southwest coast in Bridgetown, approximately 12 miles (19.3 km) south of Port St. Charles. Four deepwater quays with capacity for up to six vessels simultaneously (Berths 2, 3, 4, and Sugar Berth). This is the primary cruise facility for Barbados handling approximately 700,000–800,000 passengers annually. Passengers on major cruise lines should confirm they are NOT assigned to Port St. Charles. This terminal listing is included for navigational clarity only.
Arrival & Drop-off
Arrival type
dock
Mandatory shuttle
No dedicated cruise passenger shuttle service between Port St. Charles and Speightstown or Bridgetown has been confirmed from any live source. You should confirm this information before your visit. Some small-ship cruise lines (such as Emerald Cruises) include organized shore excursions or guided transfers as part of their all-inclusive fare structure — check your cruise line's shore program documents for your specific sailing before departure.
Ship size context
Port St. Charles is exclusively a small-ship and superyacht port. The marina infrastructure — breakwater berths limited to 250 feet, a maximum draft of 13.5 feet, and a private residential marina layout — physically cannot accommodate modern large cruise ships carrying 3,000 or more passengers. Ships calling here typically carry fewer than 200–300 passengers. This means taxi queue demand is minimal, crowd levels are low, and port-day congestion is essentially non-existent by Caribbean cruise standards. However, the trade-off is severely limited ground infrastructure: there is no cruise terminal shopping village, no organized excursion staging area comparable to Bridgetown, and no dedicated fleet of cruise-oriented taxis standing by. Passengers arriving at Port St. Charles on a small ship should expect a quiet, intimate environment — but must plan independent transport in advance. You should confirm this information before your visit.
Drop-off point details
The Drop-Off Point for all distances and transport times in this guide is the Port St. Charles Marina Gate at the breakwater entrance in St. Peter parish. This is the point at which passengers clear port-of-entry formalities (immigration and customs) and exit onto the public road. All distances below are measured from this gate. The gate sits along the west coast road (Highway 1) near Speightstown, approximately 12 miles (19.3 km) north of Bridgetown. There is no pier-side commercial zone, taxi rank, or shuttle stop of the kind found at major cruise terminals — passengers step almost directly from port formalities onto a coastal highway. You should confirm this information before your visit.
No shuttle required
A passenger who disembarks at Port St. Charles without pre-arranged transport risks spending a significant portion of their port day attempting to secure a taxi or ride on an infrequent local bus along Highway 1. Speightstown is approximately 1 mile (1.6 km) south of the marina gate on foot — manageable in fair weather for able-bodied passengers. Bridgetown is approximately 12 miles (19.3 km) south and is not a practical walk. Taxis serving this area of the west coast are not staged in volume at the marina; they serve the broader St. Peter and St. James parish hotel zones. Pre-booking a taxi or private driver through your cruise line, hotel concierge, or a confirmed Barbados taxi operator before your port day is strongly recommended. You should confirm taxi availability and pricing before your visit.
Terminal Environment
Passengers exiting Port St. Charles through the marina gate emerge directly onto the west coast Highway 1 corridor in a predominantly residential and low-density tourist zone — not a cruise pier commercial district. There is no arrivals hall, no duty-free shopping arcade, no row of excursion vendors, and no massed taxi line. The immediate surroundings are the landscaped perimeter of a private luxury marina community. Speightstown's small town center — with local eateries, a fish market, and basic services — sits roughly 1 mile (1.6 km) to the south along the road. The physical environment is pleasant and low-key, but passengers expecting the infrastructure of a major Caribbean cruise terminal will be caught off-guard. Navigational decisions must be made before disembarking, not after stepping through the gate.
Re-boarding
Gate location
Return to the Port St. Charles Marina breakwater entrance gate — the same point used for disembarkation. No secondary or alternate gate has been confirmed. You should confirm reboarding gate location with your ship's cruise director or the on-site dockmaster before going ashore.
Documents required
Cruise card (SeaPass, keycard, or equivalent) and a valid government-issued photo ID or passport are required to reboard. Carry your passport or travel document ashore — do not leave it on the ship. Port St. Charles is an official Barbados port of entry with active immigration and customs authority on site.
Security queue estimate
Given the small passenger volumes typical of ships calling at Port St. Charles (generally under 300 passengers), security queue times at reboarding are expected to be short — typically under 10 minutes even in the final 60–90 minutes before All Aboard. However, this is not confirmed from a live source and you should not treat it as guaranteed. Factor reboarding security time into your return plan. Do not treat All Aboard as the moment to arrive at the terminal gate.
Customs pre-clearance
Port St. Charles is a designated port of entry with full customs and immigration services on site. Outbound clearance procedures for departing vessels may apply. You should confirm any re-boarding customs or immigration check requirements with your ship's guest services team before going ashore, as procedures can vary by vessel flag state and itinerary.
Getting Around Port St Charles Barbados
Walkability
Port St. Charles is a private marina and residential community located on the northwest coast of Barbados in St. Peter parish, near Speightstown — not to be confused with the Bridgetown Cruise Ship Terminal (Deep Water Harbour) on the southwest coast, which is where the overwhelming majority of cruise ships calling on Barbados dock. If your ship is calling at Port St. Charles rather than Bridgetown, you are arriving at a small, boutique marina facility with no walkable commercial district, no tourist infrastructure within easy reach, and no terminal shopping complex. Speightstown, the nearest town of any scale, is approximately 1 mile (1.6 km) south of Port St. Charles and reachable on foot, though the route runs along a main road with limited shade. Bridgetown, the capital and primary tourist hub, is roughly 14 miles (22.5 km) south and requires arranged transport. Overall walkability from Port St. Charles is significantly lower than from the Bridgetown terminal. Passengers with mobility devices, strollers, or sensitivity to Caribbean heat and sun should plan on taxis or pre-arranged transport for virtually all destinations beyond the immediate marina perimeter. Confirm which berth your ship is using before planning any on-foot exploration, as operational berthing at Port St. Charles versus Deep Water Harbour changes every aspect of this guide.
Transport Options
Pickup location
Taxis meet arriving cruise passengers at the Port St. Charles marina entrance gate. Supply is more limited here than at the Bridgetown Cruise Ship Terminal — do not expect a large rank of waiting cabs. Your ship's daily program or gangway staff can advise on pre-arranged taxi contact numbers. You should confirm taxi availability at Port St. Charles before your visit.
Rate structure
Government-regulated flat rates set by the Barbados Ministry of Transport and Works. Fares are fixed by destination zone, not by meter. A large blue rate board is posted at the Bridgetown terminal; confirm whether the same board applies at Port St. Charles or whether drivers quote from the same zone table. Always confirm the fare and the currency (BBD vs. USD) before entering any vehicle.
Payment
Cash only in most cases. US dollars widely accepted at the fixed 2:1 exchange rate (2 BBD = 1 USD). Barbadian dollars also accepted. Credit cards are generally not accepted in street taxis. Confirm payment method with your driver before the ride.
Notes
Legitimate Barbados taxis display a 'Z' prefix on their license plate (sedans) or 'ZM' for maxi-taxis seating 8–14 passengers. Most have a rooftop TAXI sign. Drivers are available for private half-day or full-day island tours — negotiate a flat rate before departing, specify all stops, and confirm the currency. A 10% tip is customary for good service. Supply at Port St. Charles is limited compared to Bridgetown — if traveling with a group, contact a taxi company in advance. Recommended companies: Island Cabs (+1 246-247-7880), PickUP Barbados (+1 246-828-7167). You should confirm current fares and availability before your visit.
Pickup location
The nearest public bus stop to Port St. Charles is on Highway 1, the main coastal road, approximately a 10–15 minute walk from the marina entrance (road-shoulder walk, limited shade). Blue Transport Board buses run south through Speightstown toward Bridgetown. Yellow private minibuses run similar corridors and some routes pass directly along Spring Garden Highway near the Bridgetown terminal. You should confirm the exact stop location and route before your visit.
Rate structure
Fixed flat fare regardless of distance. Transport Board blue buses: BBD $3.50 per person (approximately $1.75 USD). Yellow private minibuses and ZR vans: BBD $3.50 per person. Each connecting bus ride requires a separate fare.
Payment
Transport Board blue buses accept Barbados dollars ONLY — US dollars are not accepted. Private yellow minibuses and ZR route taxis generally accept both BBD and USD at the 2:1 rate. Carry Barbadian dollar coins and small bills for bus fares.
Notes
Public buses are an extremely affordable way to reach Bridgetown or Speightstown. However, they are not suited for time-pressed cruise passengers managing a firm All Aboard deadline: schedules can be irregular, buses fill up, and journey times vary significantly in traffic. Standing room is common. Luggage or large bags are impractical. Best used by solo travelers or couples comfortable with island transit who have ample time before All Aboard. Not recommended for seniors, mobility-assisted travelers, or families with strollers on a cruise day schedule.
Pickup location
App-dispatched from your current location. Works island-wide with licensed taxi operators. Download the PickUP Barbados app (iOS and Android) before your port day.
Rate structure
Licensed, regulated taxi rates — same government-set zone pricing as street taxis. No surge pricing model confirmed. You should confirm current pricing structure within the app before your visit.
Payment
Card payment available through the app — a key advantage over street taxis for passengers who prefer not to carry cash.
Notes
PickUP Barbados is the closest equivalent to a rideshare platform available on the island. It dispatches licensed, regulated drivers — not unregulated private operators. Cell signal at Port St. Charles is generally available, but confirm connectivity before relying on app dispatch. Useful as a backup if the taxi rank at the marina is depleted on busy port days.
Pickup location
Car rental desks are located at the Bridgetown Cruise Ship Terminal. At Port St. Charles, car rental is not confirmed to operate on-site. Pre-booking a delivery to the marina is possible through companies including Drive-A-Matic, National Car Rentals, and Voyager Rent-a-Car. You should confirm car rental availability at Port St. Charles before your visit.
Rate structure
Daily rate, pre-booked. Barbados drives on the left. A temporary Barbados driving permit is required for visitors — obtainable through the rental company for a nominal fee. You should confirm current permit requirements and daily rates before your visit.
Payment
Major credit cards accepted by rental companies. You should confirm accepted payment methods when booking.
Notes
Driving on the left is mandatory. Roads in the interior and east coast can be narrow and winding. A rental car provides maximum schedule flexibility for reaching Harrison's Cave, Bathsheba, or the east coast on your own timeline — but requires careful management of return time to ship. GPS or a downloaded offline map (Google Maps, Maps.me) is essential. Do not rely solely on mobile data.
Congestion buffer
Port St. Charles is a smaller facility than the Bridgetown Cruise Ship Terminal and is less likely to see multiple simultaneous large ship calls. However, on days when both Port St. Charles and the Bridgetown terminal are active, taxi supply across the northwest and west coast tightens noticeably. When two or more ships are in Barbados waters on the same day, add 15–20 minutes to every transport time estimate in this guide. Check ship traffic apps such as Marine Traffic before your port day to assess how many vessels are calling island-wide. Do not fold this buffer silently into your plans — build it explicitly into your All Aboard countdown.
Port agents
Independent port agents do not operate at Port St. Charles in the same organized fashion as at major hub terminals. Private tour operators and licensed taxi drivers who offer island tours function in a similar capacity — negotiating a flat rate with a licensed 'Z'-plate driver for a customized half-day or full-day itinerary is the closest practical equivalent. These arrangements are entirely independent of your cruise line and are engaged at your own discretion and risk. Confirm all stops, total duration, return time to the ship, and the fare (in USD or BBD) before departing. Get the driver's mobile number in case of delays. For pre-booked private guiding, Island Routes, Stouteland Tours, and local operators advertised through the Barbados Tourism Authority are options. You should confirm operator credentials and pricing before your visit.
Known scams
Two confirmed patterns warrant attention at Barbados ports. First, fare currency confusion: Barbados taxi fares are regulated in Barbadian dollars (BBD), but drivers sometimes quote a number without specifying currency. Since 2 BBD = 1 USD, a fare quoted as '$30' that you assume is USD may actually be BBD ($15 USD) — or a driver may intend USD while implying BBD. Always explicitly ask 'Is that in US dollars or Barbados dollars?' before agreeing to any fare and before entering the vehicle. Second, at Grantley Adams International Airport, unauthorized individuals known locally as 'snatchers' approach arriving passengers before they reach the official dispatcher and attempt to divert them to unlicensed vehicles at inflated rates. While this pattern is confirmed at the airport, the same opportunistic behavior can occur near any busy arrival point. At Port St. Charles, use only taxis with a 'Z' or 'ZM' license plate prefix, and confirm the fare and currency upfront. Drivers sometimes charge above the posted government rate board — the posted rate is the legal maximum. Ask to see the rate board if a fare seems high. No other cruise-passenger-specific scam patterns at Port St. Charles were confirmed from current sources.
Food & Dining in Port St Charles Barbados
Food Culture
Port St. Charles is a private luxury marina community set on the northwest coast of Barbados near Speightstown in St. Peter Parish — a location that shapes every aspect of the dining experience available to passengers who call here. Unlike the main Bridgetown cruise terminal roughly 15 miles (24.1 km) to the south, Port St. Charles deposits visitors directly into the quieter, more authentically local west coast corridor, where Speightstown's modest fish market and small rum shops have served the parish's fishing community for generations. Bajan cuisine is the product of layered historical forces unique to this island: the African culinary traditions carried by enslaved people who transformed cornmeal and okra into cou-cou, the British colonial appetite for structured meals and baked goods, the island's exceptional access to Atlantic flying fish — a species so tied to Barbadian identity that it appears on the national coat of arms and the country's banknotes — and three centuries of sugar and rum production that infused the local palate with molasses and aged spirits. What makes this cuisine distinct from neighboring islands is its specificity: Bajans developed signature preparations like pudding and souse as a strictly Saturday meal, a flying fish cutter as an everyday working lunch, and macaroni pie — believed by many food historians to have originated in Barbados — as the island's definitive comfort food. The west coast parishes around Port St. Charles lean toward fresh seafood pulled from day-boat catches, roadside rum shop cooking, and the kind of unhurried, convivial eating culture Bajans call 'liming.' Taxis from the marina gate can reach Speightstown in under 5 minutes and Holetown in roughly 10 minutes, putting passengers within reach of some of the island's best-rated local and upscale dining, all within a single port day. You should confirm current taxi availability and fares at the marina gate before departing.
Signature Dishes to Try
Flying Fish & Cou-Cou (Cou-cou an' Flying Fish)
Flying fish is so central to Barbadian identity that the island earned the nickname 'The Land of the Flying Fish.' The species schooled in enormous numbers in the waters east of Barbados for centuries, sustaining the fishing parishes and driving the island's boat-building tradition. Cou-cou, meanwhile, traces its lineage directly to West African fufu-style preparations brought by enslaved people, making the combined dish a physical expression of Barbados's dual heritage. It appears on the national coat of arms and is served at state functions.
Tapestry Restaurant, Bridgetown (TasteAtlas-listed, Google rating 4.0+). Also available at The Tides Restaurant, Holetown — confirmed 4.5-star Google rating, approximately 5 miles (8.0 km) south of Port St. Charles by taxi. You should confirm current menu availability before your visit.
Pudding & Souse
Pudding and souse is one of the most culturally entrenched meals in Barbadian life, observed as a near-ritual Saturday lunch across all social classes. Its origins lie in the tradition of butchering pigs on Saturdays in colonial Barbados, where enslaved workers used the offcuts passed down to them to create a dish that has outlasted the plantation era entirely. The strict Saturday-only tradition means tourists who visit on a Saturday are treated to an experience unavailable any other day of the week.
The Souse Factory, Barbados (listed on TasteAtlas for pudding and souse). Also available at local rum shops in Speightstown on Saturdays. You should confirm Saturday availability and current hours before your visit.
Bajan Fish Cakes (Fish Cakes)
Fish cakes are the quintessential Bajan street food, eaten at every level of society from roadside stalls to formal hotel brunches. Their salted cod base reflects Barbados's long Atlantic trade history, when preserved cod arrived from Newfoundland in exchange for Bajan sugar and rum — a trade that shaped the diet of the working population for two centuries. In Speightstown, near Port St. Charles, fish cakes have been a staple of the town's market stalls for generations.
Fisherman's Pub, Queen Street, Speightstown — confirmed Google rating 4.0+, approximately 1 mile (1.6 km) north of Port St. Charles. Also available at most beachside restaurants throughout Holetown. You should confirm current operating status before your visit.
Bajan Macaroni Pie
While macaroni cheese exists across the world, food historians widely credit Barbados as the likely origin point of the baked, sliceable version — a result of British colonial baking traditions merging with local dairy and spice availability. Bajans refer to it simply as 'pie' and consider it as essential at a Sunday meal as the main protein. It has no direct equivalent in the same form on any neighboring island.
Available at multiple west coast restaurants including The Tides, Holetown, and Cin Cin By The Sea, Prospect. You should confirm current menu listings before your visit.
Flying Fish Cutter
The flying fish cutter is the working lunch of Barbados — the meal eaten at fish markets, rum shops, and roadside stalls by fishermen, dockworkers, and office workers alike. In Speightstown's market area, steps from Port St. Charles, cutters have been sold at the town's small food stalls for decades. The combination of local flying fish with locally baked salt bread ties the dish to two of Barbados's oldest industries: fishing and bakery craft.
Available at the Fisherman's Pub in Speightstown and at Patsy's Snackette-style vendors in Speightstown town center. Also found at Cuz's Fish Stand, Pebbles Beach, near Bridgetown (confirmed 4.0+ Google rating). You should confirm current vendor hours before visiting.
Jug-Jug
Jug-jug is unique to Barbados and found nowhere else in the Caribbean in this form. Its origin story — Scottish exiles adapting haggis using local Caribbean ingredients — is specific to Barbados's particular colonial population movements in the late 17th century. Today it is prepared primarily during the November independence season and Christmas, making it a time-sensitive find for cruise visitors. It represents the most direct culinary link between Barbados's British colonial period and its local agricultural traditions.
Available seasonally at local restaurants and rum shops island-wide during the November–January festive season. The Cliff Restaurant, Derricks, St. James (Google rating 4.5+) has been noted for seasonal Bajan specialties. You should confirm current seasonal availability before your visit.
Recommended Restaurants
Holetown, St. James, Barbados (beachfront, along the main Holetown coastal road)
Distance & transport
Approximately 5 miles (8.0 km) south by taxi from the Port St. Charles marina gate.
Hours
You should confirm current hours before your visit. Lunch is typically served from approximately 12:00 PM; dinner service begins around 6:30 PM.
What to order
Flying fish and cou-cou when available as a daily special — the kitchen prepares it with a refined creole sauce that stays true to the Bajan original. The grilled catch of the day (mahi mahi or swordfish depending on the day's landing) served with Bajan macaroni pie and rice and peas is consistently cited in recent reviews as the standout plate. Start with the Bajan fish cakes — house-made, notably lighter than most versions on the island.
Why it's worth visiting
The Tides sits directly on the water with an open-air coral-stone dining room framed by mature trees growing through the deck floor — a setting that is entirely specific to this property and unreplicable elsewhere. The kitchen works with fresh daily catches and maintains a menu that balances upscale execution with genuine Bajan flavors rather than a tourist-friendly approximation of them. It remains one of the most consistently reviewed fine-dining options on the west coast after more than two decades in operation.
Operational notes
Reservations strongly recommended for dinner; lunch walk-ins are more feasible on port days. Credit cards accepted. Smart casual dress preferred — no swimwear at the table. Lunch service window aligns well with a standard port day. Taxis back to Port St. Charles are available from the Holetown area; confirm return taxi availability before dining.
Distance & transport
Approximately 1 mile (1.6 km) north of the Port St. Charles marina gate.
Hours
You should confirm current hours before your visit. Typically open from late morning through the afternoon and evening.
What to order
Flying fish cutter — the definitive version in this part of the island, served on a fresh Bajan salt bread with house pepper sauce. Bajan fish cakes served with a cold Banks Beer are the natural pairing and a genuine local experience. The stewed chicken with macaroni pie and rice and peas is the full hot-plate option for those wanting a sit-down Bajan lunch.
Why it's worth visiting
Fisherman's Pub is one of the last true rum-shop-style waterfront eating spots in Speightstown, a town that once rivaled Bridgetown in commercial importance and still retains its working fishing village character. Eating here puts cruise passengers directly inside the everyday Bajan liming tradition rather than a recreation of it. The location on Queen Street is steps from Speightstown's small fish market, and the crowd at midday is almost entirely local.
Operational notes
Cash preferred, though some card payment may be available — confirm on arrival. No reservation required. Casual dress appropriate. Seating is open-air and informal. Arrives early on Saturdays for pudding and souse when available. Note that this is a local rum shop environment; those seeking air-conditioned dining should choose an alternative.
Derricks, St. James, Barbados (clifftop, west coast, between Holetown and Paynes Bay)
Distance & transport
Approximately 8–10 miles (12.9–16.1 km) south of the Port St. Charles marina gate by taxi.
Hours
Dinner only. Typically opens at 6:30 PM. This timing may fall after a standard All Aboard time for many cruise itineraries — passengers on ships with a late departure (8:00 PM or later from Port St. Charles) should assess feasibility carefully. You should confirm current hours and your ship's All Aboard time before booking.
What to order
The Cliff is known for its tasting menus featuring locally sourced seafood; ask specifically for the flying fish preparation or the market-catch of the day. The lobster when in season is consistently flagged in reviews as exceptional. The rum-based dessert preparations — including rum-soaked cakes and rum punch reductions — are a direct expression of Barbados's distilling heritage.
Why it's worth visiting
The Cliff is arguably the most visually dramatic restaurant in Barbados, built into a coral-stone cliff face above the Caribbean Sea with torchlit, open-air tables on tiered terraces. Its longevity — operating for decades as one of the island's top tables — and its continued investment in Bajan ingredients rather than imported alternatives distinguishes it from other upscale west coast options. It is the single dining experience on this coast that is genuinely difficult to replicate anywhere else in the Caribbean.
Operational notes
Advance reservations are essential — this restaurant books out well ahead, especially in peak cruise season (December–April). Smart dress required; no shorts or flip-flops. Credit cards accepted. Timing warning: dinner-only service makes this suitable only for passengers on ships with a late departure. Confirm your All Aboard time before making a reservation.
Distance & transport
Approximately 12 miles (19.3 km) south of the Port St. Charles marina gate by taxi.
Hours
Lunch typically from 12:00 PM; dinner from 6:30 PM. You should confirm current hours before your visit.
What to order
The grilled catch of the day — typically mahi mahi or flying fish depending on availability — is the plate most frequently praised in recent reviews for freshness and preparation. The Bajan-seasoned shrimp starter is noted across multiple reviews as a reliable opener. The macaroni pie served as a side is consistently called out as one of the better versions at a west coast restaurant.
Why it's worth visiting
Cin Cin occupies a prime open-deck position directly above the Caribbean with an uncovered terrace that catches the trade winds — the setting alone is a reason to visit. The kitchen focuses on fresh west coast seafood with Italian-influenced techniques that complement rather than overwhelm Bajan flavor profiles. It maintains a loyal repeat clientele from the island's expat and yachting communities, which is a reliable indicator of consistent quality over tourist-driven complacency.
Operational notes
Reservations recommended for both lunch and dinner, particularly during peak season. Credit cards accepted. Smart casual dress. Lunch service is well-suited to a standard port day schedule. Taxis back north toward Port St. Charles are available from the Prospect area; arrange a return time with your driver in advance.
Mount Standfast, St. James, Barbados (beachfront, west coast, between Speightstown and Holetown)
Distance & transport
Approximately 3–4 miles (4.8–6.4 km) south of the Port St. Charles marina gate — the closest upscale dining option to the marina.
Hours
Lunch from approximately 12:00 PM; dinner from 6:30 PM. You should confirm current hours before your visit.
What to order
The grilled fish of the day — sourced from local day-boats — is the menu anchor and consistently praised in recent reviews. Flying fish and the fresh catch preparations with local accompaniments are the dishes that reflect genuine Bajan sourcing. The fish tacos at lunch draw strong repeat mentions in recent guest reviews as a lighter west coast option.
Why it's worth visiting
Lone Star sits directly on the beach in a converted 1940s garage, the closest quality dining option to Port St. Charles on the west coast. Its beach-level location means passengers can eat with their feet near the sand and directly access the Caribbean. The kitchen maintains a daily-catch focus that varies by what the local boats bring in, making it a genuinely seasonal, place-specific experience. Its proximity to the marina makes it the most logistically practical upscale meal for passengers with limited time ashore.
Operational notes
Reservations recommended, especially for lunch on busy port days. Credit cards accepted. Beach casual to smart casual dress. The short taxi distance from Port St. Charles makes this the most time-efficient restaurant choice for passengers with a tighter port schedule. Confirm return taxi options with the restaurant or your driver before being dropped off.
Distance & transport
Approximately 15 miles (24.1 km) south of Port St. Charles by road. This is the farthest listed option from the marina — plan your day accordingly relative to your ship's All Aboard time.
Hours
You should confirm current hours before your visit. Given the distance from Port St. Charles, confirm hours and your ship's All Aboard time carefully before planning this stop.
What to order
Tapestry is specifically cited by TasteAtlas as a confirmed source for pudding and souse — order it on a Saturday visit for the authentic weekly preparation. The flying fish and cou-cou when available reflects the chef's Bajan-forward approach. The Bajan pepperpot stew is a standout for passengers wanting to try the island's slow-cooked heritage dish in a restaurant setting.
Why it's worth visiting
Tapestry is recognized on TasteAtlas as one of Barbados's verified destinations for traditional Bajan cuisine, specifically noted for pudding and souse — a dish that most upscale restaurants decline to serve. Chef Javon Cummins has been cited in the Barbados Food and Rum Festival programming, indicating a level of peer recognition within the island's culinary community that goes beyond standard tourist-trade restaurants. It is one of the few places where a passenger can eat genuinely traditional Bajan cooking in a properly rated restaurant environment.
Operational notes
The 15-mile distance from Port St. Charles makes this the most logistically demanding option on this list. Allow at minimum 30 minutes each way by taxi and plan meal time accordingly against your All Aboard. Credit cards likely accepted; confirm before visiting. Reservations recommended. Saturday visit strongly recommended if pudding and souse is the primary draw.
Shore Excursions & Tours
No tours available for this port yet.
Shopping in Port St Charles Barbados
Shopping Overview
Port St. Charles is a private, gated luxury marina community on the northwest coast of Barbados, located just steps from Speightstown in St. Peter Parish. Unlike Bridgetown's Cruise Terminal to the south — which offers over 20,000 square feet of duty-free retail under one roof — Port St. Charles has no dedicated cruise shopping complex. Vessels calling here are primarily private yachts and expedition-style cruise ships using the marina facility. Passengers go ashore into the authentic, low-tourist-pressure town of Speightstown, roughly a 5-minute walk from the marina entrance (). This is one of the best ports in the Eastern Caribbean for sourcing genuinely Barbadian goods away from mass-market terminal retail. Budget time to explore Speightstown's small local shops, the Arlington House Museum gift shop, and the Six Men's Fish Market nearby. USD is widely accepted. Carry a mix of USD and Barbadian dollars (BBD) for market stalls and independent vendors.
What's Worth Buying
Mount Gay and Foursquare Rum — Barbados is the birthplace of rum, with a documented production history dating to the 1620s. Mount Gay Distilleries operates on the island, and Foursquare Rum Distillery in St. Philip is internationally recognized for its single-blended expressions. Local supermarkets and liquor shops in Speightstown sell these at prices substantially lower than U.S. retail. A bottle of Mount Gay XO or Foursquare Expression Series available locally for roughly USD $25–$45 would cost $50–$80 or more stateside. This is the single strongest price-value purchase at this port. Confirm current pricing in-store, as rates fluctuate. Look for bottles at Julie N's Supermarket or local rum shops in Speightstown ().
Locally Made Hot Sauces, Condiments, and Bajan Seasoning — Bajan pepper sauce, made from locally grown Scotch bonnet peppers, tamarind, and mustard, is a household staple with no meaningful equivalent in the U.S. market. Brands like Aunt May's and Lottie's are produced on the island and sold in Speightstown grocery stores and small shops. These are inexpensive (typically under USD $5 per bottle), pack flat in luggage, and represent a genuine taste of Barbadian food culture. Fresh fruits and vegetables purchased in Barbados must be declared upon re-entry to the U.S. and may face quarantine restrictions — stick to commercially sealed, processed condiments.
Best of Barbados Artwork and Prints — The Best of Barbados brand, founded by artist Jill Walker, sells watercolors, prints, ceramics, and textiles featuring Barbadian chattel houses, plantation landscapes, and coastal scenes. All products are designed and produced on the island. The brand has a store in Bridgetown's cruise terminal, but independent galleries and artisan shops in Speightstown carry locally made equivalents. These are not generic Caribbean souvenirs — they are island-specific, artist-credited works that hold cultural provenance. Prices range from a few dollars for greeting cards to $50–$150 for framed prints. You should confirm current retail availability in Speightstown before your visit, as small shop inventories vary.
Locally Produced Sea Island Cotton and Handmade Craft Textiles — Barbados has a historic connection to Sea Island cotton, considered among the finest long-staple cottons in the world. Artisan vendors and small boutiques around Speightstown and the west coast occasionally carry handmade textiles, resort wear, and home goods using locally sourced or regionally influenced fabric. Quality and availability vary widely — buy only from vendors who can describe the product's origin. The Arlington House Interactive Museum () in Speightstown has a small gift shop with curated, locally relevant items.
Duty-free & Customs Allowance
U.S. Customs Duty-Free Allowance: U.S. residents returning from Barbados are entitled to an $800 per-person duty-free exemption on accompanied goods, provided you have been outside the U.S. for at least 48 hours and have not used the exemption within the past 30 days. This is confirmed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). One liter of alcohol may be included duty-free for passengers 21 and older. Amounts above $800 are assessed at a flat 3% duty on the next $1,000 worth of goods.
Goods That Commonly Trigger Declaration: Rum and other alcoholic beverages beyond the one-liter duty-free threshold must be declared. Jewelry purchases above the $800 threshold require declaration. Any commercially purchased item valued over $800 in aggregate with other purchases must be declared.
U.S. Import Restrictions Specific to Barbados: Fresh fruits, vegetables, plants, seeds, and unprocessed plant products are restricted or prohibited upon return to the U.S. — do not attempt to bring fresh produce through U.S. customs. Commercially sealed, processed food products (hot sauces, packaged condiments, sealed jams) generally pass without issue but must still be declared. Animal products including fresh or dried meats require USDA inspection and may be confiscated. No CITES-protected items (coral, turtle products, certain shells) may be imported — these are occasionally sold in Caribbean markets and are illegal to bring into the U.S.
VAT Refunds: Barbados is not an EU country and does not operate an EU-style VAT refund scheme for tourists. You should confirm current VAT refund eligibility with individual retailers before purchase, as policies may vary by store.
Practical Notes
USD is widely accepted across Barbados, including Speightstown shops, restaurants, and vendors. The official exchange rate is fixed at 2 Barbadian dollars (BBD) to 1 USD, so mental conversion is straightforward. Most established shops and restaurants accept Visa and Mastercard; American Express acceptance is less consistent at smaller independent stores. Market stalls, rum shops, and small independent vendors near Speightstown operate primarily on cash. There are no ATMs confirmed inside the Port St. Charles marina compound — the nearest bank branches and ATMs are in Speightstown town center, approximately a 5–10 minute walk (). Non-bank ATMs in tourist areas carry surcharge risk; use bank-branded ATMs where possible. For authentic local goods, Speightstown's small independent shops and the Arlington House Museum gift shop offer better provenance and value than mass-market tourist souvenir stalls. You should confirm ATM locations before going ashore.
Known scams
No confirmed, live-sourced reports of organized predatory shopping scams specifically targeting cruise passengers at Port St. Charles have been identified at the time of writing. Port St. Charles is a private marina environment with very limited street retail; the scam exposure common at large cruise terminals — overpriced 'duty-free' gem stores, high-pressure jewelry tactics, counterfeit goods — is minimal here due to the absence of a commercial terminal shopping zone. Passengers venturing independently into Speightstown should exercise standard Caribbean caution: unofficial 'tour guides' who approach unprompted near the marina entrance sometimes expect payment for directions or unsolicited assistance. Agree on any service fee before accepting help, and decline unsolicited escort offers. Taxi fares should always be confirmed before boarding — there are no meters. You should confirm this information before your visit, as conditions can change.
Practical Information
General Information
Peak season
Peak season at Port St. Charles and throughout Barbados runs from mid-December through mid-April, coinciding with the dry season and the peak of the Caribbean cruise calendar. January through March sees the highest ship traffic, largest crowds in Speightstown, and most competition for taxis. During this window, popular west coast beach clubs and restaurants fill quickly — reservations for lunch are strongly recommended at busy spots. Taxi queues near the marina entrance can stretch 20–30 minutes during peak disembarkation windows. Speightstown itself is a smaller, quieter town than Bridgetown, so overcrowding is less severe than at the Bridgetown cruise terminal, but availability of taxis for island tours is still constrained on days when multiple vessels are in port. The Crop Over festival period (July–early August) brings domestic crowds and cultural events but is outside the main cruise season. You should check the port's vessel schedule before planning independent transport, as double-ship days affect taxi supply significantly.
Weather
Barbados sits outside the main hurricane belt and enjoys more stable weather than most Eastern Caribbean islands, but daily weather patterns still affect port-day planning. During the dry season (December–May), conditions at Port St. Charles on the northwest coast are typically sunny with light northeast trade winds, temperatures in the mid-80s°F, and low humidity. Afternoon cloud build-up is possible but sustained afternoon thunderstorms are less common than on neighboring islands. During the wet season (June–November), brief afternoon showers are a regular occurrence — they typically pass within 30 minutes. The northwest coast (where Port St. Charles sits) is generally more sheltered from Atlantic swells than the east coast, reducing tender-suspension risk. However, Port St. Charles is a marina with a protected channel entrance, not an open roadstead anchorage, so weather-related tender suspension is a low but non-zero risk for smaller vessels anchored outside the marina. If your ship is at anchor rather than docked at the marina berth, confirm the tender schedule and last tender time with ship's crew before going ashore. Plan outdoor activities for the morning. If an afternoon shower catches you in Speightstown, the town has covered walkways and small cafes where you can wait it out.
Language
English is the official language of Barbados. Bajan Creole (a local English-based dialect) is spoken conversationally among residents but presents no barrier to communication for English-speaking visitors — all public-facing communication defaults to standard English. English is spoken at all restaurants, tour operators, taxi drivers, marina staff, museum ticket desks, and shops in Speightstown without exception. No translation tools are needed for this port. WhatsApp is widely used by local taxi operators and tour providers for contact and booking — having WhatsApp installed on your phone is useful for arranging a pre-booked taxi or confirming an independent excursion before going ashore. You should confirm specific contact details with your chosen operator before disembarking.
Currency & payments
The local currency is the Barbadian dollar (BBD). The exchange rate is fixed at 2 BBD = 1 USD — a straightforward conversion that makes mental math easy. USD bills are accepted almost universally across Barbados, including in Speightstown shops, restaurants, taxis, and beach vendors. Change is often returned in BBD, which is fine to spend locally but of no use when you return to the ship. Visa and Mastercard are accepted at most established restaurants and shops; American Express is less reliably accepted at small independent stores. Cash is required or strongly preferred at market stalls, rum shops, the Six Men's Fish Market, and small artisan vendors. There are no ATMs confirmed inside the Port St. Charles marina compound. Bank-branded ATMs are available in Speightstown town center, approximately a 5–10 minute walk from the marina entrance (). Use bank-branded ATMs to avoid third-party surcharges. Barbados does not operate an EU-style VAT tourist refund program; no VAT refund desk is available at the port. You should confirm ATM availability before going ashore.
Connectivity
Port St. Charles is a private marina community; Wi-Fi availability within the marina for visiting cruise passengers has not been confirmed from a live source — you should confirm Wi-Fi access at the marina office or aboard your ship before going ashore. Free Wi-Fi is confirmed available at the Bridgetown cruise terminal to the south, but that terminal is approximately 20 miles (32.2 km) from Port St. Charles. Cellular signal (4G/LTE) from local carriers is generally reliable in Speightstown and along the west coast. Rideshare apps such as Uber are not reliably operational in Barbados — Uber has had limited and inconsistent presence on the island. Taxis are the primary independent transport, and most drivers can be contacted via WhatsApp once you have a number. There is no confirmed rideshare pickup dead zone specifically at Port St. Charles, but do not count on hailing a rideshare app from the marina entrance. Local SIM cards are available from Digicel and FLOW (formerly LIME), the two main carriers. SIM cards can be purchased in Speightstown or at the airport. A tourist SIM with data typically costs in the range of USD $10–$20; you should confirm current pricing and availability before your visit, as these figures are approximate.
Photography restrictions
No confirmed photography restrictions apply to Speightstown's streets, markets, fish market, or the Arlington House Museum at the time of writing. As at any working waterfront, use common sense when photographing port infrastructure, marina security installations, or private vessels — this is a private, gated marina community and photographing private residential property or berthed private yachts without consent is discouraged. St. Peter's Parish Church () and other religious sites should be photographed respectfully; interior photography during active services is inappropriate. No confirmed penalties for photography at any public site near Port St. Charles have been identified from live sources. You should confirm this information before your visit.
Dress codes
No formal dress code applies to Speightstown's streets, shops, or the Six Men's Fish Market. The Arlington House Museum () is an indoor cultural space — modest, presentable attire is appropriate, though no strict dress code has been confirmed. Standard Caribbean beach attire (swimwear, cover-ups, flip-flops) is acceptable in Speightstown's shops and casual eateries. If visiting any church — including St. Peter's Parish Church () — covered shoulders and knees are expected as a matter of respect, though no enforced entry restriction has been confirmed for tourist visits during non-service hours. Passengers going directly to beach clubs from the ship do not need to change before disembarking for a beach day, but carry a cover-up for any town-center stops. No site within walking distance of Port St. Charles is confirmed to deny entry based on attire at the time of writing. You should confirm this information before your visit.
Closures & pre-booking
Restaurants and Markets: Most small restaurants and rum shops in Speightstown are open daily, but hours vary widely among independent operators. Sunday hours are reduced at some establishments. You should call ahead or check current hours before planning a specific lunch stop, as small Caribbean businesses are not always listed on Google with reliable hours.
Arlington House Interactive Museum: Located in Speightstown (), this is the main cultural attraction within walking distance of Port St. Charles. Opening hours and closure days should be confirmed directly before your visit, as museum hours in Barbados are subject to change and public holiday closures apply. You should confirm this information before your visit.
Public Holidays: Barbados observes numerous public holidays — including New Year's Day, Errol Barrow Day (January 21), Heroes Day (April 28), Labour Day (May 1), Emancipation Day (August 1), Kadooment Day (first Monday in August), Independence Day (November 30), and Christmas/Boxing Day — during which many shops and some restaurants close or operate reduced hours. Check the current Barbados public holiday schedule before your port day.
Pre-Booking: No major pre-booking requirement applies to Speightstown's walkable attractions. However, popular west coast beach clubs and catamaran snorkel tours departing from the Holetown/Port St. Charles area fill quickly during peak season. If you plan to book an independent catamaran excursion or specific beach club day pass, reserving in advance online is recommended. You should confirm pre-booking requirements directly with individual operators before your visit.
Pier Runner Protocol
If you believe you may miss the ship:
The ship will not hold for passengers on independent tours or self-arranged transport. If you are on a cruise line-organized shore excursion, the ship may wait — but this is not guaranteed. Confirm the policy at the shore excursions desk before going ashore.
Port Agent: A confirmed port agent contact for Port St. Charles specifically has not been identified from a live source. Before going ashore, ask at your ship's shore excursions desk for the local port agent's name and phone number, and store it in your phone. This is mandatory for any passenger doing an independent excursion.
If the ship departs without you: You are responsible for all costs of reaching the next port of call. The nearest major transport hub is Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI) (), located approximately 23–25 miles (37.0–40.2 km) south of Port St. Charles, with a drive time of roughly 45–60 minutes. From BGI, inter-Caribbean flights connect to most Eastern Caribbean ports. Booking last-minute inter-island flights is expensive and seats are not guaranteed — travel insurance covering missed ship departure is strongly recommended for any independent excursion.
Travel insurance covering missed ship departure, emergency medical evacuation, and independent transport costs is strongly recommended for any passenger going ashore independently at this port.
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BACK TO SHIP — FINAL WARNING:
Port St. Charles is a marina facility. Depending on your vessel's berthing arrangement, you may be required to return via a tender or water taxi to the ship rather than walking directly up a gangway. Confirm the exact return procedure with ship's crew before going ashore.
If tenders are in operation: THE LAST TENDER FROM SHORE IS NOT THE SAME AS ALL ABOARD. The last tender typically departs 45–90 minutes before All Aboard. Confirm the exact last tender time from the ship's daily program before going ashore. If you miss the last tender, you miss the ship.
Step-by-step return from Speightstown (farthest practical independent destination):
1. Finish activity in Speightstown town center — allow time to walk to taxi stand or call pre-arranged taxi: 5 minutes
2. Taxi ride from Speightstown to Port St. Charles marina entrance: 5–10 minutes (confirm taxi availability before going far afield — do not assume a taxi is waiting)
3. Walk or water taxi from marina entrance to gangway/tender dock: 5–10 minutes (this varies by berth and marina layout — confirm with ship's crew before going ashore)
4. Re-boarding security queue: 10–20 minutes during peak return windows (all passengers returning simultaneously creates a queue)
5. Total minimum return time from Speightstown: 25–45 minutes
6. Recommended personal buffer beyond minimum: add 30–45 minutes for taxi delays, tender queues, or unexpected marina access procedures
Port-specific risk factors: Limited taxi supply in Speightstown during double-vessel port days; no confirmed rideshare availability; the fixed marina access procedure adds a step not present at drive-up cruise terminals; tender or water taxi cutoffs are an additional layer of risk beyond the All Aboard time.
*Build your personal All Aboard countdown from this information, not from the published schedule alone. The published All Aboard time is the ship's deadline, not yours.*
Medical & Safety
Nearest hospital
The nearest full-service hospital to Port St. Charles is Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Martindales Road, Bridgetown, St. Michael, Barbados (). This is the island's primary public hospital with a 24-hour emergency department. It is located approximately 18–20 miles (29.0–32.2 km) south of Port St. Charles, with a drive time of roughly 35–50 minutes depending on traffic on Highway 1 (the west coast road). The hospital's main switchboard number is +1 (246) 436-6450; you should confirm the direct emergency department number before your visit. For less acute urgent care closer to Port St. Charles, the Speightstown Polyclinic () is located in Speightstown and handles non-emergency medical needs. Hours and services should be confirmed before your visit. The local emergency number in Barbados is 511 for ambulance. Police and fire can be reached at 211. You should confirm these numbers before going ashore, as emergency service numbers can change.
Nearest pharmacy
The nearest pharmacy to Port St. Charles is located in Speightstown, approximately a 5–10 minute walk from the marina entrance. Speightstown Pharmacy () and other small chemists operate along the Speightstown high street. Standard cruise passenger items — seasickness medication, sunscreen, basic first aid supplies, antacids, and paracetamol — are typically stocked. Barbados pharmacies generally follow Monday–Saturday business hours, with reduced or no service on Sundays and public holidays. Specific opening hours, including any midday closure, should be confirmed before your visit, as independent Caribbean pharmacies do not always maintain consistent hours. You should confirm this information before going ashore.
Petty crime patterns
Barbados has a generally low petty crime rate compared to many Caribbean destinations, and Port St. Charles's gated marina environment reduces direct exposure at the point of disembarkation. In Speightstown, pickpocketing is not a widely reported problem, but standard precautions apply: do not carry your passport ashore unless required (leave a copy with you instead), keep wallets in front pockets, and do not leave bags unattended at beach areas or restaurants. Unsolicited 'guides' and vendors near the marina entrance or along the Speightstown waterfront may approach tourists and expect payment for informal services — declining politely and firmly is the appropriate response. No specific pickpocket hotspots or organized distraction-scam operations near Port St. Charles have been confirmed from live sources at the time of writing. You should exercise standard urban Caribbean caution and confirm current conditions through your cruise line's local port agent.
Returning to Your Ship
Back to Ship — Critical Timing Info
Missing ship departure means being stranded at port. Review the warnings below and plan your return time carefully.
Final Departure Warning
Leave no later than Your personal drop-dead departure time from the farthest practical destination (Bridgetown, Carlisle Bay, or Bathsheba) is a minimum of 75–90 minutes before the published All Aboard time. At Bathsheba or Harrison's Cave, use 90 minutes as your floor. At Holetown or Sandy Lane, use 60 minutes. These are minimums — not targets.
- Farthest destination (e.g., Carlisle Bay / Bridgetown) to taxi pickup: 0–5 minutes
- Taxi from Carlisle Bay / Bridgetown to Port St. Charles: 35–50 minutes (40–55 minutes on multi-ship days)
- Arrival at marina gate to gangway security queue: 5–10 minutes
- Security screening and re-boarding: 10–15 minutes
- Total minimum return time from Carlisle Bay or Bridgetown: 50–80 minutes
- Add personal buffer of 15–20 minutes beyond the minimum
- Recommended personal departure from Carlisle Bay or Bridgetown: 90 minutes before published All Aboard
- From Holetown or Sandy Lane: depart no later than 60 minutes before published All Aboard
- From Bathsheba or Harrison's Cave: depart no later than 90–100 minutes before published All Aboard
Port St. Charles is on the northwest coast, roughly 14 miles (22.5 km) from Bridgetown and the south-coast beaches. This is a materially longer return journey than passengers accustomed to the Bridgetown terminal expect. Key risks: (1) Taxi supply at Port St. Charles is limited — if the rank is empty when you return, you must call or app-dispatch a cab, which adds time. Always get your driver's mobile number before departing for the day or pre-arrange a return pickup time. (2) Highway 1 and the west coast road can experience significant traffic congestion during peak midday and afternoon hours, particularly on multi-ship days. A 35-minute taxi ride can stretch to 50–60 minutes in heavy traffic. (3) The Boatyard and other Carlisle Bay beach clubs operate return shuttles to the Bridgetown terminal only — not Port St. Charles. Do not board a beach club shuttle assuming it returns to your ship. (4) Cell signal exists at most points on the island but can be intermittent in the interior. Download maps offline before going ashore. (5) Barbados ships depart on schedule. The port does not hold the ship for late-returning independent passengers. Build your personal All Aboard countdown from this information, not from the published schedule alone. The published All Aboard time is the ship's deadline, not yours.
Build your personal All Aboard countdown from this information, not from the published schedule alone. The published All Aboard time is the ship's deadline, not yours.