Barbados to Lisbon Luxury Cruise Barbados to Lisbon Luxury Cruise - Frequently Asked Questions
TIME Bridgetown, the capital of Barbados, operates on Atlantic Standard Time (AST), which is GMT-4. Barbados does not observe daylight saving time, meaning the time remains the same throughout the year. Bridgetown is 1 hour ahead when New York is on Eastern Standard Time (EST) and the same time when New York is on Eastern Daylight Time (EDT). Bridgetown is 4 hours ahead of Pacific Standard Time (PST) and 3 hours ahead of Pacific Daylight Time (PDT). |
PACKING In February - March, you'll experience contrasting climates as you visit Bridgetown, a tropical city, and Lisbon, a mild European coastal destination. Below is a packing guide to ensure you're prepared for both locations. In Lisbon, February - March typically offers mild and relatively dry weather, with average daytime temperatures around 19°C (66°F), though evenings can be cooler. The climate is more temperate than the tropical warmth of Bridgetown, so packing for layering is key. For clothing, pack layering pieces like light sweaters, cardigans, or jackets that you can easily take off during the day when it’s warmer. You’ll also need comfortable walking shoes as Lisbon’s cobblestone streets require sturdy footwear for sightseeing. Since evenings can be chilly, be sure to pack a light jacket or coat for the cooler nights. Accessories for Lisbon should include a sun hat and glasses, as Lisbon often enjoys sunny days. You’ll also want to bring suncreen to protect your skin from UV rays while exploring the city. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS U.S. citizens traveling to Barbados do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days for tourism purposes. However, a valid U.S. passport is required, and it must be valid for at least six months beyond the planned date of arrival in Barbados. It's important to check for any current health requirements, such as COVID-19 testing, vaccinations, or quarantine protocols, as these requirements may change depending on the situation at the time of travel. Finally, travelers should be aware of customs regulation, as Barbados has restrictions on importing certain items, including fresh food, plants, and certain medications, which may require permits. Always confirm the latest entry requirements with the U.S. Department of State or the Barbados Embassy before traveling. ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE INFORMATION This tour starts in Brigetown on February 23, 2026. To reach Bridgetown, fly into the Grantley Adams International Airport (airport code BGI) and arrange a transfer to the port (about twenty minutes by taxi and eighteen minutes by shuttle bus). The cruise ends in Lisbon on March 15, 2026 after breakfast; you can arrange your airport transfer at any time this day. SINGLE SUPPLEMENT AND ROOMMATES To avoid paying the single supplement, we will try to match you with a roommate of similar age. Otherwise, there are some single suites available on this tour, but since the price for a single suite carries a 75% surcharge, we expect that most of our travelers will be matched with a roommate. However, Sights and Soul Travels cannot guarantee roommate matching on the Silversea cruises. THE TRAVEL GROUP The tour group is limited to the maximum of 16 women + the Tour Director. The minimum group size is 11 women + the Tour Director. In addition to the Tour Director, the tour guests will be assisted by the Silversea staff (almost 1 :1 ratio of staff to cruise passengers) and expedition guides. HEALTH During your Bridgetown to Lisbon cruise, it's essential to be prepared for varying climates and potential health concerns. If you're prone to seasickness, bring motion sickness medication such as Dramamine or patches to ensure comfort during the Atlantic crossing. Since the tropical sun in Bridgetown and on the open sea can be intense, pack sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher), sunglasses, and a hat to protect your skin. Staying hydrated is also crucial, especially with the warm temperatures in Bridgetown and the Mediterranean climate near Lisbon, so drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration or heat exhaustion during shore excursions. In addition to sun protection and staying hydrated, ensure your vaccinations are up to date before traveling. It’s a good idea to consult your healthcare provider about any specific vaccines recommended for Barbados and Portugal. Pack a small first aid kit with essentials such as band-aids, pain relievers, and any prescription medications you may need. Onboard the ship, enjoy the fresh air, which can help alleviate seasickness. By following these health precautions, you’ll be well-prepared for the transition from the tropical warmth of Bridgetwon to the milder Lisbon climate, ensuring a safe and comfortable journey. WATER When traveling to Barbados, the water conditions are generally safe for most travelers. The island's tap water is considered to be safe to drink in most areas, as it is treated and meets international health standards. However, if you have a sensitive stomach or prefer extra caution, you can opt for bottled water, which is widely available. For those who plan on engaging in water activities such as swimming, snorkeling, or diving, the surrounding Carribean sea offers clear, warm waters with an average temperature of around 78°F to 82°F. The waters are typically calm along the coastline, with occasional swells depending on weather conditions, making it ideal for water sports and beach relaxation. Always follow safety guidelines for water activities, and be mindful of local advisories regarding currents or sea conditions. ACTIVITY LEVEL During the cruise, we'll be traveling by bus to our land excursions, and we may be covering some ground by foot. To be able to participate in scheduled activities, you need to be able to walk, at a leisurely pace, up to 4 miles throughout the day. You need to be able to stand unassisted for up to 30 minutes, you need to be able to climb stairs, and get in and out of vehicles without assistance. It is always an option to remain on the ship if an excursion is deemed to be too taxing. WEATHER In February and March, Barbados experiences warm and tropical weather, making it an ideal time to visit the island. During these months, average temperatures typically range from 77°F to 88°F (25°C to 31°C), with February being one of the cooler months of the year. The weather is generally sunny, with low humidity and very little rainfall, making it perfect for beach activities, sightseeing, and outdoor adventures. CELL PHONE/INTERNET All guests onboard Silversea Spirit will be granted free, unlimited standard Wi-Fi for 1 device at the time per cabin. Standard Wi-Fi is provided at regular satellite speed, ideal for emailing, web surfing, chat or similar, but not suitable for video, audio calls, or streaming. Premium WI-FI access is available at an additional charge and is suitable for all kinds of applications, including video and audio call and streaming. Telecommunications via satellite is a significantly different experience compared to high-speed connections on shore. The signal travels in a similar manner to radio waves but at much greater distances. That is why onboard Internet access is inconsistent and cannot be guaranteed at all times. Satellite communications are also affected by weather and the ship’s location. On board, guests may make and receive phone calls, text messages and other select data services on their own cell phone. Guests will be billed by their home cell phone provider and calls or messages will appear as roaming charges on their bill. Before leaving home, you should contact your provider to confirm that a roaming agreement with Silversea has been established. Silver Nova is also equipped with a phone system that allows guests to make direct-dial calls from their suite whilst at sea. Calls will be billed to the guest’s onboard account. TIPPING All gratuities are included in the cost of the Silversea Barbados to Lisbon Cruise. If you feel your butler did an exceptional job you may wish to tip them an additional amount at your discretion. At the conclusion of the tour, it is customary to offer your Tour Director a gratuity. We recommend $15 per person per day if you feel that her services enhanced your experience on the cruise. |