Barbados/Taxi's Any Better?

[MaureenMary]

Were sailing on the Connie 2-25-2012 for 14 nights. One of our ports is Barbados. We were there last year in March, and are hoping to return to the Boatyard area. (Carlisle Bay).

When we left the ship, and bused to the terminal, we were directed to taxis. THIS WAS A TOTAL CATTLE HERDING EXPERIENCE. Shoved in cabs...long lines..crowded and unpleasant.

Anyone have a different experience or guidance on a better/mellower way to get to this area.

Cheers,

Maureen

[ming]

Yep. You experienced the worst that the island has to offer.

 

Do yourself a favor this time and walk right past those crooks, through the gatehouse and out to the street where you'll find a bunch of taxis by the roundabout.

 

These are the "non-union" guys and they'll treat you fairly, probably 1/2 the price of what they wanted inside the compound.

 

Everytime that we cruise to the island, it makes me so mad that the island transportation department allows these thugs to rip-off cruisers.

 

Walk right past them for a quality experience this time. :)

[MaureenMary]

Hi Ming,

Thanks so much..just saw that this will be a very busy port with 3 other ships in port. We will keep walking and find the nice guys!!!

Cheers,

Maureen

[salsagrl75]

That area of Barbados is very congested - it's hard to get away from. If you leave a but before or after the main rush of people going back to the ship you might find it a more relaxing option.

[islandmandan]

Yep. You experienced the worst that the island has to offer.

 

Do yourself a favor this time and walk right past those crooks, through the gatehouse and out to the street where you'll find a bunch of taxis by the roundabout.

 

These are the "non-union" guys and they'll treat you fairly, probably 1/2 the price of what they wanted inside the compound.

 

Everytime that we cruise to the island, it makes me so mad that the island transportation department allows these thugs to rip-off cruisers.

 

Walk right past them for a quality experience this time. :)

Is this true ? Usually when taxis are organized it means cab drivers have been screened and safety trained, and their vehicles routinely checked and serviced. Also rates should be set and posted. I would think you'd be taking a chance hiring the so-called "non-union" cabbie

[sail7seas]

Hold back a half hour from when everyone starts leaving the ship. Let the mob go ahead of you and browse around the terminal for a few minutes.

 

After most of the crowd has moved along, then go get your taxi. In the end, you won't miss much time as you would only be standing there being pushed around and miserable.