Since some half a million visitors arrive on Barbados by cruise ship each year, the government has opened a $6 million cruise-ship terminal with 20 duty-free shops, 13 local retail stores, and scads of vendors. Cruise passengers can choose from a range of products, including the arts and crafts of Barbados, jewelry, liquor, china, crystal, electronics, perfume, and leather goods. The interior was designed to re-create an island street scene; some storefronts appear as traditional chattel houses in brilliant island colors, complete with streetlights, tropical landscaping, benches, and pushcarts.

Begin your tour at the waterfront, called the Careenage (the French word for turning vessels on their side for cleaning). This was a haven for clipper ships, and even though today it doesn't have the color of yesteryear, it's still worth exploring.

At Trafalgar Square, the long tradition of British colonization is immortalized. The monument here, honoring Lord Nelson, was executed by Sir Richard Westmacott and erected in 1813. The great gray Victorian/Gothic Public Buildings on the square look like those you might expect to find in London. The east wing contains the meeting halls of the Senate and the House of Assembly, with some stained-glass windows representing the sovereigns of England. Look for the "Great Protector" himself, Oliver Cromwell.

Behind the Financial Building, St. Michael's Cathedral, east of Trafalgar Square, is the symbol of the Church of England. This Anglican church was built in 1655 but was completely destroyed in a 1780 hurricane. Reconstructed in 1789, it was again damaged by a hurricane in 1831. George Washington supposedly worshipped here on his visit to Barbados.

The Synagogue, Synagogue Lane (tel. 246/426-5792), is one of the oldest in the western hemisphere and is surrounded by a burial ground of early Jewish settlers. The present building dates from 1833. It was constructed on the site of an even older synagogue, erected by Jews from Brazil in 1654. It's now part of the National Trust of Barbados--and a synagogue once again. It's open Monday to Friday from 9am to 4pm; a donation is requested for admission.

First made popular in 1870, cricket is the national pastime on Barbados. Matches can last from 1 to 5 days. If you'd like to see a local match, watch for announcements in the newspapers or ask at the Tourist Board, on Harbour Road (tel. 246/427-2623). From Bridgetown, you can take a taxi to Garrison Savannah, just south of the capital, a venue for frequent cricket matches and horse races.

The Barbados Gallery of Art, Bush Hill (tel. 246/228-0149), in a restored old building in the historic Garrison district, displays the very best Barbadian and Caribbean visual art. The gallery also pays tribute to the memory of the late actress Claudette Colbert, longtime resident of Barbados. She is memorialized in a beautiful garden here, and the gallery even owns one of her own paintings. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10am to 5pm. Admission is $5 for adults Tuesday through Friday, $2 on Saturday; for those under 18, $2 Tuesday through Friday, free on Saturday.

The Barbados Museum, St. Ann's Garrison, St. Michael (tel. 246/427-0201), is housed in a former military prison. Extensive collections show the island's development from prehistoric to modern times, as well as fascinating glimpses into the natural environment and fine examples of West Indian maps and decorative arts. The museum sells a variety of quality publications, reproductions, and handcrafts. Its cafe is a good place for a snack or light lunch. Hours are Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm, Sunday from 2 to 6pm. Admission is $6 for adults, $3 for children.