Last week I attended CLIA Cruised 360 in Ft Lauderdale. This was a continuing education event. There were supplier workshops and general sessions with cruise line executives. This was an event for Travel Advisors selling cruise vacations. There was also a Gala dinner and a trade show. The workshops were cruise line reps giving updates on their product and who would fit best on their cruise lines.
We also got updates on what the cruise lines are doing with regard to new detentions as well as new ships being built. I had th opportunity to re-connect with some cruise line executives as well as meet with those that I never met before.
The Barbados Tourist Board did one of the workshops. They are a starting point for many cruises in the Caribbean. It is a great starting point for visiting ports in the Southern Caribbean. I highly recommend going down at least the day before if not two or three days before. They have a lot to offer on the island including great restaurants. Barbados is the home of Rum.
Ft Lauderdale is a hub for curses to the Caribbean (as well as Port Canaveral and Miami). Coming down a day prior is well worth it. Avoiding delays and possibly missing your cruse is #1. From the airport to the terminal is about 15 minutes with many hotels near the port. One has sightseeing options and some lovely restaurants.
Please feel free to reach out to me to discuss your cruise plans. having the connections at the cruise line is very important if and when an issue arrises. I have those connections to get issues resolved. 
