Dear Islander,

It’s almost time to hit the road in beautiful Barbados!

We’re super excited that you are able to join us, and hope that your Crop Over experience is both rejuvenating and memorable. We have a packed agenda during your time with us, so please take a few minutes to review the information below, and share with the other members of your group.

 

PAYMENT REMINDER

Gentle reminder your package needs to be paid off in FULL on or before July 01 2019… NO EXCEPTIONS! You can visit your account to view and clear any outstanding balance(s), pay via Zelle Quickpay – name: Soca Islands; email: [email protected] – (daily payment limits may apply), or contact us for alternative payment options. If you’ve already paid for your package in full, then, you’re all set!

 

FLIGHT INFORMATION

We know some of you submitted your flight information via WhatsApp. However we are asking you to reconfirm this information using this form – please, click here.

 

ACCOMMODATION

For you Islanders who are staying at accommodations arranged via SOCA ISLANDS, please note the information below where applicable. You will be required to provide the address of your accommodation to Immigration Officials at the airport in Barbados, so please keep it close.

  • Blue Horizon Hotel, Rockley, Cot Road, Bridgetown, Barbados. Tel: +1 (246) 435-8916

For you Islanders who are NOT staying at accommodations arranged via SOCA ISLANDS, please submit this information using this form – please click here.

 

PHOTO ID

Please send us a scanned copy of a photo ID. This is needed to pre-check you into the accommodations..

 

TRANSPORTATION

Airport transfers, as well as transport to all the events are covered. So no need to worry about that ;)

 

ARE WE COLLECTING YOUR COSTUME ON YOUR BEHALF?

Please ensure you follow the rules of your band for having someone collect your costume on your behalf. Most bands require you send a scanned authorization letter with a copy of a valid picture ID. You can use the text below in your letter. Email us a signed copy of the letter, along with a copy of a valid photo ID. You do NOT need take further action if you purchased your costume through SOCA ISLANDS.

—

Date: [yyyy-mm-dd]

To Whom It May Concern,

Re: Collection of my [insert name of band] costume/package

Please be advised that SOCA ISLANDS (or one of its representatives) is authorized to collect my costume/package on my behalf.

Regards,

[Your Signature]

[Your Name]

[Your Phone Number]

———–

 

GET READY TO FETE + J’OUVERT + MAS + COOL DOWN

The team is very excited to host you for Crop Over. Your primary SOCA ISLANDS reps are:

  • Roger: +1 (868) 388-2937
  • Capt. Gilmore Mitchell: +1 (246) 234-5479

 

EVENTS

Please see the list of events where applicable. Over the past week we would have finalized your fete list with you. It is not guaranteed that we can facilitate any changes at this time; additional changes may come at an additional cost. Times below are subject to change. Cooler Party means we have to bring our own drinks to the event.

  • Fyah de Wuk – Wednesday July 31, 9 p.m.
    Event Type: Cooler Party | Dress Code: Summer Casual / Trendy.
  • SSS Cruise – Thursday August 01, 9 a.m.
    Event Type: Boatride | Dress Code: Summer Casual / Swimwear.
  • Jabnival – Thursday August 01, 11:59 p.m.
    Dress Code: Shorts, tees, comfortable sneakers. Bring clothes to get wet :)
  • Lifted  – Thursday August 01, 6 p.m.
    Event Type: Cooler Party /Free Rum, Free Vodka, Free Beer | Dress Code: Summer Casual.
  • Lush  – Thursday August 01, 4 p.m.
    Event Type: Cooler Party, food on sale at venue | Dress Code: Summer Casual.
  • Mimosa – Friday August 02, 4 a.m.
    Event Type: Drinks Inclusive  | Dress Code: Summer Chic / Trendy.
  • Roasted (theme: Neon) – Friday August 02, 5 p.m.
    Event Type: Drinks-Inclusive Boatride | Dress Code: Summer Casual / Swimwear with wrap.
  • Candy Coated Cruise – Friday August 02, 10 a.m.
    Event Type: Drinks-Inclusive Boatride | Dress Code: Summer Casual / Swimwear with wrap.
  • Foreday Morning (A.M. Bush) – Saturday August 03, 3a.m.
    Event Type: Drink Inclusive / Paint and Powder | Dress Code: Shorts, tees, comfortable sneakers that you don’t mind getting dirty.
  • Scorch Crop Over Cooler Cruise – Saturday August 03, 12 p.m.
    Event Type: Cooler Boatride | Dress Code: Bikinis and Board Shorts.
  • Bliss All Inclusive – Saturday August 03, 5 p.m.
    Event Type: Premium Drinks and Food Inclusive | Dress Code: Summer  Chic / Trendy.
  • Limerz Cruise –  Sunday August 04, 9 a.m.
    Event Type: Drinks and Breakfast Inclusive Boatride  | Dress Code: Summer Casual/ Swimwear with wrap.
  • Soca Brainwash –  Sunday August 04, 1 p.m.
    Event Type: Cooler Party  | Dress Code: Summer Casual / Trendy.
  • Grand Kadooment Street Parade – Monday August 05, 8 a.m.
    Dress Code: Full carnival wear.

 

HOW TO PACK

Take a look at the packing guide on our website – http://www.socaislands.com/packing-for-your-visit/

 

SPENDING MONEY

We recommend you bring along daily budget of USD$35 (BBD$70) to pay for food and other items on the trip. We can assist you with foreign exchange 1.00 USD = 2 BBD. Some businesses accept USD at a rate of 1.00 USD = 2 BBD. Please note if you pay for an item in USD, you will receive BBD in return.

 

SOCA MUSIC

Soca is the main genre of music played at fetes, and on Kadooment Day. In recent years, Soca has evolved into many new forms and sub-genres. Coming out of Barbados, you have the “Bashment Soca”, a raw, infectious style of Soca music. Here’s a sample – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBebhH5vCoo

Aside from the Bashment Soca hits, you should get to know the music of some of the island’s Soca artistes. Here is a short list of some of the popular Soca artistes from Barbados:

  • Alison Hinds
  • Hypasounds
  • King Bubba
  • Natalie Buchwald
  • Lil Rick
  • Peter Ram
  • Red Plastic Bag
  • Rupee
  • Stiffy

You should also familiarize yourself with the music fromTrinidad Carnival which will be played in Barbados. Here are some collections on YouTube we found:

 

FITNESS & REST

We strongly recommend you try to get some rest during the feting schedule :)

We cannot tell you how to have a good time, however PLEASE KNOW YOUR LIMITS; both physically and mentally.

 

EMERGENCY CONTACT

Please submit this information using this form – please click here. You can give your emergency contact our primary number (868) 388-2937 as well.

 

INSURANCE

Let’s face it. Sh!t happens! Therefore while travel insurance is not required for your trip, it is highly recommended. You can purchase insurance through SOCA ISLANDS via the following link – http://socaislands.com/insurance/

 

OTHER CONTACT NUMBERS WHILE IN BARBADOS

  • Hotels
    • Blue Horizon Hotel: +1 (246) 435-8916
  • UK High Commission
    • Contact Number: +1 (246) 430-7800
  • Canada High Commission
    • Contact Number: +1 (246) 629-3550
  • US Embassy
    • Contact Number: +1 (246) 227-4399 / Emergencies: +1 (246) 227-4000
  • Emergency Numbers
    • Ambulance: 511
    • Fire: 311
    • Police: 211
    • Hyperbaric Chamber – Scuba Diving: +1 (246) 436-5483
    • Barbados Coast Guard: VHF Channel 16, call code 8 PAPA ZULU, or +1 (246)427-8819
  • Hospitals
    •  Queen Elizabeth Hospital: +1 (246) 436-6450

FAQs /Terms and Conditions

Be sure to check out the FAQs on our website, which can be found here – http://www.socaislands.com/frequently-asked-questions/

Be sure to check out the Terms of Service on our website, which can be found here – http://www.socaislands.com/legal-stuff/

If you have any other questions please do not hesitate to call or WhatsApp +18683882937.

 

Regards,
Team SOCA ISLANDS
(868) 388-2937 | [email protected]
@socaislands