Booze Cruise Crop Over 2012

As we've noted in The Crop Over Chronicles' event guide for Crop Over, Booze Cruise is one of the HARDEST tickets to get, in addition to being the HOTTEST event for Crop Over Sunday.

This cruise is held the morning before 'jump up day' and not only encapsulates a cruise with food and drink but also an after party dockside. Live performances from soca artistes, celebrity appearances, etc. are a norm. They have just informed us of an interesting change. No matter what the changes are this year, TrpleF Services is the source for all your Crop Over event tickets. Contact them via email on trplefservices@gmail.com for reservations and ticketing info

Booze Cruisers!!

We are fully into the planning for Booze Cruise 2012 and have received a number of requests already.  We want to keep the faithful updated on our plans as we continue to prepare for once again another successful, sold out event for this year's Crop Over.

A decision was made by Tall Ships which resulted in the relocation of the Harbour Master from Barbados for the season.  This has been the catalyst for merging our Morning Event, Cruise and After Party into an All Inclusive, All Day Beach Party at the Boat Yard location.   We are taking this opportunity to continue to expand on the premium food & bar while headlining the industry's top performers.  Please note that this year’s event will include the sailing of the Jolly Roger.  Our 2012 event will continue to be what Booze Cruise is synonymous for; a festive, all inclusive unique experience for our patrons in a friendly environment!

Finally our goal is to be able to positively respond to the high demand for tickets and in this regard we will be contacting you within the next 2 weeks to identify your ticket requests. 

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Barbados and the Bajan language

Barbadians speak the Queen’s English. Bajans speak Bajan.

While many Trinis in particular find them sometimes hard to understand here are some terms you should be familiar with to make your season easier.

‘Jones’ E.g. Can’t believe nobody ain warn she…jones and wuk up, etc. ad infinitum… 

Jones & Wuck Up

‘Sheep’ E.g Beeehhhhhh!!! Stiffy-Carr My Sheep in Town

 ‘Jump’ is what you do on the road Monday for Grand Kadooment. You do not ‘play mas’, you ‘jump in a band’ E.g. Who you jumping with?

‘Rum’   The place where rum was first recorded as being manufactured, in the 1600’s, is Barbados. Here, rum is Mount Gay or Cockspur. TrpleF is partial to a Mount Gay Extra Old, also known as ‘Black’. Not to be confused with Mount Gay’s new Eclipse Black

‘6:30’ E.g. Well there’s no example for this one. I doubt it will come up in conversation. Just in case:

6:30

‘Wukup’ -**Warning** do not attempt without guidance from a Bajan instructor/assistant. In particular be careful if you have never danced with a Bajan before as you may end up scarred for life! Let Allison teach you

Your Welcome.

Band Launch Dates Crop Over 2012

Here's a list of those Crop Over bands yet to launch. We will be updating as more bands release their launch dates:

Baje International  - June 1st

Contact Band - June 1st 

Fantasy Barbados - May 12th 

Power x 4 - June 8th

If you're unsure of who to play or 'jump' with try this post:  Crop Over Chronicles - A Short Guide to the Mas

Band Launches so far for Crop Over 2012

It's always good to get an idea of the wide range of options available for Crop Over. There is a band for everyone, from the authentic culture of Gwyneth Squires to the glitz and glamour of Baje International. Here's a sample of what we have so far:

Blue Box Cart

 Midnight Madness section

Sunsational frontline section

Dragonfly Mass

Jump Promotions

 Carumba section

Adventurers section

Gwyneth Squires

Already launched * photos to follow

Walk Holy

*This is also known as the 'Christian' band* If any photos ever surface, we'll be sure to let you know

Unsure of who to play or 'jump' with? Try:  Crop Over Chronicles - A Short Guide to the Mas 2011 edition

We will soon be publishing info on Jouvert (Foreday morning) bands and their launch dates.  So far Island Fusion has confirmed theirs is June 1st. Stay tuned!

A practical guide to beautiful Barbados for Crop Over - Sweet fuh days!

*Cash and Currency*


US is widely accepted, although a 2:1 rate should be the guide, the Bajan dollar is changed for approximately 1.98 at most banks. It's worth getting some Bajan money!
Bureau de Change is at the Airport on Arrivals.


*Getting around*


Nowhere in Barbados is far :)
If you will be doing a lot of moving around, it is best to rent a car, this should be arranged in advance. Maps and guides are usually available in your hotel.


Many events take place around the vicinity of Bridgetown aka 'town'.  Foreday morning/jouvert is along Spring Garden Highway.


Public transport is safe and easy also, with a $2BDS fare, if you're not going far hop on a bus (with exact change) or ZR van (aka maxi taxi). Don't be afraid to ask the driver if you don't know where you're going- Bajans don't bite!
Some event locations:

Frazzled is at Kensington Oval, right on the edge of town

Bathsheba Experience is on the East Coast, in the parish of St. Joseph.

Casa Blanca is a Farley Hill, in the North, St. Peter.

Scorch is on the Jolly Roger boat, any cruises usually leave from the vicinity of town as well.

Bliss is a bit further North on the West Coast, St. James.

Sozzled leaves from Carlisle Bay, St. Michael.

The Bathsheba Experience recommends the company Andrews Transport 1246 822-8007 for transport there.
TrpleF may also be arranging a bus from the South Coast. Also, for Casa Blanca, limited availability - organised by Chris John.


Map: http://www.visitbarbados.org/map.aspx


*Phone service *
Unlock your phone before leaving. Especially Blackberry. A local sim card costs approx $25BDS, and data service for one week $10BDS. For those of you in the South Coast, Quayside Centre opposite Accra Beach has a LIME outlet.

http://www.time4lime.com/
http://www.digicelbarbados.com/


*Restaurants and Bars*


While it is Crop Over weekend, you may have free time and want to check out some Bajan liming spots. St. Lawrence Gap is the old standby, with the stretch of the South Coast road from Worthing to Hastings being chock full of eating and drinking places. So too on the West Coast - Holetown especially. Try the Café Italia outlets for free Wi-Fi.


*Shopping*


The duty-free market is a huge advantage to being in Barbados. Everything from designer jewellery, watches, makeup, handbags and clothing can be purchased here at excellent prices.


The South and West Coasts are full of duty free shops, as is town. It is worth visiting Cave Shepherd, one of the larger stores, for a one-stop shop-highlights include a Victoria’s Secret and MAC store! Authentic Bajan food can also be purchased in one of their two restaurants.



*Miscellaneous*


If you are going to be drinking while in Barbados *wink wink* cooler fetes and cruises* then make sure your first stop as you collect your luggage and before you go through Customs is the duty-free shop. In addition to liquor, they carry chocolates, etc. at great prices.




Red caps - These Bajan porters will carry your  luggage for a small fee-tipping is not discouraged either!


Bridgetown market - Make some time to experience local culture with the stalls lining Spring Garden
Highway, soak up some Bajan hospitality before you hit the Highway Monday.


Cohobblopot - is a great showcase of local artists, never mind Machel is 'headlining' *smile* Bajan music at its best the night before jump-up day.


Wadadah - the after jouvert party...message for details on this fun daybreak event


Beach - nuff said


If you haven’t done so, see http://www.visitbarbados.org/ for Life Lessons…including: Wuking Up, Rum, etc. They’re not lying when they say Barbados is where life was perfected.

Welcome To Crop Over.

Of course, for all your ticket and event info contact: TrpleF Services Tel: 1868-710-7137 BB Pin: 2985E8EE Email: trplefservices@gmail.com Twitter: @trplef

Welcome to Crop Over! A Calendar/Guide for the Trinis

For the first-timers and even so-called veterans, a handy guide so you know where to go, what to do, what to wear, and how to party in our little island paradise. It begins!

*Dates and times according to info available at press time*

Thursday 28th July

Frazzled by Bash Brothaz Bim Mug Madness

Advanced tickets include mugs and other goodies.  What to compare to hmmm...the atmosphere=zero stushness, crowd=hardcore limers, vibes=cooler fete-ish...shall we say a Bajan version of any good cooler fete – Blue Range maybe. First it was on a tennis court. Then it was at Cricket Legends. This year...never mind where it is, just BE THERE. Be there or be sober - TrpleF approved!

Dress: casual, shorts, sneakers, flats

Friday 29th July onwards:

Daytime:

Bridgetown Market-Price: free free free

 Soak up the atmosphere on Spring Garden before it gets inundated with sweaty bodies on Monday, stalls abound where you can experience an authentic Bajan day out. Check out the Brewsters Road Crew stall while you’re there.

The Bathsheba Experience

4:00 PM - 11:00 PM

The Ultimate Cropover All Inclusive

Dress: it’s an all inclusive, and not one where you stand up and pose either

Casa Blanca 

A POSEIDON PRODUCTIONS ADVENTURE COOLER PARTY-FREE POSEIDON SHOTS

6pm - midnight

Farley Hill

Dress: it's a cooler party, but try to make some effort

Saturday 30th July

**Foreday Morning Jam**

Friday night into Saturday morning approximately 12am to 10am

Dress: formal (come on, it’s jouvert! What do you think!)

Some foreday/jouvert options include:

**Trple F Services approved**Collision Jouvert

For the locals, this band includes a month's membership with Surfside Gym...not bad if you ask me. So if you decide you're not going back to Trinidad after Crop Over, at least you've got a gym membership!

http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=138023346277834

Baje Jouvert

If you like your jouvert not on the road. Baje is known for having a bar as long as 50ft-this fete is drinks inclusive of course

Jambalassie Jouvert

You will find a lot of the masqueraders are good friends. Booked way in advance, nice people, and safe, with doubles among the breakfast items if you're homesick. Very similar to Fantasy jouvert.

Mojito by Allure Ent                 

Includes private party 10pm Friday to 6am Saturday. Anything that includes a pre-party too is a-ok in my books-2 for the price of 1!

  

Colorz Entertainment Jouvert

Theme: 'Pitch Black' includes FREE PRE JUMP UP PARTY Again, you can't go wrong with that.

DMD ENTERTAINMENT 

'BATTLE AGAINST MR.HARDING' (aka the Redjet of Jouvert bands) only $90!!

Any DMD party is bound to be bashy – if you don’t understand the meaning of bashy, attend this and find out

Island Fusion Jouvert (Safari)

is sold out but will advise if availability occurs. I can’t even say there’s a Trini equivalent of this...but think Red Ants Jouvert. Caesar's Army has a package with this band.

Wadadah Morning Brek Out

The jouvert party. Water, foam, paint and mud zones

This is the party you go to after jouvert-that's right! No sleep! Another TrpleF/Chronicler favourite. Haven't had confirmation this year of date and time, but will let you know.

  

 ***************

Bliss

The all-inclusive to end them all.

Think Beach House, Soka in Moka, etc.

Dress: buy a new outfit. Trust me. The girls don’t play at this one. Guys: try and shave at least.

10-10

10:00pm Saturday to 10:00 a.m Sunday

Think Soca Monarch combined with just about any open air fete like Insomnia. You're guaranteed to find the hottest acts, international, regional, local, just bring some stamina.

Dress: VIP is available, and probably advised if you don't like standing for 12 hours, and want food and drink included, but enjoy yourself in some flats and casuals in the General - you'll have just as much fun.

Sunday 31 July

  

Booze Cruise

Think Vale, good luck finding a ticket, but those who go, know.

That is all.........................

Limerz Cruise

10am-4pm

Fully inclusive, catamarans instead of the regular boat-this is not your Treasure Queen boat, think MUCH more luxury. Limerz is also a TrpleF fav. Good time all around.

Island Mas breakfast party

07:30am - 02:30pm

George Washington House

Still the only real 'breakfast party' and a great setting, usually at the Barbados museum but this year it'll be at a new equally beautiful venue -  Live performances and a great cause being supported in Ms. Barbados World's HIV assistance program.

Cohobblopot

8pm

Also similar to Soca Monarch, creme de la creme of artistes perform, just don't stay till morning if you're jumping the next day (and FYI 'jumping' is the Bajan equivalent of 'playing mas'-always good to get your vocabulary straight  :)

Monday 1st August

Grand Kadooment

Spring Garden Highway

If you have any last minute vibes and feel like joining a band, contact TrpleF.

**Disclaimer** This is not a comprehensive list, just the things The Bajan Chronicler endorses to some extent. Although if you hear about something not on this list, it’s probably not that important.

Crop Over Guide Part Two-a short guide to the mas! 2k11 edition

You don't get crowded Port of Spain streets with this jump. Free open road and highway. And let's get the terms right-it's not 'playing a mas'  it is 'jumping in a band.' You JUMP for Crop Over. No chipping, etc. Straight jumpups and wukups from Warrens all down to Spring Garden Highway.

Now which band to choose?


  


Fantasy Barbados
Similar to: Yuma
2011 is the first year=chance to make a bit of Crop Over history. You can say you were one of the first 500 people. PLUS they offer breakfast, and an after party till midnight. Nuff said! ***oh wait, in addition to that, their frontline costumes include an Island Fusion jouvert package - a $150 value!!
http://www.facebook.com/notes/fantasy-barbados/fantasy-barbados-provisions-for-international-revellers/115738701846459
 
Siamese backline section






Baje International
Similar to: Tribe
Well if you know Tribe, you know what you're getting here: stush vibes and pretty people. Has the reputation for a bourgeoisie vibe. If that's your thing-play your mas (IF you can find a costume)!

Bliss section








Power x Four
Similar to: Island People
Wildness and more wildness, vibes and more vibes. The band where you're most likely to learn how to 6:30**. Excellent service.

Brain Coral section






Blue Box Cart (Harbour Lights)
Similar to: Harts
The second band to go on the road, so prepare for an early start, and also an early finish. Known for jumping in the sea with full costume on.

Blue Box Cart full band






Other well known bands:


Contact
Similar to: Legacy
An authentic Bajan experience in this band, also known for great service


Jump Promotions
Similar to: Ronnie and Caro
This fairly new band did very well, winning with their creative designs, they have a great presentation this year as well.


**for a definition of 6:30, follow this link: 6:30

Welcome to the Crop Over Chronicles!

Welcome to the Crop Over Chronicles!

We will shortly update with new content, watch this space...