Category: Caribbean

Caribbean, Countries, Deals, Flying

Woah, we’re going to Aerbados

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And with apologies to soft reggae revellers Typically Tropical… woah, we’re going to Aerbados, woah, Aer Lingus Airways.

Yes, you read that right… Ireland’s national airline carrier have stepped up to fill the gap.

Where floor fillers Typically Tropical gave us Coconut Airways.

Sail away: Club Barbados

Which Son and Heir and Daughterie will recognise the tune from being repurposed in Woah, we’re going to Ibiza.

Now the Balearic Island has always had its charms which we enjoyed on family holidays long before it became Rave Central.

Bridging the gap

Irie: The toast of Barbados

But we have long hoped and believed that the Caribbean could more than match it.

Once we opened it up for Irish travellers with a direct route.

England’s loss here, and more specifically Manchester’s, will be Ireland’s gain.

When Aer Lingus opens up a temporary seasonal route connecting Dublin and Bridgetown from 31 March to 31 May.

With fares available from €229 each way, including taxes, fees and carrier charges and departing Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

Now it might be a small window but there’s a world of fun waiting through it once you get out there to Bim.

Just promise us that should you get along to say Club Barbados and you see a dapper dude.

Suited and booted

In penguin suit and bow tie designed on to his t-shirt in the bar chaneling his Typically Tropical then say an Irie from us.

And he’ll be happy to let you join him at the mic.

Now Club Barbados is on Barbados’s prestigious Platinum Coast but you don’t have to be Midas to afford it like you might at next-door Sandy Lane.

And join the Club

Me-me and Dee-Dee: At Crop Over in Barbados

Club Barbados is all-inclusive and adults only and we found a Garden View room for £1830.14 (€2,102.45).

And an Aer Lingus return flight for the random dates of April 7-14 for €449.11.

Caribbean, Countries, Food & Wine, Music

Dub jammin’ with Celtic reggae

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It’s one love that Jamaicans and the Irish share which is why we brought our evening of travel networking to a bass jumpin’ climax Dub jammin’ with Celtic reggae.

Two islands forged in struggles against the British Empire it was natural that the Godfather of Reggae Bob Marley should gravitate towards Ireland.

And play his last outdoor concert at Dalymount Park in Dublin in the summer of 1980.

The One Love or An Afternoon in the Park gig on July 6 of that year.

I’m all right, Jack: A pirate of the Caribbean

When he braved his failing health to play before a packed stadium, generously charged as little as I£7 to see a global superstar.

Back in the day when any superstar would bodyswerve Ireland in favour of Britain.

The Irish, of course, never forget and Bob remains such a hero today that the Bohemians football club commemorated the concert with a special football shirt of the Great Man.

Let’s get together

Best bar none: Reggae in Dublin

Whisper it but our tickets were even cheaper for our celebration of all things Bob, Reggae and Jamaica.

With a home-grown Celtic Reggae band at the Botanical Garden Opium at the end of our annual Meet the Media networking travel fair.

And don’t worry, nothing that strong was inhaled!

Jamaica has become a growing market, for the reasons of kindred links, love of music, drink, partying and sun… well, OK, only one of the two islands has that.

And, of course, we have road tested the Caribbean and its Celtic roots for you and can vouch that we’re all brothers by another mother or sisters by a different mister.

Now having chewed the fat, or the jerk chicken, with our friends at Tropical Sky and toasted their 20 years in business with Appleton rum.

We got the skinny too on the best offers out there.

Isle sign up for a couples break

Pictures of Jamaica: R&R, rest and rum

And were taken especially by the Couples trips particularly as I went Single Pringle without my partygoer back in the day while she ducked out to stay home with the kids!

And so Couples Tower Isle is an idyllic five-star all-inclusive seven-nighter from £1,629pp including flights.

With a stunning private island just a 100 yards boat ride away.

Now because only the best do for Herself Couples Tower Isle looks just about suitable.

With its four swimming pools, three Jacuzzis and a large beachfront.

We’re gonna jam it with you: The Great Man

The Oasis Spa Villas offers a private sun terrace, a personal plunge pool, and unlimited spa services customised for you by the spa concierge.

And there are complimentary excursions including Dunns River Falls, Sunset Catamaran Cruise and a trip to Margaritaville.

Unlimited scuba diving for certified divers or a beginner’s course with introductory dive.

Yes, or Irie, as they say in these parts, dive into Jamaica, pick up their distinctive vibe and recognise it in your Scots and Irish Celtic roots.

 

 

 

Caribbean, Countries, Cruising

MSC are giving us a Sunbrella

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Rihanna was right, when the sun shine we shine together, and because they’ll always be our friends MSC are giving us a Sunbrella.

To help us through January.

Because despite what we see in MSC’s alter ego on TV sometimes we cruise through the rains like we did in the Norwegian fjords.

And after the hurricane comes the rainbow… here, help me stay on track and stop veering off here into Katy Perry.

Going on an adventure: The Good Ship Murder

Now MSC have alighted on the very thing for the January Blues which as their survey shows is a thing.

With half (51%) of those Irish asked saying that they’re craving winter sun to lift their mood, new research has revealed.

And one in five (16%) choosing to sit outside in the bitter cold simply because it’s sunny.

And one in ten (10%) even going as far as sunbathing in their winter clothes.

While two in five (44%) turn to Vitamin D supplements and a third (33%) book a flight somewhere brighter.

Way to glow

Take it as red: MSC cabins

All of which MSC have taken on board by creating the Sunbrella which incorporates SAD lamp technology.

Allowing people to stay dry while enjoying a warm glow and serotonin lift.

You’ll never stop the rain: By complaining

Because if you’re low mood won’t shift, irritable, lethargic and have difficulty concentrating.

Then you’re more than likely to be suffering from symptoms of SAD.

Now we won’t name and shame what MSC has tagged as the Irish cities… Sligo, Kilkenny, Dublin, Cork.

Caribbean dream

Island life: In Tobago

Only to say that the most popular destination for seafarers if money was no object is our old favourite, the Caribbean.

And MSC has the answer for that too with a lead offer around the West Indies.

With prices starting from just €331pp to the Caribbean on March 2 aboard MSC Seaside. 

So if you’re feeling the January Blues then we suggest you stick it out to the end and look forward to a Spring lift.

America, Caribbean, Countries

A Californian Christmas with the Adams family

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It’s altogether kooky, a Californian Christmas with the Adams family, where ‘even Santa will have a tan’.

For half the world where it glows rather than snows on Christmas Day.

Which is what it is for rock legend, the Groover from Vancouver, in his Californian home.

Power ballad: Bryan Adams

And don’t you know that Bryan Adams’ Christmas offering is the earworm on our radio stations this festive period.

Now does it do for you?

These words: With Natasha Bedingfield

Bryan tells us that every day you know it’s going to shine in the Golden State and he’s never let us down in the past.

Chasing the sun

It’s nuts: Cleveland, Mississippi

Of course, we’re all of us in the chilly northern bit of the northern hemisphere, dreaming of that.

And it has been our good fortune to find ourselves in warmer parts around this time of year.

Although, not as you would expect the Deep South of America.

Where I awoke in our coach journey through Mississippi to discover the fields in a blanket of white.

Which my Tennessean guide Heather told me was what the sharecroppers would call the snow.

Not that any of it diminished the warm welcome we received in an antibellum house.

Where we learned that the movie the Help had been filmed.

And a Caribbean Christmas too

Baubles time: Christmas in Tobago

Now we trust that our Californian chums will be indulging in their favourite pastime of hiking over the holidays.

And chilling out which is really all you can do in the warm.

And which our pals in the Caribbean have down to a fine art.

Not that we’d recommend the big red and white robes more suited to northern climes.

But which they faithfully don in a nod to our more Old World traditions.

Although, of course, as with all things in the Caribbean, and in this case Tobago it comes with a shot of rum.

An Irie and a peel of parang Soca music.

So whatever your poison or pastime the festive season is always better with a song in your heart.

 

Caribbean, Countries, Deals

Howzat for seeing Barbados… with a Windies icon

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Howzat for seeing Barbados with a Windies icon because unlike Premier League footballers cricket legends mingle.

It is, of course, a two-way street as I found out after being introduced to Brian on Foreday Morning in Barbados’s Soca Carnival.

Only to learn after I’d left him with my slurred words ‘Do you play cricket?’ ringing in his ears.

Tthat this was the great Brian Lara.

Lesson learned, and libations parked, I was on better behaviour when I came across quickie Joel Garner and all-rounder Collis King.

Caught: With Collis King and Joel Garner

On the Barbados stand at the WTM travel fair in London.

And gave them both hearty handshakes although mine disappeared into Big Bird’s shovel hands.

Thang is that Windies cricketers are a different breed from those stuffy sportsmen we get on this island which gave the game the world.

But still hasn’t evolved from its elitist perspective.

Golfing with GG then the gee-gees

Howzat for openers: Gordon

 

Gordon Greenidge, another proud son of Barbados, has seen both sides in his life.

Born in Bim but raised in the Royal County of Berkshire,where I too did my time.

All of which we’re sure he’ll be glad to chat to you about on the pristine golf courses of Barbados and in his private box at the races.

Yes, you read that right, and you have Tropical Sky to thank for this 20th Anniversary Holiday Collection offer.

You’ll spend ten nights on the island and play an intimate round of golf.

And break bread and rum with West Indies opening batsman cricket legend Gordon.

While Peter Odle, chairman of Mango Bay Group, is offering access to his private box along with gourmet hospitality to follow up GG with the geegees.

Sandy Lane is there inside my heart

Down memory Lane: Sandy Lane

You’ll also get to ride a luxury catamaran cruise.

But word to the wise slather up with lotion if you don’t want to repeat this leathered traveller’s mistake.

While you’ll also be booked in for afternoon tea at Sandy Lane.

And Sunday lunch at celebrities’ hang-out The Cliff.

And a farewell seafood feast at the waterfront restaurant Tides.

Sands of time

Play in: The Sands

Guests stay at the stylish, all-inclusive The Sands Barbados on the south coast.

Where soft sands, swaying palms, non-motorised water sports and laid-back island living set the tone.

Complemented by smooth VIP service from fast-track arrival to the final farewell.

A 10-night Golfing Glory with Sir Gordon Greenidge and a Day at the Races trip is priced from £8,850pps.

Including international business-class flights, 1ten nights at The Sands Barbados.

All meals as per the itinerary, afternoon tea at Sandy Lane, 18 holes of golf and lunch with Sir Gordon Greenidge.

A luxury catamaran day with lunch, a day at the races with exclusive access to that private box.

Sunday lunch at The Cliff and dinner at The Tides Restaurant.

 

America, Caribbean, Cruising, Deals, Ships

Cruise into Cruise Week with Click&Go

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Yes, on land or sea we’re always thinking of our next trip but the industry sets aside a period every year to highlight its offers, and we’re going to cruise into Cruise Week with Click&Go.

The Irish online travel providers, as usual. are ahead of their time with Cruise Week next week, Monday, 15 September to Sunday 21 September.

With fantastic MSC Cruises full fly and cruise packages.

Including return flights from Dublin with checked-in bag, transfers, entertainment gratuities and meals onboard.

Caribbean cruising

Minnie and me: In Orlando

For many their first port of entry to cruising is Florida and the Caribbean.

And that’s where we’ll start with a fly/cruise from Dublin to Orlando and the Caribbean.

On board MSC Grandiosa for €1,129pp from January-March.

You’ll get four nights in an Orlando hotel with plenty of time to catch up on our Disney and Universal pals.

And then a seven-night cruise, leaving Port Canaveral and headed for Nassau, Bahamas.

Where we’ve sailed to but like Aaron in the Bible didn’t get to set foot in the Promised Land.

It’s then onto San Juan, Puerto Rico, Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic and back to Port Canaveral.

The offer is based on 2+2 (aged 2-17 sharing).

And a bite of the Big Apple

This year’s blond: With ‘The Donald’ in New York

Now if you still fancy the Bahamas but think well it’s just down the coast from New York then Click&Go have you covered here too.

They’re offering a fly/cruise on board Meraviglia based on €1,399pp from this October-April.

It includes an overnight hotel stay in New York and a seven-night cruise.

Departing New York for Port Canaveral and then onto Nassau.

And also taking in the Ocean Cay Marine Reserve before it’s back to the Big Apple.

Miami nice

Eat up: In Miami

Even closer, of course, is Miami and you can set off from there on board the brand new World America.

Based on €1,549pp with travel from October 2025 – March 2026.

Your trip includes one night Miami hotel stay and the 7-night cruise.

And you’ll get to take in Roatan, Honduras, Costa Maya and Cozumel in Mexico (areeba, areeba) and the Ocean Cay Marine Reserve, Bahamas.

The bumper 14-nighter

Read all about it: At The Daily Prophet

Or the bumper 14-nighter.

Fly out to Orlando before stepping on board the Seashore for €1,599pp with travel from October 2025 – January 2026.

Including seven nights Miami hotel, plenty of time to sample the nightlife, beaches and architecture.

Even if you are prone to go around in circles, like this blogger.

And then the seven-night cruise, leaving Port Canaveral for Nassau.

And on to Cozumel, Mexico, Roatan, Honduras, Ocean Cay Marine Reserve, Bahamas and back to Port Canaveral.

So a good way to start your Monday with our pointer to cruise into Cruise Week with Click&Go.

Caribbean, Countries

Going solo to Tobago

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Robinson Crusoe led the way in going solo to Tobago but the rest of us have been travelling rather more luxuriously since.

The great castaway didn’t stay alone for long, proving that all you need is one helpful local, one Man Friday and one goat.

For me it was Levi and Bandanaman the Goat with whom we raced to victory just like the Tobagonians do.

But you get the picture.

We only share this story because we can.

And we are prompted to by Solos adding the Caribbean island to its roster.

With the additional incentive of £200 off their seven-nighter to the Caribbean celeb island du jour.

Beach life

Shell out: Turtles in Tobago

Solos will put you up at Shepherds Inn in Crown Point on the south coast.

An intimate hotel with outdoor pool, sundeck, bar and Betsy’s Hope restaurant and its palm-lined tropical garden.

All close to the beach at Store Bay and one of the USPs of Tobago is that all of the beaches are public.

With visitors even being able to stand on the very sand bank, Nylon Pool, where Princess Margaret honeymooned.

Which the party-loving royal raved about saying the water was as clear as her nylon stockings.

Something to sing about

Nylon Pool, Tobago

Solos are putting on a range of excursions, including an island tour, a catamaran cruise, fishing with a beach BBQ.

And birdwatching with a hummingbird experience, or turtle watching.

A seven-night Tobago Solos Exclusive Tour departs on 20 June.

And it is priced at £1,799 pp (was £1,999 saving £200).

This includes return flights, transfers and airport taxes.

A double room for solo use, breakfast daily, five evening meals, a welcome drink and information evening and Solos Tour Leader.  

So why not channel your inner Robinson Crusoe and look to be going solo in the tranquil Tobago.

Caribbean, Countries, Deals

Cuba for an all-American car ride

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Now if you want to take the chevy to the levy these days you’ll need to head for Cuba for an all-American car ride.

One of the biggest changes visitors will have seen travelling to the Ooh Es of Eh across the generations is in their cars.

So that where once our American cousins posed in Cadillacs they’ve downsized over the years to economy family cars.

Back to the future

In the pink: Your classic cars

Of course, President Trump is now going back to the future.

But it’ll take time for the reset to kick in so to enjoy the all-American experience again it has to be Cuba.

One of the few places on Earth that the Trump tariffs haven’t bitten is the Caribbean republic as they’re under an embargo anyway.

Che to go

La Revolution: Cuban resistance

TD Active Holidays will take you on a trip back in time.

On this adventure holiday to Cuba, you’ll see the sights of the colonial city of Havana by classic car or horse carriage.

Before heading out of town for the cobbled streets of Trinidad.

And marvel at the spectacular limestone formations of the Viñales Valley.

Fly the flag: Havana

If it’s American-Cuban history that floats your boat then hop on one if the guided trips to the Bay of Pigs.

And the town of Santa Clara, where Che Guevara fought one of the most important battles of the Cuban Revolution.

Of course, this being the Caribbean, you’ll have all that blue sea and multicoloured marine life in which to snorkel.

Raid your Bay of Piggy bank

TD are leaving for the Republic on May 6 so empty your Bay of Piggy bank of €2,949pp.

And head for Cuba for an all-American car ride. And more!

Travelling on 6th May 2025 from €2,949pp (£2,599pp) for an 11-night guided odyssey.

It includes ten nights on a B&B basis, five lunches & two evening meals.

 

 

 

America, Caribbean, Countries, Deals

Who want to be America’s 51st state

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Now Greenland and Canada certainly have something to say about it having been volunteered by The Donald but there are those out there who do want to be America’s 51st state.

Puerto Rico heads the queue of candidates for that extra star and they keep us continually updated with the many attractions on their Caribbean islands.

The commonwealth has been drawn into the American sphere of influence since the Big Country was granted authority following the Spanish-American War of 1898.

Beach boy: Bandanaman

And its people have had US citizenhood since 1917.

All of which gives them various rights similar to statehood only rather simplistically it means their representatives are advisory.

While the pathway to statehood seems to have been stalled with previous referendums which have been in favour of joining the union also non-binding.

Enlightening Puerto Rico

Light up: And some Puerto Rico magic

Puerto Ricans also need US Congress and President Trump to sanction any request.

And, of course, on this matter, as in many, it is difficult to read The Donald.

With the 45th and 47th President distancing himself from comedian Tony Hinchcliffe’s ‘island of garbage’ comments at his rally.

Of course, we as travellers to America and the Caribbean want to know what Puerto Rico has to offer… and the answer is plenty.

Of the world’s best beaches for a start.

Now having seen the wonder that is bioluminescence in Tobago it’s well, an enlightening experience.

Glistening Mosquito Bay

Things are looking up: And a hammock too

And Puerto Rico has three bioluminescent bays, Laguna Grande, Mosquito Bay and La Parguerain, making up three of the world’s bioluminescent bays.

Where you can paddle or splash in the water to produce a glow-in-the-dark effect – attributable to dinoflagellates, a microscopic organism.

With Mosquito bay named the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world by The Guinness Book of World Records.

Lie back: And think of Puerto Rico

On the island of Vieques on the east of Puerto Rico.

Where visitors can enjoy the bay from clear-bottom kayaks, or by scuba diving.

So you can marvel at the neon blue-green patterns in the glistening water below.

Frogs’ symphony

What’s that I hear? A Coqui frog

Our Puerto Rican pals point us towards Finca Victoria ($380.41/£304.71 for two for a night) to stay.

And Virgin Atlantic offering return flights from £921.

Finca Victoria is an Ayurvedic Boutique Hotel & Panchakarma Retreat Centre, sat atop one of the island’s highest points.

Where you will be serenaded by the soothing symphony of the native Coqui frogs.

Puerto Rico is a leading destination for sustainability and all cabins, houses and treehouses feature organic, biodegradable mattresses.

Over to you, Mr President

Stars in stripes: Puerto Rican pals

While Finca Victoria’s wellness centre we’re told is rooted in ancient Indian medicine and built upon the Hindu Ayurvedic core principles of spirituality and healing.

So maybe not such an ‘island of garbage’ then Tony Hinchcliffe and The Donald would seem to agree with us.

And remember where you read it first if he does sign off on one of his famous executive orders.

With Puerto Rico for who want to be America’s 51st state.