Category: Caribbean

Caribbean, Countries, Deals

Howzat for seeing Barbados… with a Windies icon

funtime65

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

funtime65

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

funtime65

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

funtime65

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

funtime65

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Caribbean, Countries

Montserrat where it’s know blacks, know Irish

funtime65

It was a familiar keep out sign in the UK but it’s different in Montserrat where it’s know blacks, know Irish.

And where they’re already getting things in hand for their ten-day annual celebration for St Patrick’s Day next month.

The Gaels have an enduring footprint in the West Indies.

Where Irish and Scots servants were exploited after wars of freedom back home.

On the face of it the St Patrick’s Day festivities sound like a coming together then.

Of two disenfranchised peoples, the Gaels and black West Indians.

Rebels’ yell

Irish maiden: Leaving her mark

But its origins are diametrically opposite as the imported African slaves used the opportunity of St Patrick’s Day, 1768.

To rise up against their overlords, many of them Irish, who they knew would be partying that day.

Alas, for the locals their plans were said to have been overheard by an Irish woman who told the British.

And nine of the ringleaders were executed while another 30 were exiled.

And so it is Cudjoe and his rebels that the good people of Montserrat commemorate every March 17.

Hands across the ocean

Ya dancer: Those leprechauns

Though surprisingly their sacrifice only started to be acknowledged in 1971 when researchers began to publicise it.

While it was not until 1985 that the savvy and very forgiving Montserrat government decided.

To tie in their day with St Paddy’s Day.

All of which makes this year, the 40th anniversary of that initiative, even more anticipated.

Greening up

Super troupers: Waiting to welcome you

Now our Caribbean chums have been sharing what they have in store for this year.

Including Leprechaun’s Revenge, a thrilling night of music and revelry with a Caribbean twist.

And Chess Entertainment‘s Boozey Brunch, a sophisticated mix of gourmet flavors and great vibes.

Now if it’s soca you want, and the answer is yes, always then it’s in abundance with KISS Montserrat and STRATIFY.

The festival also showcases heritage tours, J’ouvert (dancing on the street), National Heroes Day, the Emerald Brunch.

And the stand-out event, the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Heritage Feast.

Win Winair

Now you’ll fly through either the US, Boston, New York, Miami with our Montserrat mates recommending Winair.

Or from the other Caribbean islands with St Kitts the closest but our favourite Barbados too, giving us an excuse.

Travellers are encouraged to book accommodation early

For more updates, follow Montserrat Festivals or island of Montserrat on social media.

We imagine you’ll have your own green suits and ginger beards.

But there will be shortage on Montserrat where it’s know blacks, know Irish.

Caribbean, Countries, UK

Hotmanay away from chilly Scotland

funtime65

And because the big Edinburgh party is cancelled we’re looking longingly at Hotmanay away from chilly Scotland.

The diaspora will be digging out their black bun (cake), coins, whisky and shortbread.

For health, wealth and happiness.

The greater Scottish family

Homeward bound: Edinburgh Hogmanay

Whether on a beach or lakeside the greater Scottish family will be expressing their good will.

And saying: ‘Seas between us braid hae roar’d sin auld lang syne.

‘And there’s a hand, my trusty fiere! And gie’s a hand o’ thine!

‘And we’ll tak a right gude-willy waught, for auld lang syne.’

Then wonder what the heck we’re saying.

Although by then we’ve taken more than enough ‘cups of kindness yet’ for it not to matter.

Canadian Caledonians

Party time: Guy Lombardo

Now while many of us will know that it was Scottish Bard Robert Burns who popularised the song in the 18th century.

But few will give a nod to Canadian bandleader Guy Lombardo around midnight tonight.

For making it the international New Year’s anthem it is today.

After he and his Royal Canadian Big Band played it on a New Year’s Eve broadcast in New York in 1929.

A song he had taken with him from Scottish western Ontario.

And whose nostalgia embodied the diaspora experience.

Burns in the Caribbean

Burns himself was no doubt entertaining such thoughts when he was planning to relocate to the Caribbean.

And who could blame him, particularly when you can find all our fave customs embraced.

With pipe bands, ceilidhs, Scottish food and drink mixed in with Caribbean cheer.

Well plaid: In Barbados

All of which is surely drawing us back in ‘25.

And, of course, in Barbados you won’t have to wait for Hotmanay away from chilly Scotland.

You can overdose on tartan at their Barbados Celtic Festival in May.

And back to Scotland and here’s a wee treat from the best Burns singer around, the inimitable Eddi Reader.

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE AND MEET YOU ON THE ROAD

 

 

America, Caribbean, Countries

If you like Pina Colada and Puerto Rico

funtime65

Now with apologies to Randy Newman… if you like Pina Colada and Puerto Rico come with me and escape.

The creamy pineapple juice and rum cocktail shouts the tropics but few of us could identify its island of origin.

Dance away: Street life

Naturally though Puerto Ricans promote their island under the cocktail umbrella of their famous party drink.

Whose modern iteration is 60 years old this year.

Which, of course, we celebrated on their stand at the American travel fair, IPW, in Los Angeles.

Cream of the Caribbean 

Pining for pineapple: Drink up

The Puerto Ricans, of course, mark the Pina Colada with its own festival held every July.

When get this, you can salsa, sing and party and get silly at $4 a cocktail in any one of 40 bars and restaurants in old San Juan.

In truth our Puerto Ricans have been getting silly as far back as the 19th century.

When Puerto Rican pirate Roberto Cofresí concocted the brew to boost the morale of his crew, 

We pick up the pina colada timeline again in 1924 when National Geographic magazine, reported from the island

And mentioned a pineapple juice and crushed ice beverage, known locally as piña fría (cold pineapple).

Dumped on

Pool party: In San Juan

And so how did we get here and why today?

Well because unprovoked the good people of Puerto Rico have only been thrust into the American presidential race.

When one of Donald Trump’s warm-up acts at his Madison Square Garden showpiece rubbished Puerto Rico as an island of garbage.

And all this going on when Puerto Rico is readying itself for another of its popular annual fests.

Festival of fun

Fly me to the sun: And the Caribbean

The Festival Nacional Indigena which does what it says on el tin and runs from November 15-17.

When we dare say there will be an influx of visitors from the US to what is after all an American territory.

Worth an escape we think you’d agree if you like Pina Colada and Puerto Rico.

 

 

Caribbean, Countries, Oceania

Malta’s republic a jewel in Britain’s crown

funtime65

It’s the model for the future Commonwealth which has worked for 50 years, Malta’s republic a jewel in Britain’s crown.

Malta is this year marking two big milestones in its 8,000 years history.

With the bigger emphasis currently on its independence 60 years ago.

Independence, many might imagine is still dependence if you’re still run by another’s head of state.

And that most anglophile of former colonies Malta set the tone when they moved from a monarch to their own president in December 1974.

Which is what another of our favourite islands Barbados struck out for three years ago.

Republics in a Commonwealth

It may surprise to see that 36 of the 56 member states in what is now the Commonwealth of Nations are republics.

Although for now Australia where King Charles III is in the eye of the storm from an aboriginal activist senator retains the monarch as their head of state.

The lesson of Malta, Barbados, Australia or anywhere on whom the sun never set is that Britain leaves behind their towel wherever they go.

Malta has taken that to heart with its George Cross award, right-hand roads and red post and telephone boxes.

Which I took back to the motherland in the shape of a telephone box pencil sharpener, or parer.

Britain’s island in the sun

Going for a swim: Malta fan Queen Elizabeth

Of course, it is these reminders of Britannia which has made Malta so popular with limey tourists, Britain’s Med island in the sun.

Ourselves included, over 60 years.

Including Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, who was stationed here as a naval officer after World War II.

And his successor as Duke of Edinburgh, their youngest Prince Edward and his wife, Sophie, the Duchess.

Come back America and Ireland

Coming for you: In Washington DC

As a postscript while there is a movement away from monarchy there are others who want in.

The republics of South Sudan, Sudan and Suriname have formally made applications to join the Commonwealth.

The eligibility rules are to entertain those with ‘a historic constitutional association with an existing Commonwealth member, save in exceptional circumstances.’

And making that topical the ‘exceptional circumstances’ were cited to bring in former Belgian colony Rwanda.

Which was then proposed as a dumping ground by Britain for illegal immigrants.

Britain, of course, always keen to keep all their options open have held the door open to some old colonies.

Meaning the US (Thirteen Colonies), Israel (Mandate for Palestine), Republic of Ireland (Irish Free State), and the Persian Gulf states.

Hold the towel

Royal mail: The Malta sharpener

But while they wait for the telegram, or email as it is today.

Britain, with the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh holding the towel, will continue to celebrate.

Malta’s republic a jewel in Britain’s crown.