Hays Travel passengers set off for a Caribbean cruise direct from Belfast and Stansted airports earlier this month.

The UK’s largest independent travel agent exclusively chartered the direct flights to Barbados to take customers on a winter sunshine escape, with the added ease and convenience of flying from their local airport.

Hays Travel staff welcomed around 300 passengers at both Belfast and Stansted airports and joined them at an exclusive airside drinks reception.

Fully escorted throughout by Hays Travel colleagues, the two-week cruise on board P&O Cruises’ ship, Britannia, took guests from Belfast on a Caribbean journey around islands including Grenada, St Lucia, St Maarten, and Antigua.

Passengers from the Stansted flight got to experience cruising on board P&O Cruises’ ship, Arvia.

Branch manager from Hays Travel in Downpatrick, James Burke, said: “There was such excitement from the customers at the airport. Most of them couldn't wait to experience the Caribbean heat and loved the fact we had our own charter from Belfast Airport which got them there in just eight hours.”

Branch manager from Hays Travel in Brentwood, Dainel Pule, added: “What a fantastic morning looking after our customers and getting excited for them to fly off to the Caribbean. Customers really loved our presence and the flight was full of excitement. It was lovely to be able to wave our customers off in person.”

Hays Travel’s Head of Cruise, Catriona Parsons, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be able to bring this unique offer of our own direct flights to Barbados, along with the amazing experience of a P&O Cruises Caribbean cruise.

“Winter 2026, 2027 and 2028 exclusive fly-cruise holidays from regional airports are on sale and selling exceptionally fast, so we advise customers to get in touch now if they’d like some winter sun to look forward to! Prices start from £1,659pp* with a 10 per cent deposit and can be paid by monthly direct debit.”

For information, customers can visit their local Hays Travel branch, contact Hays Travel’s dedicated cruise team on 0800 098 3536, or search the website and Facebook pages.

Hays Travel’s Head of Cruise, Catriona Parsons, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be able to bring this unique offer of our own direct flights to Barbados, along with the amazing experience of a P&O Cruises Caribbean cruise.

“Winter 2026, 2027 and 2028 exclusive fly-cruise holidays from regional airports are on sale and selling exceptionally fast, so we advise customers to get in touch now if they’d like some winter sun to look forward to! Prices start from £1,659pp* with a 10 per cent deposit and can be paid by monthly direct debit.”

For information, customers can visit their local Hays Travel branch, contact Hays Travel’s dedicated cruise team on 0800 098 3536, or search the website and Facebook pages.