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holds around 6,000 guests plus another 1,800 crew, but despite the large numbers, the ship is immaculately clean and perfectly maintained throughout. The Caribbean is hot from November to March, and the air temperature remains warm all night long, perfect for sipping cocktails while gazing at the stars under that retractable roof. During the day, the ship is maintained at a constant cool level, making it comfortable even on the hottest days. The food and drinks on board
FROM BELFAST TO THE CARIBBEAN: TWO WEEKS ON P&O’s ARVIA
A TWO-week Caribbean cruise with direct flights from Belfast? What's stopping you? If you are considering a Caribbean cruise with direct flights from Belfast, here's what you can expect on this exclusive departure only bookable through Hays Travel… We arrived in Barbados on an exclusive charter
flight from Belfast, happily leaving the cold November weather behind. The cruise was fully escorted, and we stepped straight off the plane and onto a bus to whisk us to the ship. The temperature on arrival was 29 degrees of bliss. You cannot fail to be blown away by the incredible
sight of the gigantic ship, Arvia, which is one of the world’s largest. P&O’s Arvia is truly beautiful – with a sleek curved bow, a pristine white hull, an enormous glass atrium at the centre, its signature sky dome - and my personal favourite - a retractable glass roof! For two weeks on board, I could not stop being wowed by the interior design and beauty of this ship. Arvia
are five-star. Whether you fancy a quick slice of pizza by the pool or to indulge in fine dining, P&O have you covered. The menus are rotated so that you never get bored, and as well as the main dining options there are specialist restaurants such as Keel & Cow (best burger at sea) and Epicurean
(fine
dining). My top tip would be to try vegan Green & Co, the best meal I have had to date anywhere.
If you don't want the formality of these or just fancy a quick bite to eat, The American 6th Street diner and The Quays offer a more relaxed and fun experience without compromising on quality. There is so much food on offer it is impossible to comprehend how they maintain and deliver to such a high-quality. Hats off again to P&O. The same goes for drinks - too many bars to
remember - each with its own unique style and atmosphere. I loved heading up to the top deck at sunset where the swim up bar was full of people drinking in the sun as live music played over the sound system, creating an almost ‘sail away’ party vibe every day. If that's not your thing, head to the Crow's Nest bar one deck up where the atmosphere changes completely. Lush furnishings and décor, floor to ceiling windows, and a grand piano and pianist
Seadream Yacht Club Becomes First Cruise Line To Accept Cryptocurrency
complete a background to sip cocktails or champagne whilst waiting for dinner. Head along to the Skydome and you will find the vibe
of an all-inclusive resort - kids in the pool and parents on loungers in the sun eating pizza with a few beers - movies playing on the big screen or music playing to keep everyone entertained. “The more you explore the decks the
more you will discover, each place unique in design and atmosphere, and literally something for everyone at every time of the day, whatever mood you are in. “The same goes for the
on-board entertainment. From big theatre style shows to intimate acoustic performances, there is something for everyone. I was constantly impressed by the quality on board. The entertainment was superb; with theatre performances, DJ's, buskers, solo singers, bands, tribute acts, comedians, singing lessons, presentations from experts on art and jewellery, plus a full- size multi-screen cinema, an escape room, mini-golf course, and a high rope climbing course. “All of the activities
are cleverly coordinated so that you never have to miss a thing - you can check out the daily schedule via the ship magazine delivered daily to your cabin, or via the P&O app. Being middle aged and not brilliant with technology, I can confirm that the app is ideal and easy to use! You can
use it to book restaurants and entertainment, but should you get stuck there are always crew around who will be more than happy to help. Also, the app does not require internet access, so you do not need to pay for the Wi-Fi package if you don't want to. “The cruise I went on was two weeks long, visiting
the Caribbean islands of Tortola, Dominican Republic, St Martin, Antigua, St Kitts & Nevis, Martinique, St Lucia, and Barbados. Between stops there are sometimes days at sea. Sea days are perfect for relaxing and enjoying the ship itself. On our cruise, there was never more than one
SEADREAM Yacht Club has become the first cruise line to accept cryptocurrency as a payment option for all voyages. Effective immediately,
SeaDream guests can now book their ultra-luxury voyages to the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Norway, and Northern Europe using Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and more than 200 of the most frequently used cryptocurrencies. As the first cruise line to cryptocurrency,
embrace
SeaDream is using the leading cryptocurrency
payment
platform Coinbase Commerce to ensure secure, reliable and efficient payment processing. “SeaDream has always been
an innovator, setting new standards in luxury travel. By accepting cryptocurrency, we are embracing a payment solution
that is increasingly sought after by our guests,” said Andreas Brynestad of SeaDream Yacht Club. The announcement was
made during the opening day of WAGMI Miami, America’s premier and longest-running crypto conference. “The strength in our community rests in the ability to foster groundbreaking partnerships. Working with a trailblazer like SeaDream Yacht Club brings together two true pioneers paving the way for others to follow,” said Moe Levin, founder of WAGMI Events. Levin added: “SeaDream
is now only the first cruise line but also the first major travel company to accept cryptocurrency – setting a new standard for the future of travel and payments and that’s why we’re proud to welcome them to
WINDSTAR Cruises will operate its first-ever full winter season in the Canary Islands with nine 10-day sailings between November 2025 and February 2026 that are designed to introduce travellers to this amazing region – a favourite with UK cruisers – with the convenience of included flights, overseas transfers and a pre- cruise hotel stay. The 10-day Canary Island Idyll is round-trip from Santa Cruz de Tenerife and calls in San Sebastian de la Gomera, Santa Cruz de Palma, Madeira (overnight), Lanzarote and Las Palmas (overnight). With opportunities to sample delicious Madeira wines or the famous poncha, ride wicker toboggans, camels and classic cars, stroll around the crater of San Antonio volcano, marvel at the diversity and drama of the landscape of Timanfaya National Park or simply relax on a volcanic black sand beach, this cruise has something for everyone. The cruise takes place on Windstar’s newly-renovated sleek four-masted sailing ship, Wind Star, which accommodates just 148 guests and feels like your own private yacht. With wide open teak decks, a choice of dining venues, an award-winning lounge which won Best Refurbishment at the 2024 Cruise Ship Interior Awards, World Spa by Windstar, open bridge, pool and watersports platform with complimentary watersports and activities, this is laid-back luxury at its best.
Windstar Cruises To Operate First-Ever Full Winter Season in Canary Islands
Ambassador Cruise Line Announces Stellar Lineup of Themed Cruises for 2025
AMBASSADOR Cruise Line has a stellar lineup of themed cruises for guests to enjoy in 2025. Whether looking to relive the fun-filled 1980s
on the Benelux Coastal Explorer, complete with themed cabaret shows, nostalgic menus and special guest appearances, sail alongside ORCA Ocean Conservationists or join one of the Supercraft cruises for hand-on crafting fun, Ambassador has a themed cruise for everyone in 2025. Following overwhelmingly positive guest feedback on Ambassador’s themed cruises in 2024, the cruise line is proud to deliver a great lineup of unique themed cruises for the year ahead. Sail Back to the 80’s with a Nostalgic Four- Night Cruise In May 2025, guests will have the opportunity
to embark on a four-night ‘Back to the 80’s’ cruise onboard Ambience, exploring Belgium and the Netherlands while celebrating the iconic era of bold fashion, loud music and endless fun. Promising an exciting blend of culture, nostalgia and entertainment, the sailing promises to transport travellers back in time, with themed cabaret shows and lively quizzes, menus bringing classic ‘80s favourites to life, fancy-dress competitions and workout classes inspired by the era of leotards and leg warmers. The cruise will also feature performances by ‘80s icons, including The Fizz—featuring Cheryl
Baker and Jay Aston of Bucks Fizz fame—and Toyah Wilcox, known for her vibrant career and recent success on ‘Strictly Come Dancing.’ Along the way, travellers will visit Zeebrugge, Belgium, a gateway to the historic charm of Bruges, and Ijmuiden, Netherlands, offering access to Amsterdam’s cultural delights, bustling harbour, and scenic landmarks. Benelux Coastal Explorer – 4-night sailing
onboard Ambience departing from London Cruise Terminal on 1 May 2025 Get Crafty on one of Ambassador’s several
Supercraft Cruises Ambassador is excited to be partnering with
Supercraft Cruises again for several sailings in 2025, offering wannabe and enthusiast crafters a chance to hone in on their skills. The 2025 sailings will feature an exciting
lineup of interactive workshops, where guests can learn to create beautiful jewellery, personalised cards and notebooks, ornaments, trinket boxes, wreaths, and more, under the guidance of industry experts. The workshops will be led by renowned
actress, TV producer, and award-winning author, Julie Peasgood, who founded Supercraft Cruises. With over 90 cruises under her belt, Julie will
share her love for the high seas and her passion for craftsmanship, alongside her expert team of tutors, making these sailings an inspiring and hands-on creative experience.
February 2025
sea day in a row and after busy days of excursions and exploring, it was great to relax and do as little or as much as you wanted on board. “On two of the sea days, there were formal nights where
the dress code was black tie. Although tuxedos and bow ties aren't compulsory; suits, ties and glamorous dresses are expected. I really loved these nights as the atmosphere on board was electric and the whole ship buzzing with excitement - but getting dressed up isn't for everyone and if you don't want to you can still head to one of the casual areas of the ship in shorts and t-shirts. “Our stops in Antigua and Barbados had later departure times than most days, meaning we could
experience these places in the evening too. My top tip for an evening in Barbados would be to
visit Oisten's fish fry if you are lucky enough to be there on a Friday night! “This cruise holiday really is unique with
its direct flight from Belfast straight to Barbados, fully escorted by the Hays Travel team. There is also a meet and greet team and drinks reception at the airport before you leave so that you can meet the team and your fellow holidaymakers. Once onboard the P&O ethos is of transparency and no hidden extras. “If the Caribbean is on your list of must-see destinations, then this is the only way to do it - a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. And with payment plans available, I ask again, what's stopping you?”
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