September/October 2025


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TUI Announces One-Off Flight to Dominican Republic from Belfast for February 2027 for Marella Cruises in the Caribbean


UPDATES | 29


TUI has announced it will operate a new direct flight from Belfast to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic in February 2027. The direct flight from Belfast


to Punta Cana will operate on February 2nd for a 14-night stay and it will provide Northern Ireland


holidaymakers with


Norwegian Prima to Launch New Nordic Cruises from UK Caribbean cruises in 2026.


NORWEGIAN Cruise Line (NCL) has announced that the stunning Norwegian Prima, one of


its newest ships,


operate a series of exciting “ open-jaw” voyages to Iceland and Norway from Southampton in 2027.


The 3,099-passenger vessel,


which


made its debut in 2022, is currently offering summer sailings


from the UK port to Iceland, but will return in two years following a season of


will


Currently based in Southampton, Norwegian Prima is set to make its return to European waters after completing a series of seven- day round- trip Caribbean sailings from Port Canaveral, USA.


These


2027 European itineraries will include some firsts for the ship, with inaugural stops in the Baltic region, including


Helsinki’s first-ever turnaround and a maiden call in Riga, Latvia.


Five of the best Caribbean Shore Excursions


FROM exploring the ancient Mayan ruins of Costa Maya to a Caribbean cooking class in Antigua, to an invisible boat experience in Nassau, there really is something for everyone. Here is NCL’s Top 5 shore excursions in the Caribbean:


1. Aldea Mahahua, Mexico Through The Ages (Costa Maya)


Dive straight into the cultural practices of the Mayans,


on the Yucatan Peninsula with this wildly immersive excursion. You will be able to watch and join in folkloric dances, partake in unique rituals, taste traditional Mayans cuisine and sample a variety of tequilas made from the blue agave, a spiky plant used to concoct the distilled drink for at least 2,000 years. You can opt to end the tour with a shamanic cleansing ceremony or simply shop for handicrafts and browse the historical exhibits at leisure.


2. Invisible Boat Experience & Amazing Snorkel (Nassau) This unique experience allows you to take a ride in this


almost entirely transparent boat (fitted with see-through seats!) for panoramic reef viewing. As you glide across the water, with views of the Paradise and Pearl Islands, you’ll learn about marine conservation and environmental awareness in The Bahamas. You’ll likely encounter some of the famous marine life, such as sea stars, clownfish, parrotfish and angelfish!


3. Damajaguas Nature Walk & Cultural Experience (Puerto Plata)


This guided walk will take you from the natural cascades of the Damajagua River to a variety of waterfalls to hop in and take a swim. After connecting with nature,


you’ll visit a country market to sample fresh coffee and organic chocolate, made by locals, before sitting down to a lunch, made with ingredients from the surrounding gardens, which was once a sugar plantation. You will also be invited to taste their selection of Brugal


Rum, distilled in Puerto Plata since 1888. This is a perfect low-impact excursion into the heart of Dominican’s heritage.


4. Caribbean Cooking Class (St Johns, Antigua) A talented team, trained by Michelin 1* chef, Colin


McGurran, await you on this lively Caribbean cooking masterclass. Starting with a homemade traditional rum or fruit punch, you’ll be shown locally sourced ingredients before contributing to making the three-course menu. During the class, you’ll be treated to Antiguan anecdotes and history, which give context to dishes, before sitting down to enjoy with complementary wine. Afterwards you’ll be encouraged to cool down and take a dip in the stunning seas - a truly excellent way to spend your day.


5. Mt. Alma Hike and Beach (Tortola) After a scenic drive across Tortola to Beef Island on


its eastern tip, you will be able to hike through the lush and flourishing slopes of Mount Alma, the highest point on Tortola. On your ascent, take time to appreciate the astonishing views of the forest ecosystem, whilst also catching glimpses of the sparkling coastline and blue- hued Trellis Bay through the trees. The hike will finish at Long Bay Beach, with snacks of fried cornbread Johnny cakes, cheese and fruit punch served. An excursion ideal for those keen to experience the magnificence of nature and have a sense of accomplishment at the same time.


a direct link to back-to-back 7-night Marella Cruise itineraries – Colours of the Caribbean and Caribbean Charms – both aboard Marella Discovery. Colours of the Caribbean


is a 7-night cruise taking in Dominican Republic,


Curacao and Bonaire, also across 7 nights. The two-week holiday duration


also provides the opportunity for travellers to indulge in Marella’s Cruise and Stay offering. Cruise and Stay allows for the best of both worlds; you can combine a beach holiday stay for 7 nights, with a Marella Cruise itinerary of


Antigua,


Saint Kitts and St Maarten, while Caribbean Charms will explore Dominican Republic,


Aruba,


your choice. The Belfast flight and Marella Cruises itineraries are on sale now through TUI.co.uk, and through your local TUI store or travel agent. The early launch allows customers to secure their winter escape well in advance, with low deposit options available to suit all holidaymakers. Craig Morgan,


Head of


Ireland for TUI, said: “We are excited to announce our new direct flight from Belfast in February 2027. This flight opens the opportunity for Northern Ireland’s holidaymakers to enjoy both Marella Cruises and the Caribbean, and to enjoy some Winter sun. “The February flight is in addition to our existing Summer programme from Belfast to the Dominican Republic,


offering


even more choice for Northern Irish holidaymakers throughout the year.” Marella Discovery will homeport out of La Romana, Dominican Republic,


from


November 2026 until March 2027.


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