Caribbean cruise holiday offers a world of wonders

For the ultimate island-hopping adventure, there's nothing like a Caribbean fly-cruise holiday.
Wake up to a new view every day, from Barbados with its calypso rhythms to lush Dominica, chic St Maarten, the Spice Island of Grenada and sparkling vistas of the Caribbean Sea.
Enjoy Insta-perfect beaches and fabulous local food, explore rainforests, sip sundowners in colourful rum shacks and slow down to the pace of island life.
And if you book a Caribbean fly-cruise holiday with P&O Cruises, you'll sail in style, with a fantastic choice of restaurants and entertainment, perfect pools, a sleek spa and plenty of fun for all.
As summer ends in Europe, Britannia – the freshly refurbished P&O Cruises flagship – makes her way to the sun-soaked shores of the Caribbean.
You'll find new-look venues and upgraded spaces, from the Sunset Bar and stylish restaurant The Glass House, to Oasis Spa and Salon, plus a children's splash area.
After days spent on white-sand beaches, get back on board to explore a choice of 27 bars and restaurants, offering everything from casual eating experiences to elegant fine dining.
For a splash of glam, don't miss Celebration Night, with a menu curated by Marco Pierre White.
And with evening entertainment ranging from shows and live music to comedy and dancing, you'll find plenty to enjoy once the sun goes down.
The Caribbean isn't Britannia's only destination; the P&O Cruises flagship visits the Norwegian Fjords from spring into summer and sails around the Mediterranean in July and August.
By day, head to one of the four pools, or if you're feeling energetic, get involved in a game of pickleball or basketball.
Travelling as a family? Let the young ones make friends at the action-packed kids' clubs while you take the chance to treat yourself at the spa.
Ready to go island hopping? With P&O Cruises, you can fly to Barbados and then take a 14-night round trip that will give you a taste of the many jewels of the Caribbean.
In Dominica, dubbed the 'Nature Island', you could discover untouched rainforests, cascading waterfalls and natural springs, or head out on the water to spot whales and dolphins.
Why not stop off in Castries, the charming capital of St Lucia, an island dominated by its two rainforest-clad Piton peaks? Here, you can explore on a Jeep safari and catamaran cruise, taste freshly picked fruit at a local farm, or learn how to make rich chocolate at St Lucia's oldest cocoa plantation.
A 14-night fly-cruise holiday to the Caribbean gives you time to explore islands as varied as colourful Curacao and dreamy Aruba.
On a stop at Kingstown, St Vincent, you have the chance to set sail on a traditional West Indian schooner or explore the tropical hideaway of Bequia.
Grenada offers lush gardens, or the chance to tour the charming capital and relax at a sleek beach club.
You might also visit stylish St Maarten – a unique blend of Dutch and French influences, renowned for upscale boutiques and sumptuous cuisine – and have a chance to explore the food, history and 365 soft-sand beaches of Antigua.
The perfect way to shake off the winter chill, a P&O Cruises fly-cruise holiday to the Caribbean promises vibrant islands and unforgettable encounters, as well as the chance to enjoy sun-splashed living on board Britannia.
*Accurate at the time of publication. Early Saver price of £1,699 per person is based on two adults sharing a PF grade Inside cabin on cruise B627A. Prices are subject to availability and may go up or down. Fly-cruise price shown is inclusive of economy class flights from/to London and transfers. Prices may vary for other departure airports. All flights are subject to availability. Early Saver bookings are made at the relevant cabin grade and a cabin number is allocated by P&O Cruises prior to departure. Dining preferences are not guaranteed. Shuttle buses in ports are an additional cost. Early Saver prices apply to new bookings only. These terms and conditions vary, where relevant, the applicable booking conditions which are otherwise unchanged.

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Wales Online

17 hours ago

• Wales Online

This laid-back harbour town has dolphin views and lush seafood worth the drive

This laid-back harbour town has dolphin views and lush seafood worth the drive Come for the wildlife stay for the incredible food scene This small harbour town is a surprising goldmine for marine life-watching on the Pembrokeshire coast. (Image: Portia Jones ) Looking for a wildlife hotspot on the glorious Welsh coastline? The small harbour town of Fishguard is a surprising goldmine for marine life-watching on the Pembrokeshire coast. From the shoreline between Poppit and Strumble, porpoises slice through the waves with astonishing regularity. Dolphins aren't shy either; they're often spotted between Poppit and Fishguard, sometimes venturing right into the harbour or Newport Bay for a splashy appearance. Seals? They're adorable local celebs during pupping season when chunky pups haul out onto public beaches for a well-earned rest. ‌ Head to Strumble Head for one of Sea Trust Wales' porpoise watches and get clued up by local experts. Just down the road, their Ocean Lab visitor centre, near Fishguard and Goodwick station, lets you observe native sea creatures in a capture-and-release aquarium. ‌ If you fancy swapping your binoculars for a boat trip, there are regular wildlife-watching excursions along the coast, offering front-row seats to seabird colonies, playful dolphins, and dramatic cliffs. Between the marine life, epic views, and a small-town food scene that punches well above its weight, Fishguard isn't just a stop on the way to somewhere else. It's the destination. Here's how to make the most of a long weekend in Fishguard. Article continues below Wildlife watching trip There's so much wildlife here Fishguard, Wales, offers excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, particularly marine life. According to Visit Pembrokeshire, common and bottlenose dolphins are frequently spotted in Fishguard Bay, sometimes even popping into the harbour, much to the delight of residents and tourists. You can also spot harbour porpoises, minke whales, and even fin whales with specialised boat trips that depart from Fishguard. ‌ North Pembrokeshire Tours offers fun boat trips to Strumble Head running from April to October, weather permitting. On this brilliant wildlife trip, you'll see the landing place where French forces made the historic last invasion of mainland Britain en route to the dramatic Strumble Head lighthouse. Your trusty skipper will also take you to Emerald coves and secret beaches, hidden from view, where seals bask in the sun, and porpoises feed at the turn of the tide. ‌ Book here Coastal Walks and History There are loads of lovely walks around Fishguard (Image: Portia Jones ) Before diving into Fishguard's wildlife and culinary offerings, it's worth building up an appetite with a bracing coastal hike. A short walk from the town centre takes you to Fishguard Fort, an old defensive site with sweeping views across the bay. ‌ Built in the 18th century to protect against French invasions, the fort is now a peaceful spot to watch the ferry from Ireland glide into the port. The real local legend, though, is how Fishguard's women, dressed in distinctive red cloaks and black hats, helped repel the last invasion of Britain in 1797. Their formidable appearance supposedly tricked the French into thinking a much larger army awaited them. After exploring the town, it's time to dive into Fishguard's thriving food scene, starting with a banging brunch. ‌ Visit The Last Invasion Tapestry Before your next meal, take a short walk to Fishguard Town Hall, where the impressive Last Invasion Tapestry is displayed. The last time Britain was invaded, it happened right here in Fishguard. On February 22, 1797, French troops landed just outside town in a chaotic attempt to stir up rebellion. It didn't last long. Local resistance, led by the legendary Jemima Nicholas, quickly brought the invasion to an end. It was over almost as soon as it began, but Fishguard still holds the title for the last invasion of Britain and wears it with pride. ‌ This short but dramatic campaign was the last time a hostile foreign force set foot on mainland Britain, and you can relive the story through the stunning Last Invasion Tapestry. This award-winning masterpiece, stretching an impressive 30 metres, was designed and stitched by around 80 talented local women in 1997 to mark the bicentenary. With intricate details that bring history to life, alongside storyboards and artefacts, you can understand how a small Welsh town became the setting for a momentous chapter in British history. ‌ Fishguard is one of my favourite places in Pembrokeshire (Image: Portia Jones ) Gorsedd Circle In 1936, Fishguard hosted the National Eisteddfod, Wales' legendary festival of music and poetry. To mark the occasion, the Gorsedd Circle was built. Just a short five-minute stroll from Fishguard Square, this historic stone circle is well worth a visit. Stand among the stones and picture the poets, musicians, and bards who once gathered here. It's got a bit of a mystical feel, perfect for soaking up some Welsh culture. ‌ You'll also get splendid views over Lower Town and Fishguard Fort across the bay. A little history, a little scenery, what's not to love? Lower Town Harbour and kayaking Wander down to Lower Town Harbour, a postcard-perfect fishing port that's been used as a filming location for movies like Moby Dick. (Image: Getty ) Wander down to Lower Town Harbour, a postcard-perfect fishing port that's been used as a filming location for movies like Moby Dick. ‌ If you're lucky, you'll find pop-up seafood stalls serving freshly caught crab or lobster sandwiches here. The simplicity of ultra-fresh seafood, a squeeze of lemon, and a touch of salt is a food lover's dream. Want an adventure while you're here? Kayaking in Pembrokeshire is hands down one of the best ways to explore this jaw-dropping coastline. With 220 miles of rugged cliffs, secret caves, and golden beaches, it's a paddler's paradise. And let's not forget, this is Britain's only coastal National Park, so you're in for some seriously epic views! Hop in a kayak with Kayak King in Fishguard, and you'll be treated to an unforgettable tour of the Pembrokeshire coast. Glide through crystal-clear waters, weave in and out of hidden sea caves, and get up close to incredible marine life. ‌ Keep your eyes peeled for the resident seals lounging on the rocks or bobbing in the waves, and if you're lucky, you might even spot a playful porpoise! No experience? No worries! Kayak King's expert guides ensure everyone feels right at home, from total newbies to confident paddlers. Their stable, sit-on-top kayaks are extremely easy to handle, and they are best suited for sheltered waters, making it a fun and stress-free adventure for all ages. Where to eat in Fishguard Pembrokeshire is having an absolute moment when it comes to food. (Image: Portia Jones ) ‌ With waters full of diver-caught scallops, St Brides Bay crayfish, plump mussels, lobsters, bass and mackerel, Pembrokeshire serves up a serious coastal bounty. And Fishguard? It's holding its own with an impressive food scene that makes the most of all that local bounty. Independent cafés, cosy pubs and clever kitchens are turning out gastro-delights from just-landed seafood to creative plates you'd expect in a much bigger town. Here are a few of our top picks. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here Cresswell's Café ‌ For a properly comforting Welsh lunch, Cresswell's Café is a must. This local haunt is famous for its Sunday lunches and traditional Welsh cawl. Their homemade soups and generously filled sandwiches are excellent options if you're looking for something lighter. Mannings Ffres With a welcoming ambience and a creative menu, Mannings Ffres is always a good breakfast choice. This café-greengrocer hybrid is a firm favourite with locals and uses quality ingredients sourced from Pembrokeshire's best producers. ‌ Their new breakfast stack is loaded with sausage patty, crispy bacon, black pudding, flat mushroom, and a perfectly cooked Trebover egg. Don't forget to try their locally roasted coffee—it's strong, smooth, and the perfect way to wake up before a day of exploring. Mannings Ffres is always a good breakfast choice (Image: Independent Coffee Guide ) The Gourmet Pig ‌ If you're looking for a quick yet high-quality breakfast, head to The Gourmet Pig. This award-winning deli stocks artisan Welsh cheeses, fresh pastries and local produce. Their sausage rolls and Pembrokeshire butter croissants are dangerously good, making it hard to choose just one item. If you're going on a long coastal walk, grab a freshly made baguette with local cheese and chutney for a top-tier picnic. Janes Fishguard – Coffee Shop ‌ If you love a cosy café with homemade treats, you'll adore Janes. This family-run spot is a charming blend of coffee shop and haberdashery, making it a unique place to unwind with a steaming cup of coffee. They serve Segafredo coffee (rich, smooth, and just the right level of indulgence) alongside a menu of homemade cakes, light lunches, and hearty bites. If you're after a proper Welsh treat, their bara brith (a traditional fruit loaf) is a must-try, moist, lightly spiced, and perfect with a slather of butter. ‌ Hooked @31 Fish and chips might be a classic, but it's an art form in Fishguard. At Hooked @31, you'll find some of Pembrokeshire's crispiest, freshest fish and chips. Their beer-battered cod, homemade tartar sauce, and double-cooked chips are nothing short of perfection. They also serve loaded fries with toppings like pulled pork, Welsh rarebit, and fresh seafood. Ffwrn ‌ Named after the Welsh word for oven, Ffwrn is a one-of-a-kind spot in a beautifully converted 1930s church hall. With its mix of vintage and industrial curiosities, lush greenery, open-plan space, and cooking centred around a roaring Fire, it's a must-visit dining spot in Pembrokeshire. On the menu? Crisp wood-fired pizzas, Middle Eastern-inspired sharing plates, and plenty of vegan and gluten-free options. Pair with local ales, hand-picked wines or a cheeky cocktail. Ffwrn isn't just about great food—it's also a buzzing event venue that hosts live performances and themed events. ‌ The Royal Oak Royal Oak Inn, Fishguard (Image: Wales Online ) For a cosy, atmospheric dinner, The Royal Oak is frankly unbeatable. This pub is where the surrender treaty was signed after the 1797 French invasion and it still holds its historic charm today. ‌ Expect filling portions, a fantastic selection of local ales, and a lively crowd of locals and visitors. Live folk music nights (usually on Tuesdays) are a great way to experience Pembrokeshire's musical heritage while enjoying a locale ale. Hot Chilli Indian Restaurant If you're craving richly spiced, comforting Indian food on the Welsh coast, Hot Chilli Indian Restaurant is a spot worth visiting. This family-run Bengali and Welsh eatery serves flavour-packed curries, sizzling tandoori dishes, and homemade desserts in a warm and welcoming setting. ‌ The extensive menu features all the beloved classics—from creamy kormas to rich, slow-cooked rogan josh—alongside a few house specials crafted by the chefs. However, if you still have room after your main course, it's worth saving space for dessert. Traditional Indian kulfi, flavoured with mango or pistachio, is a perfect way to end the meal—refreshing, sweet, and indulgent. JT at the Abergwaun Hotel ‌ JT at the Abergwaun Hotel is a must-visit spot (Image: Portia Jones ) The restaurant at The Abergwaun Hotel offers a contemporary twist on European cuisine, celebrating the finest Welsh produce. Expect carefully crafted dishes that balance bold flavours with fresh, local ingredients. Typical starters include crispy teriyaki pork belly with a zingy yuzu ponzu dressing or sticky king prawn bao buns packed with marinated cucumber and a punchy lime dressing. ‌ Mains are just as impressive, expect perfectly cooked Welsh ribeye, fillet steak with house chips, a rich peppercorn sauce, or teriyaki-glazed salmon with fennel-roasted new potatoes and charred broccoli. Vegetarians will also be well-served, with dishes like the spring vegetable medley featuring crispy nut bites, halloumi, and a fresh herb sauce. Late night drinks and ents The Ship Inn ‌ If you're not ready to call it a night, head to The Ship Inn for a proper old-school pub experience. Tucked away in Lower Town, Fishguard, right by the mouth of the River Gwaun, The Ship Inn is a popular alehouse with roots stretching back to the late 18th century and is brimming with character, sea-faring tales, and a cracking selection of real ales. Inside, walls are decked with old maritime photos, maps, and quirky memorabilia, adding to its wonderfully unspoiled charm. It's a Free House and a proud feature in the Good Beer Guide, so you know you're in for a top-notch pint. ‌ Theatre Gwaun If you're looking for an offbeat venue, Theatre Gwaun is a community-run theatre and cinema that offers indie films, live performances, and occasional comedy nights. It's an unexpected but fantastic way to round off the evening. Stay at the Abergwaun Hotel The Abergwaun Hotel is a boutique bolthole where the food is the real star. (Image: The Abergwaun Hotel ) ‌ The Abergwaun Hotel is a boutique bolthole where the food is the real star. Once a derelict building that stood empty for a decade, local couple Dan and Lois, who both have a background in high-end hospitality, gave it a new lease on life in 2020. The result? A stylish, contemporary 4-star hotel with five luxury en-suite rooms, a two-bedroom apartment, and a restaurant that's putting Fishguard on the foodie map. ‌ The rooms are bright and airy, with simple, elegant décor that uses neutral tones and soft textures. They are where minimalism meets comfort—nothing too fussy, just a relaxing space to crash after a day of eating and epic coastal walks. One of the rooms is even dog-friendly, so your adventure-loving pup doesn't have to miss out. When the hotel appeared on Channel 4's Four in a Bed in 2024, the visiting contestants praised the spotless rooms and cloud-like beds. ‌ One guest flopped onto the mattress and declared, "It's like lying on a cloud", while another couple admitted: 'This is going to be hard to beat.' Dan and Lois, owners of the Abergwaun Hotel in Fishguard. The couple and the hotel featured in an episode of Four in a Bed. (Image: Channel 4 ) The Real Star: The Food ‌ While the rooms are lovely, the real reason to stay here is the food. The hotel's restaurant, JT at The Abergwaun, is run by co-owner Dan, a chef who turns local ingredients into bold, inventive dishes. Here you'll find European flavours with a Pembrokeshire twist, all served in a laid-back, intimate setting. The menu changes with the seasons, and the quality is consistently high, whether you opt for the full-tasting menu or simply stop by for a well-crafted cocktail. The restaurant has received a Good Food Award for Gastro Pubs (Gold Seal) and is quickly establishing a reputation as one of the best places to eat in this part of Wales. Article continues below If you need proof, look no further than the reactions on Four in a Bed. Confident in his breakfast skills, Dan served up a morning feast that left one guest saying: 'I've eaten in restaurants all over the world, and that's probably one of the best breakfasts I've ever had.' High praise, indeed.

Time Out

a day ago

• Time Out

This 100-year-old Bed-Stuy building is now home to a chic oyster bar

Bed-Stuy's latest wine bar hopes to introduce a space where the wine is accessible, the vibe is French and the oysters are freshly shucked on the half shell. A combination of the French words sel (salt) and lune (moon), Selune opened its doors on June 17, taking space in a 100-year-old brownstone. The wine and oyster bar is a labor of love from couple Marc Lioussanne and Bilen Gaga, who lean on their shared passions to bring it to life. Owner of Bistro Général & Mabel in Paris and previous beverage director of Eden Rock in St. Barths, Lioussane brings the hospitality angle, while Gaga's hand touches the interior, with an eye that is shaped by her fashion background and her Ethiopian roots. Salvaged from the previous tenant, a long, hand-stained walnut bar runs the length of the 50-seat wine bar, illuminated with globe lights. Across it, you can find two-seater tables and chairs plus a singular booth that's pushed up against the exposed brick walls painted white. Among a palette of tan leather, brushed gold and deep green accents, including live greenery, a single portrait hangs on the wall. Found near the rear of the restaurant, the painting depicts a scene of African women preparing a shared meal, nodding to Gaga's Ethiopian heritage. Naturally, wine is on order and there is plenty of it thanks to Lioussanne. Curating a selection over 120 bottles deep, the natural wine list is heavy on the regions of France with stops in Italy, New Zealand and Spain. They seem to be making good on their claim for accessibility as glasses can be had for $8-14 and bottles start as low as $27. There's also a list of cocktails for the partaking, including the miso-based Sunset Martini with rice vinegar syrup and the Ti Carib, an island-y number with coconut, allspice, juice and rum. Even the zero-proof varieties hold interest such as the Daisy with chia seeds, apple juice and a smoked lime as does the cherry tomato water-based Ruby Red, complimented with vanilla syrup and black peppercorn. Rounding it all out, the list includes a range of sakes plus beers sourced from Catskill Brewery. No matter what you drink, it can all easily be paired with Selune's French bistro fare and selections of the sea. Oysters are one of the main draws here, plucked from the eastern coasts of Cape Cod and Nova Scotia to Washington's Hood Canal. All can be dressed your way with a fleet of mignonettes for the choosing: ponzu scallion, shallot wine vinegar and lemongrass. If you'd rather your food come from land, you can build your own charcuterie board, starting with cured Jambon De Paris and Duck Foie Gras before selecting a few artisanal cheeses for the nibbling. Each board comes with a baguette and a swipe of butter to eat it all up.

Scotsman

a day ago

• Scotsman

Ten books about the outdoors to read this summer

It's shaping up to be a vintage summer for books about the outdoors – here are some new releases worth seeking out, writes Roger Cox Sign up to our Arts and Culture newsletter, get the latest news and reviews from our specialist arts writers Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Summer is the best season for reading outdoors, and it's also the best season for reading about the outdoors. After all, books about the sea have always made the best beach reads, and books about mountains tend to feel more real when you're sitting in a tent looking out at a real one. With the summer holidays just around the corner, here are some recent and imminent releases to consider taking with you on your next adventure. ​The Lost Elms, by Mandy Haggith For many years, Achmelvich-based writer and activist Mandy Haggith has been a sort of unofficial poet laureate of our woodlands. When I last interviewed her back in 2012, she had just taken up a post as writer-in-residence at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh, and was working her way through the Ogham, the ancient Gaelic alphabet in which each of the 18 letters corresponds to a different species of tree, writing a poem about a different tree every day. For her latest project, however, she's very much focused on one species of tree - the elm - and this book is billed as a love letter to the hundreds of millions of these trees wiped out globally by Dutch elm disease over the past century. (Wildfire, £22, 3 July) Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Mandy Haggith | Chris Puddephatt The Restless Coast, by Roger Morgan-Grenville Roger Morgan-Grenville is the author of several books about the natural world, most recently Waking Land (2023), which saw him trekking 1,000 miles north through Britain, following the advance of Spring. This new book sees him undertaking an even more impressive yomp around the coast of mainland Britain, hiking for around 2,000 miles of his journey and using public transport and hitchhiking to make up the rest. Along the way, he meets some of the people trying to protect our remaining wild places. (Icon, £22.99, out now) ​Community: People and Wildlife on the West Coast of Scotland, by Jane Smith Hard to know what to love more about this book: the crisp, precise writing style or the very stylish illustrations. Argyll-based nature artist Jane Smith travelled to various different locations in the west of Scotland to make Community, with each stop on her journey representing a different type of habitat. Her descriptions of the wildlife she encounters are wonderfully evocative, but she's also concerned with the complex relationships between the people who live in these places and the natural world around them. (Birlinn, £17.99, out now) Swimmingly: Adventures in Water, by Vassos Alexander As he trains for a swim across the English Channel, sports presenter Vassos Alexander takes a deep-dive into the history and culture of open water swimming, meeting everyone from elite athletes to enthusiastic amateurs. (Bloomsbury Sport, £16.99, out now) ​Upland: A Journey Through Time and the Hills, by Ian Crofton Writing in The Scotsman a few weeks ago, Allan Massie described Ian Crofton's account of a lifetime walking the hills and mountains of Scotland, England and Wales as 'a delightful book, beautifully written and rich in memories.' Also notable is Crofton's tendency to derive as much enjoyment from climbing more modestly-sized hills as he does from scaling grander peaks.​ (Birlinn, £20, out now) Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Ian Crofton | Contributed ​The Perilous Deep: A Supernatural History of the Atlantic, by Karl Bell Not only does Karl Bell's new book provide a colourful compendium of the 'merfolk, ghosts, phantom ships and sea monsters' that have populated the seafaring folklore of the Atlantic nations for centuries, he also looks at how and why these tales came into being, and how they evolved and mutated as they were transmitted from place to place over time. (Reaktion, £18, 1 July) ​Nic Wilson: Land Beneath the Waves Struggling with chronic health issues, Guardian Country Diarist Nic Wilson examines the ways in which the natural world has impacted on her life. Sample sentence: 'The memories are papery and thin, like honesty seed heads some will blow away, but I can see through the layers to the kernels within.' (Summersdale, £18.99, out now) ​The Sound of Many Waters: A Journey Along the River Tay, by Robin Crawford Robin Crawford's last book, 2018's Into the Peatlands, was an exploration of the ways in which the titular landscapes here in Scotland link us to our past. Now, in The Sound of Many Waters, he sets out to explore the River Tay, delving into its history and also charting the ways in which it has impacted on his own life. (Birlinn, £14.99, 3 July) A Year with the Seals, by Alix Morris As the title suggests, this book sees Maine-based environmental journalist Alix Morris spend a 12 month period delving into the secret lives of seals. Along the way she meets the scientists who study them, the fishermen who curse them and the surfers and swimmers who now encounter seal-hunting sharks in coastal waters more frequently as seal numbers increase. (Ithaka, £16.99, 10 July) Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad