Destinations Caribbean Caribbean

We’re off to a flying start with Norse Atlantic Airways

Come fly with Amy Hart as she soars to Barbados on our first-ever flight with our new airline partner, Norse Atlantic Airways

6 min 05 Nov 2024

Editorial Team

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Come fly with Amy...

When it comes to a Caribbean fly-cruise, we know the flight sets the tone for what’s to come. That’s why we’re pleased to partner with Norse Atlantic Airways, TUI Airways and Virgin Atlantic for our winter 2024/25 Caribbean fly-cruise season. Each airline offers a consistent and dedicated in-flight service exclusively for P&O Cruises guests. They’ll get you to and from the UK and Caribbean in comfort and style – the perfect way to kick off your holiday.

 

But don’t just take our word for it. Lifestyle influencer Amy Hart recently travelled from Manchester to Barbados on our first-ever chartered flight with Norse Atlantic Airways. Between November 2024 and March 2025, Norse will operate weekly Friday flights from Manchester to Barbados, and weekly Saturday flights from Gatwick and Manchester to Antigua and Barbados. TUI Airways will operate flights to Barbados from London Gatwick, Birmingham and Manchester on Friday and Saturday, and Virgin Atlantic will whisk Arvia guests from Heathrow to Barbados every 14 days on Fridays. All three airlines pride themselves on delivering memorable journeys – just like we do.

 

Here, Amy tells us about her flight experience with Norse, from airport check-in to boarding Britannia...

Happy family vacation. Young couple in snorkeling mask hold hand, dive underwater with fishes in coral reef sea pool. Travel lifestyle, watersport adventure, swim activity on summer beach holiday

"I was lucky enough to be one of the first guests to travel on the new P&O Cruises charter flight operated by Norse Atlantic Airways for a whistle-stop visit onboard Britannia in Barbados. And wow, I was blown away. With eight years of cabin crew experience under my belt, I can recognise a fabulous in-flight service when I see it!

 

From the moment I arrived at Manchester airport, I was greeted by the friendly Norse crew at the dedicated P&O Cruises check-in desk. The bonded luggage service is so easy – you simply drop off your luggage at the check-in desk and wave goodbye, as the next time you’ll see it is outside your cabin door. Such a treat to avoid the hassle of collecting luggage at the other end!

 

Guests in premium economy are treated to welcome prosecco and juice as they board the flight, along with a choice of other drinks throughout the flight. There’s a delicious hot meal served within the first couple of hours along with either a scrummy afternoon tea or hot breakfast (depending on whether you’re flying to or from the Caribbean), plus tea, coffee and after dinner drinks. The legroom is really impressive – 43” pitch along with a 12” inch recline – it is almost a flatbed! You also receive a blanket, pillow, headphones and handy amenity kit.

 

Economy is a fabulous service too – two meals, two drinks plus complimentary water bottles, along with a blanket, pillow and headphones. And of course, that same friendly service you’d expect to find onboard a P&O Cruises ship.

 

When you land in the Caribbean, the arrival process is easy-peasy. You hop onto a dedicated coach right from the tarmac and go directly to the port to get checked in - your holiday gets off to a cracking start straight away. P&O Cruises have really levelled up their Caribbean fly-cruise experience. "

It’s so wonderful to be checking-in alongside 300 other excited guests who are ready to kick-start their P&O Cruises holiday.

Amy Hart

For more information please visit Amy's instagram @amyhartxo

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The benefits of a Caribbean fly-cruise

A fly-cruise gets you to the heart of the Caribbean that much sooner. You’ll board your plane and before you know it, you’ll be on board your waiting ship, setting sail for sunshine. Spending less time travelling to and from your destination lets you maximise your holiday and explore more on shore.

 

Beyond the time-saving benefits, there are many reasons a fly-cruise could be for you:

  • Flights and transfers are included in the price of your holiday. And that’s on top of the accommodation, dining, theatre shows, live music, gyms, children’s clubs and more you’ll enjoy on board
  • When it comes to luggage, we do the heavy lifting. Your chartered flights will include a hold luggage allowance of at least 23kg per person, as well as 10kg of hand baggage and a small carry-on item. On selected charter flights, we offer a service known as ‘bonded baggage’ – once you’ve dropped your luggage off at the airport, you won’t see it again until it’s outside your cabin
  • You can upgrade your in-flight experience. As standard, a P&O Cruises chartered flight will include in-flight entertainment with films and shows for every traveller, complimentary drinks, a main meal and a lighter second meal. You can also choose to upgrade to premium economy (subject to a supplement) when you book, which gives you a 28kg luggage allowance and an amenity kit
  • Your holiday is ATOL protected, so you can rest easy knowing you’ve got financial protection for your trip.
Tortola

How does a Caribbean fly-cruise work?

Before you travel…

It’s so easy to book a fly-cruise holiday, either through our website, our contact centre or your favourite travel agent. When you book, you can choose which airport you’d like to fly from (either London or a range of regional airports on selected cruises). Closer to your holiday, you can review your flight details via My P&O Cruises, our online booking management system. When you check in online with your carrier, you can choose your preferred seat for a fee or wait to be allocated a seat.

 

At the airport…

On a Caribbean charter flight, you simply drop off your luggage at the airport and the next time you see it will be outside your cabin on your waiting ship.

 

After you land…

Once you’ve arrived at the overseas airport, a friendly P&O Cruises representative will be on hand to make sure you’re all set and guide you to your coach transfer to the ship.

 

…and relax!

Time to enjoy your holiday! And once it’s over, you’ll be transferred back to the airport for your flight home. 

Enjoy a cocktail on the beach

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