ITTN’s Julia Labedz is continuing her Caribbean adventure in Barbados on a FAM trip hosted by Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI), Aer Lingus and Travel Trade Representation (TTR). After several days of hotel inspections and even a trip on the original Bajan Bus, day 4 was all about getting in the water and partying in true Barbados style!
Joining the trip from Ireland are Roisin Carbery (Tropical Sky), Deepak Jadoun (Click&GO), Sarah Kelly (Best4Travel), and Suzanne Reynolds (Cassidy Travel). From the UK, Julia is accompanied by Caroline Cousins (Oasis Travel), Linda Devlin (Glen Travel), Olivia King (Humming Bird), Rachel Howes (Prestbury Travel) and Erin Docherty (If Only Holidays). The group are led by the wonderful Cedric Lynch from Visit Barbados.
The day began with an early departure from the O2 Beach Club & Spa, heading out for one of Barbados’ most beloved experiences – a Cool Runnings Catamaran cruise! Cool Runnings is a well‑established Barbados catamaran operator known for its fun, full‑day sailing experiences along the west coast. The company specialises in snorkel lunch cruises, sunset sails, and private charters aboard custom‑built catamarans that are designed for comfort. Guests typically enjoy multiple stops for swimming and snorkelling, including over shallow shipwrecks and around sea turtles, with snorkelling gear, lunch, unlimited drinks, and guides provided as part of the package.
The catamaran cruise had a real party atmosphere with music playing, everyone chatting away, and the crew keeping the energy high even though the weather turned quite rainy. The team running the boat were crazy fun, constantly joking, dancing, and making sure everyone was having a great time.
The first snorkelling stop in Carlisle Bay was a highlight. The group swam over a shipwreck surrounded by fish, which the guides fed so they circled in formations right in front of them. Julia even spotted a small shark beneath the group. Some of the agents were lucky enough to see turtles, too!
The second stop near Sandy Lane was another chance to get in the water, though there wasn’t much to see underwater at this site bar crystal clear waters and a few fish. After snorkelling, everyone returned to the boat for lunch, which was chicken, rice, and potatoes in a rich sauce. A simple classic, but perfect after a swim!
After disembarking the boat, Cedric continued the fun by bringing the group to a very local rum shop called The Goalkeeper. There, he introduced everyone to what he affectionately called “the one‑eyed rum” – a (very) strong local pour that certainly lived up to the name.
Dinner Show
After a short break to refresh, it was time for dinner at the Harbour Lights Beach Extravaganza & Dinner Show, a long‑running and hugely popular beachfront event held on Carlisle Bay in Bridgetown (typically every Wednesday and Thursday evening), known for its celebration of authentic Bajan entertainment right on the sand.
It’s far more than dinner – guests are invited to enjoy three live bands and a huge mix of performers, like stilt walkers and Kadooment dancers or fire eaters and of course Mother Sally who packs a lot both through her performance and…other things.
The show kicked off with Mother Sally dancing down the stairs and towards the stage with a troupe of dancers. This act was followed by fire breathers, stilt walkers, and a fabulous MC who kept the energy up between acts with singing and crowd participation. Guests were regularly invited to the dance floor and agents took full advantage, enjoying the live entertainment. Halfway through the show, guests could enjoy a buffet of Cajun-inspired dishes, with options like chicken, shrimp, fish, steak, salads, potatoes, rice and beans, macaroni pie, and more. For dessert there was a choice of brownies with ice cream or marshmallows to roast over an open fire. The night ended with agents dancing in the sand, truly getting to know the Bajan way of life.
With just the journey home left on the schedule, day 4 brought the FAM to a close in the perfect manner, going from snorkelling shipwrecks to dancing in the sand. It was a day that captured the energy and fun that define Barbados.
Heading Home
The return journey to Ireland is operated by Aer Lingus, whose updated connection process through Manchester Airport has significantly improved the overall travel experience for passengers flying between Dublin and Barbados. Previously, travellers making this connection were required to exit the terminal upon arrival in Manchester, clear UK border control, and re-check their baggage before proceeding to their connecting flight.
Now, thanks to the introduction of a seamless airside transfer process, passengers arriving from Barbados can remain within the secure side of the terminal. After landing, they are directed straight through the airport’s dedicated transfer corridor, with no need to reclaim baggage or re-check in. Hold luggage is automatically transferred through to the final destination, and all formalities are handled behind the scenes, letting passengers move comfortably through to their Dublin-bound flight.
This development is a major improvement in the Barbados-Ireland journey and reflects Aer Lingus’ continued commitment to offering efficient, customer-focused service on its long-haul network. With this streamlined process now in place, Barbados is not only closer in kilometres, but far more accessible for Irish travellers.
ITTN’s Julia Labedz would like to thank BTMI, Aer Lingus, and TTR for putting together such an incredible and informative trip. The group is leaving with not only a deeper understanding of the properties on the island, but a real sense of its top attractions, people, spirit and what makes it such a special place to sell.
