A TRAVEL company has announced an exclusive luxury Caribbean cruise, with flights direct from Bournemouth Airport to Barbados.

Bournemouth is one of four regional airports selected by Hays Travel for the charter flights, with Glasgow, Belfast and Newcastle making up the quartet.

Departing in January and February in 2023, Hays Travel says the cruise will be 'a unique chance to banish the blues with the holiday of a lifetime to look forward to'.

The announcement comes as the government's Global Travel Taskforce recommends a traffic light system categorising countries on their Covid-19 risk levels.

Critics have slammed the PCR test element of the plans, which would mean all people arriving back from a 'green' country would need to take one of the tests – which currently cost around £120 each.

The taskforce has also suggested international travel could resume from May 17, but it is too early to predict what countries will be on the green list.

Hopefully, by January and February 2023, the Covid situation will be under control and travellers taking on the Caribbean cruise will be fully escorted throughout by Hays staff.

The two week holiday is onboard P&O's liner, Britannia, and itineraries include the islands of Antigua, St Kitts, Grenada and more.

On board there'll be exclusive cocktail parties and passengers will be given up to an extra £290 spending money.

Jonathon Woodall, chief operating officer of Hays Travel, said: "We are absolutely delighted to be able to bring this unique offer of our own direct flights to Barbados from four UK airports and the amazing experience of a fabulous P & O Caribbean cruise.

"It's not available anywhere else, so we are expecting a lot of interest.

"With the current cruise 'seacations' round Britain itineraries available from May, and our shops re-opening next week, it's another signal of confidence in travel returning, when and where it is safe to do so."

The cruises will be released for sale on April 19 and with prices starting from £2,099 and a five per cent deposit.