Agents were on hand at the airport to help customers navigate through flight and travel requirements, including one passenger with a terminal illness who was looking forward to what she thought might be her last cruise.
Catriona Parsons, Hays Travel’s head of cruise, said there were a "few tears of joy" from the team when the last passenger boarded the aircraft successfully.
"It was quite emotional as it was a big moment for many of our customers coming back to cruising," she added.
Passengers landed in Barbados for a two-week cruise onboard P&O Cruises’ Britannia, which is due to call in Antigua, Saint Kitts and Grenada.
"We are absolutely delighted to be able to bring this unique offer of our own direct flights to Barbados from regional airports along with the amazing experience of a fabulous P&O Caribbean cruise," Parsons added.
Hays has organised another seven cruises in 2023 with flights from Newcastle, Belfast, Bournemouth, Glasgow, Bristol, Edinburgh and four more in 2024. Prices start at £2,099pp.
