We are heading to Cuba this #TravelTuesday on TV3's Midday

Cuba is probably my favourite place on earth. It has a vibe that is different to the other Caribbean Islands, and left such an impression on me after my first visit ten years ago that I set my third novel there. One Kiss in Havana was such fun to write because as I took my characters back to the places that I had visited, I relived my own holiday all over again.

The town of Holguin

Here's the link to my feature from the Irish Mail on Sunday about my return trip to Cuba last year Cuba article - Irish Mail on Sunday May 2015

I never thought I'd sit on a Cow!

One of the quaintest towns that we passed through was Cojimar and This is the place where Hemingway used to go to fish and found inspiration for The Old Man and the Sea. The bar where he used to drink, La Terraza, is still going strong. From Havana in the north-west to Santiago de Cuba in the south-east, this country has some of the warmest kindest people that I've had the pleasure to meet.
Of course there are also the white sandy beaches, salsa rhythms and Havana Club Rum - once you've had your first Havana Club mojito you won't want it made with any other rum. Tourism is crucial for the Cuban economy and the government are very aware of this since the American embargo was imposed.

Nao paladeras in Old Havana

However, since Raul Castro introduced free enterprise, I noticed a huge change on my return visit to Havana last year. Locals have set up their own cab companies and they are the most amicable, happy taxi drivers you will find in the world. Do chug along in one of the vintage 1950's cars that take visitors to the old town. The locals have opened their homes to even more paladeras, restaurants and B&Bs with the best food to be found and wonderful hospitality.

So yes, be sure to see the Hotel Nacional and the Bodegita Del Medio where Hemingway went to drink his mojitos. But the real Havana is found all around in the streets and bars. The transition is coming but like everything else in Cuba, it won't happen quickly

I've put together some Special Offers  to Cuba from various operators to entice you!

Tour America have a great deal for a family holiday

10 nights in Cuba from only €1359pp! Price Includes: Return Flights to Havana with Virgin Atlantic - all taxes and charges includedPrivate Return Airport Transfers10 nights Hotel Accommodation in the 4* Iberostar Taino Based on two adults and two children sharingTravel 10th October 2016Reference 515968Call 01-8173562www.touramerica.ie 

Sunway Travel
For reservations contact Sunway on 01-2311800 or book online on www.Sunway.ie

G Adventure Cuba Tours:

In the Ambua Mundos hotel where Hemingway lived. His room is as he left it

Cuba Libre

8 days from €1779pp

Walking through the pincushion hills, wandering amongst orchids and lush mountain coffee plantations—see another side of the island on this week-long tour through the ‘Garden Province’ of Cuba. Tour a tobacco plantation, snorkel crystal-clear waters full of colourful coral and search for the pirates of lore along the Guanahacabibes Peninsula. Soak up local culture in a homestay for an immersive experience that travellers rarely get to know. Let our experienced CEO lead you off the beaten path and discover the cultural treasures of Cuba.

Outside La Terraza in Cojimar

Visit: Havana, Viñales, María la Gorda, Las Terrazas,

Highlights:

·         Cigar factory tour (Pinar del Rio)

·         Cabo San Antonio excursion including Roncalí Lighthouse

·         Beach time (María La Gorda)

·         Las Terrazas visit

·         Havana orientation walk

·         All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Whats included:

Flights from Ireland to Havana

Accommodations: Hotels (4 nts), casa particulars (homestay) (3 nts).

Meals: 7 breakfasts. Allow USD285-370 for meals not included.

Transportation: Private van.

Staff & experts: Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, local guides.

Including Cuban Visa

 

Cuban Music

Cuba Colonial

15 days from €2329pp

The melody of horns floating through the air, classic cars parked in colonial squares, revolutionary statues—get over the resort wall and discover the real Cuba! Travel east to Santiago de Cuba and Baracoa and encounter the birthplace of Cuban rhythms and revolutionary fervour. Soak in Spanish heritage while exploring churches, forts and cobblestoned streets. Overnight in homestays for an immersive Cuban experience few travellers get to enjoy. Don't just walk down the road less travelled—dance down it. Viva la Revolución!

On the balcony in Santiago de Cuba where the revolution was declared in 1961

Visit: Havana, Santiago de Cuba, Baracoa, Camagüey, Trinidad, Santa Clara

Highlights:

·         Castillo del Morro entrance and visit

·         Santiago de Cuba orientation walk

·         Trinidad orientation walk

·         Salsa lesson

·         Che Guevara mausoleum and museum visit

·         Old Havana walking tour

·         Internal flight

·         All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

What’s included:

Flights from Ireland to Havana

Accommodations: Hotels (2 nts), casa particulars (homestay) (12 nts).

Meals: 12 breakfasts, 1 dinner. Allow USD410-535 for meals not included.

Transportation: Private van, plane, walking.

Staff & experts: Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, local guides.

Including Cuban Visa

Cuba – 5* Honeymoon

Flights from Dublin, Taxes

Transfers from Havana by Road to Varadero

7 Night Accommodation at the 5* Paradisus Princesa del Mar

All Inclusive is €1659pp

Including Cuban Visa

Departs: 13^th September

I had such a great time at the Princessa del Mar that I sent my characters there
in my novel One Kiss in Havana - lovely honeymoon hotel too!

From September this year American Airlines will have flights operating into Varadero so depending on the time of year, we’ll be able to fly passengers Ex Dublin or Shannon say into Charlotte and onto Varadero, knocking out Havana and that road transfer. However, part of the charm of Cuba is really seeing Havana so doing a twin centre is easily done, say 2/3 nights in Havana and then 5/6 nights down in Varadero

Trailfinders have cycling tours for the more adventurous.

For more information call

Dublin Travel Centre: 01  677 7888

Cork Travel Centre: 021 464 8800

Limerick Travel Centre: 061 292 700

 Cuban Highlights Ride, 7 nights, February 2017, from €2499 pp

Don your Lycra and pump up the tyre with a Trailfinders cycling holiday! This ride through Cuba will allow you to get off the beaten track, access areas where vehicles dare not venture and immerse yourself in the stunning scenery and friendly culture. On this adventure experience Central Cuba’s most cultural and historically rich cities, including Havana, Cienfuegos, Trinidad, and the Bay of Pigs.

Cycle along the spectacular Bay of Pigs, through fascinating cities and beautiful countryside as you enjoy the breathtaking scenery, the colourful people and get to know the history of this remarkable country. With a variety of terrains and tracks, the Cuban countryside is a cycle-lover’s paradise. This trip will allow you to travel back in time and experience the authentic daily life of Cuba’s rural inhabitants. 

This vibrant Caribbean island is full of contrasts, from beautiful beaches and tropical sun to crumbling but opulent architecture, cigar-smoking Cubans who groove to salsa beats in the streets, and a revolutionary history of both triumph and oppression.  This active cycling adventure will allow you to explore a side of this island few get to know.

Price includes: return flights to Havana with Virgin Atlantic, 7 nights hotels, experienced tour leader throughout & support vehicle, all breakfasts, 4 lunches & 3 dinners, bike hire and Cuban Tourist Card.

Epic new tourist attraction in Dublin

Epic Visitor Museum at CHQ Building Custom House Quay

Open 7 days per week 9am-6pm

There's an Epic new attraction in the CHQ described as Dublin's newest immersive visitor museum. I brought along two pre-teens, to see how Ireland's Diaspora changed the world, and was surprised and impressed at how the interactive displays kept them busy.

Getting passports at emigration

On entering the fully accessible building, we were handed our passports, which instantly gave the girls something to do. The adults seemed just as amused with the task of stamping their passports as they completed each section of the exhibition.

Stamping passports as we passed through the museum

The ambience and initial imagery is unmistakably celtic, and I did wonder if this was going to be fun for the kids, Our island's tragic history makes gloomy reading and the story of emigration even more downbeat and ever cyclical. However, the constant stamping got the kids through the initial horrors of famine, destitution and poverty without determent, and the girls had their phones out from the initial display. Using their cameras and social media is as much a part of an experience for this generation as the exhibits, and because the displays became more fun and interactive as we passed through each section the girls stayed longer to find out more.

The layout of the exhibition is cavernous which neatly blocks the themes of music, arts, sport and literature into tidy separate sections that are easy to navigate.

I was especially impressed by the books in the literature rooms which recounted tales from various classic novels when pulled from the shelf. The guides were especially helpful in this part of the museum and eager to show off the novelties.

Those Diaspora who had achieved acclaim on the silver and small screens were recorded especially well and I was so engrossed that I lost the girls at that stage. They were more amused by the sports room and found a place to make better use of snapchat and instagram.

The images taking me through Italia 90 made me quite reminiscent of our innocence as a nation and I was even emotional watching the pope in the Pheonix Park in 1979. Although, I'd imagine the JFK speech will impact largely with the American Visitors to the museum.

The girls were getting into the swing of the museum by the time we reached the sport room

I was genuinely astonished to see the Irish Diaspora's contribution to science and astronomy and this particular display was the most innovative with fluorescent light effects.

The room of notorious Irish was possibly the most fun for the girls and they were educated about historical facts while they partook in the interactive quiz. I have to admit that I danced around from option A to B a couple of times myself. Every bit of space is used with the displays in all the rooms making the floors, walls and free standing surfaces equally interesting and informative.

It was nice to see one of my classmates from my old alma mater, the NCAD in Thomas Street, getting a display to himself beside the likes of Francis Bacon and Eileen Gray.

We did spend over an hour at the museum which made the entry fee of €16 for adults and €8 for kids good value.

With plenty of opportunities to see their names in lights the girls got involved with the personalised postcards and twitter feeds. If you do visit this summer be sure to use the hastag #epicireland to see your tweet in lights. Some heavyweight social media experts like @tedrubin have been to visit here already! It's good to see a top quality attraction like this in Dublin. With the range of healthy eating options upstairs at the CHQ I really hope that visitors are directed to this attraction this summer and it will put in an interesting afternoon for those living in Dublin or visiting from the rest of Ireland too.

Win two nights at Killyhevlin Lakeside Hotel to celebrate their 40th!

TAKE A WALK DOWN MEMORY LANE WITH KILLYHEVLIN LAKESIDE HOTEL

ONE of Fermanagh’s leading hotels, the Killyhevlin Lakeside Hotel celebrates its 40^th anniversary this year and to mark the occasion, they are asking people from all over Ireland to send them any photos they may have and details of any special memories which are linked to the hotel.

The nostalgic memorabilia will go towards helping create a ‘Memory Wall’ in the hotel reception area where visitors can look through all the many photos of weddings, birthday parties and other unforgettable gatherings.

This display will be ‘one of a kind for the hotel’ explained Jacqueline Wright, Director of the Killyhevlin Lakeside Hotel.

“We want people across Ireland to search through their old photo albums and scrap books and see if they can uncover some hidden gems capturing the Killyhevlin Lakeside Hotel during its 40 year history.  I’m sure there will be some beautiful photos out there as well as some really interesting ones and we can’t wait to see them!

“We have had thousands of weddings take place in the hotel over the years and would be delighted to be reminded of these as well as any engagement pics, parties or even images of someone who just had a really enjoyable meal or night with their family. As our history spans four decades we know there must be some really terrific stories to tell.

“Don’t forget to include your contact details on your submission as everyone who sends us something will automatically be entered into a draw to win a weekend break for two at the hotel! This should be the perfect way to relive some of those amazing memories,” added Jacqueline.

If you would like your photo to be part of the Killyhevlin Lakeside Hotel Memory Wall then please email a copy of your photo or favourite memory from the hotel to 40@killyhevlin.com

You can also share your memories on social media using the hashtag #Killyhevlin40.

For more information on the Killyhevlin Lakeside Hotel or to book a stay go to www.killyhevlin.com or call 048 6632 3481.  Find out more at www.facebook.com/Killyhevlin and on twitter @killyhevlin

Travel Tuesday Accessible holidays

This week's Travel Tuesday on TV3's the Midday Show features accessible holidays.
I'll be discussing a hotel chain in Spain which is fully accessible and 40% of it's employees have disabilities. A truly inspiring project.

Group Travel international - GTI Ireland are also going to feature with some of their great tours and I am choosing a self catering option in lovely county Down which has full disabled accessibility.

The Novel Traveller

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Ilunion hotels are a chain found only in Spain made up of 25, 3*4* & 5* hotels which are part of a very special Social Project.

When a company bases its business model on a firm commitment to do things differently, and to bring out the best in all people, be they employees, clients or suppliers, it is not only contributing to a positive social change, it is creating a better world, and it is lending a hand for us to participate as well.

The ILUNION Hotel group was founded in late 2014, representing a business outlook for social integration of people with disabilities while maintaining the balance between its economic and social values.

ILUNION Hotels is a company that was created with a clear social purpose. This is a chain with a difference, as it offers a product that is top notch, up-to-date and high quality, along with values based on equality, solidarity and kindness, focused on client satisfaction.

However, they go beyond any other hotel chain or tourist company, because they do not settle for any less than excellence in all that they do and, especially, regarding integration and accessibility, because they are leaders and champions of tourism for everyone, accessible tourism in all its aspects:

Ilunion are the only 100% accessible hotel chain. All of their hotels are certified on universal accessibility. They are a 100% sustainable chain, and the first to receive the QSostenible certificate mark for all of its buildings.

Ilunion are also 100% socially committed, promoting integration through employment and making it possible for people with disabilities to join the workforce. Over 40% of their employees have some type of disability.

The price for a three night:

Barcelona:

- ILUNION Auditori: from 85€ for night

- ILUNION Barcelona: from 100€ for night

- ILUNION Bel Art: 85€ for night

- ILUNION Almirante: 95€ for night

Madrid:

- ILUNION Pio XII: 75€ for night

- ILUNION Atrium: 75€ for night

- ILUNION Alcalá Norte: 60€ for night

- ILUNION Suites Madrid: 80€ for night

Bilbao:

- ILUNION Bilbao: 70€ for night

Málaga:

- ILUNION Málaga: 80 for night

 http://www.ilunion.com/en

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GTI - Group Travel Ireland - Battlefield holidays are suitable for disabled holiday makers. 

WW1: Flanders & The Somme

06 - 09 Sep 2016		€667
19 - 22 Sep 2016	WW1: Flanders & The Somme	€667
15 - 18 Oct 2016	WW1 Flanders & The Somme from Cork	€667

GTI specialise in TAILOR-MADE tours for groups. They can put together a quote & itinerary based on any group’s requirements, whether it’s cultural, sports, agriculture, music, history or simply a group of friends wishing to travel together. They understand the interests & requirements of each group are different and use our detailed

knowledge to plan your ideal itinerary. Your complete trip is designed around your group’s interests and budget, with their specialist knowledge at your disposal to perfect your travel plans!

For individual customers, GTI provide diverse, fascinating ESCORTED HOLIDAYS to unique destinations across the globe.

Ghent

GTI’s BATTLEFIELD TOURS visit some of the greatest battlefield & military history sites in Europe with a focus on Irish involvement.

Some groups which we have arranged tours for:

-        Active Retirement

-        Historical

-        Military

-        Golf

-        Bridge

-        Sports & Cycling Clubs

-        Agricultural

-        Retired Associations – e.g. Teachers, Military

-        Music & Choral

-        Private groups e.g. family over 15

Once there is over 15 travelling we can do it!!

We sell our holidays exclusively to the IRISH market and we specialise in a smaller group size of generally 15 – 25 people travelling

WW1: Flanders & the Somme

Follow in the footsteps of Irish Soldiers  

06 - 09 & 19 - 22 Sep 2016

4 days from €667pp

Follow in the footsteps of Irish soldiers on this remarkable 4 day tour and discover the WW1 battlefields of Flanders and the Somme where over 200,000 Irishmen fought. Guided by a professional historian with extensive knowledge of the role of Irish regiments, this tour visits key WW1 sites. A truly historic era in the world’s history, now you have the opportunity to see what happened for yourself. 

Last post at the menin gate

Day 1 - Dublin to Brussels, Memorial Museum Passchendaele 1917 & Menin Gate Memorial

Fly from Dublin to Brussels. Meet your Tour Manager on arrival and transfer by executive coach to Ypres. Visit the world renowned Memorial Museum Passchendaele devoted to the 1917 Battle of Passchendaele (also known as the Third Battle of Ypres). It displays relics of the Great War including an extensive collection of impressive photos & in carefully replicated trenches visitors can imagine themselves in WW1. Continue to your hotel for check-in. 

This evening hear the Last Post performed at the Menin Gate Memorial. This is one of the most visited memorials on the Western front and stands in commemoration to the 54,896 missing soldiers who lost their lives during battles in the area. Every evening at 8pm the noise of traffic ceases and a stillness descends over the memorial as the emotive “Last Post” is sounded in honour of these lost soldiers. Return to your hotel for overnight. 

Day 2 - The Somme Battlefields

Breakfast at your hotel. Depart for the battlefield sites of the Somme. First visit the site where Father Francis Gleeson preformed The Last General Absolution of the Munster Fusiliers at Rue du Bois & Le Touret Memorial where over 900, 1914-18 war casualties are commemorated. You will then visit Loughnagar Crater, blown along with 16 others on the morning of 01 July 1916 as a two-minute precursor to the start of the Battle of the Somme offensive. The crater measured 300ft across and 90ft deep while debris from the explosion rose some 4,000ft into the air. Continue to the 16th Irish Division Memorial at Guillemont marking some of the bloodiest fighting of the whole Somme campaign.

Next visit The Ulster Tower, a memorial to the men of the 36th Ulster Division. Inside the tower is a small chapel with a number of paintings and plaques from the various towns and boroughs of Northern Ireland while at the entrance to the tower is a plaque commemorating the names of the nine men of the division who won the Victoria Cross during the Somme.

Continue to Thiepval Memorial. Standing in an isolated windswept position on the Somme, Thiepval is the largest and one of the most emotive "Memorials to the Missing" from any war. Then visit Newfoundland Park Memorial. Here you will remember the opening day of the Battle of Beaumont Hamel where 733 of 801 men, of the 1st Newfoundland Regiment, were killed or wounded. Finally stop at Pozieres Memorial before returning to your hotel for overnight. 

Day 3 - Flanders Battlefields

Breakfast at your hotel. Today visit the battlefield sites of Flanders including the Francis Ledwidge Memorial to the renowned Irish poet in Artillery Wood Cemetery. Continue to Langemarc German cemetery, the only German cemetery in the Salient. Visit John Condon's Grave in Poelcappelle cemetery. Private John Condon of the Royal Irish Regiment, who at 14 is thought to be the youngest battle casualty of WW1 commemorated by the Commission.

Continue to Tyne Cott cemetery, the largest Commonwealth war cemetery in the world, the sheer number of graves making it difficult to take in. Inside the cemetery two mourning angels kneel on top of dome-covered pavilions at either end of the memorial wall, highlighting the harrowing nature of the conflict in the surrounding area of Passchendaele. Next on the itinerary is the Island of Ireland Peace Park & the Irish Round Tower at its centre. This memorial is of particular significance as it was the first time Irish Catholic and Protestant soldiers united together to fight side by side against a common enemy.

Continue to the 16th Irish Division Memorial at Wytschaete, commemorating the 16th Division's capture of Wytschaete on 07 June 1917, the opening day of the Battle of Messines. Your final stop today is Willie Redmond's Grave in Locre. Willie Redmond was the brother of John Redmond, leader of the Irish parliamentary party. Return to your hotel for overnight. 

Day 4 - In Flanders Museum, Ghent & Departure

Breakfast at your hotel and check-out. Today visit the award winning In Flanders Field Museum before travelling to the beautiful medieval city of Ghent where you will have some free time to explore before returning by executive coach to Brussels Airport for your return flight to Dub

 http://www.gti-ireland.com/

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If you are staying in Ireland this website lists the wheelchair accessible rooms available in a range of hotels and castles. http://www.discoveringireland.com/ireland-by-wheelchair/

If you have plans to venture to Northern Ireland then check out Newton Lodge

Located in a rural setting, yet within walking distance of Castlewellan Town Centre, Newton Lodge is a purpose built self-catering holiday accommodation. It offers open plan living and dining with all modern conveniences. It sleeps eight with four bedrooms (two with en suite) Completed in 2013, the proprietors, Dessie & Catherine O’Neill have strived to make the home comfortable and welcoming and have gone that extra mile to ensure the bungalow is as accessible/wheelchair friendly as possible.

The property is accessed with ramps to the front and side and all doors have 926mm (36”) clear opening. The open plan kitchen is designed with a wheelchair accessible sink and induction hob. One of the four double rooms is fitted with a ceiling hoist which offers access from beds (profile bed and single) to en suite bathroom. The large en suite bathroom includes, bath, level access shower facility, raised toilet with drop and grab rails and wheelchair accessible wash basin. There is also an assistance buzzer for emergency use. All bedrooms have wall mounted TVs and fitted furniture. Two bedrooms are furnished with zip & link beds offering more flexibility and the fourth has a king size bed. It is ideally located for those who enjoy the outdoors with forest parks and beaches close to hand.

It is a superb base for mountain biking, hill trekking, pony trekking, water sports and golfing. The hosts will endeavour to meet any special requirements which may be needed. Families and groups are welcomed at Newton Lodge.

NEARBY ATTRACTONS

Castlewellan is set within the Mourne Mountains which is truly an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Within walking distance is Castlewellan town centre with its Lower and Upper Squares offering a variety of shops and restaurants.

Castlewellan Forest Park

Located in a dramatic setting of mountains and sea, this is one of the most outstanding tree and shrub collections in Europe. The beauty, vigour and perfect shape of the trees in the National Arboretum attract tree enthusiasts from around the world. However, Castlewellan has numerous features that draw wider attention. The garden is a mixture of informal and formal design with terraces, fountains, ornamental gates and flower borders. To walk around the forest park's mile-long lake, encountering some intriguing modern sculptures on the way, is to enjoy a great experience of eighteenth-century landscaping.

One of the Forest Park's key attractions, the Peace Maze, is one of the world's largest permanent hedge mazes, representing the path to a peaceful future for Northern Ireland. Planted in 2000 with community involvement, it is maturing quickly and visitors attempt to solve their way to the peace bell in the centre of the maze.

*Access available for people with limited mobility on scooter. Manual wheelchairs - the total distance including the Peace Maze and Gardens is around 6 miles and would recommend a challenge to any pushers at any one visit. Please see map included of the Lakeside Walk.

Newcastle Seaside Resort, with its beautiful beach and world renowned Golf Course provides a pathway to the Slieve Donard and Mourne Mountain Range. There is also an outdoor swimming pool, an indoor play facility not to mention a boating lake, pitch and putt, tennis courts and amusement arcades. A new Golf Driving Range and Crazy Golf Course, has just been completed.

Downpatrick, the County Town of Co. Down, is a 20-minute drive away. It has a large visitors centre depicting St Patrick’s story. The old gaol is now a museum and St Patrick’s Cathedral and St Patrick’s grave, form part of The St Patrick’s Trail, which also includes wells and wishing chairs. Steam Train enthusiasts have refurbished some of the railway track and train rides are available during holiday periods. There is also a large leisure complex with swimming pool and gym facilities, a 5 screen Cinema Complex together with Indoor Soft Play Area for small children.

Belfast City is approximately 25 miles from Castlewellan. Places of interest include The Titanic Centre, City Hall, Stormont Castle and Gardens, Belfast Zoo, Odyssey Arena with 3D Cinema, W5 interactive science museum, Grand Opera House, Belfast Castle, Ulster Museum, Botanic Gardens, Dundonald Ice Bowl and Ten Pin Bowling.

Newry City, approximately 20 miles away provides a great venue for Shopping enthusiasts and also has a wide range of Restaurants, Cinema, Go-Karting and Golf Driving Range. The Buttercrane and The Quays shopping centres both provide mobility scooters, disabled parking bays and disabled friendly toilets.

For a wider short break to Northern Ireland why not take in the stunning Causeway Coastal Route which was rated one of the Top Five Road Trips worldwide and when you drive it, you’ll see why.  Start your journey in Belfast and follow the coast road through the nine Glens of Antrim, winding between picturesque villages and unforgettable scenic locations, including Rathlin, Northern Ireland’s only inhabited off-shore island, and Binevenagh with its dramatic cliffs. The route peaks at the Giant’s Causeway on the North Antrim coast, before continuing west toward the walled city of Derry~Londonderry. The ever-changing tapestry of scenery and colours, set against a dramatic coastal backdrop will take your breath away - making it the perfect place for a leisurely tour. 

http://accessibleholidaysni.co.uk/

On Reflection, Celebrity Cruises are the perfect family holiday - especially for teens!

On Board Reflection Miami

I'm standing under a cloudless sky on the top deck of Celebrity Cruises Reflection, as the towers on Miami Beach recede into a balmy haze. Granddad, Granny, my teen and tween are in their cabins unpacking their bags so they can make the most of every second on the ship and we've been through the first world dilemma of whether to go for the drinks package or not.

Perfect seclusion on the balcony

One of the great treats about cruising is travelling to different destinations without having to pack or unpack to do it. It's my father's first cruise and I'm confident we've the perfect balance for all three generations on board. Celebrity ships offer a five-star-experience, best described as modern refined luxury. The carpets have a deeper pile than normal and features like extra large showers and curved corners on the beds show that every little detail has been thought through with care.

Tiered balconies provide great privacy at stern of ship

Being cruise veterans my kids know the importance of the first day meet-up in the teen zone. Kitted out with table tennis, video games and a mini stage the teens huge social area is open all day and supervised until late at night and the best part is there are no tacky cartoon characters reminding the teens that they are kids. They move between the grass lawn on the upper deck and the hideaway on deck seven, yet seem to go practically unnoticed by the majority of the guests. There's great comfort as a parent to know there are only so many places they can be.

Beautiful St Thomas

Our first day is at sea giving everyone time to get their bearings and giving me time to try out the spa. The Persian Gardens are a luxury with hot beds looking out to sea and an array of spa rooms. It's well worth joining for the week and complimentary for Aqua Class passengers. I go for a manicure at Canyon Ranch SpaClub and enjoy the unspoilt ocean view as my feet are transformed with a French polish. As well as the usual entertainment of theatre, comedy and casino, the art on celebrity is a big draw and Granny and I decide to view the exhibition at a wine event. There's no pressure to purchase but it is tempting, instead we decide to try our luck at the casino.

Volleyball match between guests and officers

The fine dining option offers delicious options and just the right size portion. I manage to enjoy my food without putting on too many extra pounds. But it's Granddad's birthday and the waiters make a fuss of him when they bring out a beautiful chocolate cake inscribed with his name. As they sing happy birthday to him, I know we will all remember this moment with joy for years to come.

Our first port of call is San Juan in Puerto Rico. Immediately the relaxed rhythm of the Caribbean fills our souls as we step into the colonial past and charm of this island paradise. The city has all the modern trappings, including a CVS store and KFCs but my daughter heads straight for the stalls selling traditional sweets made from plantains and nuts. Our guide takes us through a brief history of the old town and past statues of the colonial past and Spanish architecture. Next stop is the bar where the Pina Colado was invented and they make Virgin cocktails for the kids. We have a salsa class before leaving this beautiful island and I know that I'll be back.

St Maarten

Our itinerary takes us to the neighbouring island of St Thomas the following day. This beautiful island has all the ambience of 'Pirates of the Caribbean' including the famous Blackbeard's castle. We take a taxi from the ship and are left at the town centre among dozens of jewellery stores, even Tiffany & Co have a branch on this island. Not to be distracted we walk the 99 steps up hill to Blackbeard's Castle and enjoy the spectacular view on the way. The Caribbean is full of interesting characters and one young man in his 80s stands by a viewpoint and offers to take a photo for a dollar tip − we couldn't resist an offer like that! The local market is great for the kids, as they find trinkets and souvenirs for their friends at home.

Shopping St Thomas

St Thomas is stunning, but the kids want to get back to the ship early to meet their pals. It's not a bad call as I find myself enjoying the half-empty ship, especially in such a beautiful setting. Granddad can't wait to get his cabin with all day sunshine on his tiered balcony he gets to sunbathe in peace. Our Tour America agent advised us when booking about the large balcony and suitability for sunbathing which she got spot on. Granny and I are invited up to the heli-pad deck to have a glass of champagne with the senior officers and to our delight a giant sea turtle puts on a display in the water below as we pull away from the shore.

Qsine restaurant

That evening we eat at Qsine, in one of the speciality restaurants which incur a small supplement. The kids have fun showing Granddad how to use the iPad menu. Some of the dishes are accompanied by a video cartoon, with 'Disco Shrimp' possibly the most entertaining as well as delicious. Incredibly my son passes on dessert because he's too full but my daughter orders the cupcakes which are prepared with tiny icing bags for her to decorate herself, much to her delight.

Pool at night

Later I go with Granny and Granddad to the theatre to see the illusionists show. Entertainment on board is thrilling, something that's missing from other luxury brand cruises with less guests on board. The Beatles Show is on par with Let It Be, showing in the West End. Equally enjoyable is sitting on my balcony, reading my book and sipping a glass of wine. Carlos our room attendant refreshes the ice bucket daily and brings canapés each afternoon. I've grown so fond of him and little niceties like a chocolate on my pillow every evening!

ST Maarten

Day four and we wake in St Maarten. The skies are cloudy but in typical Caribbean fashion the sun breaks through after an hour. We take a bus tour that passes famous Orient Beach, but are too early to see the naturists. This unique island is divided in two and shared by the Dutch and the French. Three currencies are accepted but the dollar is the best to use. We loved the bustling French capital with yummy aromas from the patisseries and cafes. But the highlight is our stop at Maho Beach, noisiest in the Caribbean, where aircraft almost clip the holidaymakers as they come in to land at Queen Julianne Airport. The YouTube clips I've seen don't exaggerate.

Maho Beach waiting for the airplanes

We still have two more days at sea to enjoy and I feel panicked at the thought of returning to real life. My kids have made new best friends, and Granny and Granddad are talking about where they would like to cruise to next. Teens adore Celebrity because unlike other cruise ships they aren't reminded that they are children at every turn. In fact it was easy to forget that the kids were with us. 

Granny, Grandad and Mark and Nicole

We disembarked reluctantly and returned to the beautiful Biltmore Hotel in Miami where we stayed the night before our cruise and last stop before our flight back to Dublin. The Three Generations agreed on 'Reflection' our Celebrity Cruise was the best holiday ever.

Tour America package details

Miami & Western Caribbean Fly/Cruise fr €1469 per person

Return flights to Miami, All taxes and charges

2 Nights Miami

7 Night on board Celebrity Reflection - Inside stateroom

Based on 2 adults sharing

Date of departure: 17 Nov 2016

Our Ref: 512587

CTA:

www.touramerica.ie

Phone: 01 8173558

Join Celebrity Cruises’ (www.celebritycruises.ie); 1800 932 611*) Celebrity Summit on an eight-night Eastern Caribbean fly/cruise from €1,849 per person (based on two people an interior stateroom).

 Price includes return flights from Dublin, transfers and a six-night cruise departing from Cape Liberty (NJ) and calling at Philipsburg (St Maarten), Charlotte Amalie (St. Thomas) before arriving in San Juan (Puerto Rico) for the flight home; meals and entertainment on board the ship and all relevant cruise taxes/fees.

 Price based on 16 October departure.

 For more information or to book call 1800 932 611* or visit www.celebritycruises.ie

* Calls cost 7 pence per minute plus your network access charge 

www.biltmorehotel.com