At last it was time to say goodbye to Royal Clipper and start our journey home, beginning with a flight back to Barbados.
It was very warm when we left the ship at lunchtime on the day of disembarkation and there was not much to do at the port in Antigua as we went through the immigration procedures which seemed to take forever. We eventually set off for Antigua airport for our LIAT flight back to Barbados which was due to depart around 15.30.
I`m sure many people have heard BWIA – British West Indian Airways – fondly nicknamed – But Will It Arrive – the original Caribbean airline which went out if existence in 2006. Well our flight to Barbados, via Dominica, was with another Caribbean airline – LIAT.
This airline has a nickname too – Leave Islands Any Time! and its surely lived up to its reputation for never being on time! It was delayed, by about 5 hours, and there is virtually nothing to do at Antigua airport. Eventually we boarded and made it back to Barbados via Dominica and not only was it late it was a dreadful flight. As we landed into Dominica it felt like the plane was going to topple over, the landing was so bad.
Our hotel for the last night in Barbados was Crystal Cove, a lovely hotel but such shame that we arrived too late to see much of it. After a long and tiring day and another early start we finally headed home on British Airways. This flight was much better and World Traveller Plus made all the difference
This had been the trip of a lifetime, to get the chance to sail on this amazing vessel was incredible. Our group spent ages discussing how we would rate her , 5 star – 4 star? , I don`t think you can. She is unique in every way.
This is not a holiday for someone who wants rock climbing walls, Broadway style shows and casinos, but if you love the idea of really sailing and having an adventure you will not be disappointed. I`d love to share my experiences with anyone who thinks this may be for them .