Royal Clipper – Day One – Getting There !

My journey to Barbados and Royal Clipper started with an overnight stay at Gatwick Airport at the Sofitel Hotel, which is attached to the North Terminal.

It is a really nice hotel and takes the stress out of having to catch shuttle buses or taxis on the morning of the  flight.

The next morning I walked through to check in, and meet the rest of the group, at the British Airways check in desk. The flight was at 10.45 , direct to Barbados, and we travelled in the World Traveller Plus cabin.

I have been asked many times if the extra cost to upgrade to World Traveller Plus is worth it and now, having seen it for myself, yes it definitely is. The seats are larger and more comfortable in economy, their is leg support and and lumbar support and the seats have ” ears ” , loads more leg room too, all in all a very good flight.

At last we arrived in Barbados, it was lovely to feel so warm – if a bit humid. The passage through the airport went smoothly and soon we were on our way to our hotel for the first two nights.

We stayed at the Tamarind Hotel in St. James. It is a really good, 4 star hotel set on a white sandy beach. It consists of 104 rooms and suites and is suitable for, really , everyone, families, couples, groups of friends – a perfect place to relax. We were welcomed into reception to check in with the obligatory Rum Punch – lovely !

We then checked into our rooms, I had an ocean view Junior Suite which was large and very well furnished. Just time for a very quick shower before we headed down to the pool and beach area for dinner.

Dinner was really good, Sashimi Blue Fin Tuna followed by Angus Beef  Tenderloin, one of the best steaks I have had in a long while, and ice cream to finish. The staff at the hotel are really friendly and helpful too.

It had been a long day but the countdown to Royal Clipper had now started – just one more day to go before we would see her!