Latest news with #LisaMinot
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- The Irish Sun
CAA warns UK travellers of cabin luggage rule that could be ‘catastrophic' if ignored
THE CAA has warned travellers of a cabin luggage rule that could be catastrophic if ignored. The UK Civil Aviation Authority, which maintains aviation safety in the UK, warned that holidaymakers who flout the rule could be at risk of causing "serious injury" to other travellers. Advertisement 1 Lithium batteries can present a risk of electrical fires on flights Credit: Getty Lithium batteries are found in any device with a rechargeable battery, such as power banks, headphones, phones and e-cigarettes. According to the CAA website: "Poorly manufactured, faulty and misused lithium batteries and those which have not been protected against short circuit can experience something called 'thermal runaway'. "This results in them getting so hot that they can catch fire, explode and ignite other nearby batteries. "If that were to happen on the flight deck it could significantly disrupt the operation of the aircraft and cause serious injury to flight crew. Advertisement read more in travel "Similarly, if such an event occurred in the passenger cabin it could cause serious injury to a passenger or crew member. "Accordingly, Controlled portable electronic devices (C-PEDs) are subject to safety design and operational standards." Back in January, a This led to a Advertisement Most read in Travel Other airlines have followed suit with slightly less restrictive guidelines, but still banning the use of power banks in the cabin, as well as banning them in overhead lockers. This includes Eva Air, Thai Airways and Air Asia as well as Tigerair and Starlux. Watch horror moment boxes of batteries suddenly explode sparking horrific factory inferno that killed 23 workers Last year, a fire broke out on an Asiana Airlines flight because of an overheating power bank. Advertisement Aerospace design lecturer Sonya Brown told Australian media: "When lithium-ion batteries start to deteriorate, they often expand, which is a key indicator that the battery should not be used anymore. "Having them with people waiting to be detected sooner is safer." It comes days after the US They must only be in hand luggage, not checked luggage. Advertisement But some rules have been eased - What do the new power bank rules mean for travellers? The Sun's Head of Travel Lisa Minot weighs in. AS staying connected becomes ever-more important, a ban on the handy gadget that can keep our devices topped up could be seen as a pain. But the catastrophic consequences of a fire on a plane are an obvious reason to make rules stricter. After countless incidents - and with so many counterfeit and faulty goods out there - it makes sense they are cracking down. But airlines do need to understand the need for us to be able to top up our devices in the air. With plans afoot to get rid of physical boarding passes in the coming years, making sure we're able to use our devices will become ever more essential. Adapting plane interiors to include USB ports will alleviate the need to top up on the go. And more needs to be done to highlight the new rules - and the dangers these devices can pose.
Scottish Sun
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
The Caribbean private islands you can enjoy on a cruise from Cayman Islands to Bahamas
We look at existing private islands you can cruise to SPLASH OUT The Caribbean private islands you can enjoy on a cruise from Cayman Islands to Bahamas IT doesn't get more exciting than sailing in style to a paradise Caribbean private island. And even more cruise lines are now going all out to host passengers on their own islands. Advertisement 4 Splash out at Thrill Waterpark at Perfect Day Credit: Supplied Royal Caribbean last week announced its second Perfect Day destination off Mexico, opening in 2027, which will include a waterpark with 30 slides, the longest lazy river in the world, adults-only beach clubs and a host of bars and restaurants. Lisa Minot looks at existing private islands you can cruise to. ROYAL CARIBBEAN IT was Royal who upped the ante with the launch of its revamped Perfect Day at Coco Cay in 2019. The £185million transformation of its Bahamas island included a new pier, thrill rides and chill zones. Advertisement There are seven beaches to laze beside the warm waters and six pools, including Oasis Lagoon, the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean with swim-up bar and in-water loungers. The Thrill Waterpark has 14 slides including the tallest in North America while Splashaway Bay and Captain Jill's Galleon are perfect places for the kids to play. There's complimentary food at four restaurants as well as a host of bars and shops. The adult-only Hideaway Beach opened in January last year and, for an extra charge, over-18s can enjoy a private beach, two pools, seven bars and two restaurants. Advertisement Also available to book for an extra charge are overwater cabanas, a zipline and tethered hot air balloon as well as kayak tours and snorkelling excursions. GO: A week full-board on Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas is from £1,064pp, sailing from Miami on November 8 and calling at St Maarten, St Thomas and Perfect Day at Coco Cay. Inside the huge new cruise ship coming to the US next year - with waterpark, bumper cars, and 20 bars onboard See MSC CRUISES WITH its signature stripey lighthouse and two miles of white sand beaches, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in the Bahamas is a regular port of call for MSC cruise ships. Advertisement They sail from their new private terminal in Miami as well as Port Canaveral in Florida and New York, including MSC World America, which made its debut in April. 4 Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in the Bahamas is a regular port of call for MSC cruise ships Credit: Supplied The Italian cruise line has transformed a former sand excavation site in the last ten years, planting more than 75,000 trees and bringing back marine life and birds. A newly-opened conservation centre on the island allows guests to discover their achievements and includes a land-based coral nursery and fully-equipped bio-lab. Advertisement But cruise guests will also appreciate the island's laid-back vibe with food trucks and restaurants offering Bahamian specialities, barbecue classics, snacks and oodles of ice cream and beach bars serving tropical cocktails. There's a chance to explore the underwater wonders with snorkelling, kayak, paddle board and windsurfing excursions. For a bit of luxury, you can relax in a cabana or take a sunset champagne cruise. GO: Seven nights' full-board on MSC World America is from £649pp. Advertisement Sailing from Miami on September 13, the cruise calls at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. See HOLLAND AMERICA/CARNIVAL ONE of the original private island pioneers, the Holland America line first started calling at RelaxAway at Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas in 1997 and it has been expanding its presence there ever since. In summer next year, a major upgrade will see a new beach club and lunch venue on its original facilities on the south of the island's stunning two-mile crescent of powder-soft white sand as well as a new pier at the north end of the beach that will be used by both Holland America and its sister cruise line Carnival. Advertisement 4 The Holland America line first started calling at RelaxAway at Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas in 1997 Credit: Supplied Thrill-seekers can enjoy horseback riding along the shore, snorkelling, jet skiing, and stingray encounters. Families will love the Half Moon Lagoon Aqua Park, while nature enthusiasts can explore eco-tours and birdwatching. Unique experiences include glass-bottom boat tours and a pirate ship-themed bar. Advertisement With beach sports, shopping and complimentary barbecue lunches, this is a high-end island escape for cruisers. GO: A 14-night full-board Western & Eastern Caribbean cruise on Holland America's Zuiderdam is from £1,379pp, departs Miami on November 8 and calls at Half Moon Cay, Jamaica, Cayman Islands, Cozumel, Mexico, Miami, Bahamas, Amber Cove, Dominican Republic, Turks & Caicos. See DISNEY MICKEY Mouse and pals now have two private islands to enjoy in the Bahamas. Advertisement Their original, Castaway Cay, opened in 1998 as part of the launch of the new cruise line. 4 Mickey Mouse and pals now have two private islands to enjoy in the Bahamas Credit: Disney Parks And last year, they opened Lookout Cay. As you would expect, there is a huge amount of fun activities for kids including kids' clubs for three to 17-year-olds. Advertisement The family beach features plenty of umbrellas, chairs and hammocks plus tube and float rentals and an all-you-can-eat lunch buffet. Water babies will love Pelican Plunge, a huge floating platform featuring water slides and cannons. Spring-a-Leak is a water play area with freshwater jets. Adults get their own Serenity Bay stretch of pristine sands as well as a restaurant and bar. Advertisement The island features a 12-acre snorkel trail dotted with sunken treasures including the submarine from the classic Disney attraction 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea and there are miles of paths to explore on foot or bicycle. Over at Lookout Cay, there's more of a focus on nature and celebrating the island's Bahamian location with a cultural centre where you can learn about traditions and crafts. GO: A four-night full-board cruise on Disney Wish to the Bahamas, including calls at both Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay is from £920pp, based on two adults and two children sharing. The cruise departs August 17. Advertisement See
The Irish Sun
5 days ago
- The Irish Sun
The Caribbean private islands you can enjoy on a cruise from Cayman Islands to Bahamas
IT doesn't get more exciting than sailing in style to a paradise Caribbean private island. And even more cruise lines are now going all out to host passengers on their own islands. Advertisement 4 Splash out at Thrill Waterpark at Perfect Day Credit: Supplied Royal Caribbean last week announced its second Perfect Day destination off Mexico, opening in 2027, which will include a waterpark with 30 slides, the longest lazy river in the world, adults-only beach clubs and a host of bars and restaurants. Lisa Minot looks at existing private islands you can cruise to. ROYAL CARIBBEAN IT was Royal who upped the ante with the launch of its revamped Perfect Day at Coco Cay in 2019. The £185million transformation of its Advertisement Read More on Travel There are seven beaches to laze beside the warm waters and six pools, including Oasis Lagoon, the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean with swim-up bar and in-water loungers. The Thrill Waterpark has 14 slides including the tallest in North America while Splashaway Bay and Captain Jill's Galleon are perfect places for the kids to play. There's complimentary food at four restaurants as well as a host of bars and shops. The adult-only Hideaway Beach opened in January last year and, for an extra charge, over-18s can enjoy a private beach, two pools, seven bars and two restaurants. Advertisement Most read in Cruise Also available to book for an extra charge are overwater cabanas, a zipline and tethered hot air balloon as well as kayak tours and snorkelling excursions. GO: A week full-board on Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas is from £1,064pp, sailing from Miami on November 8 and calling at St Maarten, St Thomas and Perfect Day at Coco Cay. Inside the huge new cruise ship coming to the US next year - with waterpark, bumper cars, and 20 bars onboard See MSC CRUISES WITH its signature stripey lighthouse and two miles of white sand beaches, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in the Bahamas is a regular port of call for Advertisement They sail from their new private terminal in Miami as well as Port Canaveral in Florida and New York, including 4 Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in the Bahamas is a regular port of call for MSC cruise ships Credit: Supplied The Italian cruise line has transformed a former sand excavation site in the last ten years, planting more than 75,000 trees and bringing back marine life and birds. A newly-opened conservation centre on the island allows guests to discover their achievements and includes a land-based coral nursery and fully-equipped bio-lab. Advertisement But cruise guests will also appreciate the island's laid-back vibe with food trucks and restaurants offering Bahamian specialities, barbecue classics, snacks and oodles of ice cream and beach bars serving tropical cocktails. There's a chance to explore the underwater wonders with snorkelling, kayak, paddle board and windsurfing excursions. For a bit of luxury, you can relax in a cabana or take a sunset champagne cruise. GO: Seven nights' full-board on MSC World America is from £649pp. Advertisement Sailing from Miami on September 13, the cruise calls at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. See HOLLAND AMERICA/CARNIVAL ONE of the original private island pioneers, the Holland America line first started calling at RelaxAway at Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas in 1997 and it has been expanding its presence there ever since. In summer next year, a major upgrade will see a new beach club and lunch venue on its original facilities on the south of the island's stunning two-mile crescent of powder-soft white sand as well as a new pier at the north end of the beach that will be used by both Holland America and its sister cruise line Carnival. Advertisement 4 The Holland America line first started calling at RelaxAway at Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas in 1997 Credit: Supplied Thrill-seekers can enjoy horseback riding along the shore, snorkelling, jet skiing, and stingray encounters. Families will love the Half Moon Lagoon Aqua Park, while nature enthusiasts can explore eco-tours and birdwatching. Unique experiences include glass-bottom boat tours and a pirate ship-themed bar. Advertisement With beach sports, shopping and complimentary barbecue lunches, this is a high-end island escape for cruisers. GO: A 14-night full-board Western & Eastern Caribbean cruise on Holland America's Zuiderdam is from £1,379pp, departs Miami on November 8 and calls at Half Moon Cay, Jamaica, Cayman Islands, Cozumel, Mexico, Miami, Bahamas, Amber Cove, Dominican Republic, Turks & Caicos. See DISNEY MICKEY Mouse and pals now have two private islands to enjoy in the Bahamas. Advertisement Their original, Castaway Cay, opened in 1998 as part of the launch of the new cruise line. 4 Mickey Mouse and pals now have two private islands to enjoy in the Bahamas Credit: Disney Parks And last year, they opened Lookout Cay. As you would expect, there is a huge amount of fun activities for kids including kids' clubs for three to 17-year-olds. Advertisement The family beach features plenty of umbrellas, chairs and hammocks plus tube and float rentals and an all-you-can-eat lunch buffet. Water babies will love Pelican Plunge, a huge floating platform featuring water slides and cannons. Spring-a-Leak is a water play area with freshwater jets. Adults get their own Serenity Bay stretch of pristine sands as well as a restaurant and bar. Advertisement The island features a 12-acre snorkel trail dotted with sunken treasures including the submarine from the classic Disney attraction Over at Lookout Cay, there's more of a focus on nature and celebrating the island's Bahamian location with a cultural centre where you can learn about traditions and crafts. GO: A four-night full-board cruise on Disney Wish to the Bahamas, including calls at both Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay is from £920pp, based on two adults and two children sharing. The cruise departs August 17. Advertisement See
The Sun
5 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
The Caribbean private islands you can enjoy on a cruise from Cayman Islands to Bahamas
SPLASH OUT We look at existing private islands you can cruise to IT doesn't get more exciting than sailing in style to a paradise Caribbean private island. And even more cruise lines are now going all out to host passengers on their own islands. 4 Royal Caribbean last week announced its second Perfect Day destination off Mexico, opening in 2027, which will include a waterpark with 30 slides, the longest lazy river in the world, adults-only beach clubs and a host of bars and restaurants. Lisa Minot looks at existing private islands you can cruise to. ROYAL CARIBBEAN IT was Royal who upped the ante with the launch of its revamped Perfect Day at Coco Cay in 2019. The £185million transformation of its Bahamas island included a new pier, thrill rides and chill zones. There are seven beaches to laze beside the warm waters and six pools, including Oasis Lagoon, the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean with swim-up bar and in-water loungers. The Thrill Waterpark has 14 slides including the tallest in North America while Splashaway Bay and Captain Jill's Galleon are perfect places for the kids to play. There's complimentary food at four restaurants as well as a host of bars and shops. The adult-only Hideaway Beach opened in January last year and, for an extra charge, over-18s can enjoy a private beach, two pools, seven bars and two restaurants. Also available to book for an extra charge are overwater cabanas, a zipline and tethered hot air balloon as well as kayak tours and snorkelling excursions. GO: A week full-board on Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas is from £1,064pp, sailing from Miami on November 8 and calling at St Maarten, St Thomas and Perfect Day at Coco Cay. See MSC CRUISES WITH its signature stripey lighthouse and two miles of white sand beaches, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in the Bahamas is a regular port of call for MSC cruise ships. They sail from their new private terminal in Miami as well as Port Canaveral in Florida and New York, including MSC World America, which made its debut in April. 4 The Italian cruise line has transformed a former sand excavation site in the last ten years, planting more than 75,000 trees and bringing back marine life and birds. A newly-opened conservation centre on the island allows guests to discover their achievements and includes a land-based coral nursery and fully-equipped bio-lab. But cruise guests will also appreciate the island's laid-back vibe with food trucks and restaurants offering Bahamian specialities, barbecue classics, snacks and oodles of ice cream and beach bars serving tropical cocktails. There's a chance to explore the underwater wonders with snorkelling, kayak, paddle board and windsurfing excursions. For a bit of luxury, you can relax in a cabana or take a sunset champagne cruise. GO: Seven nights' full-board on MSC World America is from £649pp. Sailing from Miami on September 13, the cruise calls at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. See HOLLAND AMERICA/CARNIVAL ONE of the original private island pioneers, the Holland America line first started calling at RelaxAway at Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas in 1997 and it has been expanding its presence there ever since. In summer next year, a major upgrade will see a new beach club and lunch venue on its original facilities on the south of the island's stunning two-mile crescent of powder-soft white sand as well as a new pier at the north end of the beach that will be used by both Holland America and its sister cruise line Carnival. 4 Thrill-seekers can enjoy horseback riding along the shore, snorkelling, jet skiing, and stingray encounters. Families will love the Half Moon Lagoon Aqua Park, while nature enthusiasts can explore eco-tours and birdwatching. Unique experiences include glass-bottom boat tours and a pirate ship-themed bar. With beach sports, shopping and complimentary barbecue lunches, this is a high-end island escape for cruisers. GO: A 14-night full-board Western & Eastern Caribbean cruise on Holland America's Zuiderdam is from £1,379pp, departs Miami on November 8 and calls at Half Moon Cay, Jamaica, Cayman Islands, Cozumel, Mexico, Miami, Bahamas, Amber Cove, Dominican Republic, Turks & Caicos. See MICKEY Mouse and pals now have two private islands to enjoy in the Bahamas. Their original, Castaway Cay, opened in 1998 as part of the launch of the new cruise line. 4 And last year, they opened Lookout Cay. As you would expect, there is a huge amount of fun activities for kids including kids' clubs for three to 17-year-olds. The family beach features plenty of umbrellas, chairs and hammocks plus tube and float rentals and an all-you-can-eat lunch buffet. Water babies will love Pelican Plunge, a huge floating platform featuring water slides and cannons. Spring-a-Leak is a water play area with freshwater jets. Adults get their own Serenity Bay stretch of pristine sands as well as a restaurant and bar. The island features a 12-acre snorkel trail dotted with sunken treasures including the submarine from the classic Disney attraction 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea and there are miles of paths to explore on foot or bicycle. Over at Lookout Cay, there's more of a focus on nature and celebrating the island's Bahamian location with a cultural centre where you can learn about traditions and crafts. GO: A four-night full-board cruise on Disney Wish to the Bahamas, including calls at both Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay is from £920pp, based on two adults and two children sharing. The cruise departs August 17.
Scottish Sun
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
‘It's feels like you're walking through a movie set' – the ancient European city with new easyJet flights
And the small island nearby that is popular on TikTok right now AND ACTION! 'It's feels like you're walking through a movie set' – the ancient European city with new easyJet flights Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THIS week we're shining the light on Valletta, the capital of Malta. The Sun's Head of Travel Lisa Minot recently visited the city and said it was like "wandering through centuries of history with a different era around every corner." 4 Here's why you should visit the city of Valletta in Malta according to the experts Credit: Alamy 4 The Sun's Head of Travel Lisa Minot recently visited She explained: "And if it feels strangely familiar that's because a host of blockbuster movies have been filmed on the island - from Roman epic Gladiators to the Da Vinci Code and Murder on the Orient Express. "Now a younger generation are exploring it with the island - and its pretty little sister Gozo - trending on TikTok. New flights as well from Southend mean this is definitely the year to visit. "Valletta's pedestrianised centre is a joy to explore and you can tick off grand Renaissance buildings, baroque palaces and of course, the vast fortifications around the harbours. "St John's Cathedral in the heart of the city is a must-see - for its astonishing Baroque opulence with intricate carved stone walls, vast vaulted ceilings covered with vibrant frescoes and a floor covered with marble tomb slabs. "But one smaller palace stole my heart - Casa Rocca Piccola. This 16th century palace, originally built for Don Pietro La Rocca, a Knight of Malta, is the only privately-owned palazzo open to the public in Valetta. "Still lived in the current Marquis de Piro, Nicholas, and his wife, the quirky palace rooms are very much still a family home stuffed with books, paintings and many pictures of Nicolas' family and many ancestors. "Nicolas himself leads you on entertaining tours through its many rooms, pointing out quirky furniture with fascinating back stories. His parents met Queen Elizabeth when she lived in Malta alongside her new husband, Prince Phillip and were among those invited to her Coronation. "The pretty courtyard garden - where you can enjoy an afternoon tea - has another little treasure, family pet parrot Kiku, who definitely rules from her little roost. "Some 100ft beneath the palazzo are three air raid shelters, hewn out of rock, where Maltese locals would take cover during the Second World War. You can even stay the night with the family in one of three beautifully restored rooms. "While good value food is easy to find in Valetta, for those looking to really splash out, I can't recommend rooftop restaurant Le GV highly enough. How to spend a weekend in Malta "This Michelin-starred joint is reminiscent of the Orient Express and serves up elevated Maltese fish and local produce with three courses from a very reasonable £75." And we have all the best tips from someone else who knows Valletta best - British Airways Holidays destination executive for Malta, Josephine Greatorex. MUST-SEE / DO The fortified city of lovely limestone Baroque buildings and narrow, cobblestone streets opens out on to sweeping harbour views. It's a buzzing city, but compact, so it's easy to explore the likes of the Grandmaster Palace and Upper Barrakka Gardens. To escape the hustle and bustle and cool down in the warm weather, I'd head to the tiny island of Comino in the Maltese archipelago between Malta and Gozo. Visit the Blue Lagoon, a beautiful wild swimming paradise and a great place for diving. HIDDEN GEM Don't miss the chance to admire the Azure Window, a natural limestone structure just off the coast of Gozo - it's like Durdle Door only somewhat sunnier. Also worth a visit is the village of Marsaxlokk, around 15 minutes from Valletta. The old weekly Sunday fish market also has stalls selling artisan produce. There's some lovely seafood restaurants lining the pretty harbour looking out at the colourful Luzzu fishing boats. 4 The new Gladiator movie was just one of many that has been filmed in the city Credit: Alamy BEST VIEW Over Grain is a rooftop lounge at AX Rosselli, a former merchant's palazzo within the walls of old town Valletta. There's fantastic views and an imaginative cocktail menu, while the live DJ sets tend to have a very chilled vibe. The Barrakka Gardens, spread across two levels, also give unrivalled views of the three cities at the mouth of the harbour, and are great for watching ships. RATED RESTAURANT Villa Corinthia, at Corinthia Palace, has extended the residency of chef Francesco Mazzei. I've eaten here and met Francesco - the food is divine and his engagement with the diners brings an exceptional warmth to the whole experience. Corinthia Palace is a beautiful hotel, opposite the Grandmaster's Palace and away from the bustle of the busy resorts. BEST BAR Kamy Cocktail Bar in Valletta has a beautifully unique menu, featuring classic favourites alongside cocktails inspired by works of art. I don't know how they do it but the artwork is literally on the cocktail. HOTEL PICK The Phoenicia, on the fringes of Valletta, is set in beautiful, landscaped gardens with views across the Grand Harbour. Seven nights' room only is from £1,079pp including flights from Gatwick. Book by April 4 at or call 0344 493 0787.
