Caribbean

Aug. 25 (UPI) — The U.S. military killed four people Tuesday in its latest strike targeting an alleged drug-trafficking boat in the Caribbean, the second strike in a matter of days after a two-month pause.

U.S. Southern Command has killed at least 227 people in 68 publicly acknowledged strikes targeting alleged drug-trafficking boats in the Caribbean and Pacific since the first strike on Sept. 2, according to UPI’s tally, which is based on SOUTHCOM press releases.

As with previous strikes, SOUTHCOM said intelligence confirmed the boat it struck Tuesday was involved in narco-trafficking and that it was “operating along established narco-trafficking routes in the Caribbean.”

As it has done with previous strikes, SOUTHCOM did not provide proof.

A seven-second aerial video of the strike published online by SOUTHCOM shows a boat driving along the water before it is enveloped in a flash.

“We will hunt, disrupt and defeat these narco-terrorist networks,” Gen. Francis Donovan, commander of SOUTHCOM, said Tuesday in a statement.

“SOUTHCOM is resolved to neutralizing cartel terror and violence throughout the region and into the U.S. homeland.”

Earlier this month, SOUTHCOM replaced Joint Task Force Southern Spear, which had carried out Operation Southern Spear, with the broader Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere, a new command intended to provide unified command and control at the tactical and operational levels while integrating military capabilities with 18 partner nations of the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition, according to the Defense Department.

The Trump administration has said the task force’s purpose is to “synchronize” U.S. military operations with Caribbean and Latin American allies, such as Trinidad and Tobago.

Tuesday’s strike was the second by the joint task force after it killed two people SOUTHCOM accused of being narco-terrorists on Sunday.

The Sunday strike was the first since June 21. The Armed Conflict Location and Event Data conflict monitor told UPI in an emailed statement that Sunday’s strike ended the longest interruption in U.S. strikes on alleged drug-trafficking vessels since the campaign began.

The cause of the lapse was not immediately clear and UPI has contacted SOUTHCOM for an explanation.

The strikes have been widely criticized by legal and civil rights advocates as well as United Nations experts as illegal extrajudicial killings under international law. The Trump administration has argued that it is in “armed conflict” with the drug cartels, though a Justice Department legal memo justifying the strikes against people allegedly affiliated with a secret list of designated groups remains classified.

Despite the Trump administration’s claims that all those killed are narco-terrorists, evidence suggests that at least some of them were fishermen. A lawsuit filed against the U.S. government by the American Civil Liberties Union states that two people killed in the same strike in September were returning to their homes in Trinidad and Tobago after working as farmers and fishermen in Venezuela.

Earlier this month, Sen. Tim Kaine echoed this sentiment after reviewing classified documents on the operation.

In a letter to Trump, the senior Democratic lawmaker from Virginia and a member of the Senate Armed Services and Foreign Relations committees urged him to examine whether military leaders had exceeded his order by targeting people the Justice Department did not say in its memo could be legally targeted and killed.

FIFA boss turns up at event after CONCACAF chief Montagliani asked him to reconsider amid the global football body’s governance crisis.

Gianni Infantino has defied a request by one of his FIFA vice presidents to stay away from an Under-14 football event in the Caribbean and instead made a rare public appearance during the global furore over his failed plan to sell future World Cup profits to private investors.

The FIFA president posted photos on his Instagram account on Saturday, showing his meeting with political and football officials from the Dominican Republic on the sidelines of a Caribbean Football Union (CFU) youth tournament in the Punta Cana resort.

On Friday, Infantino had been asked not to go by Victor Montagliani, the Canadian president of the Miami-based Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF), to avoid being a distraction from the football games.

“I believe that considering the governance crisis surrounding FIFA as a result of your controversial FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal, the media will focus on this situation,” Montagliani wrote in an emailed letter seen by The Associated Press news agency, “which will unfortunately significantly take away from the technical nature of the CFU youth competition.”

“As such, I respectfully ask you in the name of football to reconsider your attendance as it will unfortunately undermine the technical nature of this important youth development activity,” Montagliani wrote.

FIFA declined to comment on Montagliani’s request, though it noted that it directly funds regional bodies like the CFU with up to $5m from each four-year World Cup cycle.

Montagliani has aligned with fellow FIFA vice presidents Aleksander Ceferin from European body UEFA and Asian Football Confederation president Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa in seeking to end Infantino’s increasingly executive presidency, now in its 11th year.

They accused Infantino two weeks ago of “deception” in secretly planning over the past year to spin off FIFA’s multibillion-dollar commercial activities to a subsidiary 20 percent owned by investors led by Joshua Kushner, the younger brother of United States President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner.

Infantino withdrew the project on August 1 amid a global backlash by football leaders and fans, and hours after his own chief operating officer published stinging criticism of the proposal and his leadership style in a statement to the AP. The Zurich-based COO, Kevin Lamour, was fired last week.

Caribbean member federations are seen as potential supporters for Infantino to peel away from their CONCACAF leadership. South American body CONMEBOL has backed Infantino as its best path to hosting more games at the 2030 World Cup it wants expanded from 48 teams to 64.

The FIFA leader has not taken questions publicly since the $20bn FFE project was revealed on July 28 by British daily The Times, and on Friday in Punta Cana he evaded a reporter from British broadcaster Sky News.

Asked by Sky reporter James Matthews whether he had betrayed the sport and should resign, Infantino said, “Thank you so much”, and made quips about both men being bald.

Infantino is aiming to be re-elected for a fourth and final term in office through 2031 at the FIFA election congress next March in Rabat, Morocco. FIFA has set a November 18 deadline for would-be candidates to enter the race.

A beach in the UK has been named among the top ten best in the world, beating all sorts of exotic destinations thanks to its white sands and clear turquoise seas that visitors love

If you were aiming to visit one of the world’s best beaches, you might think this would involve an extremely long flight, and possibly a boat to an island or trek through a rainforest to reach it.

But one of the best beaches in the world is right here in the UK, and it has been revealed in a ranking by Big 7 Travel. Its list of the 50 Best Beaches in the World includes many destinations you’d expect, from the Seychelles to Sri Lanka, but only two European destinations made the top ten, only one of which is in the UK.

The list explains the reason for the Cornish beach’s ranking, saying: “Hidden beneath towering granite cliffs in Cornwall, Porthcurno Beach is easily one of England’s most beautiful. The entire Cornish coast is known for its rugged coastline and significantly better weather than the rest of the UK, and with the clear waters and bright sands of Porthcurno Beach, it’s easy to imagine that you’re in the tropics.”

Found just a few miles from Land’s End, Porthcurno Beach is reached by a sloping coastal path and is surrounded by cliffs to protect it from high winds. This bay has soft golden sands and clear blue waters, and during the summer months there are usually safe places to swim marked out by the lifeguards.

When it’s low tide, the sea rolls back to expose a walking route to the neighbouring beach of Pedn Vounder; just be careful to check the tide times for your return, as people sometimes find themselves cut off. Overlooking the beaches is the iconic Minack Theatre, where a variety of plays and family shows are on the schedule, with incredible cliffside views as the backdrop. While it looks like something from Roman times, the theatre was designed by Rowena Cade and opened in 1932.

Another unique creation of Rowena’s was the Porthcurno Wendy House, which she designed for her lucky nieces and nephews. This playhouse was carved into the granite rockface of the cliffs and had a fireplace, glass windows, and two storeys of rooms. Sadly, it’s now closed to the public, but you can still see the exterior when you’re on the beach.

Porthcurno is a small village, which adds to its charm and the remote vibes of the beach. You’ll find a few facilities such as a pub and a couple of shops. But there’s one unique attraction that you might not expect. The village was once home to the world’s largest submarine station, and at the PK Porthcurno Museum of Global Communications you can learn about its role in WWII. You can even explore the tunnels that were built to protect its infrastructure in case of an attack.

Aside from Porthcurno, only three other UK and Ireland locations made it into the top 50. Luskentyre Beach in Scotland was praised for its white sands and rugged mountain scenery, while Keem Beach was named as “one of Ireland’s true hidden gems. Whitesands Beach in Wales was also on the list, with the guide stating: “While the coastline looks its wildest during winter, on a clear summer’s day, the sea views can rival those of any beach in the world.”

Ten best beaches in the world according to Big 7 Travel

1. Anse Source d’Argent – Seychelles
2. Entalula Beach – Philippines
3. Pink Beach – Indonesia
4. Sandy Lane Beach – Barbados
5. Ee Motu Beach – Cook Islands
6. Whitehaven Beach – Australia
7. Matira Beach – Bora Bora, French Polynesia
8. Cala Macarella – Menorca, Spain
9. Porthcurno Beach – England
10. Mirissa Beach – Sri Lanka

Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com

JOHNNY Depp is in talks to return for a sixth Pirates of the Caribbean film – after launching his big-screen comeback.

The actor, 63, became a worldwide star with his role as swashbuckling pirate Captain Jack Sparrow in five films from 2003 to 2017.

Almost a decade on from the last instalment, new reports suggest Johnny will reprise the beloved character yet again.

Producer Jerry Bruckheimer told Deadline Hollywood at D23: “We’re talking with Johnny (Depp), we’re working on a screenplay, and hopefully we can get this done.”

Sources also told the publication that the next film would reportedly follow a protagonist played by Margot Robbie, with Jack in a supporting role.

Other key cast members throughout the films include Orlando Bloom, Kiera Knightley, Geoffrey Rush and Kevin R. McNally.

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It comes as Johnny is making his big screen comeback with the title role in upcoming film Ebenezer.

Inspired by Charles Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol, it sees Johnny star as the infamous miser Ebenezer Scrooge.

The star-studded cast also includes Ian McKellen, Rupert Grint, Daisy Ridley, Andrea Riseborough and Sam Claflin.

Directed by Ti West, the film is set to be released in cinemas on November 13.

Depp sued his ex-wife for defamation over an opinion article she wrote for the Washington Post, alleging she was a domestic abuse victim, though it did not mention him by name.

His former spouse Amber Heard counter-sued.

Following this, jurors awarded Depp – who had denied abusing Heard – $15m (£12m) of compensatory and punitive damages.

Meanwhile, Heard was awarded £2m in compensatory damages, having won one of three counter-claims against Depp.

PUERTO Rico is known for salsa, pina coladas and street parties.

But following Puerto Rican singer Bad Bunny’s performance at the Super Bowl half-time show this year, interest in the Caribbean island — which is a US territory — has surged.

And on my first visit, it didn’t take me long to realise what all the fuss was about.

Landing in capital San Juan, I made a beeline for Bad Bunny’s favourite neighbourhood, Santurce, a hip and arty spot littered with bright and enormous murals — the biggest of which stretches ten storeys high.

In the day, the streets here are peaceful, with quiet cafes spilling on to the pavement and a well-known elderly man selling flowers to passers-by.

Don’t let that fool you, though.

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The scene completely changes come Friday and Saturday nights, when locals cram into the many bars and party on the streets to live music.

It’s a great spot for a boogie and for those who love to let their hair down.

But if, like me, you’re not much of a party animal, you might prefer the region of Ciales, around 40 miles to the west, which offers sweeping, unspoilt countryside.

Instead of late nights stomping until sunrise, this area is all about early mornings and waterfall hikes.

You’ll never struggle to find a decent coffee to fuel those dawn starts, either.

After all, Puerto Rico is famous for producing some of the best in the world.

You’ll be able to pick up a brew anywhere, with makeshift stalls perched on the side of the road and halfway up mountains.

I even found one suspended from a treehouse. Called FinCafe, it serves its brews with a twist.

How does a ginger and cinnamon flat white sound?

FinCafe also offers tours of its plantation across the road. Book with Sofrito Tours (sofritotourspr.com).

Heading even further west, out of the countryside and towards the coastline, I stumbled upon some of the most beautiful seaside spots, including Crash Boat Beach.

Once a military site (hence the name) this shore is now a gorgeous stretch of white sand bordering clear blue seas.

Be prepared to jump off the fishing pier if you visit. It’s a cherished tradition here.

If you are keen to have a go at surfing then make your way to Jobos Beach, a few miles along the coast from Crash Boat.

Those who are new to the sport can book a private or group lesson with local group MOKU (mokusurfshop.com).

The staff are incredibly patient.

They even pushed my board against the might of the ocean to try and help me catch a wave.

You’ll find that all the exertion will build up quite an appetite — and lunch at the surrounding coastal restaurants is the best way to refuel.

I became very partial to a Medalla Light beer or an Ocean Lab Mambo, which has a hint of passion fruit and is delightfully fresh after a day of swallowing salty seawater.

Beers can be paired with local snacks such as fried fish, crab fritters and plantain chips.

You can bet your bottom dollar that it will be some of the freshest grub you have tried, too.

Much of the food in Puerto Rico is sourced from the island.

Pa’l Monte, in the small town of Rincon, is the place to head for proper hearty meals.

Try traditional mofongo, which is fried and then mashed plantain, topped with prawns, meat or veggies.

If you are more of a cheese fan then Vaca Negra is where to head. You can even have a go at making your own cheese (see vacanegra.com).

After busy days of surfing, exploring and gobbling back delicious food, the comfy beds at El Oasis, a retreat in the hilltops of Aguada, offered great respite.

With nothing but the call of the coqui tree frogs to disturb the peace, this spot felt like living in pure paradise.

And I can’t help but feel a little jealous that Bad Bunny gets to call this home.

Mérida, August 11, 2026 (venezuelanalysis.com) – Venezuela concluded a successful performance at the XXV Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

The Caribbean nation’s delegation finished fourth in the overall medal table, securing 216 medals: 49 gold, 70 silver, and 97 bronze, finishing just two gold medals behind third-place Cuba. Mexico topped the standings with 407 medals, followed by Colombia with 266 medals. The competition lasted from July 24 to August 8 and featured athletes from 37 countries.

The Venezuelan athletes, with a mix of veterans and up-and-coming talents, enjoyed success across multiple disciplines. Olympic medallists Julio Mayora and Keydomar Vallenilla dominated their respective 73kg and 96kg weightlifting divisions, while 19-year-old phenom Mauricio Loaiza earned a breakthrough gold medal in the 110kg division. Venezuela racked up 11 weightlifting gold medals.

In aquatic events, open-water swimmer Paola Pérez successfully defended her regional title by taking gold in the 10-kilometer individual race, while swimmers María Yegres and Manuel Díaz won the 400-meter freestyle and 100-meter butterfly, respectively.

Combat sports also delivered critical victories. Venezuelan judokas Anriquelis Barrios and Karen León delivered dominant performances to secure two of the team’s three judo golds.

In women’s boxing, Omailyn Alcalá, Krisandy Ríos, and Maryelis Iriza achieved a historic three-gold sweep. Venezuelan fencers likewise maintained their regional dominance, winning their fifth consecutive title in men’s sabre and second in women’s epee, bolstered by gold in women’s foil by Anabella Acurero.

Rodolfo Monacelli secured first place in bowling, and chess grandmasters Vicmary Pérez and Félix Ynojosa captured top honors in their respective individual events. 19-year-old pole vaulter Ricardo Montes de Oca continued his promising career by soaring to victory in track and field.

Venezuela also achieved a gold medal in modern pentathlon, and surfer Rafael “Nono” Pereira edged out fellow countryman José Joaquín López in an all-Venezuelan shortboard surfing final at Encuentro Beach.

A major highlight of the South American nation’s performance came on the pitch, where Venezuela’s under-20 soccer team captured the gold medal by defeating a heavily favored Mexican squad in the final. The victory marked Venezuela’s third ever gold medal in men’s soccer at the Central American and Caribbean Games.

Venezuelan Acting President Delcy Rodríguez issued an official statement praising the national team’s performance at the games.

“The medals won reflect the strength, discipline, passion, and love for this land. My recognition goes to every athlete and coach who gave their all; they fought and dreamed to bring great joy to our people,” she said. 

Following the strong performance, the country’s best in eight years, Venezuela is set to host the XXVI Central American and Caribbean Games in 2030. Sports Minister Franklin Cardillo announced that Venezuela’s candidacy was officially ratified during the closing ceremony in Santo Domingo.

Cardillo affirmed that Venezuelan authorities and regional athletic federations are already coordinating logistics to prepare world-class facilities and host a successful edition of the Games in 2030. Venezuelan athletes will next represent the national tricolor flag at the upcoming South American Games in Argentina starting on September 12.

Edited by Ricardo Vaz in Caracas.

A LUMINESCENT school of blue marlin, majestic angelfish, cute little seahorses . . . 

I’m spotting almost everything I’d hoped to while snorkelling in the Caribbean Sea — though, sadly, the leatherback turtles haven’t come out to play today.

But when I dive down just a few feet deeper, I see something you wouldn’t expect.

A man sitting with a typewriter at a desk. A princess emerging from a giant nutmeg pod. And a group of 26 children holding hands in a circular formation.

These are just some of the remarkable sights at the world’s first underwater sculpture park off the coast of Molinere Bay in Grenada.

Spectacularly different from anything you’re used to seeing beneath the waves, it’s almost ghostly — but mesmerising to explore.

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Each sculpture relates in its own way to Grenadian culture; together, acting as artificial reefs that promote the growth of coral, they deliver a powerful message of revival.

After the island’s coral reefs were devastated by a hurricane in 2004, the sculpture park was built to lure tourists away from those fragile natural atolls.

But the concrete creations are also attracting new marine life. I’m staying on Grenada for a few days to learn about the country’s attempts to encourage “voluntourism” after its most recent destructive hurricane in 2024.

So you can enjoy a blissful Caribbean holiday while getting hands-on to really immerse yourself in the culture and community.

Whether you’re willing to plant mangroves, join a hunt for the invasive lionfish or harvest the crops at an organic farm, you become more than a tourist, helping to rebuild and reinvigorate so the likes of those shy, endangered turtles can survive.

This is a small island nation, so sustainability is critical.

From my taxi driver to the hotel staff, everyone living here seems to be in on that commitment — they’re proud of their home and passionate about flourishing here while staying true to their roots.

Which, as I quickly learn, includes a love of food, rum and reggae.

My eco-resort, True Blue Bay, comes alive every Wednesday with a street-food festival and epic carnival party until the early hours.

It’s all fuelled by a knockout rum punch.

A tour of distillery Clarke’s Court shows us how they make this national spirit using centuries-old methods to create exotic flavours including passionfruit and coconut.

And the Belmont Estate chocolate factory hand-sort their cocoa beans to fulfil their “tree to bar” ambition before hand-wrapping their chocs.

During visits to both places, what stands out is their commitment to using time- honoured techniques so they can continue to employ the locals rather than replacing people with modern machinery.

Then there are the smells . . . from fermenting molasses while making rum to the cocoa beans being turned while drying in the sun.

From the moment you set foot on Grenada, you know why it’s called the Isle of Spice. You can’t walk far without catching a waft of nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger or turmeric.

A trip to a spice market in the colourful capital of Saint George’s delivers a mouth-watering lesson in flavour as we sample the raw ingredients for everything from nutmeg jam to hot sauce.

Even the local, custom-made cola is flavoured with a nutmeg syrup.

So wherever and whenever you eat, your tastebuds are dancing to a great Grenadian beat.

Breakfast is a Caribbean concoction of coconut bakes, fried breadfruit or cocoa and cinnamon pancakes and cocoa tea.

Lunch can be callaloo soup (a green leafy veg like spinach) or the beloved national dish “oil down” — a stew made with salted meats, breadfruit, green bananas, callaloo, turmeric and coconut milk.

And it is dinners of straight-from-the-sea tuna, conch, mahi-mahi fish or jerk chicken.

When it comes to pudding, trust me and order the cinnamon ice cream. All local ingredients, grown or caught, are fresher than the short, spontaneous downpours.

It is no wonder Grenada was named by the World Food Travel Association in 2021 as the planet’s first “culinary capital”, recognising its gastronomy, organic farming and regenerative food tourism.

Nowhere is more dedicated to those beliefs than my second hotel, the family-owned Blue Horizons Garden Resort — an off-grid, eco-forward destination with a farm-to-table commitment and everything sourced from their own estate.

They catch 90 per cent of rainwater to use for everything from cleaning laundry to watering plants. It’s all geared towards a restful, relaxing, sustainable break.

And yet it lacks none of the mod cons you’d expect from a Caribbean resort.

A five-minute walk away is the locals’ pride and joy: the beautiful Grand Anse beach.

From sunbed renters there to fruit sellers at the side of the roads and the waiting staff in the restaurants, everyone is friendly and warm like the Caribbean sun; you sense genuine hospitality rather than the politeness of customer service.

A little further is the tranquil Morne Rouge beach.

Even the Mona monkeys seem pleased to see us on a visit to Grand Etang National Park, where local guide Leon — aka “the monkey whisperer” — calls them down from the trees so we can feed them bananas.

There, surrounded by lush, vivid-green rainforest, you feel the island’s connection to the natural world; nurture for nature in a place refusing to succumb to commercialism.

Grenada is clearly still committed to the authenticity that arguably no longer exists on its more touristy neighbouring islands.

Rather than variety being the spice of life, in Grenada the variety of spice is life.

And even if you just buy some local nutmeg after enjoying the sun, sea and service, you’ll help the wonderfully welcoming, climate-conscious people on this lovely island.

Which leaves a great taste in the mouth.

IF you’re yet to book your holiday this summer, then there are a bunch of islands that are set to be the next big thing.

Expedia has launched its 2026 Island Hot List list – not based on their temperatures, but the ones that are trending right now.

Expedia created its Island Hot List from the spots around the world that have seen the biggest increase in traveller interest between September 2025 and March of this year.

At the very top of that list, is beautiful St Lucia in the Caribbean.

Over the past year, the island has seen a huge 125 per cent increase in searches.

It’s no surprise really, as St Lucia is a tropical paradise with stunning scenery from jungles to volcanoes and its mix of white and black sand beaches.

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One Sun Writer who visited a few years ago hiked through its rainforests and sunbathed on the golden sands of Reduit Beach.

He added: “With beautiful scenery, indulgent food and plenty of adventure, it’s not hard to see why St Lucia has stolen the hearts of the young and old as well as families and honeymooners.”

For anyone who wants to visit, the best time to visit is between February to May – and there are some affordable winter packages.

It’s not just far-flung islands that topped the list – plenty in Europe did well too.

Second on the list is Porto Santo, a small Portuguese island in Madeira.

Expedia said it’s “a quieter alternative to Funchal and mainland Europe’s busiest beach destinations, known for its golden sands and relaxed pace.”

It’s been called a ‘golden oasis‘ by Visit Madeira and has enormous sandy beaches – despite being the smallest inhabited island on the archipelago.

It also has sea coves and the waters are great for diving and snorkelling.

To get to Porto Santo, Brits will have to fly directly to Funchal and then it’s a quick 25-minute flight to the neighbouring island.

Also in the top 10 is Syros, a Greek island that’s much lesser-known than its neighbour, Mykonos.

There’s lots to do there from exploring its main town of Ermoupoli, to the village of Kini, which is known for its seafood restaurants.

Of course there are plenty of beautiful beaches too.

It might not be the hot escape that’s usually associated with islands around the world, but the Lofoten Islands are a trip worth considering.

The Lofoten Islands is an archipelago consisting of roughly 80 islands in Norway.

The main islands include Austvågøya, Gimsøya, Vestvågøya, Flakstadøya, and Moskenesøya.

In fact the Lofoten Islands are so beautiful that with its frozen backdrop, colourful fishing villages, and craggy mountains that it’s said to have inspired the landscape for Disney‘s film Frozen.

From mid-May to the end of July, the sun doesn’t set there – it’s called Midnight Sun, when the sun doesn’t drop below the horizon.

Other islands soaring in demand include Praslin which is the second-largest island in the Seychelles.

Here, interest has increased by a whopping 80 per cent.

Here’s the full list of Expedia’s ‘Island Hot List 2026’…

1. St Lucia
2. Porto Santo, Madeira, Portugal
3. Praslin, Seychelles
4. Syros, Greece
5. Lofoten Islands, Norway
6. Palawan, Philippines
7. Culebra, Puerto Rico
8. Sanibel Island, Florida, USA
9. Phu Quoc, Vietnam
10. Fiji

Ambassador Cruise Line is offering a triple discount on holidays with hundreds to save on once-in-a-lifetime trips

The summer holiday season is officially here – and those who are bored of lazing on a beach every year might want to try something a little different by embarking on a cruise. While the cost factor may usually be enough to put travellers off the idea, one popular cruise line has launched some huge discounts on holidays for 2026 and beyond.

Ambassador Cruise Line is offering a series of stacked deals on voyages setting sail from ports across the UK. With more than 200 holidays to choose from, there’s 20% off to be had on selected cruises running from London, Liverpool, Newcastle and more in a sale running until July 29.

Holidaymakers can also score an additional 5% off all no-fly cruises using the code SMILE5, on top of all other sale offers, with just hours left to nab this deal. And to top it off, Ambassador is offering an extra 15% off a handful of its winter sun trips with the discount code SAILMORE15 – giving holidaymakers the chance to save up to 40% in total on a cruise to the likes of the Caribbean or Canary Islands.

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One of the biggest deals gives passengers the chance to kick off the New Year in style with the Gems of the Caribbean Sea cruise setting sail from London Tilbury on January 5 for an incredible 42 nights. Calling at 14 countries, stop-offs include iconic destinations such as Barbados, St Lucia, Jamaica and Antigua.

At £3,415 per person, this six-week trip doesn’t come cheap – but those who book before 9 am on Friday, July 17 and stack their discount codes can get on board from £2,049 with a huge 40% saving, working out at less than £49 per night. And the beauty of a cruise is that travel, accommodation and dining are all included in that price.

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Ambassador Cruise Line is offering multiple discounts on holidays from the UK to the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Canary Islands and more.

Another top deal comes on the Gems of the Adriatic & Mediterranean Autumn Sun holiday, which also has 40% off if passengers book before 9am on Friday, bringing prices from £2,903 per person down to starting at £1,742. Setting sail from London Tilbury on November 3 for 31 nights, this journey has 15 ports of call across seven countries, from beauty spots in Greece and Croatia to hidden gem destinations in Morocco and Tunisia.

And for those seeking a shorter and more budget-friendly option, there’s also the Autumn Escape to the Canary Islands, which not only has 10% off all cabins and an extra 5% off on top, but is also on a Cruise of the Week offer, spelling an extra 10% discount. Now available from £991.50 per person, this 14-night holiday from London Tilbury promises “volcanic landscapes, lush forests, and stunning beaches” as it visits Madeira, La Palma and Tenerife.

Meanwhile, those who plan ahead can also bag a buy-one, get-one-half-price deal on Ambassador cruises from April 2028, meaning passengers can bring a loved one along for less. But this isn’t the only cruise line offering savings on holidays departing from the UK.

Fred Olsen is also running special offers on selected winter sun cruises, such as the Mediterranean & Canary Islands Warmth holiday in November 2026. Passengers can get a half-price drinks package and a free flight at the end of the cruise back to London or Manchester.

Half-price drinks and a free flight are also available on the Canaries Escape with the Fleet Fiesta. As well as a discount for solo travellers on B-grade cabins.

In addition, TUI Marella Cruises is also offering a selection of last-minute cruise deals for summer holidaymakers, although it’s worth bearing in mind that these also include flights. Top offers for the summer holidays include the Mediterranean Medley trip sailing from Palma on August 1 for seven nights, now priced from £1,114 per person with a £712 discount.

Another option is the Aegean Delights cruise from Cyprus for seven nights from August 5. Now £1,095 per person with a discount of £822.

AFTER a bargain family break? All-inclusive getaways to far-flung sunshine spots are seeing huge price cuts for this summer – so get booking.

The United Arab Emirates boasts the largest price drop, with holiday providers and hotels launching mega deals to entice Brits back after the outbreak of war in Iran, according to data from TravelSupermarket and icelolly.com.

All-inclusive family breaks in particular are looking cheap as chips, with the nightly cost of getaways down 25 per cent on the previous year in the UAE.

The study looked at all-inclusive seven-night family breaks departing in August to popular holiday destinations, factoring in inflation, and found that, on average, a Middle East holiday would set families back just £169pp per night in August this year.

Last year, it would have been £226pp per night.

Chris Webber, Head of Holidays and Deals at TravelSupermarket, said: “Events in the Middle East have made some families think twice about where they travel this summer, and tour operators have responded by cutting prices.

WAIL OF A TIME

I drove Irish Route 66 with deserted golden beaches and pirate-like islands

SPAIN PAIN

Is it safe to travel to Spain amid wildfires? Everything to know about holidays

“The result is destinations like the UAE and Egypt are offering some of the best value we’ve seen in years.”

The Dominican Republic has seen the second largest fall in prices, with dips of around 11 per cent on average from the previous year.

The average cost of a family getaway there would be £228pp per night this year, compared with £257pp per night in 2025.

Mauritius placed third in the price drop table, having seen a 10.9 per cent dip since 2025.

Mid-haul destinations such as Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia are also looking more affordable than they were last year, with reductions of 8.1 per cent, 6.5 per cent and 2.5 per cent respectively.

Malta is the only European destination to see prices drop in 2026.

The average August cost fell from £137pp per night in 2025 to £136 in 2026, a dip of 0.9 per cent.

By comparison, some of Brits’ favourite European holiday hotspots have seen hikes since August last year.

Prices for Greece have risen by five per cent on all-inclusive family holidays.

Spain had the second-largest hike, with average costs rising by 3.9 per cent on the previous year.

But it was still one of the poll’s less expensive destinations for August 2026, with an average nightly cost of £155pp.

Overall, research shows Morocco looks set to be the cheapest destination.

An all-inclusive family holiday there will cost families as little as £120pp per night in August – a proper bargain when you consider flights, accommodation and all food and drink is included.

This was followed by Tunisia, Bulgaria and Malta, where the average August breaks are £124, £126 and £136pp per night respectively.

Chris said: “After a few years of holiday prices only seeming to move one way, it’s encouraging to see all-inclusive prices looking pretty steady for 2026.

“For families who are comfortable travelling further afield, there are genuine savings to be had — and comparing prices across providers is the best way to see where your budget stretches furthest.”

Since its opening in 1967, Pirates of the Caribbean has stood as an anchor at Disneyland, a statement piece that has defined the direction of the park.

And that remained true last week when Walt Disney Imagineering unveiled a new audio-animatronic pirate. It’s wow-inducing. It’s also narrative-wrecking. And it fundamentally shifts the vibe of the attraction’s early scenes.

The high-tech pirate, we can bet, is just a small preview of the park’s next-gen toys. Because when changes come to Disneyland, they often hit Pirates of the Caribbean first. Over a half-century ago, the robotic figures of Pirates were a symbol of Disneyland’s technological ambitions, dazzling audiences with characterized but lifelike movements. With the ride, Disneyland made it clear that as the world advances, so, too, would the park.

As culture shifted and the lecherous buccaneers of the ride began to look more like symbols of sexual harassment, they would be forced to undergo some welcome personality adjustments. A redheaded victim of sex trafficking would transform into one of the ride’s most striking characters, and a number of rides from the Jungle Cruise to Splash Mountain would eventually undergo similar reassessment.

For Pirates of the Caribbean, after all, is the attraction that defined the Disneyland template. Its mastery is that it is a series of larger-than-life dioramas constructed around an abstracted narrative where themes of greed, lust and intemperance take precedence over a plot with a firm beginning, middle and end. And thus it made sense for Imagineering, the outfit of the company responsible for theme park experiences, to unveil its latest tech-driven master work on the ride.

A new animated pirate on Disneyland’s Pirates of the Caribbean shifts from living to dead using projection technology.

(Todd Martens / Los Angeles Times)

Reaction, however, has been less than enthused. Disneyland’s own social media accounts are flooded with pointed critiques, but even if we consider that social media tends to lead with gripes, some of the park’s most ardent fan sites have referred to the reimagined scene as a gutting. Why so much hullabaloo over a single robot? If we allow that Disneyland is a place that generations make pilgrimages to, then Pirates of the Caribbean is its most sacred temple. Handle with care.

There is, of course, a series of stages most Disneyland fans go through with any major changes, and it’s usually one of shock or confusion followed by acceptance and eventually new nostalgia. And Disneyland’s recent attraction updates have by and large been winners, as evidenced by the lovely Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, the exploratory Adventureland Treehouse and the bewitching Snow White’s Enchanted Wish.

This one, however, is more complicated.

Where once was a foreboding skeleton frozen in time atop a treasure and swords, there is now an animated figurine built with the latest in projection technology. The latter transitions from living to dead, caught in a perpetual loop with each glimpse of the cavern’s “cursed treasure,” which it continually lifts and drops. The pirate is placed after the ride’s two dips in a gold-filled room among the winding, mysterious underground chambers that help set its tone.

Dead pirates fill the caverns of Disneyland’s Pirates of the Caribbean.

(Todd Martens / Los Angeles Times)

Since the attraction’s opening, the only living beings in this portion were a lone seagull and maybe a stray sea critter or two. It is here where the mystique of Pirates of the Caribbean is set, and guests are placed in the active role of piecing together the time-shifting narrative. Story is hinted at rather than fed to us. We hear tales of the hexed fortunes found in the caves via ghostly narration, but see only its after-effects — skeletons locked in a chess battle or standing behind the wheel of a crumbling ship.

The centerpiece treasure room, where our new pirate is found, has long been a breathtaking scene. Previously, a now decayed body sat atop a mountain of wealth, an empty, soulless figure done in by selfish pride. It was disquieting, and a bit ghoulish. Stray, soft musical notes underscored the tragedy. Further on, a trapped pirate quietly transitions from living to dead via an old theatrical mirror illusion, and the boats float into a city filled with battles and buffoonery.

Gone is the subtlety. A somber tableau is now relatively loud, as our eyes no longer take in the full set but zero in on a bright and at times lively figurine. I cannot deny that it is an impressive piece of technology. On the multiple rides that I took Monday morning, I overheard two teens describe it as “pretty cool” and watched as a young child excitedly shouted to his mom and dad that the figure’s face was changing.

The caverns of Pirates of the Caribbean set a foreboding tone.

(Todd Martens / Los Angeles Times)

Such reactions are no doubt what Imagineering is hoping for. Part of the job of stewarding a classic attraction, after all, is ensuring it maintains an appeal to future generations. But I believe two things can be true. The new pirate may captivate some audiences and it can also stylistically and tonally clash with the attraction. This is the right tech, perhaps, for a more animated experience, one such as the in-development “Coco” ride coming to Disney California Adventure. Unfortunately, in Pirates it’s misplaced. Worse, it’s distracting, as we’re immediately drawn to its movement, grunts and quick-transitioning face.

I lament losing what was there. Projected figures, even the best of them, such as this one, are still media and can still gleam with light. And while the original Pirates of the Caribbean designs by Marc Davis were exaggerated, they were brought back to reality by Blaine Gibson, who sculpted them with bold, hardened features that made them at once heightened but believable. They may have been cartoonish, but they weren’t actual cartoons, and this figure is too much of a contrast, its comic-like excess feeling less relatable, less human. And that says nothing of its snort-like laughs, which reminded me too much of the huffs and puffs of the ride’s donkeys.

It also raises more story questions than it answers. Why, for instance, aren’t the other skeletons caught in a loop? Sometimes more is said by saying less, and this feller leans silly in a portion of the ride that calls for spooky. Ultimately, it just feels unnecessary, a symptom of our often exhausting, tech-obsessed, digital-drenched age where new, needless tools are shoved in our faces daily.

Thankfully, the rest of the attraction serves as a reminder that no computer wizardry can out-class old-school theater. Theme parks should evolve with the times, but sometimes it takes artful restraint to not mess with what’s already timeless.

This week in SoCal theme parks

• Disney California Adventure turns Soarin’ Over California into Soarin’ Across America. The makeover will be unveiled July 2, just in time for the Fourth of July holiday and the celebration of America’s semiquincentennial. While Soarin’ Across America is already open at Florida’s Walt Disney World and I’ve written about the patriotic re-imagining, I’ve waited to see it in the flesh and will have impressions next week.
• Fireworks! If you’re looking for them this weekend, our theme parks have got you covered. Disneyland, of course, has an annual Fourth of July show with patriotic music, and the park will be running “Disney’s Celebrate America! — A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky” Friday through Sunday. If you’re heading to Knott’s, be sure to check out the park’s free-to-visit Independence Hall, a replica of the Philadelphia landmark that will be offering guided tours Friday and Saturday, while Six Flags will feature fireworks Friday through Sunday. Universal Studios Hollywood will on Friday and Saturday debut a new Fourth of July-themed fireworks show.
• Shattered glass on Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift. Fans are eagerly awaiting the opening of Universal Studios Hollywood’s new “Fast & Furious”-inspired coaster, and word spread via social media recently that a panel of glass on one of the ride’s sound barriers had shattered. Universal declined to comment, but sources familiar with the ride characterized it as an “installation error” that shouldn’t delay the public launch of the ride, which is expected by mid-summer. I reached out to California’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health’s Amusement Ride & Tramway Unit (Cal/OSHA), which monitors the state’s theme park attractions. A spokesperson said the situation was looked into but did not warrant further evaluation.
• Plan your perfect theme park day. The L.A. Times has unveiled a new feature. Now you can save must-try spots from our local guides and build your own personalized list. Or perhaps you’d like to browse my mega-project “Every Southern California theme park ride, ranked” and create an itinerary for your next visit.

Tell us your stories. Ask us your questions.

Have a theme park tale to share? Whether it was a good day or less-than-perfect day, I would love to hear about it. Have a question? A tip? A fun photo from the parks to share? Email me at todd.martens@latimes.com. I may feature your note in an upcoming newsletter.

Ride on,

Todd Martens

P.S.

Visitors tie paper tags bearing wishes onto trees in the courtyard of the Broad as part of an exhibition dedicated to Yoko Ono.

(Kayla Bartkowski / Los Angeles Times)

Theme parks often are about the power of imagination, allowing us to play pretend in heightened, alternate worlds. And I had theme parks on my mind while I traversed the Broad’s excellent current exhibit dedicated to Yoko Ono.

What, perhaps you wonder, does Ono have to do with theme parks? “Yoko Ono: Music of the Mind” documents the entirety of the artist’s career, and much of her early work centers on play. Real, philosophical play, essentially the idea that through creativity, fantasy and a bit of silliness, we can all see the world differently.

Whether it was communicating with her audience while in a bag (1964’s “Bag Piece”), an antecedent to Meow Wolf’s “Experience Tube,” or offering instructions to count stars, tally our wrinkles, drop off peas on a morning walk, attach wishes to a tree or create fictional maps of our neighborhoods, much of Ono’s career was dedicated toward building community and connections through playfulness and imagination.

It’s freeing work, and a reminder that a little frivolity via participatory art — and that’s really what theme parks and so-called immersive entertainment provide — is a necessary ingredient for happiness.

U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III cargo jets have arrived in Venezuela, packed with personnel and equipment for the ongoing earthquake relief efforts. The aircraft are joining U.S. forces already in the country as well as on the amphibious transport ship USS Fort Lauderdale, the littoral combat ship USS Billings and at American bases around the region.

The flights are part of a growing U.S. military presence being run by U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) in support of the U.S. State Department. The movements are in response to 7.2- and 7.5-magnitude earthquakes Wednesday night that Venezuelan authorities say devastated much of the northern part of the country and have killed more than 900. 

Utter devastation seen across the Northern Venezuelan coastal city of La Guaira, following tonight’s pair of major earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude with an epicenter just to the west of Caracas. pic.twitter.com/BQv4YixUiB

— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) June 25, 2026

WATCH: Inside Caracas Simon Bolivar International Airport during a powerful earthquake that struck Venezuela.

The first 7.2-magnitude quake was followed just 39 seconds later by a stronger 7.5-magnitude quake, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS), with witnesses… pic.twitter.com/3eZk7RV86h

— Breaking Aviation News & Videos (@aviationbrk) June 25, 2026

The first C-17 arrived in Venezuela this morning. Online flight trackers show that at least four of the cargo jets have left the U.S.

“The first air shipment of equipment has arrived to support the two specialized U.S. search and rescue teams, which are arriving in Venezuela to join ground operations as soon as possible,” the U.S. Embassy in Caracas said in a post on X. “With nearly 80 experts per team—firefighters, doctors, structural engineers—12 canines trained for detection in rubble, these groups bring advanced capabilities to locate survivors and assist in complex emergencies. Their personnel and specialized equipment are being positioned to head to the hardest-hit areas and begin operations when conditions allow.”

La primera carga aérea de equipamiento ha llegado para apoyar a los dos equipos especializados de búsqueda y rescate de los EE.UU., que están llegando a Venezuela para integrarse lo antes posible a las operaciones en el terreno. Con cerca de 80 expertos por equipo – bomberos,… pic.twitter.com/ZCaQMcBM6J

— Embajada de los EE.UU. en Caracas (@usembassyve) June 26, 2026

A second one reportedly landed in the stricken nation as well.

A second USAF C-17 carrying humanitarian aid and search and rescue teams has landed at El Libertador airbase in Maracay, also seen in the background are two Mexican air force planes that delivered aid this morning #Venezuela pic.twitter.com/LR9WuSbOh2

— CNW (@ConflictsW) June 26, 2026

“A C-17 Globemaster III was loaded overnight at Dover AFB with Urban Search and Rescue personnel and equipment for transport to Venezuela in support of State Department-led humanitarian response efforts,” SOUTHCOM said in a post on X Friday morning. “America’s military is delivering the people and capabilities needed to save lives.”

When called, the @DeptofWar moves.
A C-17 Globemaster III was loaded overnight at Dover AFB with Urban Search and Rescue personnel and equipment for transport to Venezuela in support of @StateDept-led humanitarian response efforts.

America’s military is delivering the people and… pic.twitter.com/zMguJ7Ra4q

— U.S. Southern Command (@Southcom) June 26, 2026

When disaster strikes, we answer the call. USA-01 is enroute to #Venezuela following the devastating earthquakes, w/ 79 personnel, six K9s, and 70k lbs of equipment. We are honored to represent the US, bringing our expertise, compassion, & unwavering dedication to those affected. pic.twitter.com/8snA89Qwae

— VA-TF1 / USA-01 – Urban Search and Rescue (@VATF1) June 26, 2026

Another C-17 landed in Curaçao. The island is serving as one staging area for international efforts to search for survivors and victims and bring in much-needed humanitarian aid.

The US response to the earthquake disaster in Venezuela is well underway.
📍The first related C-17, #AE1449 as RCH234, arrived in Curacao overnight.
📍#AE2FA6 as RCH525 is en route with members of USA-02 urban search & rescue team.
📍#AE07F8 as RCH421 is en route with members of… pic.twitter.com/4mznPCySI7

— TheIntelFrog (@TheIntelFrog) June 26, 2026

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Kevin J. Jarrard arrived in Caracas on Thursday to oversee the Pentagon’s Venezuela earthquake relief efforts, SOUTHCOM stated. 

“Jarrard is serving as the senior U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) official on the ground and is working closely with partners to plan, coordinate, and direct the U.S. military’s unparalleled logistical and operational capabilities to support the rapid, life-saving movement of response personnel, equipment, and humanitarian assistance into affected areas,” the command said in a media release.

RELEASE: SOUTHCOM Leadership Arrives in Venezuela to Coordinate Earthquake Relief Support

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Kevin J. Jarrard arrived in Caracas, Venezuela, today, to oversee Department of War support to Venezuela earthquake relief efforts.

Maj. Gen. Jarrard is serving… pic.twitter.com/sCIhyuI63L

— U.S. Southern Command (@Southcom) June 26, 2026

In another post on X, SOUTHCOM included a photograph of a USMC MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft. The Osprey is part of an array of fixed- and rotary-wing assets deployed for the relief effort around the region.

Jarrard is leading SOUTHCOM Commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan’s deployment of “significant forces to the effort,” according to the command. This includes the aforementioned cargo jets and Navy vessels, as well as C-130 Hercules transports, unspecified reconnaissance platforms and rotary-wing aircraft.

“These forces will provide specialized mobility services and support to U.S. government personnel, search and rescue teams, and U.S. interagency partners as they assess damage, locate the injured, and deliver critical, life-saving assistance,” SOUTHCOM said in a statement.

The Pentagon released images of a U.S. Army CH-47 Chinook transport helicopter loading up personnel and supplies in Honduras for potential participation in this mission.

All this is being anchored by the two Navy vessels, which have been in the region for months.

Earthquake relief support from the sea:
The @USNavy has a proud legacy of providing disaster relief directly from the sea.#SOUTHCOM has directed USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD 28) and USS Billings (LCS 15) to Venezuela to support @DeptofState-led U.S. government relief operations in… pic.twitter.com/z1JJ0aLjSl

— U.S. Southern Command (@Southcom) June 26, 2026

Of the two, Fort Lauderdale has been in the Caribbean the longest and took part in the counternarcotics operation that led to the capture of former Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro, now in custody in the U.S. The rest of the ships assigned to that mission left the region months ago.

Fort Lauderdale can embark multiple types of rotary wing aircraft, including Marine MV-22B Ospreys and UH-1Y Venoms. Other helicopters can use their large deck area for resupply and refueling, as well. The vessel could be used as a staging area to deliver aid and extract wounded from a nearby port or off the coast of Venezuela. Hundreds of sailors and Marines aboard could assist with humanitarian efforts, from the ship or on the ground. 

The flight deck of Billings, which arrived in the Caribbean in March, is much smaller and supports the ship’s MH-60 Seahawk helicopter and drones. It can also be used by other helicopters.

If needed, there are additional Navy assets operating off the East Coast that could be re-tasked to SOUTHCOM. 

The amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima recently returned to Norfolk from a 10-month deployment in the Caribbean. If it has not yet entered its planned maintenance availability, the vessel could be redeployed if called upon. 

Much less likely is moving the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz. The fleet’s oldest carrier left Mayport, FL, on Wednesday and is now participating in large-scale FLEETEX before a planned transit to New York for America 250 events. 

Rolling deep ⚓💪🌊

Twenty-six ships from 13 partner and allied nations steam in formation with Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) during a multinational maritime exercise as part of Fleet Exercise (FLEETEX) 250 in the Atlantic Ocean, June 25, 2026. Nimitz is… pic.twitter.com/0p0yyvm0QV

— U.S. Navy (@USNavy) June 26, 2026

Meanwhile, America’s unique array of ISR assets can be critical to Venezuela’s relief efforts.

Platforms like MQ-9 Reaper and MQ-4C Triton drones and piloted aircraft like P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol craft and even U-2 Dragon Lady spy planes could bring a lot of sensor power to bear to help with search and rescue, mapping and provide other geospatial intelligence benefits to develop a clearer picture of the situation.

This relief effort is still unfolding and the full extent of the damage is still coming to light. As we previously noted, the disaster offers an opportunity for the U.S. military to foster improving relations with Venezuela almost half a year after Maduro was snatched out of Caracas.

This is where the US military can broadly impact the relationship with Venezuela again. They are now our friends? Go big helping them here. We are prepared and ready for this mission. Huge opportunity here. https://t.co/pu8RSRMjUK

— Tyler Rogoway (@Aviation_Intel) June 25, 2026

U.S. President Donald Trump appears to have seized on this chance, at least to some degree, announcing America would play a key role in helping Venezuela in a post on his Truth Social site.

“The two major earthquakes that just hit the great people of Venezuela are both massive in scale and have left a devastating number of deaths,” Trump proclaimed. “The U.S.A. stands ready, willing, and able to help! I have instructed all agencies of our government to get ready to move quickly. We will be there for our new and great friends. Early reports are not good!!!”

We thank U.S. President Donald Trump and his administration, who have been in constant contact with Venezuelan authorities, offering support and solidarity to the people of Venezuela in the face of this tragedy that has plunged us into mourning. https://t.co/nw2bupuN7C

— Delcy Rodríguez (@delcyrodriguezv) June 25, 2026

It is unclear how much larger the U.S. military presence will grow for this mission. Several other countries are taking part as well and China has pledged to. Trump has made keeping the Caribbean under the control of the U.S. a major part of his administration’s plans and a top reason for removing Maduro was to stem the influence of China and Russia there.

MOFA: China to provide humanitarian assistance to Venezuela

China will provide emergency humanitarian assistance to Venezuela, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Friday. He added that China is prepared to provide further support as the disaster situation… pic.twitter.com/zpge2sGNXb

— CGTN Frontline (@Frontlinestory) June 26, 2026

We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates when warranted.

UPDATE: 3:28 PM EDT –

SOUTHCOM provided an update on the assets being deployed:

• Two U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster aircraft are transporting U.S. Urban Search and Rescue teams based in Los Angeles and Fairfax, Virginia, and one U.S. Air Force C-17 will deliver load-movement equipment to Caracas.

• U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Ospreys will transport an airfield assessment team to Venezuela to support airport operations that were impacted near the earthquake epicenter.

• The U.S. Navy’s San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD 28) and Freedom-variant littoral combat ship USS Billings (LCS 15) have arrived in waters near Venezuela and will begin supporting relief and live-saving efforts.

• Three U.S. Army CH-47 Chinooks and crews from Joint Task Force-Bravo will depart Soto Cano Air Base in Honduras en route to support the transport of key personnel and supplies aiding impacted Venezuelan communities.

• The command’s U.S. Space Force component is providing satellite imagery of devastated areas to disaster relief planners in Venezuela to aid them in assessing where immediate live-saving and aid efforts are needed most and identifying what capability requests to prioritize.

Contact the author: howard@twz.com

Had enough of the heat? Grab your bags and enjoy utter luxury with Club Med prices in July

Club Med has officially unveiled an enticing selection of last-minute summer holiday offers, giving spontaneous travellers the chance to save up to 15% on last-minute breaks. Tailored for those prepared to jet off at a moment’s notice, this time-limited promotion delivers sunshine, sandy shores and luxury at a fraction of the usual cost.

Holiday seekers will need to move quickly, however, as spaces are restricted across selected dates and properties. To maintain the excitement, Club Med will be introducing fresh departure offers every Friday, reports the Manchester Evening News.

Renowned for its upmarket all-inclusive holidays, Club Med provides idyllic getaways to stunning locations across the globe. Each package bundles together high-end accommodation with fine dining, unlimited activities and childcare into one transparent price, allowing guests to unwind and savour a much-needed escape.

READ MORE:

From the sun-kissed coastal havens of Europe to the palm-lined shores of the Caribbean, we’ve compiled some of the finest resorts for a last-minute holiday you’ll treasure forever.

Club Med Magna, Marbella

The 12-acre Club Med Magna Marbella is a sun-soaked resort ideally situated for reaching central Marbella. Visitors can unwind beside the family lagoon pool and the adults-only Zen Zone or get involved in numerous activities such as padel tennis.

The resort also features outstanding dining experiences at the sophisticated Suenos restaurant and the Tierra Gourmet Lounge, which offers regional specialities such as jamón ibérico. Additionally, there are four distinct bars where guests can savour a holiday drink.

Save up to 15% on a last minute holiday

Prices vary

Club Med

Book now

Travel dates are available until July, with new deals added every Friday

As the sun-kissed shores of Marbella continue to be a favourite amongst British tourists, holidaymakers can also discover reduced Spanish getaways with savings of up to £600 through TUI. Budget-conscious last-minute escapes are also on offer for under £500 with Love Holidays.

TripAdvisor users have given the resort glowing reviews, with one describing it as ‘THE family destination’. One visitor said: “Our stay was simply amazing, everything is thoughtfully designed with families in mind. Our 4-year-old absolutely loved the kids’ club… the food was exceptional. There were so many spaces to explore with our children, and a great range of sports and activities to enjoy – paddle, tennis, Pilates and more.”

Another guest did observe that the location was an “Isolated village, without much personality, but a hotel of good quality, made for sport and sun.”

On the whole, though, the prevailing view mirrored this assessment, stating: “Very good experience at Club Med Magna Marbella. Everything was perfect, buffet, kids club and entertainment.”

Club Med Da Balaia, Algarve

Perched atop the famous red cliffs of the Algarve, Club Med Da Balaia is a paradise for golf enthusiasts. Visitors can also unwind beside the unique natural eco-pool or try their hand at numerous activities, including flying trapeze and archery.

The resort also features excellent dining at the Balaïa Restaurant and the relaxed lounge, offering authentic Portuguese fare alongside stunning ocean vistas. There’s also a spa on-site providing bespoke treatments and ample indulgence.

The Algarve remains a firm favourite holiday destination for Brits seeking a getaway. Currently, Love Holidays has last-minute, room-only Portugal breaks from £119 per person, while Golf Breaks provides specially designed escapes for devotees of the sport.

At Club Med, TripAdvisor reviewers are full of praise for the resort, with one declaring: “Our stay at Club Med La Balaia was simply fantastic from start to finish. Set in a stunning location overlooking a beautiful, family-friendly beach, the resort offers the perfect balance of activity and relaxation.”

While one visitor mentioned the pool was “ok, maybe a bit warmer may have been ideal,” the overall sentiment mirrored this review: “We had an absolutely wonderful week at Club Med de Da Balaia…three young children, parents and grandmother. Everything was there for a successful holiday: sunny weather and beautiful surroundings.”

Cefalù, Sicily

The flagship Exclusive Collection Cefalù is a luxury resort superbly located on the iconic Italian island of Sicily. Guests can unwind in the restored 18th-century palazzo lounge or participate in numerous activities, including sunset yoga and Europe’s first stand-up paddleboarding school.

After an action-packed day, the resort features impressive dining options to satisfy every appetite. Visitors are then treated to a delectable Sicilian-inspired menu that perfectly captures the authentic flavours of the region.

Travellers unlucky enough to miss out on a Club Med stay could try booking a break to Italy with British Airways Holidays instead. Alternatively, Citalia offers a range of specially selected tours and holidays in the region.

Guest reviewers overwhelmingly praise the resort, with one hailing it as a ‘magical place’ where “the food is to die for’. They also praise the stunning views and say that just being 10-15 minutes away from Cefalu town in Sicily ‘is something very special.”

While one guest noted that, unlike some other Club Med locations, there was “no show at happy hour, no barbecue, no themed evening.”

Most, however, enjoyed their stay with another adding: “We had an absolutely exceptional time at Club Med de Céfalù! The setting is simply magical: breathtaking views of the Tyrrhenian Sea, elegant architecture perfectly integrated with nature, and a serene atmosphere that immediately invites relaxation.”

Club Med Palmiye, Turkey

Positioned south of Antalya close to the Taurus mountains, Club Med Palmiye is a beachfront resort nestled along a Mediterranean shoreline. Holidaymakers can opt to unwind beside the family pool or the adults-only Zen pool, or take part in numerous activities including flying trapeze and wakeboarding..

When it comes to dining, the resort provides multiple choices to cater for varying preferences. Guests can sample Turkish cuisine in a restaurant boasting a duck pond moat. There’s also a vibrant beach bar to enjoy as evening approaches.

Turkey’s southern coastline delivers budget-friendly entertainment and warm weather. Some other excellent bargains to the area include all-inclusive getaways with On The Beach, and Mr and Mrs Smith provide thoughtfully selected stays in upscale accommodations.

As you’d anticipate from Club Med, the Palmiye resort has also garnered numerous positive reviews on TripAdvisor. One said: “A great place for early birds and those who like to do a lot of different activities, to learn tennis and padel, circus trapeze, sailing basics and waterski.”

While one visitor mentioned slight annoyances with “long lines” for waterskiing, the overall verdict reflected the sentiment of an ideal family retreat. Another repeat guest proclaimed: “We came here after 2 years again, it was a good experience, so we come again, and we will come every year.”

For those contemplating a long-haul escape, the Punta Cana Resort in the Dominican Republic offers particular appeal to families.

A perfect choice for summer holidays, it features Club Med’s biggest water park, boasting more than 20 slides and splash zones, alongside a luxurious spa..

With a 4.4-star rating on TripAdvisor, guests commend the beautiful beach and the expert instructors who help families master new pursuits, including golf and tennis. Meanwhile, the Club Med resort in Marrakech has been described as a ‘magical destination’ where visitors can swap unpredictable weather for golden sunsets, colourful souks and the enchanting scent of spices wafting through the streets.

To discover more about last-minute getaways with Club Med, click here to save 15%.

Walking through Budapest, it is impossible not to notice the contradictions. Hungary is a member of NATO, a member of the European Union, and a beneficiary of decades of Western integration. At the same time, Chinese companies are building multibillion-dollar factories, Russian energy remains essential, and Viktor Orbán spent years cultivating close ties with both Moscow and Beijing. 

From Caracas, many would interpret this reality as an anomaly. Perhaps for a country so accustomed to contradictions, it is a window into the world that is coming. Or into the world that already arrived.

For decades, international politics was dominated by a relatively straightforward question: whose side are you on? The Cold War forced countries to choose between Washington and Moscow, although Venezuela took a novel approach in the second half of its democratic period. Even after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the American unipolar moment sustained the assumption that development, prosperity, and international integration were ultimately synonymous with Westernization.

The twenty-first century has proven more complicated. Turkey purchases Russian weapons while hosting American bases as a NATO member. India participates in strategic partnerships with the United States while maintaining longstanding military and energy ties with Moscow. The United Arab Emirates hosts capital, companies, and citizens from virtually every geopolitical camp. Hungary, home to CPAC Europe and a destination for both Chinese investment and Western conservative movements, has perhaps turned this logic into a national strategy more successfully than any other European country.

These countries are not neutral. Nor are they non-aligned in the classical Cold War sense. They are states that have learned to maximize their options in a multipolar world.

Time to embrace multipolarity?

For years, discussions about Venezuela’s future have been framed as a choice between opposing models. Would the country resemble Cuba or Colombia? Nicaragua or Costa Rica? Would a transition imply a return to the Western consensus that shaped much of Latin America after the Cold War?

Five months after January 3 and the beginning of a period of unprecedented American tutelage, those questions appear increasingly outdated.

The symbolism of recent weeks is difficult to ignore. While Delcy Rodríguez was in India seeking to deepen energy ties with one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, General Dan Caine was simultaneously in Caracas discussing security cooperation with Venezuelan authorities. In the traditional chavista worldview, these developments would have belonged to rival geopolitical universes. In today’s Venezuela, they increasingly appear as part of the same strategy.

Venezuela arrives at this reality from a different place. Questions of external influence, compromised sovereignty, competing centers of power, and tutelage have played a far larger role here than among our neighbors.

The concept of regime learning refers to the ways political systems adapt in order to survive. In Venezuela, that process has already transformed the country’s economic model. Price controls have largely been abandoned. The private sector is in a slow process of rehabilitation. In short, revolutionary orthodoxy has repeatedly yielded to political necessity.

Regime learning does not only change how states govern. It changes how they understand the world.

What is becoming apparent in 2026 is that the same process may be transforming Venezuela’s geopolitical posture.

The Bolivarian Revolution was founded on a particular assumption. Venezuela would help construct an alternative pole of power, aligned with actors such as Cuba, Russia, Iran, and eventually China. The goal was not merely to diversify partnerships. It was to build a geopolitical project capable of challenging American influence in the hemisphere.

Twenty-five years later, the lesson learned appears remarkably different.

Arriving late to the game

Russia became absorbed by its invasion of Ukraine. China proved willing to defend its own interests, but not necessarily those of its partners. Iran remained geographically distant and economically constrained. Cuba, despite years of leeching off the Venezuelan state, proved largely incapable of defending the revolution against genuine external pressures. The experience of governing under sanctions, isolation, economic collapse, and great-power competition appears to have produced a different conclusion: dependence on any single external patron creates vulnerabilities.

The logical response is not non-alignment, but rather hedging.

Instead of anchoring Venezuela to a single geopolitical camp, the emerging strategy appears designed to maintain productive relations with several simultaneously. Security cooperation with Washington. Oil exports to India. Commercial ties with China. Investment from the Gulf. Access to Western financial markets. None of these relationships are mutually exclusive. In fact, they reinforce one another.

To some extent, there is nothing uniquely Venezuelan about this. Much of Latin America already operates in a multipolar environment. Governments across the ideological spectrum maintain economic ties with China while preserving political, commercial, and security relationships with the United States. Yet Venezuela arrives at this reality from a very different place. Questions of external influence, compromised sovereignty, competing centers of power, and political tutelage have played a far larger role in Venezuelan politics than in most neighboring countries.

The lesson Venezuela appears to be learning is neither socialist nor liberal, neither anti-Western nor fully Western.

In some respects, the country’s experience over the last quarter century has more in common with the dilemmas faced by some post-communist European states (like Ukraine) than with those of Colombia, Peru, or Ecuador. Venezuela is never going to become Switzerland, nor is it going to become India. It lacks the geography, the institutions, and the scale required for either role. Yet it may be discovering a different path, one better suited to its circumstances: not a great power, not a neutral sanctuary, but a medium-sized energy producer whose strategic value derives from its ability to remain relevant to multiple centers of power simultaneously.

This is what makes Hungary such a useful comparison. Not because Hungary represents a political model for Venezuela, nor because Viktor Orbán and Nicolás Maduro are comparable figures. If anything, a Venezuelan transition led by María Corina Machado would likely have more in common ideologically with a post-Orbán government than with Orbán himself. Yet that is precisely the point. Even a post-Orbán Hungary would remain a member of NATO and the European Union, continue attracting Chinese investment, and remain constrained by the economic and energy relationships accumulated over decades. Hungary is useful because it illustrates a broader phenomenon: the emergence of states whose prosperity depends less on belonging to a bloc than on remaining useful to several at once.

Viewed from this perspective, Venezuela’s current trajectory increasingly resembles neither Cuba nor the Colombia of the early 2000s. It is not moving toward the permanent isolation of the former, nor toward the straightforward Western alignment of the latter under Álvaro Uribe. Instead, it is beginning to occupy an intermediate position, one that may become increasingly common in a multipolar world.

The Bolivarian Revolution aspired to create a twenty-first-century Cuba. Five months after January 3, its most enduring geopolitical legacy may be the emergence of an oil-rich Hungary in the Caribbean.

Regime learning does not only change how states govern. It changes how they understand the world. After 25 years of revolution, sanctions, collapse, and adaptation, the lesson Venezuela appears to be learning is neither socialist nor liberal, neither anti-Western nor fully Western. It is something more pragmatic: in a multipolar world, survival belongs to those who can make themselves useful to everyone.

Here’s TWZ’s weekly carrier tracker monitoring America’s flattop fleet, including Carrier Strike Groups (CSG) and Amphibious Ready Groups (ARG), using publicly available open-source information. Given the carrier picture is largely unchanged compared to last week, this week’s tracker highlights the big-deck amphibious fleet.

Much of America’s fleet of nine amphibious assault ships is hard at work as the U.S. opts to replace the Iwo Jima ARG in Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) with a “sub-optimized” Littoral Combat Force (LCF). The LCF appears to be the first deployment that embodies the Navy’s new more flexible deployment strategy, which could have wider impacts across the fleet in the future. “It’s the way to have force multiplication, to punch bigger than yourself, and that’s done through tailored offsets,” Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle said at SNA earlier this year about the new tailored deployments concept. “That whole thing builds a way to present forces to allow me to do more with less.”

The 24th MEU, operating under the designation LCF-24, deployed to SOUTHCOM and replaced the Iwo Jima ARG. “Distinct from a standard Amphibious Ready Group/MEU deployment, LCF-24 is a purpose-built MAGTF engineered for distributed operations,” SOUTHCOM explained in a statement. The Marine Air-Ground Task Force, with more than 1,300 Marines and Sailors, will operate from both shore-based nodes and aboard Fort Lauderdale, and is certified to “execute a wide array of mission essential tasks, including but not limited to Quick Reaction Force operations such as embassy reinforcement and the tactical recovery of aircraft [and] personnel, while standing ready to support disaster relief activities.”

AS THE UK heats up, the idea of wild swimming becomes more and more appealing.

And one expert claims to have found the best places in the UK to head wild swimming.

Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration @thesuntravel.

Emma MacDonald runs wild swimming experiences through Wild Hebridean Swimming from the Isle of Mull in Scotland.

And the experienced wild swimmer claims to have found the best spots to do this in the UK, with “spiritual” waters, landscapes shaped by volcanoes and white sand beaches just like those in the Caribbean.

Emma said: “The Isle of Mull is volcanic, so it was shaped by volcanic activity millions of years ago, so it actually creates a really lovely swimming playground for open water swimmers because you’ve got these rocky areas that spring up in the sea.”

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Despite Scottish waters being relatively cool around the Hebrides, Emma claims there are a tonne of unique swimming experiences that really make you “feel like you’re swimming on the edge of the world”.

Emma explained: “Even though it is the inner seas off the west coast of Scotland, it is wild in so far as it can actually accommodate swimmers from real beginners through to advanced.

“The waters are easy to get to, yet you feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere.”

To get to the Isle of Mull and Iona, you can fly to Glasgow then get the train from Glasgow to Oban – which takes around three hours.

Emma said: “It’s a beautiful scenic journey by train and feels a bit like a Harry Potter train.”

Once in Oban, you then can catch the CalMac ferry across to the islands from there.

“It’s a very romantic thing to do to get a ferry from the mainland to an island where you’re going to spend the next few days or whatever,” Emma shared.

Mull is around a 90-mile round trip, so when you get off of the ferry there is plenty to explore including numerous swimming spots.

Iona, on the other hand, is just three miles long and one mile wide, but feels entirely different according to Emma.

A third island is Ulva, which has a tiny little ferry you can hop on to get to the island.

As for the best swimming spots, Emma confessed these are in the peninsula, the Ross of Mull.

“That’s the south of Mull, so turning left at the ferry and heading all the way down so that you’re almost at the ferry to Iona.

“The beaches on the south west of Mull, have the most amazing Caribbean white sand and turquoise water beaches.

“The north of the peninsula also has lovely beaches, despite being a bit more exposed.

But there are a number of other amazing beaches as well.

One spot is Kilby Kewen (Kilvickeon) Beach, which Emma describes as a “real showstopper beach” with “really lovely sort of sheltered bits for people”.

“It just feels like you’ve got your own little cove,” she added.

Alternatively you could head to Dalanish Beach, which Emma describes as “gorgeous” and it’s “a long, white, sprawling beach and it’s quite exposed – but you can get a really nice swim along the shore”.

At Notvolergan Beach, there are some small horseshoe bays with sheltered pockets and Ushkin (Uisken) Beach is ideal for more experienced swimmers with little channels to venture through.

As for a more popular spot, Calgary Beach is a great choice.

Emma added: “Lots of people want to come to Tobermory because of the multicoloured houses.

“While you can swim off of Tobermory Beach, there are nice spots to see in the town too such the beautiful harbour.”

The more sheltered the spot, the more comfortable the swim is, Emma also revealed.

Swimmers even might get the chance to spot seals, minke whale, orca, otters, puffins and sea eagles.

Iona has nice beaches too, including the North End Beaches which have great views and the West Side Beaches which are a little more rugged.

If basing yourself in Tobermory when visiting the Hebrides, you won’t be short of great spots to grab a bite to eat, with Emma recommending The Gallery, which serves freshly made pizzas.

“Hebridean Lodge is another one that does really nice food.

“And Creole Seafood Shack, where you can sit outside – they do things like langoustine and scallops and stuff like that.

“There is also a, there’s a fine dining place down there called the 9th Wave.”

Also in Tobermory is a fisherman’s pier seafood shack.

“In Pennyghael, head to Pennyghael, which has a really lovely campsite with glamping pods and lots of space.

“Just outside Tobermory in Salen, there’s a beautiful knitwear-coffee shop, which do fancy coffees.

“On Iona, there is Ailidh’s Pizza, which is right on the pier – it just looks gorgeous.

“And then there’s the Rookery Cafe, with sandwiches and scones.”

As for places to stay, one option is the Isle of Mull cottages, which often share information about the best places to swim nearby.

Another option is Ackermann House, which can sleep up to 14 people.

“In Tobermory, there are Airbnb’s, guest houses, hotels.

“If you’re staying on the west side, there’s a really lovely place, hotel called the Bellachroy – based in Dervaig – which gives you easy access to the west side of the island.

“There’s also Croig and Langamull as well.

When wild swimming, Emma says you should always take a tow float and write your name and number on it.

You can also use things like tide times to ensure you are swimming at the safest time.

I expected a no-frills Caribbean cruise – but instead found white-sand beaches, all-inclusive perks and surprisingly luxurious touches that felt far beyond the price tag

Stretched out on the top deck of a catamaran, after a dip in impossibly clear water, I looked back at the white sands of an uninhabited Caribbean island that was ours for the day. This felt a long way from the so-called “budget” cruise I had imagined. For my first trip to the Caribbean, I boarded Marella Discovery, one of five ships in TUI’s all-inclusive fleet. Flights, transfers, food, drinks, and tips are included in the price. On paper, it promised value for money but in reality, it felt like far more. The Tropical Isles itinerary offers something different, even for seasoned Caribbean travellers. Instead of the usual tourist trail, we stopped at newer ports including Puerto Rico’s second city, Ponce, and the tiny island of Isla Catalina. After a short tender ride to shore we were welcomed with a live band and dancers before being waved to rows of neatly lined sunbeds, an all-inclusive beach bar and grills preparing a complimentary barbecue. Best known for its snorkelling, Isla Catalina’s crystal-clear waters looked too good to miss. I headed out on a catamaran excursion along the milky-white coast, swimming among shoals of tropical fish before drying off in the sun with fresh fruit as merengue music played.

By the time we returned, the smell of grilled seafood was drifting across the sand. Passengers helped themselves before retreating to shaded loungers – where there was little left to do but switch off and listen to the waves. Back on board, The Marella Discovery doesn’t try to compete with the Caribbean’s mega- cruise liners brimming with waterslides, waterfalls and ziplines. Instead, it offers something more relaxed – and for many, far more appealing. With nine restaurants, seven bars, two pools and a packed entertainment programme, there’s more to do than most passengers will manage in a week. Entertainment leans towards easy-going fun appealing to all ages with an outdoor cinema, mini golf and in the evening, West End-style shows to fill your day. Before my trip I’d been warned it was easy to get lost on a huge cruise ship, but the Discovery layout is very manageable and centred around a five storey atrium. Within a day, I had my bearings – starting with my cabin. For the week, I stayed in a recently refurbished balcony room. It was spacious, comfortable and thoughtfully designed, with plenty of storage. From summer 2026, Marella customers can upgrade further with premium Elemis products as part of the new “Suite Service Max” package – one of several add-ons available to elevate the experience.

Food is a big part of any cruise – and here it’s a major selling point. There are nine dining options included and three specialty restaurants for those wanting to really push the boat out. On the first night, I opted for one of the all inclusive options, Piccadilly’s, a British-style gastropub menu where the show-stopper was a rich, slow-cooked steak and ale pie. Over the week I worked my way through nearly every restaurant on board. Gallery 47, the Italian venue, was a favourite thanks to its varied and regular changing menu. While The Glass House, a casual poolside spot, was ideal for lunches, offering everything from pasta and roast chicken to salads and freshly baked cakes. One evening, I tried Kora La, the ship’s pan-Asian restaurant (at a cost of £18.95 for three courses). With fragrant curries and beautifully presented Vietnamese-style dishes, it was worth the extra cost and a popular choice among diners wishing to celebrate a special occasion.

Marella’s fun-filled and friendly vibes continued ashore with each stop on this relatively new itinerary. In Puerto Rico, I joined an excursion to El Yunque National Forest, swapping blue seas for lush rainforest, waterfalls and birdsong. Our helpful guide offered insight that brought the island to life, something you don’t always get when travelling independently. Back in capital city San Juan, I wandered the cobbled streets where pastel-coloured buildings led the way to lively squares.

I followed our guide’s recommendation for lunch at Café Manolín, a must for authentic food, the place was packed with locals and dock workers. I ordered the Mofongo, a Puerto Rican comfort dish made from mashed green plantains, garlic and steak. It was every bit as good as the queue suggested.

Later it was time to try another Puerto Rican export. At the Ron del Barrilito rum distillery, we swapped the city for something slower-paced. Set within the historic Hacienda Santa Ana, we were served up a welcome cocktail of choice in the stunning gardens listening to the blissful sounds of the birds. The experience included a tour of the ageing warehouses and a guided tasting of several rums, including one from a £700 bottle. Another standout was a visit to the stunning Magens Bay on the island of St Thomas. This horseshoe shaped beach delivered exactly what you’d hope for from the Caribbean – powdery sand, sparkling waters and turtles swimming just offshore. With the help of our local guide Derek, we were able to swim with the stunning creatures as they glided through the shallows.

The final stop, Ponce, offered a glimpse of a more authentic Puerto Rico on our return to another side of the island. With cruise ships only arriving in January 2026 it felt refreshingly un-touristy. I found colourful buildings, a relaxed square and latin music drifting from every bar. Throughout the trip, what stood out most was how easy everything felt – from the relaxed feel of the ship, the organised excursions to the stress-free all-inclusive drinks and dining. The atmosphere among fellow passengers was sociable and lively. The ship came alive in the evening with live shows and packed dancefloors – even into the small hours at Bar 11.

At the Broadway Show Lounge, live performances became my nightly post-dinner treat. Being a massive fan of the Fab Four, I could not miss Marella’s newest show Life Story: The Beatles, a theatrical retelling of their rise to fame. While the West-End to Broadway show, a celebration of a number of hit musicals, led to a roaring standing ovation after a finale of Les Miserables classics brought the house down. After feeling inspired, on our final day at sea I indulged in the Great Musicals Afternoon tea – a must for any theatre fan. The weekly event brings the West End to Marella cruises with dishes inspired by famous musicals, served alongside a live pianist and special performances – the perfect end to the holiday.

Marella Cruises has built a reputation on affordable and straightforward holidays – but this trip proved it delivers far more than the price tag suggests in comparison to its competitors.

If the aim is a stress-free, fun-filled Caribbean escape with fantastic food, easy island-hopping and a sociable atmosphere, Marella’s Tropical Isles itinerary is hard to beat. It’s ideal for first-time cruisers, and will also impress seasoned explorers thanks to its brand new port destinations that have something special to offer beyond a well-trodden tourist trail. And while it may be sold as a ‘budget’ cruise, it delivers an experience that feels far more premium – proving you don’t have to spend a fortune to experience the Caribbean in style.

Book the holiday

Marella Cruises offers a seven-night Tropical Isles round trip from La Romana, Dominican Republic on Marella Discovery from £1573 per person. Price based on two adults sharing a Deck 2/3 inside cabin on an all-inclusive basis. Includes flights from London Gatwick, 20kg of luggage per person, transfers, tips, and service charges. Find out more at tui.co.uk/cruise.