To celebrate the occasion, Fred. Olsen’s sales team, led by regional sales manager Angela Flynn, laid on a special Caribbean welcome for the passengers boarding at Stansted. They were greeted by a steel band, given fruit punch to drink (non-alcoholic, of course, as it was 6am!) and each customer had a flower garland to get them in the mood.

Angela said: "We are delighted to be using Stansted for so many of our Caribbean fly/cruises as it is so convenient for many of our customers, easily accessible and exceptionally well run. "

There are no fewer than 26 departures from Stansted featured in the current cruise brochure, with fly/cruises to the Mediterranean and Florida from this airport. All Fred. Olsen’s charter flights are exclusive to their customers and are fully escorted from airport to ship by their own personnel, ensuring a stress-free and relaxed start to the cruise holiday.

Find out more about Fred. Olsen fly/cruises from Stansted by visiting