Caribbean crusade kickstarts huge year for England

England have an action-packed 2019, see how they shape up ahead of the World Cup and the Ashes with David Gower and ITC Sports Travel

"Scintillating, swashbuckling batsmen waltzing across the stumps and pinging sixes over deep midwicket or fizzing drives over extra cover.  Sharp, skiddy pacemen whizzing down heat-seeking missiles, wristy spinners with deceptive actions, lithe fielders with bullet arms.

In the year of the World Cup it will be a special experience touring the Caribbean to watch this exhilarating team. I’m not talking about West Indies, of course. I’m referring to England!"

Simon Hughes, editor of The Cricketer, is certainly excited about England's upcoming tour of the West Indies, where cricket goes far beyond sport.

It’s a part of life, weaving a vibrant strand through the islands’ rich shared heritage. Only for cricket, individual island rivalries are cast aside as locals unite under one flag – that of the West Indies cricket team.

And there will be no better way to watch England than with ITC Sports Travel. 

ITC have exclusively chartered the Crystal Esprit for an unforgettable cricket cruise. Crystal’s offerings are described as ‘All Exclusive™’, and Crystal Esprit – a spectacular, butler-serviced yacht that functions as an ultra-luxe hotel on water – is no exception. With just 31 suites, a stay on board Esprit is exclusive and intimate, with exceptional cuisine, a vast array of experiences both on and offshore, and award-winning service to boot.

Former England captain, Sky Sports presenter, and all-round cricket legend David Gower will be joining the Crystal Esprit to offer his unique insight into the matches. Gower captained England to the West Indies in 1985/86 and has a genuine love for these glorious islands.

Read about his Caribbean experiences in an exclusive interview here.

Aboard the Crystal Esprit cruise is the best way to watch cricket in this fabulous part of the world, and here's what you have to look forward to:

February 24 

Fly from Barbados via Antigua to St Martin, where you will board the ultra-luxe Crystal Esprit. Settle into your plush suite for your onward voyage.

February 25

Arrive at Pinney’s Beach, the beautiful location for the luxury resort, Four Seasons Nevis. Spend today luxuriating at the hotel’s spa, sinking your toes in the sand, or watch all the action from the third ODI (we will set up a screen especially for the match).

February 26 

Sail today to the charming island Îles des Saintes, full of charming cafés, fascinating shops and enticing restaurants. For those who wish to explore, the hike to the fort is excellent, and a one-mile walk will take you to the beach. This afternoon we will sail on to Grenada.

February 27 

Spend today at the National Stadium, Grenada where the fourth ODI takes place.

February 28

Arrive this morning at Mayreau, St Vincent & The Grenadines. Spend the day at the beach, enjoying a barbecue this afternoon; the soft sand here is usually the setting for an impromptu game of cricket between guests and crew! This afternoon set sail for Canouan, site of the ultra-luxe Mandarin Oriental Canouan.

March 1

Spend today exploring all that picturesque Canouan has to offer. Later the ship will sail on to Castries, St Lucia.

^{Thunderbird 4 always was Gower's favourite - take a trip on the cruise's underwater submersible}

Since England's disasterous campaign at the 2015 World Cup they have turned themselves into one of the powerhouses of the white ball game. 

"There’s so much to admire." Said Hughes.

"Jason Roy’s audacious bravado, Jonny Bairstow bristling with intent, the silky touch and busyness of Joe Root, Eoin Morgan’s clean striking, all-action Ben Stokes, and Jos Buttler the most nonchalant destroyer of bowling attacks since Barry Richards.

"But perhaps the best thing about a one-day tour to the Caribbean is the fact that there’s only one match every three or four days, meaning loads of time to explore those beguiling Caribbean islands. Because that’s what you’re really there for, isn’t it?"

And explore you can with ITC Sports Travel aboard the Crystal Esprit. Readers of The Cricketer can enjoy a special 5% discount if you quote 'The Cricketer Magazine' when booking.

Visit itcsports.co.uk for full itineraries, further information and to download the West Indies v England brochure. Or call 01244 355 579 or email sports@itc-uk.com, quoting ‘The Cricketer Magazine’, for a tailor-made quote and your 5% discount* from our Cricket Tour Specialists.  *Terms & Conditions apply.