Travel is very much on the agenda for John McNicholl in 2016. The Derry man has his sights set on trips to the USA and Canada as well as a Mediterranean cruise, all in the second half of this year.

The long-established Caribbean cruise from Florida, operated each year by Mayo native Gertie Byrne, is taking a break this February as Gertie concentrates on promoting a major Mediterranean cruise for later in 2016 – 28 August to 4 September, departing from Barcelona. John McNicholl is among the many artists invited to perform on the cruise.

“I have been fortunate enough to perform on a number of Caribbean cruises, which are always superbly organised by Gertie,” says John. “However, this one will be different as there is less travelling involved in getting there and so many of the artists are used to performing in the Spanish region. The point of departure and return is Barcelona and there are also stop-offs at ports in France, Italy and Monaco.

“Cliff Richard is the headline act and there are a host of Irish entertainers who will join almost 2,000 guests on board. It should be a fabulous week.”

Earlier in August, John is undertaking some shows in Newfoundland, Canada, and this will be a first for him in that region.

“I hear that audiences over there always have a very warm welcome for Irish singers and musicians, so I am really looking forward to seeing the place and meeting the people.”

A novel venture in October will see John head off with friends to the east coast of the USA in October for eight or nine days. Plans for this trip are well advanced and all the details will be announced shortly.

“My manager, Bob Condon, is putting all the arrangements in place. We hope to include visits to Boston, New York and Philadelphia. I will be accompanying the tour and singing and entertaining them at the nightly sessions wherever we are.

“It is hoped that many who make the trip will avail of the chance to do their Christmas shopping in America and we hope to facilitate everyone in that regard as well,” says John.

Love Songs is the title of John’s new collection, featuring 21 songs selected from his six studio albums. Included are such favourites as Don’t Close Your Eyes, After All These Years (a favourite of John’s parents), and I Pretend. The album also features a newly recorded duet with his good friend Sandy Kelly.

Over the next few months, John and his band will continue their regular series of dance shows and concerts ahead of all the travelling.

“As one year closes and another dawns, I just want to say a special thanks to all our friends and supporters for their loyalty and friendship. I have been so fortunate to get to know and meet many wonderful people since I started out in country music. It is my wish that you all enjoy good health above all else in the times ahead. We look forward to meeting many of you somewhere along the way in 2016.”