The UK winter is the ideal time of year for Caribbean Cruises, as November marks the end of the hurricane season (although most hurricanes take place during September) and the warm weather is pleasant (not excessively hot).

Cruising is the perfect way to explore multiple locations in one holiday, is ideal for people who prefer not to fly (why not cruise from Southampton?) and are a great place to meet likeminded people. On a Caribbean cruise, you can choose to be as active as you like with scuba diving trips and on board sports, or to simply relax in the ships’ spa and sun bathe on deck.

Caribbean cruise ships are more than just floating hotels; they are more like fantastic resorts that allow you to discover one incredible location after another!

Cruise from Jamaica to Tortola, onto Antigua then Grenada, or sail from Barbados to St Kitts and St Maarten before the sight of the Pitons come into view on St Lucia and the beautiful beaches of Dominica. Relax on the soft sands of Tobago before horse riding along the shores of Isla Margarita or rainforest hiking in Grenada.  On a Caribbean cruise you could mountain bike through the rainforests of Costa Rica, explore the Mayan pyramids in Cozumel and climb Dunn’s River Falls in Jamaica.

One thing all cruises have in common is that you will always be made to feel welcome and relaxed. Check out the dress code of your chosen Caribbean cruise before you start packing, although generally day wear is casual and part of the fun of cruising is that the evenings are for dressing up (although this is not always necessary).  Men should take a full suit and tie, and ladies, at least one cocktail dress.  Comfortable shoes are necessary for trips to the shore and a hat and suntan lotion are essential for protection from the sun.

From the UK you can fly directly to the many Caribbean cruises’ departure points, including Fort Lauderdale and Miami in Florida, USA, and the Caribbean islands of Barbados and Jamaica.

Facilities on board will vary, but you will find that some ships have surf parks, rock-climbing walls, WIFI (if you don’t want to lose touch with home), large swimming pools, whirlpools, a spa with treatments, miniature golf courses, ice skating rinks and a great choice of restaurants, cafes and bars, as well as shops and a cinema or theatre.