WELCOME to today’s travel special, where we bring you inspiration for your holidays at home and abroad.
This week, we’ve set our sights on the soft white sands, warm turquoise waters and lush islands of the Caribbean – and what better way to see them than on a cruise?
PRINCESS CRUISES
CIRCLE CARIBBEAN: Hoping to banish the winter blues next year? This voyage has all you’d want from a Caribbean cruise — and more.
You’ll spend two weeks on board the Emerald Princess sailing between palm-fringed coves.
Leaving from Fort Lauderdale in Florida, there is a day at sea before reaching the island of St Kitts, with its rainforest mountains and colourful buildings.
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Next morning you’ll wake in Guadeloupe, before heading to St Lucia, followed by St Vincent, Trinidad and Grenada.
Another day at sea means guests can take advantage of the ship’s freshwater pools.
The 14-night cruise then takes in the islands of Curacao and Aruba before returning to Florida.
It costs from £1,099pp, based on two people sharing an inside cabin, departing on February 21, 2024. Flights not included.
See rolcruise.co.uk or call 0808 2391 262 (voyage code: E405).
P&O CRUISES
CARIBBEAN TRANSATLANTIC: Sail between the sun-kissed islands of Tortola, St Kitts, Martinique and Barbados on a 14-night voyage, with plenty of time to relax in a top-deck infinity pool.
You’ll be on Arvia, the newest ship in the P&O Cruises fleet, whose 710 Club was co-created by singer Gary Barlow.
There’s even a Take That theatre show on board.
Arvia sails from Southampton and calls at Gran Canaria before spending five days at sea en route to the Caribbean.
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You won’t get bored, with a submarine-themed escape room, high-ropes experience and restaurants, from authentic Indian to fine-dining at the Epicurean.
Costs from £899pp, including return flight from Barbados. See pocruises.com.
AMBASSADOR CRUISE LINE
GEMS OF THE CARIBBEAN SEA: If you don’t have the tie of kids or full-time work, this five-and-a-half-week no-fly cruise is for you.
Start the new year with a bang on board MS Ambience, sailing from London and calling at Portugal’s Madeira, Bermuda, St Maarten, Tortola, The Dominican Republic, Mexico, the Caymans, Jamaica and the Azores before returning home.
One benefit of a longer cruise is that you get to spend longer in some places, such as Mexico and the Dominican Republic, to fully experience what they offer.
You’ll have plenty of sea days on this no-fly cruise to relax in the wellness spa, watch a cabaret show or visit the Purple Turtle pub.
The 39-night trip, from £2,599pp, sails from Tilbury on January 5, 2024. (ambassadorcruiseline.com).
ROYAL CARIBBEAN
SOUTHERN CARIBBEAN: Tick off a host of bucket-list tropical islands on this seven-night island-hopping extravaganza.
From £465pp, escape the autumn drizzle and tick off San Juan in Puerto Rico, St Croix, St Maarten, Antigua, St Lucia and Barbados, all with dreamy beaches and some of the world’s best rum distilleries.
When you’re not exploring the islands, you can enjoy world-class entertainment on board Royal Caribbean’s Rhapsody Of The Seas.
The fun ranges from crazy pool parties and dance classes to family friendly game shows and a rock-climbing wall.
Food includes a sushi restaurant, American steakhouse, Italian and more.
The seven-night full-board cruises is from £465pp, based on two sharing an inside cabin, departing San Juan on October 6, 2024.
Flights not included. See rolcruise.co.uk or call 0808 2391 262 (voyage code: RH07D388).
TUI MARBELLA CRUISES
PARADISE ISLANDS: If you like the sound of sipping cocktails beneath a coconut-laden palm tree on a sandy beach, you’ll be in heaven.
The round trip from Bridgetown in Barbados will take you to the ancient rainforests and botanical garden of the British Virgin Islands’ Tortola, then on to St Maarten and St Kitts, famous for its sugar plantations.
You’ll later sail for Antigua and Dominica, where you can laze on the perfect beaches or trek through a tropical forest.
There’s plenty to do on board Marella Cruises’ newest ship, with a cinema, arts-and-crafts hub and traditional pub.
The seven-night cruise is from £1,300pp. Includes return flights to Barbados. Departs on December 10. See tui.co.uk/cruise.