Caribbean Christmas Island-Hopping

Southampton offers fast and efficient check-in areas, spacious departure lounges with seating areas, café-bars and smart washrooms. If you wish to travel by car and park for the duration of your cruise, you can pay for and reserve parking in advance directly with the relevant company. Alternatively, if being dropped off or collected by taxi or private car, they can drive right up alongside the terminal building.

Sophisticated Santa Cruz – Tenerife’s capital – is built around boulevards and wide avenues that link elegant squares and parks.

Well-preserved buildings feature in the old town, including the colonial Church of the Immaculate Conception and the 18th century Palacio de Carta, which has impressive Baroque and neoclassical features. Recently redesigned by the architects Herzog & de Meuron, the city’s largest square, Plaza de España, is a pleasant spot to lose a few hours. Lively beaches such as Playa de Las Americas are within easy reach of Santa Cruz too.

Away from the capital, many of Tenerife’s highlights await on tours, including the exotic Botanical Gardens or the mystical lava stone Pyramids of Guimar. Exploring the volcanic El Teide National Park to marvel at majestic Mount Teide, or even climb Spain’s highest peak, is an unmissable experience.

Whatever rugged Antigua may lack in tropical scenery the island more than makes up for with what are some of the best watersports conditions found anywhere in the Carribbean, and 365 beaches (‘one for each day of the year’ say the Antiguans) to enjoys! For many, too, the great bay of stunning English Harbour and historic Nelson’s Dockyard (Britain’s West Indies naval base now restored to its 18th century prime) will prove a magnet.

Whatever rugged Antigua may lack in tropical scenery the island more than makes up for with what are some of the best watersports conditions found anywhere in the Carribbean, and 365 beaches (‘one for each day of the year’ say the Antiguans) to enjoys! For many, too, the great bay of stunning English Harbour and historic Nelson’s Dockyard (Britain’s West Indies naval base now restored to its 18th century prime) will prove a magnet.

The world’s smallest island shared between two nations – its 16 miles square (and more developed) southern part is Dutch and the northern, French – hilly St Maarten in the Windwards is a dual personality setting of absorbing contrasts. Philipsburg, built on a sand bar, is the old capital and still preserves some attractive colonial architecture, though the island’s enticing beaches, excellent restaurants, and shops stocked with duty-free bargains will probably detain you longer!

The world’s smallest island shared between two nations – its 16 miles square (and more developed) southern part is Dutch and the northern, French – hilly St Maarten in the Windwards is a dual personality setting of absorbing contrasts. Philipsburg, built on a sand bar, is the old capital and still preserves some attractive colonial architecture, though the island’s enticing beaches, excellent restaurants, and shops stocked with duty-free bargains will probably detain you longer!

Basse-Terre is a commune in the Guadeloupe department of France in the Lesser Antilles. It is also the prefecture of Guadeloupe. The city of Basse-Terre is located on Basse-Terre Island,

What St Lucia’s little capital may lack in sophistication it more than compensates for in its colourful Creole mood. Wander amid the lively street market before exploring this most scenic of the Caribbean islands, whose green mountains are draped in lush vegetation, and whose landmarks include the twin peaks of the Pitons rising sheer from the sea, and the steaming sulphur springs of the ‘drive-in’ La Soufriere volcano.

The diminutive ‘capital’ of this exclusive little hideaway, grouped around the almost landlocked Admiralty Bay, where elegant yachts and schooners ride serenely at anchor. Bequia lies amid the 32strong island chain of the Grenadines – just seven square miles in are, but boasting eight sandy beaches between them!

Grenada is the ‘Spice Island’ of cinnamon, nutmeg, mace and vanilla plantations, dense with lush rainforests, and was the setting for the film Island in the Sun. St George’s must surely be the Caribbean’s prettiest capital, almost Mediterranean-looking with its picturesque buildings (some dating from the 18th century), steep cobbled streets and stepped alleys rising as if part of a terraced amphitheatre set amid the wooded hill slopes that surround the harbour. Lovely Grand Anse beach – within easy reach – is not to be missed.

The independent British Commonwealth nation of Barbados is a haven of relaxation. In addition to pristine powdery sand and gorgeous turquoise bays, Barbados has a UNESCO-listed World Heritage capital, a stunning interior dotted with botanical gardens, 70 miles of wild, east coast surf and a spectacular nightlife.

Inhabited by proud, welcoming locals, Barbados truly is a paradise island. Its bustling capital, Bridgetown, has a fine natural harbour, and colonial buildings and busy markets that provide a glimpse into the laidback lives of the Barbadians. The Caribbean island has an endearing blend of British and West Indian cultures, and its balmy, tropical climate makes it a favourite with travellers drawn to its relaxed sophistication.

A cruise to Barbados opens up a world of delicate natural coral reefs and warm, inviting seas. Other extraordinary finds around the island include breath-taking cave formations and 17th century plantation houses. Local traditions include afternoon tea and cricket, the national sport.

The picturesque whitewashed capital of this mountainous Portuguese island, 350 miles off the coast of Africa, has a timeless charm, delightfully enhanced by a benign climate that fills this ‘floating garden’ with the year round colours and perfumes of subtropical flowers and fruit. Much painted by Sir Winston Churchill, Madeira has been offering the British visitor a warm welcome for three centuries, its famous wine the perfect aid to total relaxation!

Southampton offers fast and efficient check-in areas, spacious departure lounges with seating areas, café-bars and smart washrooms. If you wish to travel by car and park for the duration of your cruise, you can pay for and reserve parking in advance directly with the relevant company. Alternatively, if being dropped off or collected by taxi or private car, they can drive right up alongside the terminal building.