The Caribbean is long established as the classic venue for a luxury cruise, and a mecca for sailors. With reliably sunny weather for most of the year, and a string of paradise islands to explore, it’s a world-class holiday destination, and a stunningly beautiful part of the world in its own right.

Most major islands have been outposts of the old colonial powers – the British, French, Spanish and Dutch have squabbled down the centuries over ownership of these glittering jewels in a sparkling azure sea. Choose your preferred cultural flavour: St Lucia and the British Virgin Islands reflect their British heritage, and for French with a Creole twist, try Martinique or Grenada. St Maarten is half French and half Dutch, in case you can’t quite make up your mind! Sailing is a way of life here, and the classic ingredients of palm-fringed beaches, clear, warm turquoise seas and a relaxing lifestyle mean that many keen sailors wouldn’t dream of going anywhere else for their breaks.