The pearl of the Antilles

The big news in the Caribbean is, of course, CUBA, with many more ships now planning to include the island that was previously off limits to US passengers. With a shortage of good accommodation on the ground, cruising is arguably the most comfortable way to see Cuba.

Built along traditional lines with teak decks, polished woods, gleaming brass, and flying 16 billowing sales, Star Flyer (starclippers.co.uk) is utterly romantic. In Winter, she sails between HAVANA and CIENFUEGOS on nine- and 10-night itineraries that include a night’s hotel stay in both cities, a cruise around Cuba’s coastline and the Cayman Islands. From £1,705pp, not including flights.