A Caribbean Christmas

This tiny, uninhabited island sits just off the Dominican Republic’s south coast, and it’s exactly what you imagine a tropical paradise to look like – cue lush forest, milk-white sand and clear, pale blue water. And there’s another reason why this spot’s so special – when our ships are in port, we have the whole place to ourselves. That means tanning time, snorkelling sessions and seaside strolls come without the crowds. Plus, our crew go all out with a complimentary beach BBQ, a free bar serving the likes of rum cocktails, waiter service and local entertainment.

If you’re in any doubt concerning what Bonaire’s all about, just look at an island number plate – above every registration number you’ll find the words ‘Divers’ Paradise’. This island in the Leeward Antilles is consistently rated as one of the best dive and snorkelling destinations in the world. Shipwrecks, tropical fish and seahorses are ripe in the waters that surround the island. Above the waterline, meanwhile, there are wild flamingo herds to see and craggy national parks to explore.

This little Dutch island is slowly beginning to creep onto the tourist radar, and for good reason. It offers up an unbeatable mix of footprint-free beaches and pretty colonial towns. The UNESCO-listed port of Willemstad leads the pack, with its candy-coloured, red-roofed houses that gild the downtown area.Take in Willemstad’s best bits on the trolley train tour. You’ll see the Pietermaai Cathedral, Queen Wilhelmina Park, and a quirky building known as the ‘Wedding Cake House’. Push the boat out with a rib ride, followed by snorkelling in the coral reef. Parrotfish, moray eels and green sea turtles hang around here. Sink your toes in coconut-coloured sand at Knippa Beach. It’s split into two sections – the busier Big Knip and the quieter Little Knip, which is popular with the locals.

Aruba's capital is easily explored on foot. Its palm-lined central thoroughfare runs between old and new pastel-painted buildings of typical Dutch design (Spanish influence is also evident in some of the architecture). There are a lot of malls with boutiques and shops—the Renaissance mall carries high-end luxury items and designer fashions. A massive renovation in downtown has given Main Street (a.k.a. Caya G. F. Betico Croes) behind the Renaissance Resort a whole new lease on life: boutique malls, shops, and restaurants have opened next to well-loved family-run businesses. The pedestrian-only walkway and resting areas have unclogged the street, and the new eco-trolley is free and a great way to get around. At this writing, Linear Park was well and will showcase local merchants and artists. There will be activities along a boardwalk that will eventually run all the way to the end of Palm Beach, making it the longest of its kind in the Caribbean.

La Romana is a city on the Dominican Republic’s Caribbean coast and a gateway to nearby resort areas. Overlooking the Chavón River, Altos de Chavón is a re-created 16th-century Mediterranean village with artists' workshops. An obelisk painted with colorful images of local life stands in the city center. South of the city is Catalina Island, with beaches, coral reefs and the wrecked ship of pirate William Kidd.