Romantic islands, watersports and tropical adventures: The best Caribbean cruises

THE POWER OF SAIL

There’s nothing quite like slicing through the surf, wind in your hair, on a full-masted sailing ship. Lay back in the netting with the sea below and let the spray refresh you on a classic itinerary that takes in half a dozen islands. Royal Clipper, flagship of Star Clippers (0808 231 4798/starclippers.co.uk), even has a drop-down watersports platform at the stern.

Take your snorkel and swim away into the warm waters while at anchor. The trip starts in Barbados and calls include Captain’s Best, a clutch of Grenadine islets, where you enjoy a beach day, the protected landscape of the Tobago Cays as well as the jovial bustle of islands including St Lucia and Martinique. 

A seven-night Grenadine Islands fly-cruise from £2,549pp (two sharing), full board. Price includes return flights from London Gatwick to Barbados, one night pre-cruise stay in Barbados and transfers. Departs March 18, 2016.