23 December - At sea

24 December

Mexico: Progreso

The town of Progreso, on the north coast of the Yucatán Peninsula, is the jumping off point for exploring the fascinating Mayan ruins of Chichén Itzá, a 100-mile drive inland. The lovely colonial town of Mérida is another option, and is much closer, while Progreso itself has a decent beach.

25 December - At sea

26 December

Cayman Islands: Grand Cayman

Far more than just an offshore tax haven, Grand Cayman boasts the staggeringly beautiful white sands of Seven Mile Beach and some fantastic snorkelling in crystal clear waters. The capital, George Town, is a compact and friendly place, home to some interesting architecture and a suspiciously large number of registered companies.

27 December

Jamaica: Ocho Rios

Ocho Rios sits on a lovely stretch of coastline, blessed with classically Caribbean beaches and a lush forested interior. There isn’t a huge amount to do other than relax by the beach, but nearby attractions include Dunn’s River Falls, James Bond Beach and the Mystic Mountain rainforest adventure park.

28 December - At sea

29 December

Aruba: Oranjestad

The tiny Dutch Caribbean island of Aruba, located just off the coast of Venezuela, lies outside of the hurricane belt, meaning it enjoys a largely dry climate, and boasts some of the best beaches in the region, if not the world.

30 December

Curaçao: Willemstad

The gabled houses of Willemstad lend an undeniably Dutch feel to the capital of little Curaçao, with a splash of Caribbean colour thrown in. The island itself is not your typical lush tropical paradise - the landscape is characterised instead by thorny shrubs and cacti - but there are some fantastic beaches and quaint little villages.

31 December

Caribbean Netherlands: Kralendijk

The quiet, cactus-covered Dutch Caribbean island of Bonaire is internationally renowned for its diving, ringed by spectacular coral reefs that teem with life. The capital, Kralendijk, is home to some pretty colonial architecture, and the island is also known for its flamingos and pink sand beaches.

1 January - At sea

2 January

Antigua and Barbuda: St John's

Antigua is famously home to 365 beaches - one for every day of the year - and there is an undeniable allure to the many white sand coves dotted along the coast. The capital, St John's, is worth a look, but if you've got time to visit the south coast you'll find historic Nelson's Dockyard a lot more interesting.

3 January

U.S. Virgin Islands: Charlotte Amalie (St Thomas)

The busiest and most developed of the Virgin Islands, St. Thomas is nevertheless blessed with typically Caribbean good looks. The main town, Charlotte Amalie, is situated on a perfect natural harbour, and in its colonial heyday its warehouses were filled with indigo, tobacco and cotton.

4 January to 5 January - At sea

6 January

Arriving in Miami

Downtown Miami is a destination in its own right, with a host of world class galleries, but it's still Miami Beach that draws the biggest crowds. The Art Deco district around South Beach is very much back in vogue, with new restaurants, bars and luxury developments sprouting up all over the place.