Caribbean Celebration - 19 nights, December 2013

The United Kingdom's premier passenger ship port, Southampton was home to the great transatlantic liners of yesteryear. The port serves as your gateway to Southern England’s magnificent historic sites, national landmarks, charming villages as well as the great metropolis of London. Southampton is the ideal starting or ending point for a memorable voyage.

See the bright lights of the Big Apple, international mecca and melting pot, with expensive brownstones, colourful neighbourhoods like Greenwich Village and the Upper West Side and the legendary Central Park. Explore some of the world's great museums. Some come just for the shopping: there’s Bloomingdale’s on Lex, Tiffany’s on Fifth, Barneys and the unique boutiques along Madison.

An island of towering cliffs and mangrove swamp, not to mention one of the most perfect of all Caribbean beaches at heart-shaped Magens Bay. In Charlotte Amalie, named after a Danish princess, discover red brick Fort Christian and Blackbeard Castle – claimed by some to be the pirate’s former lookout. Most, however, simply seek out their own bounty in copious duty free stores.

Famously dusted with pristine white sands and pulsating to the rhythm of steel drums, Antigua is a real Caribbean treat. From the bustling little port of St. Johns, take an excursion across the rolling countryside to Shirley Heights, a fortress dominating the entry to English Harbour, and historic Nelson's dockyard. Today the warehouses are filled with shops and restaurants, and the sails belong to international yachts.

Its capital may be French in name, but St Kitts, along with neighbouring Nevis, is actually the Caribbean’s oldest British colony. We stop at beautiful Basseterre, whose Georgian centrepiece is the Circus, modelled on Piccadilly, with its charming Victorian clock. This scenic island looks simply stunning from the Fortress of Brimstone Hill. Volcanic slopes, verdant sugar cane and neighbouring islands are on view.

What a setting – perched on a narrow strip of land between clear Caribbean Sea and the Great Salt Pond. This Caribbean gem is all about choice. From Phillipsburg stroll along the inland salt lake or head for the gorgeous city beach. Search the quaint clothes boutiques or browse for duty-free bargains. It’s entirely up to you.

Dock at Road Town and explore the many beauties Tortola bestows on her fortunate visitors - ivory sands, aquamarine seas and a gracious welcome. Step into the beautiful world of JR O’Neal Botanic Gardens, blooming with orchids, cacti, palms and heliconia, and then indulge on a lunch of succulent Anegada lobster, papaya and sweet potato pudding. If your taste is for unspoilt beaches, Cane Garden Bay’s flawless horseshoe of golden sand if for you.

See the bright lights of the Big Apple, international mecca and melting pot, with expensive brownstones, colourful neighbourhoods like Greenwich Village and the Upper West Side and the legendary Central Park. Explore some of the world's great museums. Some come just for the shopping: there’s Bloomingdale’s on Lex, Tiffany’s on Fifth, Barneys and the unique boutiques along Madison.