Any time of year is ideal for a tropical vacation, especially if you’re like me and live somewhere where skies can be gray for months, but winter is an especially great time to take a cruise somewhere tropical.

But where should you go?

Let’s take a look at some popular (and some not-so-popular; read: not crowded) tropical vacation destinations you can get to on a cruise. (I love talking about cruises, because it’s so easy to find amazing last-minute deals, so you don’t have to have been planning your tropical vacation for months.)

In no particular order, here are five great cruise destinations where you’re sure to find fun in the sun:

1.Hawaii

Long popular with US West Coasters, the Hawaiian Islands are now the feature of many cruise ships. You can sail with Norwegian Cruise Line on an island-hopping ship that starts in Honolulu and stops at four or more islands (something that’s cumbersome if you’re flying), or you can book with another cruise line for a voyage that begins in Mexico. or British Columbia and includes a long and relaxing journey across the Pacific Ocean to reach Hawaii. (Cruises that begin in Hawaii typically last about a week, while those that begin on the mainland can last up to two weeks.)

2. The Caribbean

The Caribbean is the most popular cruise destination, and is a great choice for those traveling on the US East Coast or those living in the South. If the thought of a flight across the Atlantic doesn’t faze you, there’s no reason you can’t visit from Europe or another destination either.

The sun, the islands, the variety of cultures and countries, and the chance to see ruins of ancient civilizations (choose a Western Caribbean cruise that visits Cozumel in Mexico for this) make this tropical area quite popular with tourists from all the world. .

3. The South Pacific

Tahiti and the rest of the French Polynesian islands are a wonderful cruise destination. Expect beautiful sandy beaches, warm sunny days, and balmy nights perfect for stargazing.

Much of what makes Hawaii such a popular destination applies here as well, but the fact that it’s a longer flight for most means you’ll find fewer crowds here than in Hawaii or the Caribbean. For many, this is a big part of what makes the South Pacific a paradise. Here, you can really relax and enjoy the tropical climate in peace.

4. The Mexican Riviera

The Mexican Riviera refers to the cities and resorts on the west coast of Mexico, and the warm and sunny weather here is helping to make it another popular cruise destination. With ships leaving from California ports, West Coast passengers can even take a trip without boarding the plane.

Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta are examples of cities in this area that you may have heard of. There’s plenty of fun in the sun with shore excursions ranging from snorkeling and scuba diving to rafting and wildlife viewing.

5. The Nile River

If you prefer to navigate a river rather than the sea, a Nile cruise may be the perfect vacation for you. Again, you’ll have access to that glorious warm weather and get to experience ancient history as well.

A Nile cruise is a perfect way to visit the temples and tombs located along Egypt’s stretch of the river, and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time as you gaze out over the banks where people live in mud-brick houses, tending their crops. . with wooden plows, the same way they did thousands of years ago. You’ll be able to enjoy it all while sitting on a shady deck of your “floating hotel” and sipping on the cold beverage of your choice.

There you have it: five fantastic cruise destinations you can visit to escape the rain, snow, and gloom of winter. Enjoy the sun and send me a postcard!