If you want to know the best time to visit a particular destination, then as a good rule of thumb, the answer will generally be "when the cruise ships are there", for they, like the birds, always like to be where the weather is good. With that in mind, where are the best places to winter abroad?

For sunshine, clear waters and powdery beaches, choose the Caribbean - the southern part is quieter and, to our mind, more beautiful. But do be aware that there are many ways to visit the Caribbean by ship - not all of them too pleasant. (Which is of course why you may want to speak to one of our experts). Or perhaps you might choose to combine a Caribbean islands sojourn with a transit of the impressive Panama Canal.

If you are interested in amazing scenery or wildlife then South America is for you. Cruise from Atlantic to Pacific, marvel at the Chilean Fjords, sail round Cape Horn, and enjoy the vivid contrasts between European nostalgia and ethnic vibrancy. And don't go all that way unless you make the most of it; there are some great land options to combine with these cruises - we can help! Longer cruises even circumnavigate the continent, and for extended discovery we can help combine great overland tours with these fascinating cruise itineraries.

Or you can combine a wonderful winter cruise with a visit to friends and relatives down under as you visit Australia, or circumnavigate beautiful New Zealand.

As we said, it's just the choice that is difficult. So just to confuse things further, our all-time favourite winter cruise destination here at Mundy is a taste of the exotic in the Far East, exploring South East Asia: Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and the islands of Indonesia are all unmissable.