5 Tropical Cruise Destinations for Beating the Winter Blues

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 west coast dwellers from the United States, the Hawaiian Islands are now the feature of plenty

of cruises. 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 is cumbersome to do if you fly), or you can book with another cruise line for a trip that starts in Mexico or British Columbia and includes a long, relaxing trip across the Pacific ocean in order to reach Hawaii. (The cruises that start in Hawaii are usually about a week, whereas the ones that start on the mainland may be up to two weeks.)

2. Caribbean

The Caribbean is the most popular cruise destination, and it's a great choice for U.S. east coasters or people who live in the South. If the idea of a flight across the Atlantic doesn't faze you, there's no reason you couldn'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) makes this tropical area quite popular with vacation-goes from around the world.

3. South Pacific

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

Much of what makes Hawaii such a popular destination applies down here too 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 much of what makes the South Pacific paradise. Here, you'll truly be able to relax and enjoy the tropical climate in peace.

4. Mexican Riviera

The Mexican Riviera refers to the cities and resorts on the west coast of Mexico, and the warm sunny weather here is helping make it another popular cruise destination. With ships leaving from ports in California, west coasters may even be able to take a trip without stepping aboard on airplane.

Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta are examples of cities in this zone that you may have heard of. There's plenty of fun in the sun to be had with shore excursions that range from snorkeling and scuba diving to rafting and

wildlife viewing.

5. Nile River

If you'd rather sail up a river than through the sea, a cruise up the Nile may be a perfect vacation for you. Again, you'll have access to that glorious warm weather, and you'll also be able to experience ancient history.

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 drifted back in time as you gaze upon the banks where people live in mud-brick homes, tending their crops with wooden plows, much the same way they did thousands of years ago. You'll be able to enjoy it all as you sit on a shaded deck of your "floating hotel" and sip the chilled beverage of your choice.

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