This winter, the restored brigantine Florette will hoist some of its 15 sails for voyages of eight or 15 days in the eastern Caribbean. Built in 1921 using oak, ironwood and mahogany, the classic windjammer has 28 berths, including family cabins, with discounted rates available for 13- to 25-year-olds and under-30s happy to sleep in a hammock. Voyages run from Christmas to early April, starting in Barbados and Martinique before moving north to Antigua and St Martin. No experience is required, “just a lust for adventure”.
For a more pampered journey, Explora I is an ultra-luxury cruise ship that launched in August with 461 oceanfront suites, six restaurants and four pools. Superyacht-style comforts are paired with voyages from Miami, Barbados or San Juan in Puerto Rico that run from six to 16 nights. An extensive choice of shore excursions include rainforest hikes, premium rum tastings and creole cooking classes, while the Solivagant Society provides complimentary experiences for solo travellers.
Book it: VentureSail (01872 487288; venturesailholidays.com) has an eight-day trip aboard Florette sailing from Antigua to St Martin on March 9, from £1,790pp half-board. Flights and drinks are extra. British Airways flies from London Gatwick to Antigua, from £461 return. Explora Journeys (0800 031 8935; explorajourneys.com) has a nine-night Antilles Adventure aboard Explora I sailing to and from Barbados on January 31, from £3,850pp all-inclusive. Flights and excursions extra. British Airways flies from London Gatwick to Barbados, from £518 return.
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Travel essentials
Know before you go
Flights to the Caribbean depart in the morning and return overnight, with a time difference of four or five hours.
Credit cards and US dollars are widely accepted but it is best to have local currency for tips.
The region is safe and welcoming but read the Foreign Office advice for your destination (gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice).
On some islands hostile attitudes discourage visits from LGBTQ+ travellers: see the Gay Travel Index.