Let’s face it: Few holidays match up to the experience of a Caribbean escape. Who can say no to golden beaches, twinkling azure shores and gently rustling palm trees? Yet saying “yes” isn’t the hardest part — it’s deciding where to go first.

With 700 independent islands spread throughout the Caribbean, there are seemingly limitless opportunities to sip coconuts on the beach and relax under a hot sun. For those who’d rather spend more time sipping and less time planning, Caribbean cruises are excellent options.

Just imagine the experience: You set sail from Southampton or fly straight to a port like Port Canaveral in Florida, and begin your Caribbean adventure by sailing over tropical waters while en route to your first destination. In the morning, you awaken to the hustle and bustle of a Caribbean port at sunrise, Cococay in the Bahamas or George Town in Grand Cayman, and spend the day exploring the beauty and culture of the island.

Start by moving under your own steam, strolling barefoot from one beach to the next, or join one of several excursions to check out the main sights and to make the most of your time onshore. Then as the sun sinks towards the horizon, make your way back to the ship and settle down for an evening of a fine dining experience, an open-air film, a high-octane cabaret or a refreshing cocktail under the stars. But don’t stay up too late, of course, because you’ll need to be ready to do it all over again the next day…

Even the most adventurous Go Girl might not know where to start when there are so many options, each looking more delightful than the last. If you’re considering a sea-based adventure in this part of the world, try starting your search online through a travel agent. For instance, you can search for Thomas Cook Caribbean Cruises and scour the itineraries available from all the major cruise operators, from Royal Caribbean and P&O to Princess and Celebrity, along with many others. It’s a great way to discover the best itineraries and to find out what fits within your budget, too. And when you find yourself sipping a mango cocktail on the shores of a place that can only be a dream, you’ll be thankful that you did.