Although the dreary northern hemisphere winter weather is well and truly upon us, it’s not all doom and gloom because this is the time of year for dreaming about the great escape and signing up for th

(whatever your budget!)

Jane Archer samples an island-hopping Caribbean cruise with a difference on board a sailing ship

Chris Bertram recalls the bucket-list experience at Shangri-La Le Touessrok, a heavenly island in the Indian Ocean

Per Harrtoft shows how much fun you can have on a fast open day boat

For those dreaming of the joys of owning a yacht, Nick Ridley offers encouragement as well as a look at the harsher reality of financing your dreams