Sun-seekers have plenty of choice when it comes to choosing a winter cruise, with expedition itineraries visiting classic tropical destinations like the Indian Ocean, the Caribbean and the South Pacific. This is also the perfect time to explore South East Asia on a Mekong or Myanmar river cruise, when the weather is dry but not too hot, and temperatures are also rising in the Galapagos, with the archipelago's marine iguanas at their most colourful during January.

If topping up your tan is not a key concern, however, then Antarctica has to be the most exciting destination on offer at this time of year. November to mid-December is the best time for snowy landscapes, while late December to January sees the emergence of penguin chicks and seal pups, and February and March are best for spotting whales.

Other cold water destinations to consider include the spectacular mountains and glaciers of Patagonia, the vast penguin colonies of South Georgia, and New Zealand's remote subantarctic islands. Closer to home you also have the chance to see the Northern Lights on a cruise along the coast of Norway, though you'll need to be prepared for freezing temperatures and near permanent darkness the further north you get.