As the prospect of a long winter looms, the thought of a winter cruise becomes more enticing. Late cruise deals are often very good value, offering the chance to visit a range of destinations across the world while travelling in luxurious surroundings.

Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas and the Virgin Islands in the Caribbean are always a popular choice for a winter cruise. Each island group has a different flavour but all have a tropical climate. Soak up the sun on the white sand, try some of the water sports running from the beaches ranging from windsurfing to scuba diving, or take a trip on a glass-bottomed boat to watch the large schools of fish and turtles which live in the Caribbean Sea.

Another favourite destination for a winter cruise is Egypt. Aswan, south of Luxor on the banks of the Nile, first became popular as a winter holiday resort around 1800 and, in addition to the old world charm evident in the city, is the home of the Nubian Museum and the Mausoleum of Aga Khan.

Cairo, with the highest density of population in Africa, is a busy bustling cosmopolitan city, housing the precious relics from the tomb Tutankhamen in the Egyptian Museum, which attracts thousands of visitors each year. The three thousand year old pyramids at Giza in the Sahara desert continue to be the most visited heritage site in Egypt.

The Mediterranean remains one of the best destinations for last minute cruises, with a vast range of options available. Choose between the exotic coast of North Africa on the western edge of the Mediterranean, with calls at Marrakesh, Casablanca and Tangier to experience the souks of Tunisia and Algeria, or visit classical Italy with trips to Rome, Florence and Pisa to wonder at the Pantheon and Michelangelo’s David.