THE dreamy setting of the Maldives got the new year off to a perfect romantic start for Girls Aloud star Sarah Harding.

An island-hopping tour of the Caribbean proves the perfect introduction to the cruising world for ROBIN DAVISON-LUNGLEY

It's peak season in the Caribbean but, as JILL STARLEY-GRAINGER discovers, enjoying its pristine beaches, endless sunshine and warm welcome does not have to cost the Earth

ROWENA CARR-ALLISON heads for the star-studded Caribbean archipelago

KIMBERLEY WALSH of pop group Girls Aloud warms to life on the ocean wave during a relaxing family cruise from Fort Lauderdale

It's boom time for RACHEL JANE as she takes to the water in the Caribbean A-list haunt of Antigua during a family holiday

Sun, sea, rum and reggae await on this idyllic Caribbean isle says ROWENA CARR-ALLINSON

Let someone else baste the turkey this Christmas while you bask on a sun-kissed deck or explore new destinations, says EMILY BAMBER

TONY BROOKS decides to confront his holiday nightmare and guess what? It turned out like a dream.

SALOME MUNUO sets sail with her mother and daughter on a voyage to a tropical Caribbean paradise