Cruise crew reveal their favourite destinations

“I get asked my favourite destination a lot and it’s a difficult one to answer, since I’ve been lucky enough to sail to many incredible places. For me, I’d say the South Pacific (Bora Bora, Moorea, Papeete) is probably my favourite place to travel to, since the water is like no other I’ve seen. I’ve visited a couple of times during my time at sea and I’m going back in a month’s time. When you get into port, it feels like you’ve landed in paradise. My favourite thing to do there varies, depending on the port itself – if it’s a beach port, I love to swim. Be sure to grab your snorkelling gear and check out the incredibly colourful fish – it’s an absolute must-do, every time.”

“I’ve visited St Maarten around 30 times, and whenever I get there, I instantly relax. Taking the water taxi knowing there’s a white sandy beach waiting – and great local Caribbean food – just can’t be beaten. The beach and sea are incredible, so daily swimming is a no-brainer. Look out for the restaurant with a full-size pirate mannequin outside, they serve amazing chicken wings...if you can get a seat. What’s great about the area is the promenade is smooth and caters for all people’s mobility. If you head along the water’s edge, you’ll come across a lovely water feature at the square. Keep going and you’ll find the beach is all but empty at this part, and you can even see the taxi coming over the bay for a quick pack-and-run.”

“After visiting so many places around the world, I’ve never found anything like Santorini – I’ve been five times now. The landscape and views are unrivalled! Aside from the stunning sights, the culture and gastronomy are the two most magical things. There’s a really great energy about the place – it keeps me coming back time and time again. I’d always recommend hiring a car and driving down the coast, before taking a walk – there are plenty of brilliant hidden gems to be found that way. Definitely swim in the sea, of course – it’s the best thing you can do! It’s tough to choose the greatest restaurant, but Armeni Restaurant by the sea is a brilliantly relaxed place, serving the most incredible grilled octopus.”

“There’s nowhere quite like Rome, and even if you don’t have a history-loving bone in your body, you can’t help but be in awe of the stories of this city. Everywhere you turn you’ll see reminders of its famous – and often infamous – past! I’ve been 11 times and I’ll be visiting again this year on a cruise, so it feels like a home away from home for me. I feel incredibly content and carefree there – La dolce vita comes to mind! There’s nothing I love more than sitting outside a little cafe in Piazza Navona, watching the world go by whilst sipping an Espresso or a chilled glass of Moscato. My favourite place to visit is Aroma rooftop Restaurant at the Palazzo Manfredi, with views over the Colosseum and the most stunning dishes made from fresh Italian ingredients (book in advance). I’d always recommend a visit to the Roman Forum, too. I can’t think of a better way to understand what everyday life in ancient Rome was like, than by walking in the footsteps of its founding residents.”