Escape the Winter Doldrums with a Caribbean Cruise

I live in the Northeast where winters can be brutally cold. Definitely not my thing.

So, I always plan an annual escape to somewhere much more idyllic.

This year, I snagged a five-day Caribbean cruise on Princess Cruises' Crown Princess.

Travel offers amazing opportunities to see interesting places and learn about the history and culture of a unique destination. But sometimes you just want to get out of town and head to a place where the sun shines, the water is warm and the drinks come with tiny umbrellas. This was one of those times.

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My Princess Cruises' itinerary included two port stops and two sea days: Grand Turk in Turks and Caicos and Amber Cove on the north coast of the Dominican Republic are well-developed cruise ports.

These spots are ideal for cruisers who want hassle-free, fun and affordable beach days that offer plenty of activities all in one spot. If you want a cheap Caribbean escape that doesn't require you to spend too much of your vacation time or too many of your dollar bills, a winter getaway cruise like this is perfect.

Grand Turk has a beautiful curving beach and clear blue waters. There are numerous activities just steps from your cruise ship. You can settle in at Margaritaville and enjoy the large pool, music and party vibe. Or stay on the beach and grab a lounger for a day of reading, relaxing or just bobbing in the waters.

Wander down the beach to find Jack's Shack, a Grand Turk favorite for its great Caribbean food, beach volleyball and island drink specials. You also can slide in for some snorkeling or explore the shopping complex that is home to touristy boutiques hawking jewelry and a bazaar facility with local crafters selling their wares.

Grand Turk's cruise port also has a cool museum highlighting the history of the Mercury Space Program that's worth a look. (The island gained notoriety in 1962 when John Glenn's Friendship 7 space capsule splashed down off the coast.)

Amber Cove's cruise port is also a self-contained destination that features a lazy river pool, children's playground, zip line, bars, restaurants, overwater bungalows and sculpted beach areas offering all sorts of water sports.

You certainly can look at going on excursions to do more at these ports, but destinations like these are ideal if you just want to get off the boat for a chill day that doesn't require any big time or financial commitment. You can just enjoy the place with your small group of friends and family (or on your own) at the pace you choose.

For a similar experience, also look for itineraries that stop at other private islands that were developed by cruise lines, such as Great Stirrup Cay, Castaway Cay, CocoCay, Half Moon Cay and Princess Cays in the Bahamas; Harvest Cay in Belize and Labadee in Haiti.

They are all ideal for cruisers seeking an easygoing beach day somewhere warm and sunny—a place to recharge the batteries before returning to the grind of the workweek and the chilly weather back home.

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You can score deals on these winter cruises for less than $100 per person per day. In addition to the ports you visit, you can enjoy ships loaded with all kinds activities and amenities, as well as your food and entertainment. Instead of booking shore excursions, I enjoyed a great meal at the Crown Grill steakhouse onboard the Crown Princess.

On one sea day, I reserved a spot at The Sanctuary, an adults-only retreat on a secluded top deck area that comes with butler service. I also spent time in the thermal suite, had a massage, read a couple magazines and had a blast playing trivia, listening to the live music performances and watching the main theater shows. We were treated to a hilarious comedian and a magician that pulled off stunning illusions.

Maybe you just want to hang out at the pool and hot tubs or make it a spa-style vacation with a lot of time sleeping in, taking naps, or getting massages or other treatments. With New Year's resolutions at top of mind in the dead of winter, a cruise like this can be the ideal way to kick-start a workout program by spending sessions in the fitness center onboard or trying a few new group classes offered by the ship's instructors.

I like these quick getaways because they can be booked cheaply and even at the last minute many times. They are truly stress-free trips.