Any time of year is great for a tropical vacation, especially if you're like me and you live somewhere where skies can be gray for months at a time, but the winter is an especially fine time to take a cruise somewhere tropical.

But where should you go?

Let's take a look at some popular (and some not-so-popular; read: not crowded) tropical vacation destinations that can be reached via cruise ship. (I love talking about cruises, because it's really easy to find some awesome last minute deals, so you don't necessarily have to have been planning your tropical vacation for months.)

In no particular order, here are five great cruise destinations where you're sure to find fun in the sun:

1. Hawaii

Long popular with west coast dwellers from the United States, the Hawaiian Islands are now the feature of plenty of cruises. You can sail with on an island hopping ship that starts in Honolulu and stops at four or more islands (something that is cumbersome to do if you fly), or you can book with another cruise line for a trip that starts in Mexico or British Columbia and includes a long, relaxing trip across the Pacific ocean in order to reach Hawaii. (The cruises that start in Hawaii are usually about a week, whereas the ones that start on the mainland may be up to two weeks.)

2. The Caribbean

The Caribbean is the most popular cruise destination, and it's a great choice for U.S. east coasters or people who live in the South. If the idea of a flight across the Atlantic doesn't faze you, there's no reason you couldn't visit from Europe or another destination either.

The sun, the islands, the variety of cultures and countries, and the chance to see ruins of ancient civilizations (choose a western Caribbean cruise that visits Cozumel in Mexico for this) makes this tropical area quite popular with vacation-goes from around the world.

3. The South Pacific

Tahiti and the rest of the French Polynesian islands make for a wonderful cruise destination. Expect beautiful sandy beaches, warm sunny days, and balmy evenings perfect for stargazing.

Much of what makes Hawaii such a popular destination applies down here too but the fact that it's a longer flight for most means you'll find fewer crowds here than in Hawaii or the Caribbean. For many, this

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is much of what makes the South Pacific paradise. Here, you'll truly be able to relax and enjoy the tropical climate in peace.

4. The Mexican Riviera

The Mexican Riviera refers to the cities and resorts on the west coast of Mexico, and the warm sunny weather here is helping make it another popular cruise destination. With ships leaving from ports in California, west coasters may even be able to take a trip without stepping aboard on airplane.

Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta are examples of cities in this zone that you may have heard of. There's plenty of fun in the sun to be had with shore excursions that range from snorkeling and scuba diving to rafting and wildlife viewing.

5. The Nile River

If you'd rather sail up a river than through the sea, a cruise up the Nile may be a perfect vacation for you. Again, you'll have access to that glorious warm weather, and you'll also be able to experience ancient history.

A Nile cruise is a perfect way to visit the temples and tombs located along Egypt's stretch of the river, and you'll feel like you've drifted back in time as you gaze upon the banks where people live in mudbrick homes, tending their crops with wooden plows, much the same way they did thousands of years ago. You'll be able to enjoy it all as you sit on a shaded deck of your "floating hotel" and sip the chilled beverage of your choice.

There you have it: five great cruise destinations you can visit in order to escape the rain and snow and gloom of winter. Enjoy the sun, and send me a postcard!