Western Caribbean cruises combine some of the Caribbean's most vibrant cultures with natural wonders found both on land and under the sea. The countries found in the Western Caribbean rank as some of the world's great vacation spots and top diving areas. Most itineraries provide a nice balance between time in port and time spent at sea, and are popular with the contemporary cruise lines that offer resort-style onboard atmospheres, so you'll find the best that the Caribbean has to offer both on the ship and in port.

Exotic ports of call make these cruises popular with travellers looking for water sports and soft adventure. The unspoiled natural beauty of these locations and the chance to experience cultures very different from our own are the main attractions. You will find the second largest coral reef in the world along the Caribbean coast of Mexico and Central America, and the reef on the island of Grand Cayman is truly unique. Scattered throughout the region are the ruins of ancient Maya temples and pyramids that are so fascinating you're sure to find them one of the highlights of the trip.

Some of the most popular shore excursions in these ports of call include snorkelling with stingrays near the reef in Grand Cayman, climbing Dunn's River Falls in Jamaica and hiking the seaside Maya city of Tulum. A wide variety of snorkelling and diving excursions are also offered in the Western Caribbean, and again one of the primary reasons this itinerary is so popular.

The countries found in the Western Caribbean include islands as well as coastal ports along Central America's Caribbean coast. Most itineraries visit three or four of the following ports of call.

Offered year-round, the Western itinerary is the most affordable cruise in the Caribbean and can range from 4, 5, 7 nights any time. During the winter months you can take 8, 10, 11 or even 14-night itineraries.

The Western Caribbean can be visited from as many as eight US departure ports in Florida and all along the Gulf Coast making it easily accessible from the majority of UK airports, and therefore one of the best cruise values in the Caribbean. Look for ships sailing from Galveston, Houston, New Orleans, Tampa, Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Port Canaveral. The most popular point for Southern Caribbean departures is San Juan, Puerto Rico, but some ships sail from other islands, such as Barbados, and the longer itineraries usually depart from Miami or Fort Lauderdale. All types of cruise lines offer the islands of the Southern Caribbean and you can find resort-style cruises as well as luxury lines visiting these idyllic islands. This itinerary is also the most popular with the specialty sailing vessels.