Cruise Ships: Discover Your Favourite Western Caribbean Port

When it comes to the many cruise ships to choose from, you wont go far wrong by choosing one in the Western Caribbean. With destinations ranging from the tourist-friendly Cayman Islands to the party destination of Mexico and cultural wonders of Belize, families will find this a great way to introduce children to different cultures and sights – not to mention different types of fun!

A great way to start your cruise is the popular stop of Grand Caymen, the largest of the Caymen Islands. Considered the most visited, it is extremely geared for tourists but don’t let that stop you from discovering your own secret treasures. A fantastic excursion the whole family will love is visiting The Sandbar, where you can swim with stingrays in their natural habitat. A 30 minute boat ride to the middle of the ocean will see you stop at a natural sandbar, which is home to many friendly stingrays. The helpful guides will tell you all about these marvellous creatures, who aren’t afraid to give your leg a stroke to say hello! With the water only a few feet high, it’s ideal for children and even weak swimmers.

Belize City is a completely different experience altogether. Upon arrival, the busy, crowded city can seem a tad overwhelming, so booking an excursion beforehand is ideal. A city tour is a good way to get an overview of the city, but there is more to offer from this former colonial island. Try adventurous excursions such as kayaking, cave tubing or zip lining. This way, you’ll see more of the island and take in a fun-filled adventure along the way.

Water babies will love Isla Roatan, Honduras, as it offers a wide range of water activities from snorkelling to scuba diving to shipwreck discovery! Whilst small children will struggle with some of these sports, older children will enjoy the excitement and natural wonders on offer. If you’re travelling with small children on one of the many cruise ships, opt for a more relaxed excursion such as a private island day or catamaran sailing.

A much loved stop – and its clear to see why – is the Mexican island of Cozumel. White sandy beaches and turquoise waters await you in the cruise destination of Cozumel. The island is best known for its amazing scuba diving, which older children will love. If you’re travelling on your cruise UK with smaller children, there are plenty of beach resorts to enjoy, offering more sedate water activities and party games for everyone to enjoy.