With such a wide variety of things to do ashore, there isn't any need to stay on board when cruise ships are in port.

Several cruise lines operate Western Caribbean cruises from American ports around the Gulf of Mexico and Florida's Atlantic coast.

In all ports there is shopping available, beaches on which to relax and water sports. The latter include snorkeling, scuba diving, deep sea diving, fishing, sailing, kayaking and party boats.

On shore activities include bike- and horse-riding, and jeep tours.

Progreso

This is a seaside retreat about forty kilometers north of Merida. With its white sandy beaches and emerald green sea it is a popular place.

The most famous tour to take from here is to the best preserved Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza, which once had a population of more than 35,000. Be prepared for a huge complex and lots of walking.

Among the ruined buildings are the Observatory, a small pyramid containing the tomb of the High Priest, the Ball Court where the Maya played a form of basketball, the eerie Tzompantli, which is a wall of carved grinning skulls, the Temple of the Warriors and the Group of a Thousand Columns.

At the center is the Pyramid (24m high) which was dedicated to Kukulcan. For those with strong legs and a head for heights, it is possible to climb a staircase to visit the temple at the top.

Calica

Situated near Playa del Carmen and next to the Xcaret Nature Park, this is a comparatively new gateway to the Yucatan.

Snorkeling in this area includes investigating the reef. There are also some caverns to be visited and several jungle excursions, both by bike and All-Terrain-Vehicle.

For those wishing to see Mayan ruins, there is an excursion to Tulum. Here there are several temples, including the Temple of the Frescos which have supernatural serpents as a motif.

Costa Maya

This is another comparatively new community. There are small beaches, duty free and souvenir shops and some places to try the local cuisine.

Of course there are Mayan ruins to visit from here - the virtually un-excavated ones at Chacchoben and at Kohunlich, both of which are in a jungle setting. As well as exploring these ruins the guides also point out interesting plants and trees, some of which have curative properties.

Another excursion on the Riviera Maya is to swim with the dolphins. A magical experience.

Cozumel

The island of Cozumel is probably the most well-known of all of the ports of call in the Yucatan. This is the largest Mexican island and has a great many interesting and fun things to do.

Chankanaab Park is well known for its gardens, snorkeling and swimming with the dolphins. It is here that non-swimmers (wearing life-jackets and standing on a platform waist-deep in the water) also have a chance to meet the dolphins who perform in front of them, then greet each person individually. With a kiss.

Summary

Excursion programs vary from cruise line to cruise line. The excursions highlighted here are simply a taster. When booking a cruise, print off a copy of the available excursions, choose carefully and book in advance. The more popular excursions get booked up very quickly. If, once on board, you think you have made a mistake or want to go on a different excursions, speak to the staff on the Excursions desk.

Some Western Caribbean cruises also call at Belize, Grand Cayman and Jamaica. There are cruises all around the Caribbean, including the Eastern Caribbean.