The cosmopolitan city of San Juan, where many cruises to the Western Caribbean depart, is an ultra-urban centre, full of culture, history and fascinating sites. A cruise to this area of the Caribbean is perfect for the first time cruiser. It often includes Cozumel, off the coast of the Riviera Maya, great for snorkeling and diving, with loads of boutiques and restaurants. Many itineraries also include a day in the old artisan village of Playa del Carmen, a wonderful stop for local wares and a cool drink on a warm, tropical day.

The music of the Dominican Republic and of the stunning island of Jamaica is as much a part of their land as the soft sandy beaches are. The reggae rhythms seem to constantly be in the background, acting as a canvas to daily life. In a city like Negril, where no building stands taller than a palm tree, it still has a quaint, personal feel about it. And unlike many of its neighbours to the west who can dance into the morning, life in Turks & Caicos slows down to a tranquil, calming pace.

When was the last time you built a sandcastle? What better time to relearn the adventures of your youth than in a land where the water is a thousand shades of blue and the sand is so white that the glare reminds you of being on a ski hill? A beach stop such as this on a Western Caribbean cruise is often a favourite of many Canadian travellers. Cruise lines, such as Disney Cruise Lines, specialize in creating lasting memories for both Mom and Dad and the children and offer unique shore excursions (where the kids can offer lessons on building the perfect sandcastle).

- The best beaches in the Western Caribbean are a constant debate (let us know what you think!), but ones that constantly make the list are: Grand Cayman’s Seven Mile Beach and Jamaica’s own Seven Mile beach in Negril.