The beaches, water and tropical breezes are ties that bind almost every Caribbean cruise destination. But when it comes to some serious distinction, the Western Caribbean is known for its adventurous destinations, ancient influences and Latin styling.

Cruises to the Caribbean are perhaps some of the most popular in the world. Offering everything a vacationer would want and more, the islands that dot the Caribbean are vacationers' paradise on earth. The Western Caribbean is a favorite for those who enjoy diving and snorkeling. Known for its archaeological finds, this region was heavily influenced by the Mayan culture hundreds of years ago and the memory of this most impressive ancient civilization is still strong.

With its year-round balmy weather, the Western Caribbean is a popular destination no matter the time of year. The only caution is Hurricane Season, which can really kick things up. This runs annually between June 1 to Nov. 30, but storms can, and sometimes do, stir things up outside that time window.

The big draws in the Western Caribbean include such stops as Belize, Cozumel, Grand Cayman Island and Costa Maya. Although these are some of the main stops, there are more, plenty more, for cruise lovers to see and explore. One of the big distinguishing features of cruises to this part of the Caribbean over Eastern and Southern is the strong Mayan influence felt in the region and is a Latin flavor as well. But don't be surprised to see, hear and taste other influences such as British and French.

When visiting the Western Caribbean, some of the favorite ports of call for cruisers include Belize City, Cozumel and the Cayman Islands' Grand Cayman.

In Belize City, visitors who are brave enough can snorkel Shark Alley where they are more than likely to see stingrays and nurse sharks, among other water-loving creatures. Cozumel is the big Mayan draw with its walled city of Tulum. This is considered a do-not-miss on a Western Caribbean cruise. The Caymans operate on a slightly different pace and here visitors will feel a British influence. This island stop is famed for its historical sights and of course its snorkeling, swimming and diving.

Depending on the cruise taken, the Mayan city of Chitzen Itza is a possible side trip, as well. This famed city is home to some of the most impressive pyramids in this hemisphere and gives a strong indication of what life was like in this ancient civilization.

No matter the destination in the Western Caribbean, visitors who travel aboard cruise lines will find the ship's crews do what it takes to ensure passengers get to see the biggest highlights of the area. From off board excursions to visit Mayan ruins to days available to spend snorkeling or fishing, the lures of the Caribbean are strong for those who want to do little more than kick back and relax. But, of course, kicking back and relaxing is certainly not frowned upon. The region is famous for its tropical and idyllic settings just right for unwinding while enjoying warm oceanic breezes.

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The Southern Caribbean's island draws are so impressive, songs have been made to honor them. With Aruba, Antigua and Barbados just being a few of the many island possibilities for cruise ship passengers to see, it's no wonder this portion of the Caribbean is famed for being a favorite for tourists.

While each island in the Caribbean has its own distinct and rich history and geographical draws, they all share quite a lot in common as well. The islands in the Southern Caribbean are famous for their beautiful white, sandy beaches, tropical climates and pristine waters. Offering visitors a whole host of shore activities, the Southern Caribbean is one of the most popular parts of the region for vacationers.

In addition to the tropical beaches, the island of Antigua, for example, offers visitors a whole host of other adventures. There's cricket, hiking, golfing, biking and even bird watching. Water lovers will find windsurfing, diving, snorkeling and more available, as well. Plus, there are historical destinations, shopping and dining all available.

Cruise ship passengers will find themselves privy to a number of tours if they choose to disembark on the island of Antigua. These include tours of Jumby Bay, hiking excursions, historical tours and more. Cultural experiences are also possible to explore.

The history of this particular island is rich. Visitors will get to see areas touched by the British Royal Navy, the Arawak Indians and more. Plus, there's Shirley Heights Lookout to see and Nelson's Dockyard on this island richly influenced by both British and African settlers.

Visitors to other Southern/Eastern Caribbean islands will find a host of other activities just awaiting their arrival. From rum distillery tours on Barbados to Martinique's botanical gardens, there's a paradise to see seen in the Caribbean.

Cruise ship travel to the Caribbean is perhaps one of the best ways to get a feel for the islands. By visiting several ports of call in most general trips, cruise passengers get to see and explore a little more than those who head specifically to one island or another. The trips give passengers the best of both worlds while ensuring plenty of access to off board excursions so guests can get a real flavor of the islands.

The Southern Caribbean is home to a whole host of islands, each distinct in its roots and draws, but all quintessential in their tropical styling.

First "discovered" by Columbus in the 1490s, this island paradise was named for his brother Bartolomeo. Technically named St. Barthelemy, this island is lovingly called St. Barths or St. Barts for short by those who know it.

This island may not be as large as some of its neighbors, coming in with only 25 square kilometers, but it packs a punch when it comes to beauty and things to do. St. Barts has a rich history that includes Spanish, native, French and Swedish influences, among others. The little island's popularity in the tourism and cruise industry took off in the 1980s and remains strong today.

Technically a French "state," St. Bart's has a mix of "natives" that include actual natives, people from the French mainland and other European cultures as well. The island is home to a booming tourism industry and is known for its artistic pursuits. Here visitors will find a music and film festival, galleries and more.

The island is home to more than 20 different beaches, a number of hotels, restaurants, historic sites and more. But, what really draws in visitors is the fact this little paradise boasts the white sand beaches and pristine waters the Caribbean is famous for without the throngs of visitors other locations receive - most of the time.

Those who make St. Bart's a cruise destination will find the local culture is a mix of many cultures, in fact. They will also instantly notice cottages, skiffs and woven straw structures that are homes to locals along side some seriously upscale tourist destinations.

Activities on the island include such things as golf and tennis, fishing and hiking, swimming and windsurfing and, of course, diving and snorkeling. A bit different than many of its neighbors, St. Bart's is loved by those who want to get away from it all without throngs of people.

This Southern Caribbean destination is noted for having a number of activities both in and out of the water. Its quiet pace is loved by tourists and natives alike and makes it a draw for those who want to make the island their home on a more permanent basis. Shoppers, too, will delight in St. Bart's duty free status and will find corner shops and upscale boutiques mingling together within the many shopping areas.

Just one of a number of cruise destinations in the Southern Caribbean, St. Barts is a small island with a lot of sights for visitors to take in, explaining why its become a hot choice in Caribbean travel.

Perhaps one of the most noted destinations in the Western Caribbean, Jamaica has taken on a life of its own. This island nation is home to some of the richest history, plushest beaches and beautiful terrain found in the Caribbean.

Discovered by Europeans with Columbus' 1494 voyage, Jamaica's reputation was firmly ensconced in that single trip. The world traveler declared the island the most beautiful he had ever beheld. With that landing came five centuries of European control of the island, once home to only native peoples.

Modern day travelers and those who make their way to Jamaica via one of the many cruise lines that make ports of call in the country's big-name cities will find an island rich in a heritage that includes Spanish, native and British influences.

British rule of the island began in the 1650s and by the 18th century the island was a major part of the British colonies. It was responsible for producing most of the world's sugar and more. Later such crops as bananas and coffee became popular to grow on the island's rich lands.

Today, although the country still bears strong ties to its past, Jamaica is a free nation. Its independence from British rule came in 1962 and the island that once was known for its coffee, bananas and sugar became also known for its incredible tourist potential.

One of the favorite ports of call for those taking cruises to Jamaica is Montego Bay. Fabled for its silvery beaches, this city is home to the Bob Marley Theater and island music like no other. Here visitors can do such things at take a safari through a rainforest region, explore Bob Marley's roots, go snorkeling and diving and more.

Bird watchers revel in Jamaica's many offerings, as well. On this island alone visitors will find more than 252 different species of birds, including the streamer-tailed hummingbird.

For those who want to stretch their legs a little, Montego Bay is home to some impressive architecture and a rich historical district. Walking tours include such high points as the Falmouth estate, which is now a museum, and many Spanish influenced homes.

The more adventurous can enjoy snorkeling and dive tours of the bay's water, water skiing and more. Plus there's plenty of opportunities to check out beaches, go biking, horseback riding, golfing and more. Visitors with an eye for incredible beauty can even check out tropical waterfalls and more.

With such ports of call as Montego Bay, Kingston and Ocho Rios, Jamaica is a favorite for cruise travelers the world over. Its rich history and welcoming populace couple with the beautiful turquoise waters and warm island breezes to make this nation one that knows how to make travelers feel right at home.