Being there: Cozumel

Lying a short distance off the Caribbean coast of Mexico, Cozumel gained notoriety in 1961 when Jacques Cousteau explored the spectacular coral reef.

Today’s cruise passengers can snorkel amongst colourful fish or stay dry aboard a semi-submersible dive during their call at this lively port. Another popular tour heads to San Gervasio where Mayan ruins are set in the heart of Cozumel’s tropical jungle. For a real blast of Mayan culture there’s nowhere better than the day-long trip to Tulum on the mainland where the ancient city, perched atop a cliff, has over 60 impressive ruins of temples, palaces and altars. Catering to the host of cruise ships that arrive daily, there are plenty of bars where visitors can enjoy a variety of tequilas or local beers accompanied by the salsa beat; the embarrassment of powdery-soft beaches lapped by warm azure seas are ideal for chilling out.

Who goes there: Carnival, Celebrity, Costa Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, Fred Olsen Cruise Line, Holland America Line, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Thomson Cruises,