Cruising can be a perfect volunteer vacation because ships often visit ports where people urgently need help. Here’s a do-it-yourself cruise-based volunteer vacation itinerary for those who are interested in giving back on their next vacation.

One of my favorite choices for a cruise-based volunteer vacation is the Norwegian Spirit’s Western Caribbean itinerary departing from New Orleans, Louisiana. The Norwegian Spirit is an excellent home base for vacationers interested in giving back. Ports of call include Costa Maya, Mexico; Santo Tomas de Castilla, Guatemala; Belize City, Belize; and Cozumel, Mexico.

This is a wonderful itinerary for those who enjoy beautiful beaches, watersports, Mayan history, cultural interaction and adventure. The itinerary is also superb for travelers who are interested in community service and giving back on vacation. Given below are a few suggestions to consider.

Day 1: New Orleans, LA
Arrive in New Orleans and transfer from the airport to the Norwegian Spirit. If you can arrive in New Orleans a few days early, there are plenty of community service opportunities available here. Check with Beacon of Hope (www.lakewoodbeacon.org) or Volunteer Louisiana (www.volunteerlouisiana.org) for more information.

Day 2: At Sea
Spend a leisurely day at sea. The Norwegian Spirit offers lots of fun activities on sea days. Relax in the sun, take a dip in the pool, get a spa treatment, play bridge or bingo, see a show, or hit the gym.

Day 3: Costa Maya, Mexico
The port of Costa Maya is home to ancient Mayan ruins, beautiful beaches, exciting underwater and land adventures, and a host of other activities. If you’re interested in volunteering in Costa Maya, contact the Uai Nat Ze Foundation (www.uainatze.org) for help and ideas. School supplies and backpacks are needed for kindergartens in Mahahual and Cancun. In addition, beach clean-up opportunities may be available in this area. Because of the tidal currents, large quantities of plastic garbage wash up in this area. Approximately 85 percent of the litter that washes ashore comes from countries other than Mexico. Check with Uai Nat Ze for more information.

Day 4: Santo Tomas de Castilla, Guatemala
Join Go With Gus for a leisurely 5-hour trip up the river by water taxi to visit communities along the Rio Dulce and one of several schools in the local area. As part of this Humanitarian Tour, cruise passengers can bring much needed school supplies and other materials for students in this region. Your activities will do good, promote cultural exchange, and give back to communities in need of assistance. For more information, visit Go With Gus Tours (www.gowithgustours.com) or contact Gustavo Turcios at gustavo@turcios.com.

Day 5: Belize City, Belize
Hire a driver for your own tour that combines giving back with sightseeing. Numerous orphanages and schools in the Belize City area welcome cruise passengers interested in community service opportunities. The Liberty Foundation (www.libertyfoundation.org.uk) provides a home for abandoned, abused and neglected children at the Liberty Children's Home, a residential facility located near the Belize International Airport in Ladyville. In addition, the Liberty Education Program provides schooling for these children as well as other preschool aged children in the surrounding communities. Closer to the cruise ship dock, The Dorothy Menzies Child Care Centre is a residential childcare facility and orphanage that houses neglected, abused and dependent children. Many schools in and around Belize City are also in need of school supplies, backpacks, and sporting goods items. For more suggestions, contact Lifeline Foundation (www.lifelinebelize.com) or visit Together for Good (www.togetherforgood.org).

After volunteering, visit the ancient city of Altun Ha, once a key link in the Mayan trade route through Mexico's Yucatan region. This site was made famous by the discovery of the world's largest carved jade head, depicting the Mayan sun god Kinich Ahau. Altun Ha contains the 2000-year-old remnants of 13 key structures surrounding two major plazas.

Day 6: Cozumel, Mexico
Giving back is easy in Cozumel. In Mexico, families must provide their own school supplies and uniforms in order for their children to attend school. The Cozumel Chrysalis Group assists more than 220 low income families whose children would not be able to attend school without assistance. Paradise Beach Club (www.paradisebeach.com) serves as a drop-off facility for the Cozumel Chrysalis Group, so cruisers can have fun in the sun and do good at the same time. Drop off donations of school supplies such as backpacks, pens, pencils, scissors, and other items and then enjoy Paradise Beach Club’s beach chairs, umbrellas, hammocks, and the use of non-motorized water toys. Lunch, snacks and drinks are also available for purchase.

For those who would like to do more for children, the Ciudad de Angeles orphanage in Cozumel provides a family-oriented living environment for children who have been abused, abandoned or orphaned. The organization’s website, www.ciudaddeangeles.org, provides more information on the orphanage including a wish list of what they need.

Day 7: At Sea
Free day! Check out the ship's daily bulletin and choose from a wide variety of exciting activities - or just lounge around enjoying the sun by the pool. The Norwegian Spirit crew fills the day with contests, sporting events, fitness programs, shopping opportunities, and a bountiful selection of tasty food.

Day 8: New Orleans, LA
Your volunteer vacation ends as the Norwegian Spirit returns to New Orleans. If you can, take some time to enjoy the sights and sounds of the city before heading to the airport on your way home. You'll leave with fond memories of the many ways you've helped others on your cruise.