Viator Travel Blog

Cruises to the Mediterranean are much-loved cruise sailings for a multitude of reasons. First off, the countries that call the Mediterranean home are stunning in their beauty, with cobblestoned roads, white and terracotta colored houses, and luscious gardens and hills bordered by sea water in various shades of teal and turquoise. Secondly, the people who live in the towns and cities of the Mediterranean are often welcoming and happy to introduce visitors into their laidback, pleasant lifestyle. And thirdly, there is a lot to do in the Mediterranean.

When people think of vacationing to South America, they don’t often think of exploring it via cruise. However, this is starting to change as more and more travelers are realizing why seeing South America by cruise is a great way to explore the continent – whether it’s your first time in South America or your tenth.

While white sand beaches with azure waters and billowing palms are nice, they’re far from unusual. For those looking for a truly unique coastal experience, the following beaches provide just that. Barking sand, star-shaped fossils and natural underground hot springs are just a few of the strange experiences you can have on the following weird beaches.

A cruise is much like a glorified resort at sea, and cruise lines realize this, which is why many of the top cruise lines devote a substantial amount of time and money to making sure the staterooms on their cruise ships are comfortable and inviting. That’s usually where the similarities end – even within a cruise line. When it comes to any one ship, though, you often have a variety of options to choose from that extend beyond the typical inside versus outside stateroom options.

Like most tourists who visit Estonia, I arrived via the two-hour boat from Helsinki, located just 85kms across the Bay of Finland. I only had a day and a half in the capital city, so a combination bus and walking tour or Tallinn seemed like the perfect way to make the most of my time checking out the city’s major sights.

The last several years have seen the debut of cruise ships that defy previous notions of what cruising is all about. From real grass lawns to ziplines to world class spas, cruise lines continue to innovate each time they debut a new cruise ship. This year is no exception. With improvements in stateroom layouts and amenities, and an impressive array of onboard entertainment, 2013 is continuing in the new tradition of cruise lines’ debuting inventive cruise ships with luxurious cruise ships – whether it’s sailing on an ocean or a river. So just what exactly is in store for cruise travelers this year on the newest ships? Read on to find out.

Cruising has many components that cater to adventure, fun, families and group activities, and those things are what most people think of when cruising pops to mind. However, cruising can also be ideal for a romantic couple’s vacation if you book the right the itinerary and destination. Whether you’re planning a honeymoon or special milestone trip, or simply want a stress-free way to see the world with your loved one, cruises offer plenty of opportunities for romance. Here are some of the best cruise options for a romantic trip.

Welcome to the 2012 Viator Travel Awards: Caribbean Edition! In the past, we’ve focused on specific tours for each item on this list, but this year we thought we’d feature some of the top things to do in 25 of the most exciting places to visit in the Caribbean. The Caribbean spans over hundreds of islands. These islands range from tiny to expansive and offer a diverse range of activities. From adrenaline junkies looking for their next daring adventure to shoppers hoping to find that perfect travel souvenir, plus lots of hiking and nature found in between, the Caribbean does not disappoint, regardless of one’s activity level.

Viator’s shore excursions site helps cruisers find the best tours and things to do in ports of call around the world, no matter which cruise line you choose. Now we’re excited to announce the addition of even more destinations! On the Viator Shore Excursions site, you’ll find exclusive cultural activities, unique experiences and things to do, and totally customizable private tours in more than 109 destinations, including ten new destinations in Central and South America.

Most people have heard the stereotypes of cruising: buffet-style food, too many kids, feeling trapped on board, seasickness, subpar entertainment, no young people on board and jail-like accommodations.

While it’s true you can find those things on some cruise lines, it’s actually easier these days to find a cruise that has none of them – plus many more appealing aspects that are a good fit for your personality type and vacation style. The secret is doing your research and knowing which cruise line is going to best suit your personality. Let’s take a look at some common aspects desired in vacations and what cruise lines deliver them – you’ll find some debunking of the above cruise stereotypes in the process.