Costa Cruises plans to position a second cruise ship in Asia beginning in May 2013. Currently, the line operates the 2,394-guest Costa Victoria in Asia and will start sailing from Shanghai May 18, 2012. Costa Victoria replaces the 1,680-guest Costa Classica, which has been repositioned to the Mediterranean. In May 2013 the 2,680-guest Costa Atlantica also will be deployed in the region, giving Costa a combined total guest capacity of 5,074 — a 67 percent increase.

With the debut of Costa Victoria in May 2012 and Costa Atlantica in May 2013, Costa Cruises will offer a unique product for the Asian market called “Italy at Sea,” with Italian-style hospitality, shopping, art and cuisine.

“Since 2006 when Costa Cruises started to market its cruise product in Asia, we have further strengthened and tailored our product to our local clients’ needs and wishes,” said Pier Luigi Foschi, chairman and CEO of Costa Crociere S.p.A. “Costa Atlantica and Costa Victoria will bring a piece of ‘Italy at sea’ to Asia as Costa has successfully done in all other countries, throughout its 64 years of history. The successful results we have obtained until now are encouraging our company to further expand in the region.”

As the first international cruise company to enter the Chinese market, Costa has become one of the best-recognized and most popular tourism brands in Asia. Since the line began operations in Asia six years ago, Costa has carried more than 350,000 guests in the region.

Costa Victoria and Costa Atlantica will offer a variety of short and longer itineraries departing from Singapore, Shanghai, Tianjin and Hong Kong, China, that will appeal to both Asians and Europeans.

Costa Victoria offers 246 cabins with balconies, enabling guests to enjoy the splendid scenery of Asia from the privacy of their own cabins. The ship is furnished and designed in an Italian style, and each deck is named after an Italian opera. The Spa pool was inspired by the splendor of Pompeii, and the Capricco Bar is tiled with the Italian artist Emilio Tadini’s mosaics. Costa Victoria also will debut its unique on-board designer boutique concept, selling top brands at duty-free prices.

From May to October 2012 Costa Victoria will offer short cruises and seven-day cruises to Japan and South Korea from Shanghai calling at Cheju and Yeosu, South Korea; and Fukuoka, Osaka, Kagoshima, Wakayama and Hososhima, Japan. From November 2012 to January 2013 the ship will be based in Singapore, offering seven-day cruises to Malaysia and Thailand, and three- or four-day cruises to Malaysia. The three itineraries can be combined into a 14-day cruise calling at Kuantan, Malaysia; Laem Chabang/Bangkok and Koh Samui, Thailand; and Langkawi, Penang, Port Klang and Malacca, Malaysia.

Until October 2013 Costa Victoria will depart from Hong Kong, Shanghai and Tianjin for short cruises to Taiwan or South Korea, Japan and Vietnam, with calls at Ho Chi Minh City, Da-Nang and Haling Bay, Vietnam; Sanya, China; Keelung and Taichung, Taiwan; Fukuoka and Kagoshima, Japan; and Cheju and Pusan, South Korea.

Costa Atlantica’s interior design celebrates Italian cinema and the arts: Fellini and La Dolce Vita, Madame Butterfly, the historic Caffè Florian in Venice, Via della Spiga, the 18th-century Tiziano Restaurant. The ship has 1,057 cabins, including 54 suites with private balcony, 620 cabins with private balcony and 40 Wellness cabins and four Wellness suites offering a customized spa experience.

From May to June 2013 Costa Atlantica will depart from Singapore on seven-day cruises to Malaysia and Thailand, and on three- or four-day cruises to Malaysia. The three itineraries also can be booked together as a 14-day cruise calling at Kuantan, Malaysia; Laem Chabang/Bangkok, and Koh Samui, Thailand; and Langkawi, Penang, Port Klang and Malacca, Malaysia. From June through October, Costa Atlantica will depart from Shanghai on short cruises to South Korea and Japan calling at Cheju and Pusan, South Korea; and Fukuoka, Hososhima and Kagoshima, Japan.

Costa Atlantica and Cost Victoria will be supported in China by Costa Crociere’s local office in Shanghai. In November 2011 Costa established the cruise industry’s first wholly owned foreign enterprise in China. The company offers commercial and financial services to local travel partners and passengers, such as marketing, ticketing and collection.

On Friday, May 11, 2012, Avalon Waterways unveiled and christened not one, but two Suite Ships in Enkhuizen, Holland. 

Photo courtesy of Avalon Waterways

TRAVELSAVERS’ Nicole Mazza served as the godmother of the Avalon Visionary while Canadian travel industry insider Vanessa Lee, acted as godmother to the Avalon Vista.

Norwegian Cruise Line executives and officials from MEYER WERFT took part in the Keel Laying Ceremony of Norwegian Breakaway at the ship yard in Papenburg, Germany on Friday, May 4.  During the official ceremony, the first of 73 blocks that will comprise the 144,000 gross ton vessel was lifted into the covered building dock, marking the start of the block assembly.

In the dock, Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer, laid the traditional “lucky coin,” before the 350-ton first block was placed by the 800-ton crane. A special commemorative coin was created to celebrate the day’s activities. A virtual version of the coin will be available tonight at 9 pm ET on the line’s Facebook page for fans to see and share with their friends.

“The anticipation is building for this incredible ship,” said Sheehan. “It’s thrilling to mark the start of the block assembly and realize that in one year we will take delivery of Norwegian Breakaway.  We can’t wait.”

Norwegian Breakaway is the first ship being built by MEYER WERFT utilizing a more efficient construction process which will deliver a ship of more than 140,000 gross tons in less than 12 months.

“We are so proud to begin the process of constructing the ship out of 73 blocks that form the structure of the ship and are looking forward to seeing it take shape over the coming months,” said Bernard Meyer, managing director of MEYER WERFT.  “Norwegian Cruise Line has a reputation in the industry for innovation and we are very happy to continue that with this new ship.”

The 4,000 passenger Norwegian Breakaway will arrive in her year-round homeport of New York City in early May 2013. The ship will begin weekly summer seven-day cruises to Bermuda on Sunday, May 12, 2013.  From October 2013 through April 2014, the ship will offer voyages from the heart of Manhattan to the Bahamas & Florida and the Southern Caribbean.

To date, the company has revealed the ship’s groundbreaking design, including The Waterfront and 678 Ocean Place, a wide range of indoor and outdoor venues on three dynamic decks that will create a whole new complex at sea that enhances guests’ connection with the ocean.  The top decks of Norwegian Breakaway will feature the first Aqua Park at sea with five full-size water slides, including twin Free Fall slides, the first ever at sea, and a three-story sports complex that includes the largest ropes course at sea, a nine-hole miniature golf course, basketball court, rock climbing wall and more.

The ship will also feature a rich mix of stateroom options including The Haven by Norwegian, comprised of 42 Suites at the top of the ship and 18 additional Suites located throughout the ship; the innovative Studios, designed and priced for solo travelers; the re-introduction of Oceanview staterooms, Balcony and Mini-Suites; along with Spa Balcony, Mini-Suites and Suites in close proximity to the spa.

For more information on the incredible features and accommodations on Norwegian Breakaway, visit www.breakaway.ncl.com.  To book a cruise on Norwegian Breakaway, contact a travel professional, call Norwegian at 800-327-7030 or visit www.ncl.com. Comment on today’s announcement on our Facebook page: www.ncl.com/facebook.

Princess Cruises today raised the curtain on Princess Live!, a new type of cruise ship entertainment venue that passengers will enjoy aboard the new Royal Princess. Taking the audience behind the scenes to share the excitement of a working television studio, the high-tech Princess Live! will showcase live television broadcasts, intimate performances from musicians, and special events such as cooking shows, plus will feature an adjacent café.

Located on Royal Princess’ deck 7 just aft of the Piazza, Princess Live! will be a flexible, 280-seat venue based on a television broadcast studio. When the ship debuts in June 2013, Princess Live! will serve as a venue for daily broadcasts of “The Wake Show” with a new twist — a daily live audience. This popular daily show staring the cruise director and special guests from around the ship is a staple across the Princess fleet, but is rarely staged live.

The colorful Princess Live! studio will also host a variety of events, including game shows, interactive cooking shows, art house films, enrichment classes, murder mysteries, trivia, and “Meet the Experts” presentations from the crew. Additionally, Princess Live! will serve as a more intimate performance venue for onboard musicians who will offer “unplugged” and “in-the-round” shows, providing an opportunity for entertainers to connect with the audience in a unique environment.

“Princess Live! will be an exciting new experience for passengers,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. “Not only will they enjoy the high energy of being part of a live television production, but they also will have a new opportunity to see more intimate performances from many of our onboard entertainers.”

The adjacent Princess Live! Café will surround passengers with interactive, wall-mounted screens showing the ship’s position, ports of call, points of interest and even international newspapers. The café will serve up specialty coffees, teas and freshly squeezed citrus juice, plus will offer a selection of fresh-baked croissants and pastries in the morning.

Royal Princess will also feature the line’s largest Princess Theater ever, with unobstructed sight lines from every seat, plus will see the return of an updated Vista Lounge at the aft of the ship to serve as an alternate evening performance venue.

The line has released a preview video showcasing Royal Princess entertainment venues, hosted by Princess Cruises Executive Vice President Rai Caluori and Vice President of Entertainment Martin Hall, available at www.princess.com/royalprincessentertainment.

Additional information about other ship features will be released in the coming months.

The 3,600-passenger Royal Princess is a new-generation ship currently under construction for Princess Cruises. Among the new features found on board will be a greatly expanded atrium, the social hub of the ship; the dramatic over-water SeaWalk, a top-deck glass-bottomed enclosed walkway on the ship’s starboard side extending more than 28 feet beyond the edge of the vessel; private poolside cabanas that appear to be floating on the water; a dazzling water and light show; more dining options including a special Chef’s Table Lumiere, wine cellar dining area and an expanded Horizon Court with pastry shop. Eighty percent of the ship’s staterooms will feature a balcony. More information about the ship is available at www.princess.com/royalprincess.

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel agent, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS (1-800-774-6237), or by visiting the company’s website at www.princess.com.

The small ship cruise line Hurtigruten has been an active participant in many of the remote areas it visits on its Expedition Voyages and often raises money for needy causes.

A new fundraiser to begin in early summer on the MS Fram’s Arctic and Antarctica sailings focuses on helping to “Save the Albatross,” (a project of the Bird Life International Foundation), a much treasured bird that faces extinction mainly due to industrial long-line fishing. “These animals are incredibly elegant when they move. To me, they are one of the most impressive bird species in the world,” said expedition leader Karin Strand, “able to fly thousands of miles.” For further information on the “Save the Albatross” project, please visit http://www.rspb.org.uk/supporting/campaigns/albatross/.

This is one of several fund-raisers initiated by Hurtigruten and funded by both the company and its Expedition guests – where guests bid on company items that include the unique nautical chart of the respective voyage and signed by the captain, a Hurtigruten flag, and expedition team jackets.

“We want to give something back to the regions we visit, after the great pleasure of experiencing these magnificent and remote areas,” is expedition team leader Karin Strand’s explanation of the idea behind the fundraising campaigns. “Our guests recognise the privilege of being able to travel to the Antarctic, Greenland or Spitsbergen – and as a thank-you they would like to contribute to the future of these regions.”

Ongoing fundraisers include campaigns run by Antarctica South Georgia Heritage Trust and the Ocean Foundation. A very popular and successful fundraiser is the one focusing on raising funds for the “Association of Greenlandic Children” – yielding more than €140,000 in its first four years solely through the crew-run auctions and generous guests on board.

Hurtigruten is a world leader in expedition cruising, sailing to the most remote of destinations including Antarctica, Greenland and the Arctic’s Spitsbergen as well as year round along Norway’s coast and Europe in the spring. The company’s fleet of 14 intimate ships, carrying 100 to 646 guests, allows travelers to enjoy unique destinations in a relaxed atmosphere.

Additional information, as well as brochures and reservations, can be obtained from travel agents or Hurtigruten’s  web site, www.hurtigruten.us; or by phone: (877) 301-3117; fax (888) 524-2145; for brochures (800) 582-0835, 24 hours a day.

For a long time I have known the people who represent Travel Guard, the folks who sell travel insurance. They have long been supporters of an organization that I am very involved in, the Society of American Travel Writers.

Recently, Travelguard published a list of handy travel gadgets that I would like to share with you. Whether you are a gadget guru or just want a more convenient way to travel, here are a few of the latest travel gadgets that may come in handy on your next trip.

SteriPen Ultraviolet Bacteria / Pathogen Killer: If you’ve ever been to a third world country, you know that the water supply can often be contaminated. That’s why there’s the SteriPen. Hold this ultraviolet “magic wand” in a 16 oz glass of questionable liquid for 48 seconds and the water is then considered safe to drink.

The Clear Card: Ever wish you could skip the security line at the airport? You can. It’s called having a “Clear Card”. While it’s only used at 20 airports around the U.S., flashing the card allows you to rush right by the security lines and onto your plane or into the waiting area. Click here to learn more.

Stash Sandals: Picture this: you are on a family vacation and want to do some sightseeing or take a trip to the beach and stop for a bite to eat. What do you do if you don’t want to carry a purse or wallet with you? Purchase a pair of Stash Sandals! These handy sandals have a secret compartment that slides out to stash your cash, hotel key or other personal items.

Powerbag Sling: Smartphones, tablets, laptops… on-the-go gadgets take a lot of power. Fortunately, the Powerbag Sling can charge up devices quickly while you are literally on the move. It’s a sling with an internal battery that charges gadgets on the go. Need a variety of USB or other connectors? No problem. This device has them all.

Swiss Army Knife with USB Drive: So you can’t take this one on a plane, but it’s still perfect for traveling if you are planning a road trip to your travel destination. Even more perfect if you are a tech junky who also likes to get a camping fix. This gadget lets you have a flashlight, USB drive, scissors, pen, knife, nail file and screwdriver all in one.

Hmmm…surely I need one or two of these items!

Seems like the Blounts of Rhode Island had always been in the oyster business. The family oyster beds flourished. Workers were busy. Eager buyers lined up for the quality shellfish. Life was good.

Then came the 1938 hurricane. By the time the winds quit roaring and the seas stopped churning, E.B. Blount & Sons Oyster Company was devastated.

Capt. Luther Blount on one of his adventure cruises

Studying at Wentworth College in Boston, son Luther Blount suddenly had no family business to return to. Instead, Luther came home and invented a process to steam clams that was so successful it soon was supplying ingredients for Campbell’s Soup clam chowder.

But Luther was troubled by the empty oyster processing plant that still sat untouched since the hurricane. Why not, he reasoned, use the family business site to build an oyster boat? So he did. Then he built another. And another. And another.

By 1964, Luther had built more than 100 vessels. He had even come up with a few boat patents that would lay the foundation for what is now Blount cruise ships.

For my final post on my Grande Caribe cruise, it seemed appropriate to share the interesting history of how the cruise line came to be – and what its goals are in offering cruises.

Over the years, Luther built everything from dinner boats to ships that transported tourists around the State of Liberty in New York Harbor. An avid traveler, Luther also took his family and friends on boating excursions.

“Along the way, some of these people said, ‘Hey, you should start a cruise line.’ So he did,” explains David Sylvaria, fleet captain for Blount Small Ship Adventures. “It just sort of grew from there.”

Blount patented the retractable pilot house

For his new cruise line in 1966, Luther wanted to build smaller ships that could travel to distant places that fit in with his simple motto: “Go where the big ships cannot.”

To make that possible, Luther used his engineering skills for several patented inventions. His patented bow ramp, for example, made it possible to walk directly from ship to shore, instead of being ferried by small ships into port.

His patented retractable pilot house – combined with the shallow draft (less than seven feet) of his ships – made it possible to cruise down narrow waterways, under low bridges and through places like the Erie Canal.

“Nobody runs through the Erie Canal except us,” Capt. David said. “We also travel in some really shallow waters where other ships can’t go.”

Even though Luther’s ships can hold 96 passengers, a crew, engines, glass bottom boats, kayaks and a whole lot more, Blount ships can clear obstacles that would stop other ships in their tracks.

"...to go where other ships cannot..."

After Luther’s death in 2006, his three daughters decided to change the name of the company. Formerly called American Canadian Caribbean Line, it is now Blount Small Ship Adventures. Luther’s daughters Marcia and Julie became president and vice president of the Blount Boats shipyard. Daughter Nancy, who had worked by her father’s side since 1979, took the helm of Blount Small Ship Adventures.

“His daughters wanted to honor their father by using his name for the company,” Capt. David said.

Enjoying his 14th Blount cruise with his wife Judy, Fred Newton of Springhill, Fl.,  said he had the pleasure of meeting Luther Blount on one of his cruises. “He was a very smart man and he loved to travel,” Fred recalled. “This was the way he liked to travel, on a small ship, and he made it possible for so many of us to do it, too.”

Cruising on the Blount ships is very informal and relaxing, Fred said. “That’s why we keep coming back. It’s really enjoyable and we are glad to see Luther Blount’s name living on through the great ships he built.”

For more information: Contact Blount Small Ship Adventures at (800) 556-7450, www.BlountSmallShipAdventures.com

Ship photos by Jackie Sheckler Finch

Just in time for summer vacation planning, Norwegian Cruise Line (“Norwegian”) is launching an offer for families who book a 2012 cruise from today through May 13, 2012.  With the “Little Norwegian’s Explore For Free” offer, children 12 years and younger will receive complimentary Norwegian-sponsored shore excursions* and teens (13 to 17 years old) will receive half-off shore excursions* when in the same stateroom with a paying adult on the same excursion.  This applies to all 2012 sailings fleet-wide for all ports of call. Families can whale watch in Alaska; explore ancient cities in Europe; or have fun in the sun on a snorkel excursion in the Caribbean, Bahamas, Bermuda or Hawai’i.

In conjunction with this offer, Norwegian has partnered with kid’s clothing retailer, The Children’s Place, on “A Place in the Sun Sweepstakes,” where participants can enter online at www.childrensplace.com or in retail stores to win a seven-day cruise to the Caribbean or Bermuda for a family of four. In addition, those who qualify for the complimentary shore excursion promotion will receive an e-coupon for 20% off a purchase of $50 or more at The Children’s Place (valid in the U.S. and Canada).

Norwegian’s array of Freestyle Cruising options gives families the flexibility to experience the vacation they’ve always wanted including family-friendly accommodations and a variety of entertainment and dining options. Guests of all ages can enjoy Nickelodeon activities and shows on board Norwegian Jewel’s sailings to Alaska from Seattle; Norwegian Epic’s voyages to the Western Mediterranean from Barcelona or to the Caribbean from Miami; and Norwegian Gem’s sailings from New York to the Bahamas & Florida or the Caribbean.

The line recently announced enhancements to its youth and teen programs, Splash Academy and Entourage. Both Splash Academy and Entourage will feature a different theme every day. Whether it’s ocean-related, pirates, space cowboys, jungle fever or circus, every day will offer a new surprise that is tailored to the individual age groups – Guppies for ages up to 2; Turtles for ages 3 to 5; Seals for ages 6 to 9; and Dolphins for ages 10 to 12. The enhanced curriculum focuses on team building and assisting in developing children’s interpersonal and confidence-building skills. With activities that are tailored specifically to each age group, the new youth and teen programs focus on creative and unique activities, along with more sporting events, through a partnership with King’s Foundation and Camps. A highlight of the program is a circus school in partnership with Hilario Productions’ Cirque du Jour, a New York-based company that specializes in teaching children real circus skills. Splash Academy also offers activities for cruisers under three and their parents who can enjoy sensory play classes which include baby art featuring “Wee Can Too” organic art products.

All shore excursions for adults and children related to this offer must be pre-booked prior to sailing. Guests can reserve shore excursions using their MyNCL account (www.ncl.com/myncl) for each member of the family online once a new reservation is made. The children and teen rates will automatically be deducted in the shopping cart upon checkout.

To book a family cruise vacation with Norwegian during the “Little Norwegian’s Explore For Free” limited time promotion, contact a travel professional, call Norwegian at 866-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784), or visit www.ncl.com.

*Motorized flight tours, golf, Orlando theme parks and Atlantis in the Bahamas excluded.

Oceania Cruises’ Riviera sets sail on her maiden voyage in May 2012.  Riviera will showcase a museum-worthy collection of fine art focusing on the works of some of Latin America’s most accomplished and admired contemporary artists. More than 1000 works will adorn the mid-size ship.

The world-class collection is a nod to the Cuban heritage of Frank Del Rio, the line’s founder and chairman and CEO of parent company Prestige Cruise Holdings. More curator than collector, Del Rio ensured that “every inch of the ship was designed to showcase paintings, glassworks and sculpture that will spark conversation and contemplation among our guests.”

The ship’s collection includes original and highly expressive works by renowned artists from Cuba’s Vanguard Movement, from 1927 to 1950. During this period artists such as Wifredo Lam, Cundo Bermudez, René Portocarrero and Servando Cabrera were celebrated with exhibitions at New York’s Museum of Modern Art and in private galleries in New York and abroad. These seminal works are displayed side-by-side with contemporary Cuban artists, including Julio Larraz, Carlos Luna, Humberto Benitez, Manuel Mendive and José Grillo. Works by French painter Pierre Boncompain, Mexican painter Luis Zesatti, Peruvian artist Daniela Wicki and Catalonian master, Eduardo Arranz-Bravo, are also featured.

The works will be prominently featured throughout the ship, but also “tucked in the most unexpected places to promote a sense of discovery,” says Del Rio. Wherever guests roam, from the Bon Appétit Culinary Center to the restaurants to the onboard Canyon Ranch SpaClub, they will find the ship’s rich woods, abundant marble and granite and fine wool carpets complemented by Del Rio’s “evolving collection.”

Del Rio commissioned José Grillo to create a painting inspired by the title, “Yellow Submarine,” which will be displayed outside Jacques restaurant. “El Caretas,” another Grillo work, occupies a prominent place by the reception desk. Carlos Luna has several paintings throughout Riviera, including “Lovers” at the entrance to the Riviera Lounge. Renowned Miami artist Humberto Benitez was commissioned for several pieces in Horizons Lounge and for his sentinel piece, “The Feast,” fittingly enough hanging in La Reserve, the ship’s gourmet dining venue.

Like her sister ship Marina, the centerpiece of Riviera is a Lalique Grand Staircase, designed by the French artists of jewelry and crystal. It features double-curved staircases and a balcony with balustrades of crystal medallions and scrolled iron with a brass banister topped by a mahogany handrail. Six crystal pillars rising from the landing enhance the two-story, glass elevator surround.

To learn more about Riviera, contact a travel professional, visit OceaniaCruises.com or call toll-free at 800-531-5658.

Viator, a leading resource for researching and booking tours and activities around the world, has unveiled a new website specifically designed to help cruise passengers find and book shore excursions with savings up to 60 percent off typical rates offered by cruise lines.

The new website – shoreexcursions.viator.com – features more than 500 shore excursions in over 80 of the most popular ports around the globe, including new destinations Juneau, Monaco and Mykonos.

The site has been designed for the complex nature of shore excursion bookings and will offer only relevant tours and activities, based on the specific itinerary of the cruise ship, with itineraries available from the world’s leading cruise companies including Carnival Cruises, Costa Cruises, Holland America, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean.

All passengers need to do is select the cruise line, ship name and departure date, and Viator will instantly load the cruise ship’s itinerary and present only those excursions that can specifically work for each port of call based on arrival and departure times, and availability.

Specific features of the Viator Shore Excursions website include:

Easy search and booking, based on cruise ship’s itinerary. Just select a ship’s itinerary from thousands of options, and Viator will instantly sync and reveal only available shore excursions in their ports-of-call that match allowed shore times. For travelers who haven’t chosen their cruise yet, Viator enables searches by region and port as well.

Unique and more personalized experiences. Small group and private options or skip-the-line privileges, as well as exclusive, customizable tours led by Viator Private Guides let cruise travelers bypass large throngs of their shipmates and enjoy more private and customized experiences.

Multiple unique itineraries for a single group. Perhaps your parents would like a different experience than scuba diving – no problem. You can now create and book multiple itineraries for each member of your group – adults, kids, etc. – tailored to their interests in one transaction.

Viator’s Worry-Free bookings. Worried about missing your ship if you don’t book your excursion directly with the cruise line? Don’t be. If a passenger misses the ship because of a Viator excursion, Viator will transport them to the next port of call at no cost to the traveler.

Guaranteed best prices in multiple currencies. In addition to savings up to 60 percent off, all shore excursions qualify for Viator’s low price guarantee. If you find a lower price, Viator will refund the difference. All tours can be booked in USD, AUD, CAD,  GBP, and EUR.

Last minute availability. Whether from an estate room on an iPad or a mobile phone call to Viator’s call center, many of Viator’s excursions are available for purchase as late as the night before arrival in port.

Unbiased cruise traveler reviews, photos and star ratings. Browse hundreds of cruise traveler reviews and photos from actual Viator users that provide valuable first-person insights like this one from Bo, October 2011, regarding the Civitavecchia Rome in One Day Private Tour, “People on our cruise couldn’t believe all that we were able to do and see. Don’t miss this tour!”

From now through April 30, , all bookings through the new Viator shore excursions website will receive a 10 percent discount off the already low prices. Cruise passengers simply enter the code SHOREX10 at checkout for this special Viator value. For more information, travelers can follow Viator Shore Excursions on the Viator Travel Blog as well as Twitter and Facebook.