Travel today is more accessible to the masses than ever. People around the world are traveling and vacationing at an ever-increasing rate. This rise has turned some of the world’s trendiest tourist areas into trendy vacation spots. Among the most popular vacation travel options are Riviera cruise vacations.
french riviera
In the past, we have heard of the glamor and vibrancy of the French Riviera. Located on the Mediterranean, the French Riviera is blessed with beautiful beaches, a prerequisite for a ‘Riviera’ resort.
One of the most glamorous ports in the Mediterranean is Cannes. This world-renowned port famous for the International Film Festival was once a small fishing village owned by monks.
Further up the coast, in the Bay of Angels, is the capital of the Riviera, Nice. Here one can experience some of the best restaurants. As you wander through the high-class apartments, hotels and cafes, you can get magnificent views of the Mediterranean.
North of Nice on the Mediterranean is the municipality of Monaco. Of course, we all know the name of Mont Carlo as the home of elegant casinos, luxurious hotel complexes and fabulous beaches. Monte Carlo grew in stature in the 1950s when Grace Kelly became Princess Grace of Monaco after marrying Prince Rainier II.
Many of the major major cruise lines and smaller local cruise lines offer cruises that start, end or visit ports on the French Riviera. For a sample of itinerary options, please see the link to our articles in the ‘Bio’ section at the bottom.
italian riviera
At the top of Italy’s ‘boot’, just east of the French Riviera, you’ll find the Italian Riviera. Located on the shores of the Ligurian Sea, the Italian Riviera is glamorous but in a distinctly old-fashioned way. Rustic and provincial meet elegant and chic as cosmopolitan cities and small towns come together.
Portofino is one of the most photographed towns on the Italian Riviera coast. Many of Europe’s wealthy visit this small port even though there is little to do there. And unless you’re traveling on a bigger budget, you might want to stay elsewhere and take a day trip to Potofino. Hotels, restaurants and cafes are very expensive (a beer here can cost you 8 euros!)
Genoa (or Genoa in Italian) is a busy and sprawling city, not what one might expect on this largely old and picturesque Riviera. However, the city offers visitors plenty of sightseeing adventures, from ancient hilltop fortresses to magnificent palaces.
San Remo, the largest tourist center in the area, is also considered the capital of the Italian Riviera. It offers visitors world class hotels and a romantic atmosphere with its exotic gardens. And oh yes, the famous casino!
Visitors to the Italian Riviera can choose to stay in cities, towns, and villages such as Lerici, Santa Margherita Ligure, Portovenere, Rapallo, or the villages that make up Finale Ligure. However, visitors can stay on their cruise ships and explore the area on day trips.
For more information on Italian Riviera cruises, see the link to our articles in the ‘Bio’ section at the bottom.
mayan riviera
As more cruise ships and vacationers travel through the Caribbean, the Riviera Maya becomes more well known and extremely popular. The beautiful sandy beaches, the sun and the crystal clear sapphire waters make for a dream vacation. From the city of Cancun in the Mexican Caribbean to the Mayan ruins of Tulum, the Riviera Maya attracts snowy birds to its mystical and paradisiacal shores. The waters around Cozumel’s coral reefs are a scuba diver’s delight.
The area is rapidly being built up with more and more luxurious resorts. Many all-inclusive resorts have been built and more are being planned.
In contrast to the luxurious resorts, is it the ancient city of Tulum, whose ruins are a must-see for anyone even slightly interested in history and archaeology? Going back to the year 600 d. C., you can witness the pyramidal shape of El Castillo or the ruined magnificence of the Temple of the Descending God.
The Riviera Maya has also become a very popular Caribbean cruise destination. To explore Riviera Maya cruise options, check out the link to our articles in the ‘Bio’ section below.
mexican riviera
Mexico’s Pacific coast offers vacationers another Riviera to explore. The rich culture of the area is witnessed by the cliff divers of Quebrada de Acapulco and the cobblestone streets of Puerto Valllarta.
One can enjoy the atmosphere of the Mexican Riviera day and night. Salsa dancing, or dining and enjoying the area’s bold flavors, you won’t want to miss a step.
The long sandy beaches of Mazatlín will certainly bring you closer. As are the deep-sea lagoons and the laid-back, laid-back vibe of Zihuatanejo.
Can you be drawn to a Mexican Riviera cruise? See the link to our articles in the ‘Bio’ section at the bottom for more information.
american riviera
With a number of nicknames, both good and bad, Miami is also known as the American Riviera. Known as the ‘Cruise Capital of the World,’ Miami has much to offer cruise vacationers on a pre- or post-cruise visit.
World-renowned beaches, fantastic nightlife, a Latin flavor, and wonderful and unique culinary experiences draw vacationers from around the world to this American Riviera. Enjoy in-line skating along the beaches of Ocean Drive. If adventure is on your vacation agenda, visit nearby Everglades Safari Park, the only subtropical preserve in North America.
Miami is the departure point for some of the most desirable cruises in the Caribbean, including some of the Riviera Maya itineraries. (As a matter of note, the Santa Barbara area of California also claims the nickname the American Riviera.)
No matter what your image of a Riviera should be, there is at least one place in the world that will accommodate. And to top it off, many of the world’s leading cruise lines offer fantastic cruises to these destinations aboard their magnificent and luxurious cruise ships. Indulge in opulence and luxury as you experience the Rivieras of the world!