November 2018 - Sophisticated Travel

Celebrity Cruises nixes formal nights for Evening Chic!

?As Baby Boomers and Gen Xers move more and more upscale in their cruise preferences, they are looking for a more relaxed cruise experience than previous generations. And it is really no surprise if you think about it. Baby Boomers railed authority in their protest during the 60s & 70s. They have sought more freedom and less rigidity. So it is no surprise that the cruise industry is responding to this changing demographic and their preferences. Celebrity Cruises has responded by dropping "Formal Nights" for "Evening Chic," and sophisticated cruisers will appreciate this change. WHAT IS "EVENING CHIC?" Evening ......

By Brian Raymond|2024-02-02T13:39:03-05:00November 28th, 2018|

It’s time to consider a Northwest Passage expedition cruise

Courtesy of Travel Weekly ?As the global oceans continue to warm, new polar cruise routes are opening and several cruise lines are offering new and exciting expedition voyages. Now passengers can cruise from Seattle through the Northwest Passage from Seward, Alaska, to New York City. Crystal Cruises began these sailing about two years ago. Since then Ponant, Silversea, Lindblad, and Hurtigruten have begun sailing the passage. Cruises typically run 12 – 21 days. ?THE LURE OF THE NW PASSAGE ?The draw of these luxury expedition cruises is the ability to experience the wild and primeval wonder of the Canadian ......

By Brian Raymond|2024-02-02T13:39:04-05:00November 27th, 2018|

Why cruise passengers should always have a valid passport

Accidents and other unforeseen incidents can happen on any trip. But when you are out of the United States, getting back home afterwards can be a problem if you don't have your passport with you. When re-entering the United States by land or sea, a US citizen is required to present one of the following: US Passport US Passport Card Enhanced Driver’s License Trusted Travel Card Military Identification US Merchant Mariner Document Many sophisticated cruisers on the Caribbean know about the “Closed Loop” exception which only requires that you have a government issued photo ID or birth certificate (issued by ......

By Brian Raymond|2024-02-02T13:39:05-05:00November 24th, 2018|

A luxury cruise may be more affordable than you think!

COMPARE APPLES-TO-APPLES When pricing luxury cruises it is important that you compare apples-to-apples (actually this is true for all cruises). Some cruise lines have several additional costs that will increase your total cruise cost above the base fare. In addition to ‘mandatory’ extra fees (like gratuities), most people pay extra for such things as Wi-Fi, shore excursions, soda (no soda isn’t free on most ships), alcoholic drinks, specialty coffees, specialty restaurants, and more. Plus, you have to add the cost of flights to and from the cruise ports, and the cost of at least one day for a hotel ......

By Brian Raymond|2024-02-02T13:39:06-05:00November 23rd, 2018|

The best part of a cruise – the food!

Norwegian Cruise Line WHAT TO EXPECT WITH CRUISE DINING ?If food plays a big part on your vacation decision, read up the 9 points below to manage your expectations and get the best out of the experience. Variety of dining options are offered Expect a lot of dining options to delight your taste buds onboard as cruise ships typically houses a variety of restaurants, cafés, bistros, etc. A typical cruise ships have a main dining room where you can order from an American and Continental menu. These have large tables for sharing with other guests and more ......

By Brian Raymond|2024-02-02T13:39:27-05:00November 15th, 2018|

10 reasons to love cruising

IT'S CRUISE TIME... Still skeptical if cruising is the right choice on your next vacation? Let us take you through ten reasons and have an idea on why everyone is raving about cruises! 1. When planning is not your thing – cruises got your covered ?Nowadays, cruise vacation packages are almost all-in. You don’t need to bother with hotel searching, hours spent online organizing, or the transport in between the destination anymore. For a cruise, all you need to do is (1) talk to your travel agent (Sophisticated Travel), (2) tell us how long you want to go for and ......

By Brian Raymond|2024-02-02T13:39:28-05:00November 14th, 2018|

What is a guaranteed cabin or stateroom? It’s a gamble.

? Azamara Continent Suite What is a guaranteed cabin? ?Most people booking a cruise choose to select their specific stateroom (cabin) when they make their reservation and pay the initial deposit. There is another option. You can book a “guaranteed stateroom” which guarantees you a stateroom in the category that you purchased. The room is not assigned until some future date (which varies by cruise line). ?What are the advantages of a guaranteed cabin? ?Why would people opt for a “guaranteed stateroom” versus selecting a specific cabin? Because if you reserved a “guaranteed cabin” and that entire category ......

By Brian Raymond|2024-02-02T13:39:29-05:00November 8th, 2018|

Celebrity Edge sets sail out of its shipyard headed to the US

?Today Celebrity’s newest ship, the Celebrity Edge, sails out of its shipyard in Nazaire, France, and begins its transatlantic voyage to its homeport of Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades). The ship which as been four years in the making. It is Celebrity’s newest class of ship and holds 2,900 passengers. Three additional Edge-class ships are already on order, and start arriving 2020 – 2022. The Edge’s maiden voyage will set sail on December 9, 2018. Celebrity’s last new class was the Solstice-class launched in 2008, so the new Edge class will be welcome by many Celebrity loyalist. How will the Edge be different from ......

By Brian Raymond|2024-02-02T13:39:30-05:00November 6th, 2018|

Put smartphones in “Airplane Mode” before leaving the U.S to avoid hefty fees

?AVOID A $1,106 BILL ?Smartphones have become such a critical part of our lives that it seems second nature to want to take your phone along with you on vacation. Smartphones have all of your important contact information (friends, doctors, banks, family members, etc.), and once you find a free WiFi hotspot, using Google Maps in a foreign city can be a life and time saver. However, there is a dark-side to smartphones that many people find out about the hard way. I was reminded of this in an LA Times article where the writer had received a $1,106 ......

By Brian Raymond|2024-02-02T13:39:32-05:00November 4th, 2018|

Monthly Archives: November 2018