June 2019 - Sophisticated Travel

Passports – apply earlier & wait longer

While the number of passport applicants is at record levels, staff levels at the State Department's Passport Services office has dropped 14% leading to a 50% increase in the amount of time it now takes to obtain a passport. Passports Taking 50% Longer to be Issued Prior to June 2019, it took roughly four to six weeks from the time you submitted your passport application until you received it. Now the State Department is advising applicants that it will take between six to eight weeks to receive your passport. According to the Washington Post, the Trump administration ......

By Brian Raymond|2024-02-02T13:38:13-05:00June 19th, 2019|

Trump ends cruises to Cuba immediately

Updated 6/15/2019 The Trump administration issued new regulations which end all cruises to Cuba effective today. While initial reports indicated that some cruises which had been previously paid for would be exempt, the final regulations end cruises from US ports to Cuba immediately. Cruise Industry Scambles as Trump Cancels Cruises Already Booked "Without warning, CLIA cruise line members are forced to eliminate all Cuba destinations from all itineraries effective immediately. This affects nearly 800,000 passenger bookings that are scheduled or already underway. All these bookings had been made under a general license previously issued by the United States Government ......

By Brian Raymond|2024-02-02T13:38:14-05:00June 15th, 2019|

La Compagnie offers all-business class service from Newark to Paris

Traveling to France just got a whole lot more comfortable with the launch of La Compagnie Airline offering all-business class flights from Newark to Paris, Monaco and Nice. With round-trip prices as low as $999 from flights from Newark to Paris, it is a deal that would be foolish to pass up. Courtesy: La Compagnie Courtesy: La Compagnie La Compagnie is operating two new Airbus A321neo's. The 100% business-class cabin has 19 rows in a 2 x 2 configuration with seats that recline to a 175-degree angle and have a built in massage feature. Seats are equipped with a ......

By Brian Raymond|2024-02-02T13:38:15-05:00June 13th, 2019|

Why you should get travel insurance if you are on Medicare

While traveling overseas, in almost all cases, Original Medicare does not cover medical or healthcare expenses outside the United States. Nor does its prescription drug plans offer any coverage outside the U.S. MEDICARE ONLY COVERS HEALTH CARE IN THE U.S. Under “Original Medicare,” you will be responsible for 100% of medical costs outside the U.S. Travel within the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands is covered under “Original Medicare.” Medicare Advantage Plans Some Medicare Advantage plans provide some coverage while you travel overseas. HMO plans typically require subscribers to obtain medical ......

By Brian Raymond|2024-02-02T13:38:16-05:00June 12th, 2019|

Crystal Cruises to double Internet speed

One of the downsides of this modern connected world is that internet access has become critical for many of us while on vacation. We no longer have the luxury of just disconnecting while on a cruise. Others need it to keep in touch with friends or family.Fortunately the cruise lines have been making significant investments to upgrade the quality and speed of internet access onboard modern ships. Crystal Cruises, an ultra-luxury cruise line, is increasing internet speeds for a second year in a row.?Crystal Cruises will double the speed of its onboard internet service this year, after doubling it last ......

By Brian Raymond|2024-02-02T13:38:17-05:00June 7th, 2019|

Ritz-Carlton Yacht orders second ship

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has ordered its second ship the Hijos De J. Barreras shipyard in Vigo, Spain announced. Previously the cruise line had announced its plans to build a total of three 298-passenger ships. ? Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collections first ship is scheduled for deliver later this year. The company decided to get into the luxury cruise business with the "goal ... to introduce the legendary Ritz-Carlton service to luxury yachting, while also redefining curated travel at sea,” says Lisa Holladay, Global Brand Leader for The Ritz-Carlton. “An increased demand in the luxury cruise space inspired us to capitalize on ......

By Brian Raymond|2024-02-02T13:38:18-05:00June 6th, 2019|

Trump administration blocks new cruises to Cuba after June 5, 2019

Today the Trump administration issued new regulations prohibiting future cruises to Cuba. Cruises have become the most popular way for Americans to experience and explore Cuba. Over 30,000 more passengers visit Cuba by a cruise ship than by air. ?The State Department announced that "going forward, the United States will prohibit US travelers from going to Cuba under the previous 'group people-to-people educational' travel authorization. In addition, the United States will no longer permit visits to Cuba via passenger and recreational vessels, including cruise ships and yachts, and private and corporate aircraft." (READ UPDATED STORY HERE - TRUMP ENDS CRUISES TO ......

By Brian Raymond|2024-02-02T13:38:19-05:00June 4th, 2019|