July 2019 - Sophisticated Travel

6 mega trends in cruising and how they affect you

The cruise industry is going through a generational change. These changes will affect your cruise experience and you should consider them before choosing your next cruise. 1) RECORD GROWTH In 2019, the cruise industry will surpass the 30 million passenger per year mark for the first time. The North American cruise passenger market grew by 9% in 2018. This growth will add to calls for responsible tourism as certain ports grapple with overcrowding. More Floating Mega-Resort Ships The growth of floating mega-resorts continues with the Mass Market/Contemporary cruise lines (Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, Carnival) as they try to out do ......

By Brian Raymond|2024-02-02T13:38:08-07:00July 26th, 2019|

Ponant’s Antarctic cruise on climate change

Sometimes a cruise is more than just a vacation. It can be an opportunity to learn more about the world we live in. This cruise is ideal for those who want to learn about and experience the effects of climate change on Antarctica while sailing on Ponant's L'Austral. Renowned New York Times science writers Henry Fountain and James Gorman will lead lectures and discussion sharing their knowledge of how climate change is affecting Antarctica. LEARN FROM CLIMATE CHANGE MASTERS Henry Fountain's topics will include: "The State of the Cryosphere" "The Corrosive Ocean" "Fixing the Climate" James Gorman will cover ......

By Brian Raymond|2024-02-02T13:38:09-07:00July 23rd, 2019|

A break for solo travelers on Silversea Cruises

We have several clients who are solo travelers and their biggest frustration with cruise vacations is having to pay double for a stateroom. As much as they understand cruise lines build their financial models and therefore their pricing based on two passengers per stateroom, it feels like an extra and even unfair charge to many solo travelers. Fortunately, ultra-luxury Silversea cruises is offering a break on select cruises. SOLO SUPPLEMENTAL CHARGE OF ONLY 25% Silversea is offering over 40 cruises with special solo/single rates with only a 10% supplement/surcharge on four 2019 sailings, and only a 25% supplement ......

By Brian Raymond|2024-02-02T13:38:10-07:00July 11th, 2019|

When is the best time to cruise?

I frequently get asked when the best time is to take a cruise to various ports around the world. The answer is not as easy as you might think. There are a lot of factors that influence the right response. Let's examine several of these factors and see how they will affect your ultimate cruise decision. POINTS TO CONSIDERAre you looking for the best weather, wanting to avoid rough seas, trying to avoid the crush of tourist overload at popular ports, looking for cheaper prices during shoulder seasons, or wanting to experience something unique like the salmon running in Alaska? ......

By Brian Raymond|2024-02-02T13:38:11-07:00July 8th, 2019|

Golf lovers, try a golf cruise

St. Andrews Never thought such cruises exist? Well they really do, and they are actually quite popular. Golf cruises allow golf aficionados to enjoy the best of both worlds – golfing and luxury cruising. Azamara Cruises offers several golf oriented cruises each year. And if you spouse or travel partners don’t enjoy golf, there is plenty for them to do too. Play Top Links Around The World Play at prestigious courses around the world, from Scotland (the birthplace of golf) to New Zealand. Azamara Cruises partners with PerryGolf, one of the leaders in worldwide luxury golf vacations. With Azamara’s focus ......

By Brian Raymond|2024-02-02T13:38:12-07:00July 2nd, 2019|