Countries Archives - Page 2 of 3 - Sophisticated Travel

Killarney Ireland – a must see excursion

Muckross House, Killarney National Park Ireland is known as the Emerald Isle because of its luscious green landscapes and rugged coastline. Several cruise lines offer multi-day pre- or post-cruise land vacations that include a day or two in Killarney Ireland or you can easily visit on your own. Visiting the Killarney area it is a great way to experience authentic old Ireland and explore its beautiful geography. TOWN OF KILLARNEY The first settlements in the area began around 650 A.D. with the establishment of the monastery on Innisfallen Island. The monastery was active for 850 years. Over these years, ......

By Brian Raymond|2024-02-02T13:37:57-07:00October 10th, 2019|

Venice redirects large cruise ships

What it means for you Italian officials announced this week that they will start redirecting large cruise ships away from the historic center of the city. These ships will no longer be able to cruise through the Giudecca Canal. As you can see from the picture above, these huge ships are so massive they obliterate the view of this charming city. Locals worry that the wake caused by these massive ships undermines the wooden poles which hold up this city. Others are concerned about the overcrowding these ships bring to Venice. Regardless of your position on these issues, the ......

By Brian Raymond|2024-02-02T13:38:06-07:00August 10th, 2019|

Stari Grad Croatia – A step back in time

One of the many joys of cruising is visiting ports I’ve never been to before and discovering incredible places I’d never knew existed. This happened on one of our Azamara cruises out of Venice which included a port stop in Hvar, Croatia. Hvar itself is very interesting, and I’ll write about it in a later post. But what amazed us and captured our hearts was Stari Grad, Croatia. It is a place that should not be missed if you like history and architecture. AN IDYLLIC LOCATION Stari Grad is about a scenic 30-minute drive from Hvar (which is located ......

By Brian Raymond|2024-02-02T13:38:07-07:00August 8th, 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|

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|2024-02-02T13:38:14-07:00June 15th, 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|2024-02-02T13:38:19-07:00June 4th, 2019|

A peaceful Sunday stroll through Madrid’s Retiro Park

Madrid - a Vibrant & Cosmopolitan City When every we take a cruise outside of the Caribbean, we add a few extra days at the beginning or end of the cruise to visit a city we’ve never been to before. One of my favorite European cities is Madrid. It is a city that I keep returning to. Near Plaza Mejor Madrid is 2 hour and 30 minute ride from Barcelona on Spain's high-speed AVE train which travels at 217 mph. Barcelona is the launch point for many cruises around the Mediterranean or up the Atlantic coast, plus it is ......

By Brian Raymond|2024-02-02T13:38:47-07:00May 23rd, 2019|

Galapagos Island cruising goes upscale

https://youtu.be/Jj9CXshqPyo Celebrity Cruises and Silversea Cruises have upped the ante for luxury cruises through the Galapagos Islands. Silversea will launch its luxury 100-passenger Silver Origin in summer of 2020. Silversea cruises start with two days in Quito, the capital of Ecuador, and include airfare to and from the Galapagos Islands. Celebrity Cruises is launching the Celebrity Flora, a 100-passenger luxury exploration ship in June 2019. All cruises are seven night itineraries with 10, 11 or 15 night all-inclusive packages including pre/post cruise nights in Quito or Peru/Machu Picchu. (Both Celebrity Cruises and Silversea Cruises are ......

By Brian Raymond|2024-02-02T13:38:48-07:00May 16th, 2019|

Silversea Cruises unveils new Galapagos expedition ship – Silver Origin

Photo: Silversea This all new purpose-built ship will begin sailing the Galapagos Islands during the Summer 2020. Holding just 100 passengers, this all-suite and all-balcony luxury expedition ship will be staffed by experts certified by the National Park of Galapagos who will give guests daily presentations, lectures, and videos about the islands. Guests will enjoy 8 Zodiacs to ensure smooth and easy access to the islands. With a high overall passenger to crew ratio of 1: 1.16 (the best in the Galapagos) and a small 1: 10 guide to guest ratio for more intimate exploration. Sophisticated & Modern Photo: ......

By Brian Raymond|2024-02-02T13:38:51-07:00April 17th, 2019|

Ponant’s newest flagship “Le Commandant Charcot”

A Polar Class 2 & LNG powered CONSTRUCTION BEGINS Ponant's Charcot Last month, the construction of Ponant’s first LNG-powered polar exploration ship began with the traditional steel cutting ceremony. Ponant’s new flagship vessel, Le Commandant Charcot, will be launched in 2021 offering two week to one month polar expedition cruises. A POLAR CLASS 2 VESSEL As a PC 2 (polar class 2) vessel, the ship will attain the second highest rating based on its operational capability and strength of the vessel for polar expedition ships. Ships with this rating are designed for “year-round operation in moderate multi-year ice ......

By Brian Raymond|2024-02-02T13:39:01-07:00December 4th, 2018|