Cruises Archives - Page 4 of 4 - Sophisticated Travel

Secret advantages of using a travel agent to book a cruise

?Are you tired of your usual land vacations? Have you thought about trying a cruise for the first time? Great! All you need to do is make a reservation and put a deposit down. While you might think it is best to browse thru the cruise line website, find a cruise you like and then call their reservation line or start booking online. But how can you be so sure that you’re getting the best value for your money? What if there’s another option to get the best cruise deals? Or better yet, the best cruise value! ? Here’s ......

By Brian Raymond|2024-02-02T13:38:56-05:00February 12th, 2019|

The new Martini Bar on the Celebrity Edge

(Transcript from video above) Wow this is certainly a very different Martini Bar. Rather than being tucked away in a corner, the Edge Martini Bar is big (spanning three decks), bold (with its multi-story LED lights which are synchronized with music twice a night), sophisticated (with its elegance and style) and vibrant (it could easily be a bar in South Beach or LA). ?Whether this new design is for you depends on your perspective. The consensus has been that if you were a fan of the Solstice Class Martini Bar, you probably won't like the new design. But ......

By Brian Raymond|2024-02-02T13:38:57-05:00February 5th, 2019|

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|

Baby Boomers & Gen Xers moving upscale in cruise preferences

It shouldn’t really be a surprise, but as Baby Boomers & Gen Xers have watched their kids move out, they have become prolific cruisers, are seeking new experiences, have more free time and money, and now desire a more sophisticated cruise experience. Bottom line, they are wanting to up their cruise game. These cruisers started taking cruises 10, 20, or 30 years ago. They’ve watched ships get bigger, add more entertainment and offer more dining options, but over time some the novelty has worn off, and maybe they don’t party as much as they did in the past. Now ......

By Brian Raymond|2024-02-02T13:39:33-05:00October 24th, 2018|

What is “sophisticated cruising?”

Being sophisticated is a lifestyle choice committed to living life with grace, having respect for others, and having a curiosity to discover the world and the people in it. Being sophisticated isn't about money, power or formal education. The television show "The Beverly Hillbillies" made us laugh and showed us that money itself doesn't bring sophistication. You may ask, "Why should I want to be sophisticated?" The answer is simple. Sophistication is about having grace, respect for others, and a strong desire to continually expand yourself beyond where and what you are right now. And if you are on ......

By Brian Raymond|2024-02-02T13:39:40-05:00September 8th, 2018|