Star Clippers Group Specialist

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Daniel Oppliger, Travel Agent in El Paso, TX

Daniel Oppliger

El Paso, TX Travel Agent
Super Agent

Daniel Oppliger

El Paso, TX · 25+ Years of Experience

Tropical Sails Corp, a Travel Leaders Network Affiliate Agency
4.9
(32)
100% Recommended
I’m proud to be associated with Daniel Oppliger and his world renowned travel company Tropical Sails Corp. Dan recently invited me and fellow astronomer Cliff Watson... Read More >
About
Reviews
My Places
Travel Stories & Media
Client Testimonials

Areas of expertise

Destinations:

Caribbean, Rome, Costa Rica, Athens, Venice

Interests:

Small Ship Cruises, Sailing & Boating, Couples & Romance, Luxury Cruises, Adventure

Suppliers:

Star Clippers

About Me

Star Flyer in SE Asia
Star Flyer in SE Asia

Star Clippers cruises offer a unique and enchanting Authentic Sailing experience for those seeking an alternative to traditional cruise ships. With a fleet of tall ships that combine the romance of sailing with modern comforts and amenities, Star Clippers provides an intimate and adventurous way to explore the world's oceans. Known for their iconic sails of an acre or more in area and classic nautical design, these ships offer an unforgettable journey that harks back to the golden age of sailing while providing contemporary luxury.

Daniel Oppliger has sailed the Caribbean, Costa Rica and Bali/Indonesia with Star Clippers. He organizes groups on Star Clippers.  Usually only 10 persons to make a group!

The Fleet Star Clippers operates three ships: the Star Clipper, Star Flyer, and the Royal Clipper. Each ship is a true sailing vessel, equipped with masts and sails that make for a breathtaking sight as they navigate the seas. The Royal Clipper, the flagship of the fleet, holds the distinction of being the largest full-rigged sailing ship in the world. Inspired by the legendary Preussen, a five-masted sailing ship, the Royal Clipper offers a blend of traditional sailing elegance and modern amenities.

The Star Clipper and Star Flyer are smaller but no less impressive. Both are four-masted barquentines, designed to evoke the classic sailing ships of the past. With their polished wood interiors, brass fittings, and nautical décor, these ships create an ambiance that is both charming and luxurious. 

Destinations Star Clippers cruises visit some of the most beautiful and exotic destinations around the world. Their itineraries include the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, Costa Rica, and the Panama Canal, among other regions. Each route is carefully chosen to offer passengers a mix of popular ports and hidden gems, providing a well-rounded travel experience.

In the Mediterranean, passengers can explore the sun-drenched coasts of Italy, Greece, and Spain, with stops at iconic destinations like Santorini, Capri, and Barcelona. The Caribbean itineraries offer a chance to discover pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant cultures in islands such as St. Barts, Antigua, and the Grenadines.In December they offer Panama Canal cruises offer a unique opportunity to traverse one of the greatest engineering marvels of the modern world, while also exploring the lush rain forests and vibrant cities of Central America. 

Onboard Experience The onboard experience on a Star Clippers cruise is designed to be both relaxing and exhilarating. With a maximum capacity of around 170 to 227 passengers, depending on the ship, the atmosphere is intimate and friendly, allowing guests to easily mingle and form connections with fellow travelers.

The ships offer a range of accommodations, from cozy inside cabins to spacious suites with private balconies. Each cabin is tastefully decorated with nautical touches and equipped with modern amenities, including air conditioning, private bathrooms, and flat-screen televisions.

Dining on a Star Clippers cruise is a delightful experience, with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients and international cuisine. Meals are served in an elegant dining room, with open seating that encourages a relaxed and social dining environment. Breakfast and lunch are buffet-style, offering a variety of options to suit all tastes, while dinner is a more formal affair with à la carte service. Bar prices are very reasonable.

One of the highlights of a Star Clippers cruise is the opportunity to participate in the sailing process. Passengers are invited to help raise the sails, climb the mast, and even take a turn at the helm under the watchful eye of the experienced crew. This hands-on approach to sailing allows guests to fully immerse themselves in the maritime experience and gain a deeper appreciation for the art of sailing.

Activities and Entertainment While the focus of a Star Clippers cruise is on the joy of sailing and exploration, there are plenty of activities and entertainment options to keep passengers engaged. Each ship has a swimming pool, a fitness center, and a spa offering a range of treatments and massages. Water sports enthusiasts can take advantage of the complimentary equipment for activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, and paddle boarding.

Evenings on board are relaxed and low-key, with entertainment provided by local performers, musicians, and the ship's crew. There are also informative lectures on the history and culture of the destinations being visited, as well as astronomy talks that take advantage of the clear, star-filled skies.

Conclusion Star Clippers cruises offer a unique and enchanting way to travel, combining the romance of traditional sailing with modern comforts and amenities.  Daniel Oppliger of Tropical Sails Corp has sailed with Star Clipper three times. 

REVIEWS

Rating: 4.9
32 reviews
100% Recommended
Your trust is our priority. Every review is submitted by verified travelers after they have booked and completed their trips. Learn more about our review guidelines.
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Showing 32 reviews

An Amazing Eclipse Experience
Reviewed By 'Astro-Dave' Reneke - Sydney, Australia | Traveled to USA
I’m proud to be associated with Daniel Oppliger and his world renowned travel company Tropical Sails Corp. Dan recently invited me and fellow astronomer Cliff Watson to host one of his sold out tours in August this year as astronomy guide for the much heralded ‘Great American Eclipse!

All places stated were visited, nothing was any trouble for the organisers and we enjoyed a fabulous coach drive throughout the tour with detailed and friendly commentary highlighting landmarks and other important points of scenic interest.

We Started from Salt lake City, traveled into Utah, and Wyoming against the backdrop of the Grand Tetons, onward into Yellowstone National Park. I had the pleasure of lecturing to and guiding a fantastic group of passengers throughout the eclipse experience. I'll always remember the camaraderie we shared.

I’ve traveled extensively with many tour companies but never felt more comfortable or confident as I have with Dan and Shirley’s company, Tropical Sails. R
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
50 of 86 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
A country wide tour to remember.
Reviewed By D.G. - Summerland, British Columbia | Traveled to Chile ~ South America
The Kimal group tour of Chile was just outstanding, jam packed with a wide variety of experiences that covered an impressive range of the multi-faceted nature of the country. Very well conceived and organized.
Daniel Oppliger responded
"Thank you for you kind words."
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
29 of 49 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
The best trip of my life
Reviewed By Alex - Farmers Branch, TX ( Dallas area) | Traveled to Chile ~ South America
It was great to be able to speak with Daniel personally via telephone before the trip. He was informative, responsive, interested and courteous and followed up appropriately with emails and correspondence
Daniel Oppliger responded
"Thank you for your kind wordsl"
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
27 of 47 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Total Eclipse Cruis: Turkey
Reviewed By GlenL - Ft. Collins, CO | Traveled to
My wife and I toured Turkey in 1999 on Tropical Sails’ Eclipse Cruise. It was our best vacation ever! We got to explore Greek ruins, enjoy local food and culture, and see a total solar eclipse all while living on one of two 80 foot “gulets” (sailboats.) Our twenty or so fellow travelers made a good-sized group, and our ship’s crew was professional, friendly and the crewmen were also good cooks! All of Dan's arrangements for the ships, our knowledgeable tour guides, shore transportation along to historic sites on the Aegean coast, in Istanbul, Gallipoli, and on the Black Sea were smooth and problem free. Experiencing the total solar eclipse from our gullet (boat) while on the Black Sea was simply awesome! We look forward to traveling with Tropical Sails again!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
47 of 91 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Special trip with special care
Reviewed By Plany - Vienna, Austria | Traveled to Argentina ~ South America
Excellent service. Especially the site for watching the solar eclipse was an optimum location. As we were the onl Europeans in the group, we had several special problems (payment etc.) but all this was handled efficiently and friendly.
Daniel Oppliger responded
"Thank you for your kind words. We found a faster way to take oversears payments by using VEEM. It is faster than banks and much less expensive than credit cards or Pay Pay. An Irish client used NicePay and that was fast and efficient. "
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
26 of 50 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO

My Places

When it comes to travel planning, real-world experience makes a huge difference. Check out the map below to see all the places I have personally visited or booked for my clients. I know these destinations well and can give you reliable guidance.

My Photo Albums and Videos

Star Clippers Specialist
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    My Travel Stories

    Star Clippers, Mediterranean, Caribbean, Crossings

    Costa Rica and Nicaragua on Star Clippers

    I took a group to Costa Rica for a voyage on the Star Flyer. The intent was to catch Comet Ison, but she fizzled behind the sun. Well, making the best of it, we arrived in San Jose.  Many of us stayed at the Marriott on a coffee plantation.  We took a pre-arranged shuttle to the ship the next day around noon.  We were greeted with rum pun...
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    Bali, Indonesia  Ulun Danu Beratan Temple

    Sailing Around Bali with Star Clippers

     We set sail from Benoa, Bali, Indonesia on a Saturday night. After dinner, we gathered on the top deck, and to my delight, my photos of the raised sails against the black sky turned out beautifully. The sails were raised to the soundtrack of Vangelis's "Conquest of Paradise." Our first stop was East Madura on Giligenteng Island. We booke...
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    Client Testimonials

    Eclipse Tour from Salt Lake
    Overall, the trip was great. The guide, driver, and the viewing location were excellent. The biggest improvement would have been not trying to drive back to SLC right after the eclipse in the predictably horrendous traffic jam. It would have been better to stay one extra night in IF and add some local sightseeing. We prefer small groups with more active, and more independent, activities but that is personal preference. Our main goal with this trip was a hassle-free way to see the eclipse and you did a great job providing that. Thanks,
    AA & DB
    First Time to the USA
    Thank you to Tropical Sails Tour Group for organizing a Total Eclipse Tour of Yellowstone National Park, the Grand Teton Mountains, and the solar eclipse event. The tour included a diverse group of people led by Tour Director Steve Kaverman and driver Dave. We traveled through Utah and Idaho, learning about the area's history. In East Yellowstone, we experienced the beautiful landscape, met locals, and enjoyed American Mexican food. Our tour included a visit to the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center, where we learned about local wildlife. We saw bison, elk, bears, bald eagles, geysers, hot springs, and waterfalls. We toured Yellowstone, including Old Faithful, and went rafting on the Snake River by the Teton Mountains. We prepared for the eclipse, with clear skies and excitement. Watching the total eclipse was an unforgettable experience. We celebrated with a BBQ at Hatchet Resort and shared our knowledge and enthusiasm with the group.
    Cliff W Cooroy, AU
    Hale Bopp Star Clipper Eclipse Cruise
    I was on this cruise with my 2 daughters. We dropped off several people who wanted to view the eclipse and photograph it from land and the ship continued out to sea near the Island of Montserrat. There was a seismic event which caused waves and the people onboard the boat were treated to a volcano as well as the celestial event we came to see! We conducted a rescue of those who landed on Guadalupe and Zodiac boats needed to navigate thru choppy seas in order to reach the shore and bring people and cameras back on board. There was a brand of rum produced that year in Barbados called Eclipse Rum.
    Laurel P
    I Concur with Cliff
    I fully concur with all you’ve said about the brilliant trip last year. I loved every minute and enjoyed the company of a rich diversity of people from around the world including my roommate Rob from Ireland I intend to go on another in 9 years time when it crosses Europe at Gibraltar (2/8/27). Cheers
    Tom H UK
    Chile Trip 2019
    Hi Daniel and staff, We really enjoyed our tour with you in Chile in 2019. The Mazatlan 2024 Solar Eclipse package is appealing. A prime interest for us on this trip would be doing more exploration of the southern night sky and I was wondering how practical this would be from the new hotel? Do you know what the light pollution situation is around Mazatlan, and would night observing be practical from the vicinity of the hotel? Thanks
    Dave G Summerland, B.C
    Mandalay Sailing Cruise
    I spent 2 weeks on Mandalay in January 2005. It was the most relaxing holiday of my life so far. I desperately wish to sail again on this beautiful yacht. Thank you Tropical Sails for arranging it.
    John
    Great Turkish Holiday on the Sultan A
    "We've had the most fantastic holiday ever. Ibo and his crew did everything to make our sailing trip perfect. We hope to go again in fall 2024 and have already discussed the route with Ibo. Thank you for all your help." "We had a marvelous cruise! Captain Ibo and the rest of his team were friendly, professional, and attentive without being intrusive. The food was varied and delicious, and to our surprise, all the Turkish wine served was excellent, leading to quite a bit of consumption. The Sutlan A was a wonderful acquaintance, spacious, well-maintained, and with cabins and bathrooms that met everyone's satisfaction. We enjoyed sailing every day except one due to a lack of wind. I hope you are having a great season, and we will definitely return, perhaps to explore the Greek islands. Thank you for everything! "We just returned from a fabulous week on the Sultan A—Ibo and his team took excellent care of us!
    Amanda J Los Angeles, CA
    Exmouth Australia Solar Eclipse Cruise
    Dan, Thank you for the very successful 2023 eclipse cruise. Our eclipse travels with you have been 100 percent successful, whereas those with another supplier have been cloudy 50 percent of the time, so we look forward to you being able to offer trips in 2027 and 2028. Mavis managed several pictures including the diamond ring below.
    Peter F, Houston, TX
    Turkey Yacht Charter Sailing Cruise Special
    Dear Dan, We're finally home and finished traveling for the moment, so I wanted to give you a little report on the trip to Turkey. In a word, it was great. There were a few surprises, but it all worked out very well. The Tussock yacht was beautiful and the crew couldn't have been better. There was a traditional Turkish dish served at each meal, all very well prepared and delicious, and the wine and drinks were abundant. (Well, a few of the passengers griped when they ran out of gin, but vodka and tonic seemed an acceptable substitute to me.) It was booked as a astronomy, nature and archeology cruise. One of the best things about the trip was the good people we met. You know Alan and Gail, and we couldn't have asked for nicer travel companions. You seem to have a feel for the kind of travel we like best. Whatever you do, I wish you great success. And we thank you for launching us on another fine holiday.
    Janet D, Playa del Rey, CA
    Holland American -Singapore Solar Eclipse Cruise
    I'm sorry that I did not get a chance to write sooner. Still trying to catch up from the trip. All went well. The group was an interesting bunch and a good time was had by all. Singapore is an exciting place, but way too hot and muggy to properly enjoy. We took advantage of several excursions and they all paid off well. The eclipse was perfect. Sailed to a clear spot and got a nice place on deck to watch the whole thing. Accommodations pretty good, but not as nice as the Dawn Princess. Food on ship good. Food on land a bit spotty but recognizable. I want to thank you for arranging the drink packages for me and Cathy. They worked out well for both of us. With the high temperatures, we drank a lot of water. Those flights are so long and the planes more uncomfortable than ever. Once again, thanks for everything. Another successful trip! Bob
    Bob W Somers Point, NJ
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