(31 Reviews)
100% Recommended

Daniel Oppliger

El Paso, TX
Group Travel Expert

 

I have been immersed in the travel industry since relocating to El Paso in 1986. Initially, I worked with a local tour operator before venturing out on my own.Over the years, I've developed specialties in Destination Resorts and River Cru...
Learn more about me.

Star Clippers Group Specialist

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. 

My Reviews

50 of 86 people found this review helpful
An Amazing Eclipse Experience
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
By  'Astro-Dave' Reneke  from  Sydney, Australia
Traveled to  USA
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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29 of 49 people found this review helpful
A country wide tour to remember.
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.
By  D.G.  from  Summerland, British Columbia
Traveled to  Chile ~ South America
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends

Daniel Oppliger responded:
Thank you for you kind words.

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27 of 47 people found this review helpful
The best trip of my life
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
By  Alex  from  Farmers Branch, TX ( Dallas area)
Traveled to  Chile ~ South America
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends

Daniel Oppliger responded:
Thank you for your kind wordsl

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26 of 50 people found this review helpful
Special trip with special care
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.
By  Plany  from  Vienna, Austria
Traveled to  Argentina ~ South America
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends

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.

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46 of 90 people found this review helpful
Total Eclipse Cruis: Turkey
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!
By  GlenL  from  Ft. Collins, CO
Traveled to  
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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Certifications/Awards:

  • Avalon River Cruise Specialist
  • Riu Resorts Specialist
  • Marriott Hotels Specialist
  • Solar Eclipse Travel Specialist
  • MSC Cruises Specialist

Industry Affiliations:

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