JOAN SCALESanswers your questions
Can we cruise to the United States from Ireland?
Q My husband and I are hoping to take a cruise to the US in July. For health reasons he is unable to fly, so we would appreciate information on a cruise that doesn't involve flights. We live in Cobh, Co Cork, and are hoping to travel around the eastern states, taking in Boston, New Hampshire, New York and Washington.MK, Cork
Despite the fact that dozens of cruise ships will call into Cobh this year, none will pick up passengers. The only two cruises to or from Ireland this year are to Iceland. Spirit of Adventure will pick up passengers from Dublin on June 19th and return to Cobh 11 days later; from €1,500pps, www.sagaholidays.com. In August Black Watch will pick up passengers in Killybegs, in Co Donegal, for a 12-day trip to Iceland; from €1,317pps, www.fredolsencruises.co.uk. More from John Galligan Travel (www.jgt.ie, 01-2076555).
If you could take a ferry and train to Southampton, in England, Queen Mary 2 will be crossing the Atlantic this summer and autumn. You could return on it from New York or Boston. From £1,100 (about €1,250) each way; www.cunard.co.uk.
In the US the best way to get around is by car. After a few days in New York you could also take a train to Boston (www.amtrak.com), then join a New England tour. A number of companies arrange escorted trips, such as Tauck and New England Vacation Tours. Expect to pay $2,000 (about €1,500) for a week’s touring.
Q We plan to go to the San Fermin festival, in Pamplona, this summer. How can we get there and secure accommodation?CC, Dublin
This Spanish festival, which runs from July 6th to 14th, is famous for its bull run, when the city is awash with people wearing red and white, the colours of the Navarre region. The nearest airport served from Ireland is Bilbao; Aer Lingus (www.aerlingus.com) flies from Dublin on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Pamplona is two hours away by car or bus (www.laburundesa. com). You can also fly to Madrid or Barcelona, an hour from Pamplona by train or coach, with Iberia.com.
You’ll find lots of information on the festival, and links for accommodation, at www.sanfermin.com. You can also look for somewhere to stay at www.turismo.navarra.es/ eng/home and www.spain.info. Book your accommodation now, as this is one of the most popular festivals in Spain.
Q I hope to travel to Bangkok over the summer, and I have been searching websites for the best price. I'm trying to find out if one of them, the Wise Miser (www.thewisemiser. com), is bonded. Its website says it is a member of Atol and Iata. Last year I booked a flight with an airline that went bust; as it was bonded, we got our money back. How can I distinguish a bonded company from an unbonded one?AMcD, Dublin
Many of these websites are run by travel agencies. If it is a European site, the firm should be bonded in its home country. Any reputable agent will clearly state its Atol and Iata numbers, normally in the About Us section of its site. The Wise Miser is part of Benz Travel, a London agency, for example; www.atol.org.uk lists it as protected by the Atol scheme.
If you are investing a lot of money in travel, however, I would suggest you go to your local member of the Irish Travel Agents Association; any travel you book, for anywhere in the world, will be protected. See www.itaa.ie. A good agent will also be able to find competitive prices.
If you wish to book directly with an airline, make sure that your travel insurance covers scheduled carrier failure, or book with a credit card. Scheduled carriers do not have to be bonded.
E-mail questions, with your name and address, to jscales@irishtimes.com