Our weekly show interviews real travel experts from around the United States and Canada. Check in with us from week to week for travel news, tips, destinations and reviews from some of the top flight travel agents in the country and travel influencers .
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Join us on "RTE-Travel Talk Just River Cruises" as host Ken sits down with Lauren Matthews, an expert from Cruise & Travel Specialists, to delve into the crucial topic of water levels and their impact on river cruising. Lauren shares her insights on predicting water levels, how often water level issues arise, and the proactive measures river cruise lines such as Viking River Cruises and AmaWaterways take to handle such challenges. She emphasizes the importance of flexibility in travel plans and offers valuable advice on how to prepare ahead for potential water-related disruptions. Lauren also highlights the best times of the year to cruise in order to avoid water problems. Stay tuned for next month's topic on "RTE-Travel Talk Just River Cruises" where we continue to bring you expert advice and insights for your travel adventures.
Contact Lauren at lauren@cruzholidays.com
Exotic Travel: Amazon Or Ganges
Saturday, August 31, 2024 • Duration 20:25
In this captivating segment of RTE-Travel Talk, host Ken sits down with Lola Vassiliadis, owner of Cruise Holidays Vacations, to explore two of the world's most exotic river cruise destinations: the Amazon and the Ganges. Lola shares her insights on these extraordinary journeys with Uniworld River Cruises and Avalon Waterways, delving into the unique experiences each offers. They also take an exciting detour to discuss a custom tour of India's sacred triangle, offering viewers a glimpse into the rich culture and history of this renowned region. Additionally, Lola provides expert tips for travelers and highlights other exotic river cruise destinations such as the Egypt and the Nile and the Columbia in South America with AmaWaterways. Don't miss this episode for a wealth of travel inspiration and expert advice!
Just River Cruises: Stateroom Comparisons - What Is Best For You?
Sunday, July 7, 2024 • Duration 11:55
Welcome to another episode of Just River Cruises on RTE-Travel Talk! Join host Ken and Real Travel Expert Lauren Matthews of Cruise & Travel Specialists as they unravel the mystery of choosing the perfect river cruise stateroom. Whether you're sailing with Viking River Cruises, AmaWaterways, Avalon Waterways, or others, this episode will guide you through everything you need to know to select the ideal stateroom for your journey.
In this episode:
1. Swan View Rooms - Discover the unique features and benefits of Swan View rooms, perfect for picturesque river cruising.
2. Explaining the Ship Decks - Learn how the layout of ship decks can impact your cruise experience and which deck might be best for you.
3. Balcony Types Explained & Where You'll Find Them - Get insights into different balcony types and their locations on the ship to make the best choice for your scenic views.
4. Most Popular Room Types Booked - Find out which stateroom types are the most popular among cruisers and why they are favored.
5. Do You Spend Time In Your Room? - Consider how much time you'll actually spend in your stateroom and how this should influence your decision.
6. Advice on Which Room Type to Book - Receive expert advice from Lauren on selecting the right stateroom based on your personal preferences and needs.
7. Last Tip on Booking - Don't miss Lauren's final essential tip for booking your stateroom.
8. July's "Just River Cruises" Topic: Hi-Lo Water - Stay tuned for next month's topic focusing on the highs and lows of river water levels and their impact on your cruise.
British Isles Tour Review
Wednesday, July 27, 2022 • Duration 19:27
Ken's special guest is Colleen Atherton of Eaglewings Travels of Wichita, Kansas. Colleen details her three weeks' tour of the British Isles with stops in England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland. Colleen expands on the sights and sounds of this three-part tour of which some was self-guided. Learn for whom this type of tour would be best, the time of year to go, what to expect weather-wise, and some recommended sights and activities along the way. It is a great adventure for history buffs but perhaps not for the kids according to Colleen.
Timestamps:
0;00 Intro
0;13 Introducing Colleen
0;17 Tour Overview
1:55 Cotswolds & Bath
2:30 Hadrian's Wall
3:34 Best time to go on this type of tour
4:29 Lindisfarne (Holy Island)
5:17 York & Manchester
5:39 Conwy, Wales
6:22 The Guided Tour Highlights ( Liverpool, Edinburgh, etc)
7:20 Is this tour for Families?
7:57 Recommended Sights & Activities
10:34 Discussion on what are the British isles
12:10 How to get about on a self-guided tour
13:37 Planning advice
14:40 Who is best suited for this type of tour
14:58 Packing tips
15:13 Currency
16:25 Stress-free travel advice for the anxious
16:58 Colleen's upcoming visit to the Passion Play (Oberammergau)
17:35 Contact Information
Contact Real Travel Experts: questions@realtravelexperts.com
https://realtravelexperts.com/
https://www.facebook.com/RealTravelExperts/
https://www.instagram.com/realtravelexperts/
Contact Eaglewings Travels: eaglewingstravel@gmail.com
Eaglewings Travels Website: https://eaglewingstravels.com
Image Credits:
Image by martinhogarth from Pixabay
Image by Alberto Barco Figari from Pixabay
Image by pauldaley1977 from Pixabay
Image by Ian Dunlop from Pixabay
Image by Level_Up_Filming from Pixabay
Coppa Club London: Courtesy of Conde Naste Traveler
Other Images Courtesy of BigStock
All About AmaWaterways with Kristin Karst
Tuesday, July 26, 2022 • Duration 33:27
All about AmaWaterways with Kristin Karst co-owner and executive vice president. Kirstin joins Ken to discuss AmaWaterways river cruises which she co founded with Rudi Schreiner and the late Jimmy Murphy in 2002. Kristin details the history of AmaWaterways and what makes them so beloved by their customers and and travel advisors.
Kristin delves into where they sail, what's included, the onboard wellness programs, culinary delights, and the welcoming atmosphere found on board which she credits to the outstanding staff and crew. Ken inquires about the many theme cruise experiences found with AmaWaterways and Kristen details the wine cruise experience and the various partnerships they enjoy with Adventures by Disney, and Backroads Travel. Ken and Kristin also discuss a few of their twenty five ships such as the Zambezi Queen, AmaDalia and AmaMagna. All of this plus a sneak peak at an upcoming new itinerary in South America.
Timestamps:
0:00 Introducing Kristin Karst
0:30 Kristin
1:20 Amawaterways: Overview of origins, history etc.
4:26 Where AmaWaterways' ships sail
8:02 New Itinerary: Colombia, S. America
9:25 Wine Cruises
12:48 Ancestry partnership cruises
13:35 partnerships with Adventures with Disney and Backroads
14:20 Multi-generational Cruising
17:00 Wellness Program on board
18:18 Culinary - the food
19:44 Restaurants on the AmaMagna
20:15 Local cuisine
21:50 new Buffet to table
22:30 The AmaMagna and where it sails
25:00 Inclusions with your fare
27:50 Loyalty program & sailings
29:10 Land Programs and guides
30:24 Tips for great vacations
Contact Real Travel Experts: questions@realtravelexperts.com
https://realtravelexperts.com/
https://www.facebook.com/RealTravelExperts/
https://www.instagram.com/realtravelexperts/
Image & Video Credits:
Images and Video clips Courtesy of AmaWaterways
Save Money with Back To Back Cruising Tips
Monday, July 25, 2022 • Duration 22:23
Save Money with Back To Back Cruising Tips with Real Travel Expert Roy Suthons. Roy joins Ken to review his recent back-to-back cruises with Celebrity Cruises aboard their flagship the Celebrity Edge. Roy and Ken discuss just exactly what is a back-to-back cruise and the various opportunities to save money by booking back-to-back cruises. Roy details his two seven-day voyages that departed Rome for a western Mediterranean itinerary and then, secondly, a Greek islands Itinerary. Roy shares his money-saving cruise tips for booking a back-to-back cruise and what to expect on turnaround day.
Contact Real Travel Experts: questions@realtravelexperts.com
https://realtravelexperts.com/
https://www.facebook.com/RealTravelExperts/
https://www.instagram.com/realtravelexperts/
Contact Roy: roy@lawrenceparkcruises.com
Cruise Holidays Lawrence Park: https://hookedoncruising.com
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CruiseTravelDreamsComeTrue
Image & Video Credits:
Celebrity Edge clips and images Courtesy of Celebrity Cruise Lines
All other images Courtesy of Roy Suthons
00:00 Introduction
00:23 Intro to Roy
01:23 Celebrity Edge
02:12 Infinite verandas
03:26 What are back-to-back cruises?
05:17 Advice for back-to-back cruising
06:46 Inclusions
07:22 On board entertainment
08:13 Dining & specialty restaurants
10:44 Itineraries & ports visited
11:58 Favorite ports
13:14 What time of year to cruise the Med
14:14 Special Advice
16:58 How to contact Roy
Alaska Cruise 2022 with Holland America
Tuesday, April 26, 2022 • Duration 17:49
Alaska Cruises 2022 with Holland America. (Timestamps below.) Travel experts Dick Knoll and and Tim Hersh of Cruise Holidays of Topeka join Ken to review Alaska cruises for 2022 and celebrate Holland America's 75 years of service to Alaska. Discover why Holland America is the cruise line of choice for Cruise Holidays of Topeka. Dick and Tim detail the various options for an Alaska cruise, and explain the difference between a cruise and a cruise tour. The duo offers valuable advice and cruise tips for cruisers looking for the entire Alaska experience including Denali National Park, Glacier Bay, the wildlife and the best times to experience Alaska. Cruise Holidays of Topeka specializes in escorted and group cruises. Tim relays the advantages of both, and Dick highlights two of their upcoming Alaska Escorted Group cruises.
Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
2:10 Why is Alaska such a popular cruise destination?
2:56 Who sails to Alaska and why Holland America Line is Cruise Holiday of Topeka preferred
4:10 How long are Alaska cruises?
4:90 All about Denali
6:10 Cruise vs. cruise tour and why the latter is better
7:40 best times of the year for Alaska cruising
9:00 What clothes to pack for your Alaska cruise
10:18 What are the recommended sights & activities
11:00 Do cruisers return to Alaska or is it a one-time visit?
11:20 What can you expect in an escorted Alaska cruise group?
13:16 Cruise Holidays of Topeka Alaska groups for 2022
14:00 What to expect in service and safety
15:34 How to contact cruise Holidays of Topeka
Contact Real Travel Experts: questions@realtravelexperts.com
https://realtravelexperts.com/
https://www.facebook.com/RealTravelExperts/
https://www.instagram.com/realtravelexperts/
Contact: Cruise Holidays of Topeka : cruise@cruiseXcel.com
Website: https://landandseapros.com/
Group Cruises: https://landandseapros.com/special-offers/exclusive-escorted-travel-opportunities/
Regent Seven Sea Cruises Review with Carol Patterson
Tuesday, March 22, 2022 • Duration 17:26
Regent Seven Seas Cruises as reviewed by travel expert Carol Patterson of Cruise Holidays of Burlington. Carol joins Ken to review her recent cruise aboard Regent Seven Sea's Explorer. This all inclusive luxury cruise line is making waves with its all suite ships says Carol. Carol spends time describing the atmosphere on board, the dress code, entertainment, specialty dining, and destinations visited during her Caribbean cruise. Learn just what is included with Regent Seven Seas all inclusive pricing. What is it like to have a 400 square foot suite for nine days. And finally Carol provides her advice to those cruisers looking to book Regent Seven Seas but may be a bit skittish about taking a cruise.
Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
0:28 Introduction of Carol
1:20 About RRSC (Regent Seven Seas Cruises) in general
2:10 Who Cruises RRSC
2:44 Cruise Inclusions
3:44 Excursions
3:54 RRSC Air Fare
4:37 Carol's recent cruise from Barbados
5:59 Ports visited overview
6:42 Restaurants onboard
7:32 What happens if you have special food requirements
8:12 Entertainment onbaord
8:55 Why Carol likes RRSC
9:48 Who should cruise RRSC
11:40 Advice on booking RRSC
13:00 Cancellation policies
14:00 General booking advice on cruises
Contact Real Travel Experts: questions@realtravelexperts.com
https://realtravelexperts.com/
https://www.facebook.com/RealTravelExperts/
https://www.instagram.com/realtravelexperts/
Contact Cruise Holidays Burlington: info@cruiseholidaysburlington.ca
Cruise Holidays Burlington Website: https://compasscruises.ca/
Quebec Christmas Markets Tour reviewed by Real Travel Expert Sheri Clarke
Tuesday, March 22, 2022 • Duration 15:39
Quebec Christmas Markets Tour reviewed by real travel expert Sheri Clarke. Sheri Clarke co-owner of Picture This Travel joins Ken to review her recent tour that included the Christmas Markets in Quebec City and Montreal Canada. Sheri details this four night five day tour that included stays at the historic Fairmont Le Château Frontenac in Quebec City, the Hotel Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth in Montreal, plus the sights, sounds and flavours of the Christmas Markets found in both cities. Sheri and Ken agree that this is tour and destination is a great option for folks looking for a bit of European flavour a little bit closer to home. Stay tuned at the end of the video for a preview of Picture This Travels next upcoming group tour.
Contact Real Travel Experts: questions@realtravelexperts.com
https://realtravelexperts.com/
https://www.facebook.com/RealTravelExperts/
https://www.instagram.com/realtravelexperts/
Contact: Picture This Travel : sheri@picturethistravel.com
Website: https://www.picturethistravel.com/
Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady Review with Travel Expert Shari Marsh
Tuesday, March 22, 2022 • Duration 30:40
Real Travel Expert Shari Marsh joins Ken for a review of Shari's first cruise aboard Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady. Shari is pleasantly surprised to discover some of the unique aspects of this cruise line and their approach to the industry. Shari details the pros and cons of the stateroom, ship and her amenities. Of particular note is the dining, with seven high end dining venues: they are some of the best at sea according to Shari. Entertainment ranges from cruise line standard to edgy. Shari discusses the atmosphere on board and the types of guests Virgin is looking to attract versus the actual guests on board. Looking for a more active younger clientele, the ship boasts perhaps the finest fitness programs and equipment found at sea. Shari gives an honest review of her stateroom and has advice for guests looking to upgrade to a suite. Another pleasant surprise is Virgin's private beach. And finally Shari wraps up with a shout out to Virgin for the best, most entertaining, Muster Drill program she has ever experienced.
Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
0:22 Introducing Shari
1:20 Scarlet lady
2:35 Is their sailor theme cheesy?
3:30 Embarkation
3:48 What's Included
4:00 First Impressions
4:30 Issues with the APP
6:00 Stateroom Pros and Cons
8:00 Rockstar & Mega Rockstar Suites
9:15 Food Galley
10:26 Restaurant Venues
11:40 Itineraries
11:53 On Board Atmosphere
12:44 The crew
13:00 Entertainment
17:50 No announcements
18:20 The Scarlet Party
19:30 Who would like this cruise
19:50 Fitness centre
21:24 Highlights for Shari
22:39 Private Beach
24:12 Shore excursions/alcohol extra
25:00 Unique and Best Industry Armbands
26:25 Advice for booking
28:00 Unique and entertaining Muster Drill
Contact Real Travel Experts: questions@realtravelexperts.com
https://realtravelexperts.com/
https://www.facebook.com/RealTravelExperts/
https://www.instagram.com/realtravelexperts/
Contact Cruise Holidays Land and Sea: smarsh@cruiseholidays.com
Cruise Holidays Land and Sea: https://crazy4cruises.com
