This vlog features John Werner, President of MAST Travel Network, and Vanessa Janvier, Senior Manager of National Accounts at Holland America Line, discussing Holland America’s longstanding and specialized cruise offerings in Alaska. Holland America Line has been sailing to Alaska for nearly 80 years, establishing itself as a leader in immersive and authentic Alaskan travel experiences. Vanessa shares detailed insights into the unique aspects of Holland America’s Alaska cruises and land tours, highlighting the combination of rich history, natural beauty, and customized guest experiences that distinguish their offerings.

This episode features an insightful interview with Diana Harris, Managing Director and Partner of Arts and Leisure USA, a luxury travel company specializing in bespoke, high-end travel experiences primarily across Europe but also extending to other global destinations. Diana shares the company’s origins, values, and how they meticulously craft personalized travel itineraries through a hands-on, collaborative approach with travel advisors. Arts and Leisure prides itself on blending “arts” — encompassing diverse passions such as culinary arts, archaeology, and photography — with “leisure,” emphasizing relaxation and enjoyment of the moment rather than rushed sightseeing. The company’s travel designers work closely with advisors and clients to tailor trips that reflect individual interests and needs. Their robust network of trusted partners, including hotels, land operators, and service providers, is carefully vetted to ensure quality, safety, and consistent luxury service.

Diana also highlights the extensive resources Arts and Leisure offers travel advisors, including inspirational itineraries and direct consultations, ensuring confidence and expertise even in unfamiliar destinations. The company offers a broad array of services such as private transfers, shore excursions, villa rentals, luxury yachts, private jets, and specialized tours, including accommodations for travelers with disabilities and personalized experiences for the LGBTQ community. Furthermore, Arts and Leisure provides exclusive amenities through their ANL Collection, enhancing client experiences with added-value perks like early check-in, complimentary dinners, or unique local treats.

The company’s proactive customer service is exemplified by their 24/7 emergency support and a dedicated customer resolution department that swiftly addresses any issues to avoid disruptions during trips. Diana shares captivating examples of highly specialized trips they have arranged, such as a client’s dream to tour pen factories across Europe, a historical costume experience in Paris, opera-themed journeys, and customized tours for collectors and enthusiasts. Arts and Leisure’s portfolio has expanded beyond Europe to include the Caribbean, Mexico, North and Central America, Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji, offering comprehensive luxury travel options worldwide. Throughout the interview, the emphasis remains on personalized service, attention to detail, and creating unforgettable, meaningful travel experiences that go beyond the ordinary.

In this episode, John Werner, President & COO, MAST Travel Network and Dawn Burtch, Key Accounts Manager, North America from the Armstrong Collective discuss the unique luxury rail journeys offered by Rocky Mountaineer and Canyon Spirit. These rail experiences focus not just on transportation but on immersive, scenic travel through some of North America’s most breathtaking landscapes, including the Canadian Rockies and the American Southwest. Dawn explains the company’s 35-year legacy, its family-owned origins, and the recent expansion and rebranding efforts under the Armstrong Collective umbrella. She highlights the iconic Canadian routes—First Passage to the West, Vancouver to Jasper, and Rainforest to Gold Rush—and details the popular US Rockies to the Red Rocks route, extended to Salt Lake City under the Canyon Spirit brand.

The experience is characterized by daylight-only travel to maximize sightseeing, overnight hotel stays for comfort, and premium onboard amenities such as glass-domed rail cars, locally inspired gourmet meals prepared fresh in each rail car’s kitchen, and engaging onboard hosts who enrich the journey with storytelling and wildlife spotting. The US route crosses the Rockies, showcases vineyards, travels through Ruby Canyon’s red rock formations, and incorporates ghost towns on the newly added extension to Salt Lake City. Dawn emphasizes the seamless logistics, including luggage transport and hotel check-ins, designed to ensure guest comfort and convenience.

The video concludes with a discussion of the appeal of the American Southwest’s landscapes and culture, encouragement to work with MAST professional travel advisors, and current promotions offering significant discounts for past guests. The rail journeys operate seasonally with high demand, underscoring the importance of early booking.

In this episode, John Werner, President & COO, MAST Travel Network and Archy Arushanyan, National Director, Globus family of brands discuss Avalon Waterways’ innovative approach to river cruising, emphasizing new evening experiences, diverse daytime excursions, wellness programs, and themed cruises designed to enhance guest engagement and satisfaction. Avalon Waterways is pioneering the “Avalon After Dark” program, which transforms the traditional quiet evenings on river cruises into vibrant social and cultural experiences, including dinners under the stars, signature cocktails crafted by an award-winning mixologist, live music, dance parties, and interactive games. The cruise line also offers thoughtfully organized late-night shore excursions in iconic European cities, providing guests safe and memorable ways to explore local nightlife.

This episode features John Werner, President & COO of MAST Travel Network, and Morgane Beltaief, Sr. Director, Strategic Accounts at Oceania Cruises about their Alaska cruise offerings. Oceania Cruises, known for its upscale, small-ship experience, focuses on delivering unique, immersive Alaskan itineraries that combine luxury, culinary excellence, and authentic travel experiences. Morgane highlights the distinctive advantages of Oceania’s Alaska sailings, such as smaller vessels (with capacities of 656 to 1200 guests), extensive 10 to 12 day itineraries, and visits to both popular and boutique ports like Sitka and Ketchikan. The cruises emphasize inclusivity with specialty dining, Wi-Fi, gratuities, soft drinks, and spa access all included, offering an exceptional value proposition. Shore excursions are diverse and adventurous, including helicopter glacier landings with dog sledding, ziplining, whale watching, and cultural tours. Onboard, guests benefit from expert naturalists, engaging lectures, experiential learning classes, and a strong focus on Alaska-inspired cuisine led by renowned chefs. Morgane encourages travelers to view Alaska as a destination worth multiple visits due to its ever-changing experiences and rich offerings.

In this episode of the MASTers of Travel Podcast Series, John Werner, President of MAST Travel Network, interviews John Cherneski, Senior Vice President of Sales for North America at Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL). The discussion centers on the appeal, offerings, and unique features of Norwegian Cruise Line and the broader cruise industry. Cherneski, with over 30 years of experience in cruising, shares insights on why cruises continue to grow in popularity, emphasizing the value of booking through travel advisors for a superior experience. Norwegian Cruise Line stands out for its diverse fleet of 20 ships, extensive global itineraries covering 391 destinations in 109 countries, and a multi-tiered cruise experience ranging from contemporary to luxury via their exclusive “Haven” ship-within-a-ship concept. The line caters to a wide demographic, including solo travelers, families, and multi-generational groups, with amenities such as solo cabins, specialty dining, and extensive entertainment options. Cherneski highlights the “More at Sea” bundled package that offers savings and enhances the onboard experience. Norwegian’s extensive departure ports across North America provide convenience for travelers, with notable itineraries to the Caribbean, Europe, Alaska, Mexico, and private islands like Great Stirrup Key. The cruise line places strong emphasis on maximizing time in port, especially in Europe and Alaska, enhancing the overall travel experience. Additionally, NCL offers attractive military and teacher discount programs, reinforcing its commitment to diverse traveler groups. The podcast ends with encouragement for listeners to contact their MAST Travel Network Advisor to book Norwegian cruises and take advantage of ongoing promotions.

In this episode of MASTers of Travel, John Werner, President & COO, MAST Travel Network sits down with Kevin Carter, Director Of Strategic Partnerships at Collette, one of the longest-running tour operators in the travel industry. Join us as we explore how Collette crafts immersive travel experiences across the globe, from cultural deep dives to culinary adventures.

We discuss the evolution of guided travel, how Collette supports travel advisors, and what makes their tours stand out in a competitive market. Whether you're a seasoned advisor or just curious about the world of group travel, this episode offers valuable insights into the art of designing unforgettable journeys.

🌍 Topics include:

- The Collette difference in guided travel
- Trends in group travel
- How travel advisors can work with Collette
- Behind-the-scenes of tour development

Tune in and get inspired to elevate your travel knowledge with expert insights from one of the industry's most trusted names.

John Werner, President & COO, MAST Travel Network and Michael Weldon, Director, National, Key & Strategic Accounts, HX | Hurtigruten Expeditions discuss expedition cruising, highlighting unique experiences, educational opportunities, and diverse destinations.

Highlights

•  HX specializes in unique expedition cruises to remote destinations.
• The company has over 60 years of experience in Antarctic expeditions.
• Onboard scientists enhance guest experience through education and hands-on activities.
• Unique experiences like camping on ice provide adventurous options for travelers.
• Culinary offerings focus on local provisioning for fresh, diverse dining experiences.
• HX supports solo travelers with no single supplement on select sailings.
• Commitment to sustainability and environmental initiatives sets HX apart.

John Werner, COO, MAST Travel Network and Archy Arushanyan, National Director, Globus Family of Brands discuss their new small group discovery tours, emphasizing unique & immersive travel experiences.

🌟 Small Group Advantage: Smaller groups allow for unique experiences and deeper connections, making travel more personal and memorable.

🏞️ Unique Destinations: Globus focuses on lesser-known destinations like Georgia and Armenia, providing travelers with off-the-beaten-path experiences.

🍷 Culinary Focus: Food plays a crucial role in travel, with local culinary experiences that allow travelers to taste and learn about regional cultures.

🚍 Comfortable Travel: Larger vehicles accommodate fewer passengers, ensuring comfort and convenience with amenities like Wi-Fi and bathrooms.

📚 Cultural Immersion: Tours prioritize cultural engagement, offering historical insights and connecting travelers to local traditions.

💡 Expert Guides: Local guides not only provide knowledge but also foster connections, enriching the travel experience through storytelling and personal interaction.

🤗 Lasting Relationships: Shared travel experiences often lead to friendships, creating a community among travelers that enhances future journeys.