RTE-Travel Talk

Breathtaking Swiss Countryside By Train. In this episode of RTE-Travel Talk, host Ken sits down with Kathy Schmauss, a travel advisor with Cruise Holidays of Viera, to review her recent Scenic Switzerland by Train tour with Cosmos. Kathy shares her experience exploring Switzerland's breathtaking landscapes via the Swiss train system, renowned for its efficiency and stunning views. She highlights the beautiful cities of Lucerne, Lausanne, Zermatt, and St. Moritz, and discusses the differences between Cosmos and Globus tours. Kathy provides insights into what makes Switzerland a unique and somewhat expensive destination, including tips on what to do in Zermatt and how to balance touring with free time. She also offers practical advice for anyone considering this tour, including organizing a group trip for September 2026. The episode concludes with a discussion on the pricing and value of the tour. Kathy also teases her upcoming travel plans, making this segment a must-watch for anyone interested in a Swiss adventure by train!

Windstar Or Silversea? Pick The Perfect Cruise For You! In this episode of RTE-Travel Talk, host Ken sits down with Debra Dickerson, a travel advisor with Cruise and Travel Experts, to provide an insightful review of Windstar Cruises and compare its two classes of cruises to the luxury experience offered by Silversea. Debra begins with an overview of Windstar, discussing whether it qualifies as a luxury cruise line and highlighting its unique destinations and smaller guest capacity. She dives into the various itineraries, onboard entertainment, and Windstar's distinctive Open Bridge Policy, as well as the Water Sports Platform that adds to the adventure. The conversation also covers the dining experience, the feel of sailing with actual sails in rough seas, and the overall price point. Debra doesn't shy away from discussing the little details that matter, like the deep bathtubs in the cabins, and she addresses the ship’s accessibility and pricing in more depth. The episode wraps up with a discussion on whether Windstar cruises are formal or casual. This episode is perfect for travelers interested in a Windstar cruises and for those looking for a comparison between Windstar and Silversea, offering plenty of expert advice and insider tips!

Celebrity Cruises Vs. Holland America - Which Is Right For You? In this episode of RTE-Travel Talk, host Ken sits down with Mary Ellsworth, a travel advisor with Cruise and Travel Experts, to compare two premium cruise lines: Celebrity Cruises and Holland America Line (HAL). Mary provides an insightful overview of how these lines stack up against each other, highlighting Holland America's "Classic" appeal and diving into the differences in package offerings, including the explanation of non-refundable deposits and the choice between à la carte versus included fares. The discussion touches on the onboard differences between the two lines, with a focus on Celebrity’s newer ships and the innovations aboard the Celebrity Ascent. Ken and Mary also compare the demographics of typical passengers, their Alaska itineraries, and which line caters best to families. They explore the dining options, including HAL's Global Fish Program, and compare the service levels on both lines. The conversation wraps up with a comparison of the loyalty programs, price points, and overall value, culminating in Mary’s final thoughts. This episode is packed with expert advice for anyone considering a cruise with Celebrity or Holland America!

Join us on this episode of Just The Facts as RTE-Travel Talk host Ken welcomes special guest Larry Jackson, a seasoned travel expert from Cruise Holidays of Viera, to explore the differences between Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean International.

Larry contrasts the ship size, guest complements, itineraries, dining, entertainment, service levels, loyalty programs, and price points as well as each cruise lines target audience. Larry has advice on multi-generational cruising with each line plus special tips on booking Celebrity's AquaClass staterooms.

If you are confused about whether to book a mass market line such as RCI or a premium line such as Celebrity, then this video is for you!

In this episode of Just River Cruises, RTE-Travel Talk host Ken sits down with Real Travel Expert Lauren Matthews of Cruise & Travel Specialists to debunk the top five misconceptions about river cruises. If you've ever thought river cruising was only for a certain age group or that it might not offer the excitement and value you're looking for, this episode is for you! Ken and Lauren tackle these myths head-on, providing insights that could change the way you think about river cruising.

Episode Highlights:

1. Misconception #1: It's for old people: River cruises aren't just for seniors—they offer something for travelers of all ages.

2. Misconception #2: It's boring: Discover the exciting and culturally rich experiences available on river cruises.

3. Misconception #3: It's expensive: Ken and Lauren break down the value of river cruising and why it's worth the cost.

4. Misconception #4: It's small and cramped on board: Learn about the spacious and comfortable accommodations available on river cruise ships.

5. Misconception #5: It's just the Rhine and the Danube Rivers: Explore the diverse destinations and rivers that you can cruise beyond the Rhine and Danube.

Join us as we unravel these myths and help you see river cruising in a whole new light!

In this episode of RTE-Travel Talk, host Ken sits down with Debra Dickerson, a travel advisor with Cruise and Travel Experts, to provide an in-depth review of Tauck Tours, with a special focus on Debra's recent and extraordinary river cruise experience with Tauck. Debra shares the unique highlights of her journey, including themed days inspired by a Taylor Swift concert and a visit to a Formula 1 race track. She discusses the quality and uniqueness of Tauck's excursions, all of which are included in the tour package, and gives insight into the staterooms and the high value that Tauck offers its guests. The conversation also covers the Tauck Bridges program, designed specifically for families, with details on the children's age range, adult demographics, and the program's accessibility for those with disabilities. Debra also provides her perspective on the price point and value of Tauck Tours, and shares her overall thoughts on the experience. This segment is packed with expert advice and is a must-watch for anyone considering a Tauck tour!

Join us for an insightful episode of RTE-Travel Talk as host Ken sits down with Debbie Albrecht and Peter Whitehead, dedicated cruise managers for AmaWaterways. Discover the vital role they play in enhancing the guest experience on board AmaWaterways ships, ensuring every journey is unforgettable.

From personalizing services to sharing heartwarming stories, Debbie and Pete offer a behind-the-scenes look at what makes AmaWaterways truly exceptional.

Debbie and Pete share their personal stories with AmaWaterways, offering insights into the level of service that sets the company apart. They discuss how they cater to guest preferences, ensure seamless communication, and even accompany guests on excursions to create unforgettable experiences. The conversation delves into the importance of getting to know each guest personally and highlights some of Debbie's and Pete's most cherished memories on the job. The episode concludes with their thoughts on welcoming children aboard and a sneak peek into their upcoming travels. This engaging discussion is a must-watch for anyone interested in the behind-the-scenes efforts that make AmaWaterways a top choice for river cruising.

In this episode of RTE-Travel Talk, host Ken is joined by Real Travel Expert Lauren Matthews for another installment of Just River Cruises. Together, they explore their top five Christmas Markets in Europe that are best experienced on a river cruise. Starting with a short overview of these magical markets, Lauren and Ken dive into the festive charm of Vienna, Budapest, Strasbourg, Cologne, and Nuremberg. They also discuss the joy of bringing children along for the journey, Lauren’s thoughts on recommendations for river cruise lines, and the best time to book your trip. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or planning your first Christmas Market adventure, this episode is packed with valuable insights to make your holiday cruise unforgettable. Don’t miss Lauren’s expert advice and how to get in touch for more information!

Contact Lauren: [email protected]

Join Ken on this episode of RTE-Travel Talk as he sits down with Real Travel Expert Larry Jackson, owner of Cruise Holidays of Viera, to discuss the ultimate cruise tour experience in Hawaii. Larry shares his insider knowledge and personal recommendations, starting with his private cruise tour of Hawaii. From the perfect itinerary and luxurious hotels to unique island visits and unforgettable activities, Larry covers it all. Discover the best time to visit, explore iconic destinations like Maui, Hilo, and the Na Pali Coast, and learn about the unique traditions that make this cruise tour stand out. Larry also compares his custom Hawaii cruise experience to that offered by Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), ensuring you get the most out of your Hawaiian adventure. Whether you’re planning your first trip to Hawaii or looking to elevate your next visit, this episode is packed with expert tips and insights to create the best possible experience. Don’t miss out on Larry’s advice, future travel plans, and how to get in touch for your dream Hawaiian cruise!

Cruise Lines vs Popular Hotels | FIND YOUR BEST CRUISE LINE. In this insightful episode of RTE-Travel Talk, host Ken sits down with Lynn Johnson, the owner and founder of Neptune Travel LLC, to explore her unique approach to matching travelers with the perfect cruise line. Lynn shares her journey in the travel industry and reveals her innovative method of comparing cruise lines to popular hotels, making it easier for travelers to find their ideal experience. From diving into detailed comparisons to discussing the impact of age on cruise selection, Lynn emphasizes the importance of consulting with a knowledgeable travel agent. She also delves into luxury and premium cruise lines, offering comparisons that help demystify the choices for potential cruisers. The conversation highlights the value of personalized consultations and wraps up with a glimpse into Lynn's upcoming travel plans. Whether you're a seasoned cruiser or new to the world of cruising, this episode provides valuable insights that can help you make informed decisions for your next adventure.