RTE-Travel Talk

Sandals Dunn's River: Everything You Need To Know! Join RTE-Travel Talk host Ken as he sits down with Shari Marsh, owner of Cruise Holidays Land and Sea and a Certified Sandals Expert, to review the luxurious Sandals Dunn's River All-Inclusive Resort. Shari shares her expertise and insights, starting with an overview of the resort and how it compares to other Sandals properties. She delves into the exquisite accommodations, discusses the price points, and highlights the diverse dining options available. Discover the resort’s prime location, offering easy access to a variety of on and off-resort activities. Learn about the inclusions that make your stay hassle-free, and get valuable tips on booking activities to maximize your experience. Shari also shares her thoughts on the overall happiness quotient of guests, provides an overview of the different bars on-site, and offers final tips for prospective visitors. To wrap up, she shares her contact information and gives a sneak peek into her future travel plans. Don't miss this comprehensive guide to Sandals Dunn's River, packed with expert advice and insider tips!

In this segment of RTE-Travel Talk, host Ken sits down with Barb Chamberlain of Direct Travel and Neil Dudley from AmaWaterways to discuss families and river cruising - a rising trend. Topics include AmaWaterway's ships with triples, quads, or adjoining suites, entertaining children, child-friendly menu options, best itineraries for families and their collaboration with Adventures By Disney. River cruising with your family is a wonderful option and this podcast explains why.

In this segment of RTE-Travel Talk, host Ken sits down with Ole Nordhavn, owner of Concierge Travel Services, to discuss the best vacation and culinary options for Hawaii. They cover a range of topics, starting with the advantages and unique experiences offered by Hawaii cruises. Ole shares insights into land-based tours and the benefits of renting private home accommodations for a more personalized stay. The discussion also touches on the convenience and appeal of condo rentals. They explore the diverse and delectable food scene in Hawaii and talk about comprehensive Hawaii vacation packages. Ole provides valuable tips for making the most of a Hawaiian vacation and offers information on how to get in touch with him for personalized travel planning. The segment wraps up with Ole sharing his future travel plans as the "painting travel advisor " offering his vivid and colorful approach to travel planning.

Join Ken, the host of RTE-Travel Talk, as he sits down with Barb Young, owner of Cruise Holidays of Port Coquitlam, to discuss her recent river cruise experience with AmaWaterways in Paris and Normandy. Barb shares an in-depth review of the itinerary, highlighting the beautiful staterooms, the exceptional service from the Cruise Manager, and key moments from the journey, including how AmaWaterways expertly resolved any river issues. She provides heartfelt feedback on visiting the war cemeteries and offers valuable tips for both pre- and post-cruise activities in Paris. From arrival to departure, Barb gives an inside look at AmaWaterways' top-notch service, the delectable cuisine, the entertainment on board and the weather during her trip. Barb and Ken share a special remembrance of their Dads two WW II veterans. Don't miss Barb's final advice for anyone considering a river cruise, plus her memorable visit to the Eiffel Tower. This segment is packed with insights and reflections that will inspire your next river cruise adventure.

Join RTE-Travel Talk host Ken as he sits down with Christy Fitzharris, travel expert and founder of Wheels Up Travel Company, to discuss making the most out of your Disney World Resorts vacation by choosing the right resort and tours. In this insightful segment, they cover everything from an overview of Disney World, to the perks of staying at The Contemporary Resort and other resorts along the Monorail line. Discover why Disney luxury is all about convenience, and learn about alternatives to standing in line that can save you time and enhance your experience. They delve into the costs involved, explore food adventures and dining packages, and highlight the vibrant atmosphere of Disney Springs. Christy also shares tips for adult time and activities outside the theme parks, the advantages of a park and cruise combo, and the importance of working with a Disney specialist. Finally, don't miss Christy's invaluable booking advice to ensure you have a magical Disney vacation.

In this episode of RTE-Travel Talk's "Just The Facts," host Ken sits down with Larry Jackson, the owner of Cruise Holidays of Viera, to explore the best cruise options for Hawaii. They delve into the advantages of cruising the Hawaiian islands instead of flying between them and why cruising can be a more enjoyable and practical choice. Larry shares insights on the benefits of flying to Hawaii before starting your cruise journey. The discussion also covers the Jones Act and its impact on cruising, highlighting NCL's Pride of America. Viewers will learn about Oahu, known for its beauty and abundant activities, and hear about the unofficial Hawaiian ambassadors who enrich the travel experience. This episode is packed with valuable information for anyone considering a Hawaiian cruise adventure

Join RTE-Travel Talk host Ken as he sits down with travel expert Jody Ryland of Cruise & Travel Experts to discuss her recent Caribbean cruise with Island Windjammers. Jody shares her insights and experiences, starting with an introduction to Island Windjammers and the charming ship, Vela. She describes the overall atmosphere on board and provides a detailed look at the cozy cabins. Jody also offers a handy booking tip and recounts her delightful pre-stay in Sint Maarten, including a useful mobility tip for travelers.

She outlines the exciting itinerary of her cruise and highlights some memorable shore excursions. Food enthusiasts will appreciate her detailed review of the cuisine on board, along with a helpful tip for those with dietary requirements. The exceptional service and friendly crew are also a major highlight of her trip.

For those curious about on-board activities and entertainment, Jody has plenty to share. She also covers practical aspects like sailing schedules and how to handle rough seas. Jody provides an overview of other Windjammer ships and paints a vivid picture of the breathtaking Caribbean sunsets. She concludes with the highlight of her cruise, additional tips for sailing with Windjammers, and thoughts on where they sail and family sailing. Don't miss this informative and engaging interview for all your cruise travel inspiration!

Welcome to another episode of Just the Facts with Larry! In this episode, RTE-Travel Talk host Ken sits down with Real Travel Expert Larry Jackson of Cruise Holidays of Viera. Together, they share invaluable advice and tips for cruisers, gathered from their extensive experience in the travel industry. Whether you're a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler, these insights are sure to enhance your cruise experience. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more travel tips and expert advice!

Episode Highlights:

1. Take the stairs: One of the easiest ways to stay active on a cruise is to take the stairs instead of the elevator.

2. Fly into the cruise port a day early: Avoid travel stress and potential delays by arriving at your port city a day in advance.

3. Acknowledge the crew: A simple greeting or thank you to the crew can go a long way in enhancing your cruise experience.

4. Don't listen to the "cruise critics": Form your own opinions and enjoy your cruise without being influenced by negative reviews.

5. Pack a medical kit: Be prepared for minor health issues with a well-stocked medical kit.

6. Pack "light" but still take half of it!: Overpacking is common, but try to bring only what you'll really need.

7. Bring Ziploc® bags: These versatile bags can be useful for keeping items dry or for packing snacks.

8. Adjoining rooms for family travel: Consider booking adjoining rooms for a more comfortable and convenient family vacation.

9. Scout out "your" table in the buffet dining room: Find a favorite spot in the buffet dining room to make meal times more enjoyable.

10. Wear your tightest fitting clothes first: Save room in your suitcase and stay comfortable by wearing your snug clothing early in the trip.

11. Be on time to board the ship: Punctuality is key to avoid missing your cruise departure.

12. Ships may not abide by the time zones: Keep in mind that the ship's time may differ from local time zones, so plan accordingly.

13. Storing your suitcases: Utilize space under your bed or in closets to keep your cabin tidy.

14. Leave the contraband at home: Ensure you comply with the ship's policies by leaving prohibited items behind.

15. Don't overplan: Allow yourself some flexibility to enjoy spontaneous moments on your cruise.

16. Stay on board on a port day: Sometimes the best way to enjoy the ship's amenities is to stay on board while others explore the port.

Enjoy the episode and happy cruising!

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.

oin RTE-Travel Talk host Ken for another episode of Just the Facts with Larry, as he sits down with Real Travel Expert Larry Jackson from Cruise Holidays of Viera. In this episode, Ken challenges Larry on his Top Ten ways to Save Money on a Cruise list. Larry and Ken dive deep into each of the following items, providing valuable insights and practical tips for budget-conscious travelers:

I. BOOK EARLY: Larry explains the benefits of booking your cruise well in advance to secure the best deals and availability.

II. USE CABIN GUARANTY CATEGORIES: Learn how opting for a cabin guaranty category can potentially save you money while still ensuring a comfortable onboard experience.

III. USE A CERTIFIED CRUISE TRAVEL AGENT: Discover the advantages of working with a certified cruise travel agent like Larry to maximize savings and receive expert guidance throughout the booking process.

IV. GET ALL YOUR DISCOUNTS: Larry highlights the importance of researching and utilizing all available discounts, from loyalty programs to special promotions.

V. BOOK ONBOARD VISIT FUTURE CRUISE DESK: Find out how visiting the future cruise desk onboard can lead to exclusive discounts and perks for your next voyage.

VI. PURCHASE TRAVEL INSURANCE: Learn why investing in travel insurance is a wise decision to protect your investment and provide peace of mind during your cruise.

VII. BOOK SHOULDER SEASON & HURRICANE SEASON: Explore the advantages of booking your cruise during shoulder season or hurricane season for potential cost savings and fewer crowds.

VIII. BECOME A SHAREHOLDER: Larry discusses how becoming a shareholder of certain cruise lines can offer additional benefits and discounts for future cruises.

IX. KNOW YOUR BEVERAGE PACKAGES: Gain insights into the various beverage packages offered by cruise lines and how to choose the right one to suit your needs and budget.

X. CONSIDER PRIVATE SHORE EXCURSIONS: Discover the benefits of booking private shore excursions independently to potentially save money and enjoy a more personalized experience.

To wrap up the episode, Larry and Ken give viewers a sneak peek at next month's topic: How to Cruise to Hawaii. Whether you're a seasoned cruiser or planning your first voyage, this episode provides invaluable advice for saving money and making the most of your cruise experience.