RTE-Travel Talk

Pride at Sea with Celebrity Cruises. Ken speaks with real travel expert Roy Suthons regarding his recent Celebrity cruise aboard Celebrity Cruise's flagship "The Edge "which was one of several cruises in the month of June celebrating Pride and the LBGTQ+ community. Roy details the special events that took place on board in celebration of Pride and explains the award winning reputation Celebrity Cruises has earned with the community. Having sailed on a number of cruises that included LBGTQ cruises, Roy details the events on board this cruise and offers cruise tips for those looking to come aboard in the future. Roy also provides details for the upcoming Celebrity Cruise Party At Sea Cruises for 2023 and his future plans to host a group cruise aboard one of them

Contact Real Travel Experts: [email protected]

https://realtravelexperts.com/

https://www.facebook.com/RealTravelExperts/

https://www.instagram.com/realtravelexperts/

Contact Roy: [email protected]

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

00:26 Introducing Roy Suthons

01:21 Pride on Board Celebrity Cruises

02:50 The Pride Party - This Year in Retrospect

04:05 Why Celebrity Hosts the Party

04:37 Are these cruises "theme" cruises?

06:01 The Events on Board

09:20 Making Friends and Connections

11:55 Upcoming Pride Party Cruises in 2023

13:13 Distinctive Voyages

13:49 How to reach Roy

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: [email protected]

https://realtravelexperts.com/

https://www.facebook.com/RealTravelExperts/

https://www.instagram.com/realtravelexperts/

Contact Roy: [email protected]

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

Our Top 10 Tips for Your next All Inclusive Resort Vacation with Melissa Feenstra. Ken is joined by Melissa Feenstra, owner of Feenstra Travel and a AMR Master Agent for Secrets Resorts, to review her top ten travel tips and things to consider when booking your next all-Inclusive resort vacation. A certified travel agent and specialist for Apple Vacations, AM Resorts, Avanti Destinations, Globus, and RIU Resorts. Melissa details great planning advice for all inclusive resorts in the Caribbean, Mexico and elsewhere. From learning about getting what you pay for, to knowing when to book that spa appointment. Melissa provides her travel tips and insight acquired from her 20 plus years as an expert all inclusive travel specialist.

Contact Real Travel Experts: [email protected]

https://realtravelexperts.com/​

https://www.facebook.com/RealTravelExperts/

https://www.instagram.com/realtravelexperts/

Contact Feenstra Travel [email protected]

Feenstra Travel Website:​ https://feenstratravel.com

Image & Video Credits:

Images Courtesy : Adobestock.com

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

00:29 Introducing travel expert Melissa Feenstra

01:46 Tip 1: You Get What You Pay For

03:29 Tip 2: Check out The Room Location

09:32 Tip 3: Be Realistic About Entertainment

11:24 Tip 4: Spa Advice

13:56 Tip 5: Know The Dress Codes

17:54 Tip 6:Timing Is Everything

19:40 Tip 7: Specialty Dining

21:17 Tip 8:Venture Off Resort At Least Once

22:16 Tip 9:Lean Into Pampering

25:15 Tip 10: Use an Expert Travel Advisor

26:48 Advice For Booking in 2022-23

27:44 Melissa's Upcoming Travel

28:15 Melissa's Contact Info

Pride at Sea with Celebrity Cruises. Ken speaks with real travel expert Roy Suthons regarding his recent Celebrity cruise aboard Celebrity Cruise's flagship "The Edge "which was one of several cruises in the month of June celebrating Pride and the LBGTQ+ community. Roy details the special events that took place on board in celebration of Pride and explains the award winning reputation Celebrity Cruises has earned with the community. Having sailed on a number of cruises that included LBGTQ cruises, Roy details the events on board this cruise and offers cruise tips for those looking to come aboard in the future. Roy also provides details for the upcoming Celebrity Cruise Party At Sea Cruises for 2023 and his future plans to host a group cruise aboard one of them

Contact Real Travel Experts: [email protected]

https://realtravelexperts.com/

https://www.facebook.com/RealTravelExperts/

https://www.instagram.com/realtravelexperts/

Contact Roy: [email protected]

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

00:26 Introducing Roy Suthons

01:21 Pride on Board Celebrity Cruises

02:50 The Pride Party - This Year in Retrospect

04:05 Why Celebrity Hosts the Party

04:37 Are these cruises "theme" cruises?

06:01 The Events on Board

09:20 Making Friends and Connections

11:55 Upcoming Pride Party Cruises in 2023

13:13 Distinctive Voyages

13:49 How to reach Roy

Choosing a Panama Canal cruise. Travel expert Tim Hersh of Cruise Holidays of Topeka joins Ken to discuss what you need to know about Panama Canal cruises and review his upcoming escorted Southern Caribbean cruise with Norwegian Cruise lines which includes a Panama Canal transit. Tim details the best time of year for a Panama Canal cruise and the three types of voyages; full transit, partial transit, and closed loop. What you need to know regarding passports plus the four must pack items for a Southern Caribbean or Panama Canal cruise. Tim also details the cruise lines that frequent Panama and offers his thoughts on why he prefers Norwegian Cruise lines for this itinerary. All of this plus an itinerary review of his upcoming cruise and a valuable cruise tip for those of you looking to take that next excursion or book your travel DIY.

Timestamps:

0:00 Intro

0:23 Introduction to Tim Hersh

1:16 Overview

1:30 Best time to go on a Panama Canal cruise

2:04 Different cruise embarkation ports available

2:40 Cruiselines that have a Canal itinerary & Tim's preferred line

3:46 Unique itinerary of Tim's upcoming canal cruise

5:20 Different ways you can see or experience the Panama Canal

6:50 Other attractions in the southern Caribbean

7:40 Four items you should pack for this trip

8:40 Passport requirements

10:15 Tim's upcoming Panama canal group cruise: inclusions, air offer

12:33 Tim's advice to Do-It-Yourself

13:05 Excursion advice for any cruise

13:55 Tim's contact info & booking advice for future travelers

Contact Real Travel Experts: [email protected]

https://realtravelexperts.com/

https://www.facebook.com/RealTravelExperts/

https://www.instagram.com/realtravelexperts/

Contact: Cruise Holidays of Topeka : [email protected]

Website: https://landandseapros.com/

Tim's Panama Canal Cruise: https://landandseapros.com/travel-agency/valentines-cruise-2023-with-tim-hersh-norwegian/

Image & Video Credits:

Ships Images Courtesy Norwegian Cruise Lines

Other Images Courtesy of Bigstock and

Image by naturfreund_pics from Pixabay

Image by falco from Pixabay

David Brossard, via Wikimedia Commons

Real Travel Experts Ira & Helene Kaplan of Cruise Holidays of Marlboro join Ken to discuss Celebrity Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Lines suite perks. Ira and Helene detail two programs that Ken likens to "ships within ships": The Retreat on Celebrity Cruises and The Haven on Norwegian. These two areas on most the Celebrity' and Norwegian ships are made available exclusively to suite guests. Perks include: private speciality restaurants, private courtyards, pools / sundecks, butlers, concierge service, priority boarding and reservations "A great value for cruisers accustomed to first class on airlines and five star hotels", say the Kaplans. Its also a great option for those looking for the luxury experience of a small ship but with the amenities and wide variety of entertainment found on a resort style ship. Ken and Ira discuss the price point on the Retreat and the Haven as compared to a luxury line and the main differences between both.

Timestamps:

0:00 Intro

0:25 The Kaplans

1:14 The Retreat and The Haven in general

1:45 All about The Retreat on Celebrity

4:14 All about The Haven on NCL

5:19 Comparison of these to a small luxury ship experience

6:51 Is it a good step-up option for the average cruiser?

7:44 How private are these areas on the ship?

8:13 Guest reviews and comments

9:53 Advice on booking The retreat or The Haven suites

10:22 Contact info for the Kaplans & Cruise Holidays Marlboro

Contact Real Travel Experts:

https://realtravelexperts.com/

https://www.facebook.com/pg/RealTravelExperts/

https://www.instagram.com/realtravelexperts/

Contact Cruise Holidays of Marlboro:

Website: https://cruiseholidaysnj.com

Email: [email protected]

Phone : 732-972-2444

Image Credits:

Cruising the Rhone with Avalon Waterways, a River Cruise Review with travel expert Ann- Marie Gaudet of Cruise Holidays Select. Ann-Marie joins Ken to provide an in-depth review of her recent 10- day river cruise in France through the Burgundy and Provence regions with a two-day post-cruise tour of Paris, the City of Light. Ann-Marie provides details on why she chose Avalon Waterways, the ships (Poetry II in particular), Avalon's Panorama Suites, and why you don't want the lowest fare cabin on most river cruises. Join Ann Marie as she describes all the sights, sounds, and flavours to be found on an Avalon Waterways cruise along the Rhone and Seine Rivers in France. Find out when is the best time to book a river cruise in France and the best time of year to go plus other river cruise tips and advice. And finally, Ann Marie details her next upcoming escorted cruises and invites your to come along for the adventure.

Timestamps:

0;00 Intro

0:25 Introducing Ann-Marie

1:20 Avalon Waterways

2:00 Why she recommends Avalon Waterways

2:50 The Panoramic Suites

3:41 The service

4:38 Cruise & land packages

6:00 The importance of arriving early for your cruise

7:25 The itinerary & the weather

11:00 Excursions & extra tours

12:00 Bring your own wine on board

13:05 Rhone and Saone

13:50 Louvre

14:34 How long should you stay in Paris?

15:30 General advice for France river cruising

17:10 Travel restrictions?

17:35 Rafting

18:27 Ann-Marie's next escorted cruises

19:17 Ann-Marie's contact information

Contact Real Travel Experts: [email protected]

https://realtravelexperts.com/​

https://www.facebook.com/RealTravelExperts/

https://www.instagram.com/realtravelexperts/

Contact Cruise Holidays Select: [email protected]

Cruise Holidays Select Website:​ https://luv2cruz.ca/

Ann Maries Select River Cruises:

https://luv2cruz.ca/special-offers/escorted-egypt-river-cruise-amawaterways/

https://luv2cruz.ca/special-offers/christmas-markets-on-the-danube-2023/

Image & Video Credits

Avalon Waterways Video Clips Courtesy of Avalon Waterways

Stateroom Images Courtesy of Avalon Waterways

Les Baux-de-Provence Image Courtesy of Henri Bergius, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

River Boat Raft Images Courtesy of Philippe Alès, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Paris Images Courtesy of Pixabay

Other Images: Courtesy of Ann Marie Gaudet

Bob Shaffer of Vacations by Cruise & Travel Experts joins Ken to review his most recent adventure: a nine-day African Safari with Micato Safaris. Bob goes into great detail for what he expected to be be a once-in-a-lifetime adventure but now wishes to return! Learn about the Big Five animals, when is the best time to take an African Safari, what you should prepare for, and the differences between a budget safari outfitter and a luxury outfitter such as Micato Safaris. Bob details his favorite part of the adventure which amounted to an almost religious experience as he learns of the culture by meeting village elders. And finally, Bob wraps up with his best advice for those not only looking to safari but for all adventure travel seekers.

Timestamps:

0;00 Intro

0:27 Meet Bob Shaffer

2:30 Overview of his safari

3:00 Nairobi : Baby elephants & giraffes o my!

4:10 Amboseli

5:30 Fairmont Masai lodge

7:50 Hot Air balloon experience

9:09 Cost of a safari

10:15 The Masai: entertainment, village elder meeting, culture

11:45 Importance of souvenirs

13:15 Is this adventure suitable for older folks

14:30 Why adventure travel

15:40 School visit

16:03 Best time of year & length of a safari

17:20 Planning your safari

19:22 Bob's best advice for a safari

20:12 Bob's next adventure

Contact Real Travel Experts:

https://realtravelexperts.com/

https://www.facebook.com/pg/RealTravelExperts/

https://www.instagram.com/realtravelexperts/

Contact: Vacations by Cruise & Travel Experts: Website: https://vacationsbycruiseandtravelexperts.com

Email: [email protected]

Micato Safari Outfitters Shop; https://micato.newheadings.com/ ( RTE Travel Talk does not endorse nor receive any compensation for this mention.)

Video & Image Credits:

Video Clips Courtesy of Micato Safaris and Great Plains

Images : Courtesy of Micato Safaris and Great Plains

Bob Shaffer Travels with Bob

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: [email protected]

https://realtravelexperts.com/​

https://www.facebook.com/RealTravelExperts/

https://www.instagram.com/realtravelexperts/

Contact Eaglewings Travels: [email protected]

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 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: [email protected]

https://realtravelexperts.com/

https://www.facebook.com/RealTravelExperts/

https://www.instagram.com/realtravelexperts/

Image & Video Credits:

Images and Video clips Courtesy of AmaWaterways