RTE-Travel Talk

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]

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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

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: [email protected]

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Contact: Cruise Holidays of Topeka : [email protected]

Website: https://landandseapros.com/

Group Cruises: https://landandseapros.com/special-offers/exclusive-escorted-travel-opportunities/

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: [email protected]

https://realtravelexperts.com/​

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Contact Cruise Holidays Burlington: [email protected]

Cruise Holidays Burlington Website:​ https://compasscruises.ca/

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: [email protected]

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Contact: Picture This Travel : [email protected]

Website: https://www.picturethistravel.com/

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: [email protected]

https://realtravelexperts.com/

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

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Contact Cruise Holidays Land and Sea: [email protected]

Cruise Holidays Land and Sea: https://crazy4cruises.com

Travel Expert, Tracey Mosser, owner of Discovery Destinations Travel Planning, joins Ken to review her recommendations for the top three all inclusive resorts in the Caribbean. Tracey highlights her choices for adults, Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana, Atelier Playa Mujeres, and of course, Secrets Resorts and Spas. For families: Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana, Beaches Turks & Caicos, and Hotel Xcaret. In addition, Tracey details what to expect if you are switching from cruising to an all inclusive land vacation. Have you ever tried to figure out the room categories at an all inclusive? Tracey explains what to expect and what to watch out for when choosing a room category. All of this, plus what to know when choosing a travel advisor to help you with that next all inclusive vacation.

Timestamps:

0:00 Intro

0:25 Meet Tracey

1:00 Current popularity of resort vacations

2:00 Why choose a resort vacation

3:00 Importance of choosing a travel advisor with resort knowledge

3:30 Tracey's Top 3 Caribbean Resorts for Adults/Couples

4:24 Tracey's Top Picks for Caribbean Family Resorts

5:10 Why a great advisor curates your vacation

6:20 What does all inclusive mean when it comes to resorts?

7:25 Differences/similarities all inclusive resorts vs. cruises

8:45 Does all inclusive include off-resort excursions?

9:00 How crowded are resorts?

9:40 Social distancing

9:55 Explanation of different room categories at resorts & what to watch out for

12:30 Resort inspections by travel advisors

13:49 Tracey's up-coming travel plans

Contact Real Travel Experts: [email protected]

https://realtravelexperts.com/​

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Contact Discovery Destination Travel: [email protected]

Discovery Destination Travel Website:​ https://discoverydestinationstravel.com

Choosing between a luxury small ship cruise and a river cruise. Travel expert Shari Marsh drops by to give her expert advice and cruise tips when trying to decide which cruise is right for you. Shari details the main differences between the two types of cruise vacation and what to consider when you are trying to make the decision between a luxury ocean cruise and a river cruise. Shari defines what a small ship is and reveals what her top three go cruise lines she goes back to time and again for luxury cruises and those for river cruises. When choosing between the two it comes down to what you want out of a vacation and Shari details how she works with guests to arrive at a memorable cruise vacation.

Timestamps:

0:00 Intro

0:20 Meet Shari

1:30 What is luxury?

2:40 Small ocean ships

4:32 River Cruise ships

7:00 All-Inclusive cruising

8:18 Guest capacity matters

10:35 Who is the luxury cruiser?

12:30 Demographics of luxury cruisers

14:30 River cruises vs. guided tours

15:40 Small ship destinations

16:45 SeaDream cruises

17:50 Windstar

19:16 Viking Ocean

20:00 Regent Seven Seas, Seabourn & others

21:14 AmaWaterways

22:10 Avalon Waterways

23:00 Tauck & Uniworld

23:42 Advice regarding booking

25:30 Advisor training and experience

27:00 How to contact Shari

Contact Real Travel Experts: [email protected]

https://realtravelexperts.com/

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

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

Contact Cruise Holidays Land and Sea: [email protected]

Cruise Holidays Land and Sea: https://crazy4cruises.com

American Queen Voyages Mississippi River Cruise Review with Real Travel Expert Larry Jackson, owner of Cruise Holidays of Viera located in Melbourne Florida. Larry joins Ken to review his recent river cruise on the Mississippi river aboard the American Duchess. What is an American river cruise like and are they for everyone? Larry provides his take on American Queen Voyages. Discover the entertainment, on shore excursions, the towns one visits and the, sometimes, quite surprising sights and sounds to be found along the Mississippi river. Learn the history of American Queen Voyages (formerly the American Queen Steamboat Company)and Victory Cruise Lines. Are you looking for a relaxing river cruise close to home? Then this river cruise review is for you.

Contact Real Travel Experts: [email protected]

https://realtravelexperts.com/

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Contact Cruise Holidays of Viera: [email protected]

Cruise Holidays of Viera Website: https://justcruisinviera.com/

Celebrity Cruises Southern Caribbean Cruise Review with Ann-Marie Gaudet, travel expert with Cruise Holidays Select. Ann- Marie joins Ken live from the Celebrity Equinox as they cruise the Southern Caribbean. Ann-Marie details the Equinox, new boarding processes, the itinerary, and some of the speciality dining restaurants found on board such as the Tuscan Grille and Le Petit Chef. Ann-Marie provides valuable cruise tips for the ports of call, shore excursions and for cruisers trying to decide on a seven day cruise or longer. She also explains the key differences between an Eastern, Western, and Southern Caribbean itinerary for cruisers trying to decide which cruise is for them. Ken inquires with all the goings on in the world with the pandemic, about the safety of cruising. Ann-Marie gives her heartfelt and uplifting take on the matter with a big shout out to the cruise lines and their crews. Cruising is back!

Timestamps

0:00 Intro

0:46 Introduction of Ann-Marie

2:07 The Check-In Process

3:30 About Celebrity Cruises

4:25 Tuscan Grille

5:20 Le Petit Chef

5:57 Murano

6:15 Cruise lengths discussed

7:00 Differences between Eastern, Western & Southern Caribbean cruise itineraries

8:10 How to prepare for a Southern Caribbean cruise

8:30 Favourite Port: Grenada

9:35 Favourite Excursion: Dominica

10:05 Capacity of ship (guests)

10:50 Advice Regarding Health & Safety Measures

12:35 Cruise with Confidence

14:43 Ann-Marie's upcoming cruises

15:33 How to contact Ann-Marie

Contact Real Travel Experts: [email protected]

https://realtravelexperts.com/​

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Contact Cruise Holidays Select: [email protected]

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

Ann Maries Escorted Celebrity Cruise:

https://luv2cruz.ca/special-offers/eastern-caribbean-celebrity-cruise-2023-escorted/

Testing Positive for Covid while on Vacation. Real Travel Expert Liane Lance, co-owner of Picture This Travel, joins Ken to discuss what you can expect if you happen to test positive for Covid 19 while out of the country on vacation. Liane details the procedures and protocols followed by the resorts and cruise lines in the event of a positive test. Who should be your first phone call and the steps to take as soon as possible. What you can do pre-vacation to make sure you are prepared in case of a positive test. And finally Liane's recommendations for rapid test kits.

Timestamps:

0:00 Intro

0:25 Meet Liane

1:30 Where people are currently traveling

2:10 What to watch out for when visiting "open" countries

2:45 What happens if you test positive on your resort vacation

4:20 Who should be the first person you call when you test positive & why

4:45 Cruise protocols for positive tests

6:00 Why testing positive is not as common on a cruise

7:20 Getting re-imbursed for extra expenses due to quaranrtine

7:50 Claim turn around time

8:29 Cost of additional tests

9:05 Liane's Recommended test kits

10:00 Europe Travel

10:55 Emergency Funds

12:00 How Lian'es agency helps affected clients through the process

14:05 Best way to get the latest travel information regarding the protocols

Contact Real Travel Experts: [email protected]

https://realtravelexperts.com/

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

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

Contact: Picture This Travel : [email protected]

Website: https://www.picturethistravel.com/

BinaxNow Test Kits: https://www.globalpointofcare.abbott/en/product-details/binaxnow-covid-19-antigen-self-test-us.htm