RTE-Travel Talk

Fresh from her voyage aboard Azamara Onward, Anne-Marie shares what makes this 10-night journey from Venice to Istanbul so extraordinary — from Azamara’s legendary White Night Party in Santorini to the intimate Azamazing Evening in Slovenia’s town square. Along the way, you’ll discover hidden gems like Zadar’s Sea Organ, Corfu’s kumquat distilleries, and the breathtaking cisterns beneath Istanbul.

Learn what sets Azamara apart from other cruise lines such as Oceania and Viking, including their focus on destination immersion, warm personalized service, and flexible all-inclusive options — where you can even upgrade drink packages individually. Anne-Marie also offers practical tips for pre- and post-cruise stays in Venice and advice for travelers with mobility challenges.

From Venice’s canals and Slovenia’s folk music to Santorini sunsets and the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, this episode captures the very essence of what makes Azamara such a standout in small-ship cruising.

Thinking about cruising to Antarctica? 🧊 Join RTE-Travel Talk host Ken Lawrence and Antarctica expert Nanci Ott of Tinker Travel as they reveal the best expedition cruise lines to the White Continent — Seabourn, Atlas Ocean Voyages & Aurora Expeditions — and what makes each unique.

Dreaming of an Antarctica expedition cruise? In this episode of RTE-Travel Talk – Ask a Real Travel Expert, host Ken Lawrence sits down with Nanci Ott of Tinker Travel to explore what it’s really like to sail to the world’s last great wilderness — and to compare three of the top expedition cruise lines: Seabourn, Atlas Ocean Voyages, and Aurora Expeditions.

🧊 What You’ll Discover

Is it safe to cruise to Antarctica?

How cold is it really — and what should you pack?

Crossing the Drake Passage vs Flying the Drake 🛫

When to go for penguin chicks vs whale season 🐧 🐋

What a day on board a true expedition cruise looks like

How Seabourn (luxury), Atlas (modern boutique), and Aurora (true expedition) differ

What’s included — and what adventures cost extra (kayaking, camping, polar plunge!)

⚓ Which Line Is Right for You?

Seabourn – Ultra-luxury comfort, spacious suites & world-class dining.

Atlas Ocean Voyages – Boutique luxury style with a social atmosphere and approachable pricing.

Aurora Expeditions – Smaller ships, true exploration, and maximum time ashore.

🧭 Expert Tip

“Just go — Antarctica will change you forever,” says Nanci. From blue icebergs to fearless penguins, it’s a journey like no other.

Join RTE-Travel Talk host Ken as he sits down with Larry Jackson of Cruise Holidays of Viera to take the mystery out of Silversea’s new all-inclusive pricing structure. With the end of Silversea’s popular Door-to-Door and Port-to-Port programs, many cruisers are wondering—is Silversea still all-inclusive?

In this insightful interview, Larry and Ken break down the differences between the All-Inclusive Plus, All-Inclusive, and Last Minute fares. Learn how refundable deposits, onboard credits, and excursion flexibility now vary between tiers—and what this means for travelers seeking the best value on luxury cruises.

Step aboard AmaWaterways’ Secrets of Egypt & the Nile and discover why this luxury river cruise is being called a once-in-a-lifetime journey through ancient wonders and five-star comfort.

Join RTE-Travel Talk host Ken as he sits down with Barb Chamberlain of Direct Travel and Neil Dudley, Product Manager for AmaWaterways, to explore one of the most unforgettable travel experiences on Earth — AmaWaterways’ Secrets of Egypt & the Nile.

Avalon Waterways or Riviera River Cruises — which one delivers the better Burgundy & Provence experience? Join RTE-Travel Talk as we compare these two leading European river cruise lines side by side to help you decide which is the perfect fit for your next journey through France.

Planning a Mediterranean cruise? Discover expert insights as we compare Regent Seven Seas, Explora Journeys & Celebrity Cruises to help you choose the perfect luxury or premium Med adventure. 🌊

Is the Mediterranean on your cruise bucket list for this year or next? In this episode of RTE-Travel Talk | Ask a Real Travel Expert, host Ken sits down with travel expert Christy Fitzharris of Wheels Up Travel & Cruise to compare three of the top cruise lines for exploring the Mediterranean: Regent Seven Seas, Explora Journeys, and Celebrity Cruises.

Christy shares why the Mediterranean remains one of the world’s most sought-after cruise destinations and highlights what sets each line apart. From Regent’s seamless all-inclusive luxury, to Explora Journeys’ family-friendly luxury concept, to Celebrity Cruises’ versatile multi-generational appeal with The Retreat, viewers will discover the unique experiences each cruise line offers.

We dive into itineraries that go beyond the classic Barcelona–Rome routes, touching ports in Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Tunisia, Greece, Turkey, and even Egypt with an overnight in Alexandria. You’ll learn about inclusions, cabin sizes, onboard experiences, pricing per night, and what travelers should consider when choosing between luxury and premium options.

Christy also offers pro tips for multi-generational families, insights into kids’ programs on luxury ships, and her personal highlights sailing with each line—including her daughter’s love of Celebrity’s kids’ club (even more than Disney’s!).

Whether you’re planning your first Mediterranean cruise or a return trip seeking new itineraries, this interview provides expert advice to help you find the perfect fit.

Experience Alaska like never before on Seabourn’s luxury small-ship cruise. From glaciers and whales to intimate service and world-class dining, Seabourn Quest offers the ultimate Inside Passage adventure. Join Ken with travel expert Barb Chamberlain and her daughter Stephanie as they share their 7-day journey from Vancouver to Juneau—packed with wildlife encounters, cultural ports, and insider tips for your next Alaska cruise. Perfect for anyone considering Seabourn, luxury cruising, or exploring Alaska in style.

Discover why a Seabourn Alaska cruise offers the ultimate way to explore glaciers, whales, and breathtaking scenery—luxury small-ship style with personalized service and unforgettable adventures.

Alaska is on so many travelers’ bucket lists—but what makes experiencing it on a luxury small ship like Seabourn truly unforgettable? In this episode of RTE-Travel Talk | Ask a Real Travel Expert, Ken sits down with Barb Chamberlain of Direct Travel and her daughter Stephanie Lemmon to relive their spectacular 7-day Glaciers & Alaska Inside Passage sailing on the Seabourn Quest, from Vancouver to Juneau.

Barb and Steph share how Seabourn’s intimate, elegant atmosphere, personalized service, and expedition-style experiences create a completely different Alaska cruise than the large ships can offer. From kayaking and Zodiac adventures to up-close moments with whales, sea otters, eagles, and the Hubbard Glacier, this Seabourn Alaska itinerary was filled with once-in-a-lifetime encounters.

The conversation also covers:

The luxury of small-ship cruising: spacious suites, fine dining, and a relaxed “country-club casual” vibe that sets Seabourn apart from other Alaska cruise lines.

Memorable ports of call: Ketchikan’s Jellyfish Donuts and Creek Street, Sitka’s cultural treasures, Skagway’s White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad, and Juneau’s float-plane adventure to the Taku Glacier Lodge.

Tips for Seabourn travelers: booking specialty dining and excursions early, packing for variable Alaska cruise weather, and making the most of Seabourn’s included extras (like expedition jackets).

The joy of mother-daughter cruising and creating lifelong memories together.

Whether you’re planning your first Alaska cruise or considering a return on a smaller, luxury line, this review highlights why many travelers rate Seabourn’s Alaska experience a perfect 10/10—a true blend of adventure and luxury

Thinking about upgrading to a premium cruise? We compare Princess Cruises vs. Celebrity Cruises, breaking down the top 10 differences in dining, staterooms, itineraries, inclusions, and more.

In this episode of RTE-Travel Talk | Ask a Real Travel Expert, Ken sits down with Kathy Schmauss of Cruise Holidays of Viera to compare two of the best premium options at sea: Princess Cruises and Celebrity Cruises.

Together, we count down the Top 10 things you need to know when comparing Princess vs. Celebrity, covering:

Ship size, style & atmosphere

Dining experiences & specialty restaurants

Staterooms, suites & solo cabins

Entertainment & onboard vibe

Itinerary strengths: Princess in Alaska & the British Isles vs. Celebrity in the Med & Greece

Technology & loyalty perks

Service & crew-to-guest ratios

Value inclusions: Princess Plus vs. Celebrity’s Simply More

Passenger demographics & family friendliness

Kathy also shares her upcoming Princess British Isles group cruise (2027) and her next sailing aboard Celebrity Apex out of Port Canaveral—proof that both lines offer something special for today’s savvy traveler.

👉 Whether you’re considering your first premium cruise or deciding between these two outstanding brands, this episode delivers the insights you need to book with confidence.

Discover the Rocky Mountaineer luxury train! Journey from Vancouver to Banff or Lake Louise with stunning Rockies views, GoldLeaf vs SilverLeaf service, gourmet dining & travel tips.

Is a luxury train journey through the Canadian Rockies on your bucket list? 🚂 In this episode of RTE-Travel Talk – Ask a Real Travel Expert, host Ken Lawrence sits down with Mindy Baker of Wheels Up Travel & Cruise to review her recent adventure aboard the Rocky Mountaineer’s First Passage to the West.

Mindy shares everything you need to know about this iconic daylight-only rail journey, including:

🌄 The breathtaking scenery from Vancouver through Kamloops to Banff or Lake Louise.

🚆 The difference between GoldLeaf and SilverLeaf Service – from panoramic dome cars to gourmet dining and outdoor viewing platforms.

🏨 The seamless hotel stays each night, luggage handling, and luxury touches that make the experience stress-free.

👨‍👩‍👧 Who this trip is perfect for – from families and multigenerational travelers to solo adventurers and nature lovers.

♿ Accessibility and comfort features for all travelers.

🧳 Travel tips for booking, the best season to go, and how to combine your Rocky Mountaineer journey with an Alaska cruise for the ultimate bucket-list vacation.

Whether you’re a train enthusiast, luxury traveler, or simply dreaming of Canada’s most stunning landscapes, this episode will inspire your next great journey.

Join Ken from RTE-Travel Talk as he sits down with travel expert Barb Chamberlain of Direct Travel and her client Carol, who just returned from this once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Together, they share everything you need to know—from Cape Town’s Table Mountain and Robben Island to the wildlife-filled Zambezi Queen river cruise, plus unforgettable stops at Victoria Falls, Johannesburg, and Kruger Park.

Highlights include herds of elephants, lions, giraffes, and zebras on safari; sunset cruises along the Chobe River; cultural encounters in local townships; and even the option to add a Rwanda gorilla trek extension. Carol explains why this trip was truly life-changing, with AmaWaterways delivering first-class hotels, gourmet food, and seamless travel from start to finish.

If Africa is on your bucket list, this episode will inspire you with insider tips, expert advice, and real guest experiences to help you plan your own dream trip.