RTE-Travel Talk

d America and Princess Cruises are the top choices—and whether a 7-day Alaska cruise or an extended cruise tour with Denali and Fairbanks is the best way to see Alaska’s glaciers, wildlife, and culture.

In this episode of RTE Travel Talk – Ask a Real Travel Expert, Ken sits down with Tim Hersh of Cruise Holidays and Tours of Topeka to break down the differences, the costs, and what you can truly expect from each option.

A 7-day Alaska cruise with Holland America or Princess Cruises offers breathtaking views of the Inside Passage, iconic ports like Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway, and glacier encounters that rival any destination on earth. You unpack once, enjoy life onboard, and take in the scenery from the ship’s perspective.

But if you want to immerse yourself deeper into Alaska’s culture, wildlife, and wilderness, a cruise tour is the way to go. Tim explains how extending your journey to Denali, Fairbanks, or even the Yukon adds a completely new dimension—think dome train rides, journey hosts, wilderness excursions, and unique overland adventures.

We also cover:

When to go for the best experience (and best pricing).

Whether you should splurge on a balcony or save with an inside cabin.

How costs differ between a cruise and cruise tour.

Why Holland America and Princess Cruises are the leaders in Alaska.

Insider tips on meals, luggage transfers, and what surprises travelers the most.

Bucket list moments like midnight golf in Fairbanks and experiencing 20 hours of daylight in June!

If you’ve ever wondered which Alaska option is right for you—or if you’re planning that “once-in-a-lifetime” trip—you won’t want to miss Tim’s expert insights.

Is an African safari on your travel bucket list? Join us on a luxury African safari through Kenya and Uganda with Abercrombie & Kent—featuring game drives in the Maasai Mara, gorilla trekking, hot air balloon rides, and unforgettable wildlife.

Join Ken from RTE-Travel Talk as he sits down with Christy Fitzharris, African safari specialist and founder of Wheels Up Travel & Cruise.Christy has just returned from an unforgettable 8-day luxury safari in Kenya and Uganda with Abercrombie & Kent—and she’s here to share all the details.

From thrilling game drives on the Masai Mara, a breathtaking hot air balloon ride over the savannah, and even a gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda, Christy’s journey brings the magic of Africa to life. Discover the difference between private conservancies and national parks, the unique safari lodges she stayed in, and how Abercrombie & Kent makes the experience seamless.

We’ll also explore:

✅ What a typical safari day looks like

✅ Special moments with lions, elephants, and hippos

✅ How close you can really get to the animals

✅ The truth about safari pricing and what’s included

✅ Tips for choosing the best time of year to go

If you’ve ever dreamed of Africa—or are planning your own safari adventure—you won’t want to miss this episode!

Looking for the perfect luxury cruise? 🚢✨ In this episode of RTE-Travel Talk – Ask a Real Travel Expert, Ken sits down with Laurie Bixler of Cruise & Travel Specialists to compare three of today’s most talked-about luxury cruise lines: Seabourn, Viking Ocean, and Explora Journeys.

Laurie has personally sailed with all three, and she shares her insider knowledge on what makes each line truly special — from ship size and suites to dining, service, and itineraries. Whether you’re drawn to Seabourn’s ultra-luxury traditions, Viking’s “thinking person’s cruise,” or Explora’s modern resort-style luxury, this in-depth conversation will help you decide which cruise line best matches your personal style of travel.

We’ll cover:

🛳️ Seabourn’s intimate ships & signature touches (like caviar on demand and world-class cruise directors)

🧳 Viking Ocean’s destination-focused itineraries & all-veranda staterooms designed for curious travelers

🌍 Explora Journeys’ fresh approach to luxury cruising with all-suite living and a chic, resort-inspired design

🍷 Dining experiences across the lines — from buffets and freestanding stations to wine pairings and dining under the stars

👩‍✈️ Service, inclusions, and value for your travel dollar, including crew-to-guest ratios and what’s really included

⚓ Itinerary differences: smaller ports, intense destination days, and world cruise opportunities

💡 How to work with a travel expert to choose the right line and maximize your luxury cruise experience

If you’ve ever wondered which luxury cruise line is right for you — or if you’re new to the world of luxury cruising and want to know where to start — this episode is a must-watch. You’ll come away with clear comparisons, real traveler experiences, and plenty of tips to make your decision easier.

Are you someone who likes to stay active while you travel? 🚴‍♀️ Whether it’s kayaking the Danube, hiking in Iceland, or snowshoeing at Europe’s Christmas markets—there’s a cruise for that! Join host Ken as he sits down with travel expert Lynne Cox of Cruise and Travel Experts to explore the top cruises for active people in this exciting episode of RTE-Travel Talk.

Lynne shares her expert picks for cruise lines and itineraries that combine fitness, adventure, and wellness—without compromising luxury or fun.

🌍 What You'll Discover:

Top river cruise lines for active travel: Avalon, AmaWaterways, Tauck, Uniworld

Ocean cruise options with wellness & activities: Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, Holland America

Expedition cruises for next-level adventure: Viking Expeditions, Windstar, Celebrity Flora (Galápagos)

Amazing destinations: Alaska, Danube, Iceland, Antarctica, and more!

Wellness programs, biking excursions, kayaking, pickleball & healthy dining 🥗

How to cruise with a less-active partner or on a multi-generational family trip 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

🌟 Bonus Highlights:

✅ Lynn’s favorite experiences:

 • Snowshoeing with Tauck in Europe

 • Hiking & hot springs in Iceland with Windstar

✅ Cruise lines with active AND relaxing options

✅ How to stay fit onboard while still enjoying incredible food

✅ Her bucket-list dream: Antarctica with Viking Expeditions

Explore Silversea Cruises to Alaska in 2026 with expert tips on luxury ships, new itineraries, and all-inclusive options—perfect for planning your dream Alaska cruise adventure.

In this episode of RTE-Travel Talk: Ask a Real Travel Expert, Ken sits down with cruise expert Larry Jackson of Cruise Holidays of Viera for an in-depth look at what's new for Silversea Cruises in Alaska 2026.

From fresh itineraries to a choice between two luxurious ships—Silver Moon (600 guests) and the more intimate Silver Whisper (396 guests)—Larry shares expert advice on planning the perfect luxury Alaska cruise.

👇 Here's what you'll discover in this episode:

🛳️ What makes Silversea the top luxury cruise line in Alaska

📅 Updates for 2026: Itinerary changes, ship swaps & season notes

⚓ 7-day vs. 14-day cruises: Which is right for you?

🏔️ Ports for first-timers vs. repeat cruisers

✈️ Door-to-door vs. port-to-port pricing explained

📅 When to book for the best deals and cabin selection

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Why Silversea is great for multigenerational families

💼 Why working with a travel advisor makes all the difference

Whether you’re cruising to Alaska for the first time or planning a return voyage, this episode is packed with everything you need to know before booking your Silversea Alaska cruise in 2026.

Thinking about booking a luxury cruise? Discover what it’s like to sail aboard Regent Seven Seas Grandeur — one of the most all-inclusive and elegant ships at sea.

In this episode of RTE-Travel Talk, Ken sits down with Cruise & Travel Expert Barb Chamberlain of Direct Travel to review her recent voyage aboard the Regent Seven Seas Grandeur, one of the newest ships in the Regent Seven Seas Cruises fleet. From opulent all-suite accommodations and exquisite dining to immersive and well-organized shore excursions, Barb shares her firsthand experience sailing through the eastern Mediterranean on the “Travel Through Time” itinerary — visiting incredible destinations like Istanbul, Santorini, Mykonos, Kusadasi, Montenegro, and Venice.

Discover why Regent Seven Seas is considered one of the top all-inclusive cruise lines, with virtually everything included in your fare — from gratuities and beverages to a wide array of included shore excursions. Barb explains why this level of service and inclusivity not only makes for a stress-free vacation, but may also be more cost-effective than many assume when compared to premium lines with lots of add-ons.

In this in-depth conversation, you’ll get insider cruise tips on choosing the right Regent itinerary, when and how to book excursions, what to expect onboard the SS Grandeur, and what makes a luxury cruise experience with Regent feel relaxed, welcoming, and never stuffy. Barb also shares her favorite moments onboard, including dining tips (don’t miss Prime 7’s best seats!) and an emotional highlight at Veranda’s panoramic breakfast tables.

If you're considering your first luxury cruise or are curious about stepping up from a premium cruise line, this is the video for you. From small ship cruising to personalized service, Regent Seven Seas Cruises might just be your next unforgettable travel adventure.

Experience the magic of spring in Holland with this in-depth Tulip Time River Cruise review featuring AmaWaterways and travel expert Christy Fitzharris.

Ready for tulip season in full bloom? 🌷 Join Ken of RTE-Travel Talk as he sits down with travel expert Christy Fitzharris, owner of Wheels Up Travel & Cruise, to explore her recent Tulip Time river cruise with AmaWaterways—a spectacular spring voyage she shared with her mom.

In this engaging and informative episode, Christy offers a full review of this 7-night roundtrip itinerary from Amsterdam, sailing through some of Europe’s most charming cities, including Kampen, Ghent, Rotterdam, and Antwerp, with a stunning finale at Keukenhof Gardens during peak tulip bloom.

You’ll learn:

The ideal time to sail during tulip season and why mid-to-late April hits the floral sweet spot 🌸

What it’s like sailing with AmaWaterways, including their award-winning cuisine, attentive crew, and elegant twin-balcony staterooms 🚢

Why this cruise is perfect for mother-daughter trips, multi-generational families, or special interest groups like crafters and knitters 🧶

Unique excursions like visiting a working tulip bulb field, city walking tours, and relaxing beer and food tastings

Tips on balcony vs. fixed-window cabins, what to pack for variable spring weather, and how to take advantage of active options like bike tours through Rotterdam and Antwerp 🚲

Onboard extras like heated pools, Easter egg hunts, chocolate bunnies, and top-deck games the whole family can enjoy

Christy also shares why a pre- or post-cruise stay in Amsterdam is a must—with bonus ideas like painting your own Delft tile, exploring Dutch history, and visiting world-famous museums.

Whether you’re a garden lover, first-time river cruiser, or just dreaming of spring in Europe, this episode is packed with firsthand advice, expert insights, and plenty of tulip-time inspiration.

Discover why American Cruise Lines is the leading choice for all-inclusive U.S. river and coastal cruises, from the Mississippi to New England and beyond.

Looking for a cruise that’s close to home but big on experience? In this episode of RTE-Travel Talk, Ken sits down with Melissa Young, Business Development Director for American Cruise Lines, to dive into everything you need to know about this unique, U.S.-flagged cruise line. Discover what makes American Cruise Lines a standout for small ship cruising—from their exclusive U.S. itineraries and immersive shore excursions to their modern riverboats, nostalgic paddlewheelers, and ultra-comfortable staterooms.

Whether you're curious about Mississippi River cruises, New England harbor hopping, or exploring hidden gems like the Ohio and Tennessee Rivers, Melissa shares insider tips, guest demographics, dining details (yes, there’s a New England clambake!), and how American Cruise Lines is redefining the all-inclusive cruise experience.

✅ Highlights include:

• 50+ itineraries in 35 U.S. states

• Luxurious small ships (100–180 guests)

• U.S.-built and crewed vessels

• Culture-rich excursions and historical storytelling

• Accessible experiences for active and mobility-challenged guests

• Gourmet cuisine inspired by regional flavors

• Easy booking and flexible excursions

Perfect for travelers 55+ and anyone who loves history, culture, and a relaxed pace—this is the cruise line that brings America's stories to life.

Ready for a travel experience where the journey is just as breathtaking as the destination?

Join Ken from RTE-Travel Talk as he sits down with global travel expert Andy Magistrale of Cruise and Travel Specialists to dive into the world of luxury biking adventures. In this episode, Andy shares his insight on two of the best names in active travel—Backroads and VBT (Vermont Bicycling Tours).

With 85 countries visited and decades in the industry, Andy reveals how these immersive cycling tours combine fitness, culture, cuisine, and scenic exploration into one unforgettable experience.

Whether you're a casual rider or a cycling enthusiast, you'll discover how Backroads and VBT make it easy to explore the world at your own pace—with support every step of the way.

🧭 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ Backroads vs. VBT – A breakdown of each company’s unique offerings

✅ Who it's for – From beginners to experienced cyclists, families, solos & women-only groups

✅ What’s included – Accommodations, meals, bikes, expert guides & more

✅ Types of tours – Guided, self-guided, bike & boat, Dolce Tempo (easygoing e-bike trips)

✅ Global destinations – Ride through 50+ countries, including Europe, Asia & North America

✅ Top experiences – Vineyard rides in Portugal, stargazing in Utah, pasta-making in Tuscany

✅ Equipment spotlight – High-end performance bikes and e-bikes with full support vans

✅ Booking tips – When to book, how far out, and how a travel advisor can make it seamless

Whether it’s biking the Moselle River in Germany, exploring Spanish Paradors, or cruising the Douro River with Emerald Cruises, Andy paints a vivid picture of how these tours go far beyond just cycling—they're a gateway to immersive, cultural travel.

Looking for the best cruise lines for foodies in 2025?

From gourmet dining at sea to hands-on cooking experiences, this episode is a must-watch for anyone who travels with their taste buds in mind! 🍷🍽️🌍

In this mouthwatering episode of RTE-Travel Talk, Ken is joined by travel expert Lola Vassiliadis of Cruise Holidays of Oakville to reveal the top cruise lines for foodies—from luxury lines like Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas to the new rising star Riverside Luxury Cruises.

We cover:

🍤 Oceania’s legendary onboard cuisine (yes, Jacques Pépin is still involved!)

🍷 Wine pairing experiences that rival Michelin-star restaurants

🌿 Culinary shore excursions in places like Italy and France

🛳️ Cooking classes onboard ocean cruise lines

🥖 River vs. ocean cruises for authentic, local flavors

✅ Tips for booking specialty dining before it sells out

💡 Best foodie cruise tips for first-time and seasoned travelers

Whether your budget fits luxury or premium, we’ll help you find the right foodie cruise experience for YOU.