RTE-Travel Talk

In this episode of RTE Travel Talk, host Ken chats with Alaska travel veterans Rich and Linda Skinner of Cruise Holidays of Woodinville. With decades of experience and countless Alaska sailings under their belts, Rich and Linda break down their expert picks for the top five Alaska cruise lines—and share exactly why each one deserves a spot on your radar.

From iconic lines like Holland America and Princess Cruises, known for their deep-rooted infrastructure and classic cruise tour experiences, to Celebrity Cruises’ Edge Class, offering premium-plus luxury and modern amenities, to Viking Ocean with its all-balcony ships and immersive cultural programming, and finally Royal Caribbean, which leads the pack for family and multi-generational travel—there’s something here for every type of traveler.

🧭 Learn the differences between Inside Passage cruises and cruise tours that take you deep into the heart of Alaska.

🌄 Get insider tips on when to go, what kind of itineraries to look for, and how to avoid the crowds.

🎒 Discover why it’s smart to book Alaska cruises a year or more in advance—and why 2026 is already filling up!

⚓ And hear about unique experiences, from Glacier Bay’s 100th anniversary to a rare 28-day Arctic Solstice cruise to the edge of the Arctic Circle.

Whether this is your first Alaska cruise or your fifth, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you plan the perfect Alaska vacation.

Ever wondered what makes an expedition cruise different from a traditional cruise? 🛳️ Is it the destinations, ship size, or onboard experience? In this episode of RTE-Travel Talk, Ken sits down with Jennifer Walters, a seasoned travel expert, to break down everything you need to know about expedition cruising and whether it’s the right choice for your next adventure!

🌎 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ What is an Expedition Cruise? How it differs from a regular cruise in ship size, destinations, and activities.

✅ Adventure vs. Luxury: Can you experience both on an expedition cruise? Find out how Silversea Expedition Cruises offer luxury with adventure.

✅ Destinations You Can Explore: From the icy landscapes of Antarctica to the wildlife-rich Galapagos, the rugged Kimberley region of Australia, and the scenic British Isles.

✅ Cruises vs. Expedition Cruises: Which one is better suited for you based on your travel style and expectations?

✅ What to Expect Onboard: Unlike traditional cruises with Broadway shows and casinos, expedition cruises focus on immersive experiences, expert-led seminars, and adventure excursions.

✅ How to Choose the Best Expedition Cruise for You: Tips on selecting the right cruise line, ship, and itinerary based on your budget, activity level, and interests.

✅ Is an Expedition Cruise Worth the Cost? Understanding the price difference and what’s included—luxury, all-inclusive experiences, and exclusive access to remote destinations.

✅ Best Expedition Cruises for 2025: A look at top Antarctic Cruises 2025, Galapagos Expeditions, and Kimberley Australia Cruises.

✅ Essential Expedition Cruise Tips: How to prepare, what to pack, and when to book your dream adventure.

Expedition cruising isn’t just about travel—it’s about exploration. Whether you’re kayaking alongside glaciers in Antarctica, spotting blue-footed boobies in the Galapagos, or cruising the untouched coastlines of Australia’s Kimberley, these journeys offer once-in-a-lifetime experiences that traditional cruises simply can’t match.

Join Ken, host of RTE-Travel Talk, as he welcomes special guests Rich and Linda Skinner from Cruise Holidays of Woodinville to review their recent AmaWaterways Colors of Provence Christmas Markets River Cruise. Discover the magic of France's Christmas markets as Rich and Linda share highlights from their itinerary, including the unique charm of stops along the river, the culinary delights of French food and wine, and their pre-cruise visit to Marseilles. Learn how the weather in Provence compares to the Danube & Rhine Christmas markets and why timing is crucial for enjoying these festive experiences.

Rich and Linda delve into the unique offerings of this AmaWaterways cruise aboard the AmaKristina, from the inclusivity of excursions and WiFi to the Gentle Walkers tours and fitness opportunities like cycling. They also touch on the holiday atmosphere onboard, packing tips, and the benefits of booking early for river cruises. Whether it’s the language barrier, the unforgettable excursions beyond the markets, or the fascinating story behind Provence's ceramic figurines, this episode covers it all. Stick around to hear if Rich and Linda would take this cruise again, their candid thoughts on any drawbacks, and what exciting travel plans they have next!

In this episode, Ken sits down with Anne-Marie Gaudet, owner of Cruise Holidays of Metro East, to discuss five ways a expert travel advisor can save your vacation. Essential travel tips that can also apply to DIY vacationers. Whether you're booking a dream getaway or dealing with unexpected travel issues, these expert insights will help you avoid common mistakes, get the best value, and handle trip disruptions like a pro.

💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ Why having a knowledgeable travel advisor is more important than ever

✅ How to find the best value—it’s not just about the lowest price!

✅ The importance of staying informed on travel advisories and requirements

✅ Why an emergency contact and backup plan can be a game-changer

✅ The advantage of having an expert advocate when things go wrong

🌍 Plus, Important Europe Travel News!

If you’re planning a trip to Europe, don’t miss the latest update on the Schengen Area EU Travel Authorization (ETIAS) and what it means for travelers. We break down the latest rollout delays and how this change could impact your upcoming European vacations.

Have you experienced Celebrity Cruises? In this episode of RTE-Travel Talk, host Ken sits down with Allan Brooks, Director of Sales for Canada at Celebrity Cruises, to dive into the world of premium cruising and what makes Celebrity one of the most innovative cruise lines in the industry.

In This Episode, We Explore:

🌍 New Ships & Itineraries for 2025 & 2026 – Discover the latest in Celebrity’s fleet, including the Edge Series and the highly anticipated Celebrity Xcel.

⚓ The Edge Series – A New Way to Cruise – Learn what makes these ships stand out, from outward-facing designs to immersive resort decks and expansive glass walls.

🍽️ World-Class Dining & Michelin-Star Partnerships – Celebrity’s Michelin-starred chefs and innovative restaurants like Le Voyage redefine cruise dining.

🎭 Next-Level Entertainment & Theatrical Experiences – With cutting-edge LED immersive theaters and Vegas-quality performances, Celebrity Cruises offers an unparalleled entertainment experience.

🛳️ The Retreat – A Ship-Within-A-Ship Luxury Concept – Find out how suite guests enjoy VIP treatment with private dining, exclusive lounges, and priority services.

🌎 Celebrity’s New Grand Voyage & Exotic Destinations – A 110-night Grand Voyage and expanded itineraries in Europe, South America, and Asia make 2025 & 2026 more exciting than ever!

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Perfect for Multi-Generational Travel – How Celebrity caters to families of all ages, from grandparents to grandkids, with options for every traveler.

💎 Exclusive Captain’s Club Perks & Status Matching – Learn how Celebrity Cruises rewards loyal guests and even matches loyalty status from other cruise lines and hotel brands.

If you’ve ever considered a Celebrity Cruise or are curious about luxury cruising, this episode is packed with insider insights from one of the industry’s leading experts!

alling all golf and travel enthusiasts! In this episode of RTE Travel Talk, host Ken sits down with Laura Dodson from Cruise and Travel Specialists to discuss how you can combine your love for river cruising and golf.

🌟 Highlights of This Episode:

Learn about AmaWaterways’ AmaMagna and its Danube golf cruise with up to five rounds of golf.

Discover Uniworld’s SS Bon Voyage and its Bordeaux itinerary with two stunning golf courses.

Insights into the seamless golf experience, including luxury transport, course access, and more.

Practical tips for traveling with your golf clubs and the importance of a trusted travel advisor.

Opportunities for non-golfers to enjoy culture-rich excursions in every port.

Join Ken from RTE-Travel Talk as he sits down with river cruise expert Shari Marsh of Cruise Holidays Land and Sea to answer the burning question: Which European river offers the most breathtaking views? If you're dreaming of a luxurious, stress-free journey through Europe’s most picturesque landscapes, this episode is for you!

Shari shares her expert insights on what makes each river cruise unique, what first-time river cruisers should consider, and how to choose the best itinerary based on scenery, history, and cultural experiences. 🚢✨

🚢 Which river is right for you?

✅ Danube River – A dream for history buffs, music lovers & those enchanted by Vienna & Budapest!

✅ Rhine River – Fairy-tale castles, medieval villages & breathtaking Rhine Gorge!

✅ Rhone River – A Van Gogh painting brought to life with stunning landscapes & fine wine!

✅ Seine River – The charm of Paris, Normandy’s historic beaches & French countryside!

✅ Douro River – Portugal’s wine country & incredible rolling hills – the most scenic of all?

Shari also covers land extensions to Lucerne, Milan, Lake Como, and more, plus which river cruise lines—like AmaWaterways, Uniworld, Viking, and Avalon—offer the best experience based on your travel style!

In this informative episode of RTE-Travel Talk, host Ken is joined by Larry Jackson of Cruise Holidays of Viera to discuss two important updates for international travelers: the Schengen Area's new ETIAS system and the United Kingdom's ETA requirements. Larry breaks down what travelers need to know about the ETIAS, a new electronic travel authorization required for entry into participating European countries, and its ever-evolving timeline for implementation. The conversation also covers the UK's ETA, a similar authorization system already in effect and essential for anyone planning travel to or through the UK in 2025. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or planning your first international trip, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you navigate these upcoming changes.

Join Ken from RTE-Travel Talk as he sits down with Liane Lance and Sheri Clarke of PT Travel to discuss their incredible journey through these breathtaking destinations. Discover expert insights and firsthand experiences that will inspire your next adventure!

🚢 Explore the Wonders of the Galapagos:

✔️ Learn about choosing the right Galapagos cruise—whether you’re after a small, intimate expedition or a more upscale, all-inclusive experience.

✔️ Get up close with the fascinating wildlife including sea lions, blue-footed boobies, giant tortoises, and even marine iguanas.

✔️ Find out the best time to visit, what to expect from the weather, and tips on packing essentials for this unique ecosystem.

🏔️ Unveil the Mysteries of Machu Picchu & Peru:

✔️ Journey through the Sacred Valley and Cusco, where ancient history meets modern culture.

✔️ Receive practical advice on managing altitude changes, preventing altitude sickness, and preparing for hikes in these historical landscapes.

✔️ Understand how to perfectly blend your Galapagos cruise with an immersive Peruvian adventure—from bustling Lima to the serene train ride into Machu Picchu.

✨ Why This Adventure is Perfect for Everyone:

✔️ Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or planning your first international trip, discover options that cater to all budgets and travel styles—from luxury escapes to adventurous itineraries for families and solo travelers alike.

✔️ Hear tips on local cuisine, unforgettable cultural encounters, and the insider scoop on the best travel practices for exploring South America.

From luxury travel to adrenaline-packed adventures, this episode offers a comprehensive guide to one of the world’s most captivating regions. If you’re dreaming of a mix of stunning natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant cultures, this is the video you don’t want to miss!

Do cruise lines still have formal nights, or is it a thing of the past? In this episode of RTE-Travel Talk, Ken sits down with Barb Chamberlain of Direct Travel to explore the best cruise lines for formal nights, what to expect, and whether you should pack that tux or cocktail dress.

💡 Topics Covered:

✅ Which cruise lines still have formal nights (Holland America, Celebrity, Princess, MSC, Royal Caribbean & more)

✅ Options for those who prefer not to dress up

✅ How luxury lines like Seabourn, Regent, and Oceania approach formal attire

✅ The evolving dress codes on cruise ships and how to pack smart

✅ Can you rent formalwear on board? (Yes, on some lines!)

✅ River Cruises: Do they have formal nights?

Whether you love dressing up or prefer a more relaxed approach, there’s a cruise line for everyone! Don’t let outdated internet advice mislead you—get insider travel tips from a real expert in this episode!