RTE-Travel Talk

Thinking about cruising the mighty Mississippi or exploring destinations closer to home? Join Ken from RTE-Travel Talk as he sits down with Chris and Tracy Archer of Good Life Travel Group to compare American Cruise Lines and Viking River Cruises on the Mississippi.

In this in-depth discussion, we break down the key differences between these two cruise lines, including:

✅ Itineraries & Destinations – Where can you sail beyond the Mississippi?

✅ Ship Styles & Accommodations – Modern luxury vs. classic charm

✅ Onboard Experience – What’s included, from dining to entertainment

✅ Excursions & Enrichment – The role of onboard historians and immersive shore visits

✅ Budget & Value – Which cruise gives you the best bang for your buck?

American Cruise Lines offers a more extensive selection of U.S. river cruises, with options beyond the Mississippi, including the Columbia & Snake Rivers, the Great Lakes, and the Eastern Seaboard. Viking, on the other hand, brings its signature sleek Scandinavian design and premium experience to a single ship on the Mississippi. So, which one is right for you?

Thinking about taking your kids or grandkids on a Christmas Markets River Cruise? Wondering if AmaWaterways is the right choice for a family-friendly European river cruise? Join Ken from RTE-Travel Talk as he sits down with travel expert Christy Fitzharris to review her recent AmaWaterways Christmas Markets cruise—with her four-year-old daughter!

🌟 What You'll Learn in This Episode:

✅ Are AmaWaterways cruises kid-friendly? What to expect when sailing with children.

✅ The magic of Christmas markets for families – what kids love the most!

✅ Challenges & surprises of cruising with a young child – real insights from Christy's experience.

✅ The best age for kids to enjoy a river cruise – should you wait until they’re older?

✅ Best river cruises in Europe for families – what makes AmaWaterways stand out?

✅ Shore excursions & onboard activities – what works (and what doesn’t) for kids.

✅ Dining on AmaWaterways with a picky eater – how they handled mealtime for a four-year-old.

✅ Tips for a smooth experience – from flights to entertainment, what worked best.

🎄 Is a Christmas Markets River Cruise Right for Your Family?

If you’ve ever wondered whether a European river cruise is a good fit for kids, this episode is packed with first-hand advice. Christy shares her best tips and honest insights to help you decide if a Christmas river cruise should be on your family’s travel list!

Looking to plan the best river cruises in Europe? Don’t miss this episode of Just River Cruises on RTE Travel Talk! Ken sits down with river cruise expert Lauren Matthews to share insider tips on enhancing your Danube River cruise with pre- or post-cruise extensions. Discover Lauren’s top three picks for unforgettable add-ons:

• Prague, the "City of a Hundred Spires," offering stunning castles, vibrant markets, and rich culture.

• Budapest, a city of thermal baths, historic charm, and illuminated night views along the Danube.

• Vienna, a cultural haven of art, music, and elegance with majestic palaces and world-class cuisine.

Learn why adding a few extra days to your itinerary can maximize your travel experience, help with jet lag, and ensure a seamless start to your adventure. These river cruise tips will make your European vacation even more memorable!

What makes Disney Cruise Line so special? In this episode of Just the Facts on RTE-Travel Talk, Ken sits down with travel expert Larry Jackson of Cruise Holidays of Viera to discuss five (or maybe more!) unique things that set Disney Cruises apart. From magical embarkation moments and incredible themed nights to world-class dining and exclusive entertainment, we’ll reveal why Disney Cruise Line is beloved by both kids and the young at heart.

🏴‍☠️ Ever heard of Pirate Night? It’s a Disney Cruise tradition complete with themed dining, live entertainment, and an epic fireworks display at sea—something NO other cruise line offers! And speaking of magic, have you experienced the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique transformation for young princesses and pirates? Plus, we'll dive into Disney's rotational dining system, where guests enjoy different themed restaurants each night with the same dedicated serving staff, ensuring a seamless and personalized experience.

🌴 And let’s not forget Disney’s private islands! Castaway Cay and the newly introduced Lookout Cay offer pristine beaches, water activities, and even an adults-only retreat. We also highlight the seamless and stress-free embarkation and disembarkation process that Disney has perfected, ensuring every guest enjoys a smooth and hassle-free experience from start to finish.

🚢 Whether you're a lifelong Disney fan or considering your first Disney cruise, this video will give you the inside scoop on why so many travelers return to Disney Cruise Line again and again.

Cruise tips for the Mediterranean, just the facts on the winter season or off-season cruising.

Join Ken from RTE-Travel Talk as he sits down with Larry Jackson of Cruise Holidays of Viera for another episode of "Just the Facts." They discuss the advantages of off-season Mediterranean cruising, including fewer crowds, lower costs, milder weather, and unique, seasonal experiences.

Larry shares his insights on why fall and early winter might be the best time to explore Southern Europe, tips on planning, and how to avoid the high-season rush. Discover which cruise lines stay in the Mediterranean year-round and why consulting a travel advisor can make all the difference.

If you're considering a Mediterranean cruise in the off-season, this is the episode for you!

Top 3 Must-Visit Pre or Post Cruise Destinations for Your Rhine River Cruise: Amsterdam, Lucerne & Lake Como!

In this episode of Just River Cruises on RTE Travel Talk, host Ken is joined by river cruise expert Lauren Matthews to discuss the ultimate add-ons to your Rhine River cruise experience.

Lauren shares her top recommendations for pre- and post-cruise extensions, including the charming canals and rich history of Amsterdam, the breathtaking scenery of Lucerne and the Swiss Alps, and the luxurious allure of Lake Como in Italy. Whether you're starting your cruise in Amsterdam or Basel, these extensions add unforgettable value to your European adventure.

Learn why adding a few extra days to your itinerary can enhance your river cruise, save on airfare, and provide a deeper connection to these iconic destinations. Perfect for travelers looking to make the most of their time in Europe!

Join Ken, the host of RTE-Travel Talk, as he sits down with Larry Jackson of Cruise Holidays of Viera to review Tauck Tours' Best of Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks tour. In this insightful discussion, Larry shares a captivating Tauck story and explains why staying inside the national parks is a game-changer for experiencing these iconic landscapes. They dive into the benefits of small group sizes and expert tour guides, with Larry highlighting the amazing personal experiences and unique "surprises" that set Tauck apart.

Discover the pros and cons of visiting in September-October, learn about tour pricing and the importance of booking early, and hear about highlights like the unforgettable ranch stay, the fascinating Buffalo Bill Museum, and abundant wildlife opportunities. Larry also explores Tauck’s signature luxury touches and offers tips for choosing a tour, especially if you have physical or medical limitations.

Whether you’re planning a visit to Yellowstone, Grand Teton, or another breathtaking national park in the U.S. or Canada, this episode provides invaluable insights. Stick around to find out where Larry is headed next and how you can connect with him to book your own dream adventure.

Everything you need to wanted to know about cruising Canada & New England with Princess Cruises

Join us for another episode of RTE Travel Talk as Ken sits down with travel expert Brenda Case of Travel Planning by Brenda to explore the charm, history, and breathtaking beauty of a Canada New England cruise aboard the Enchanted Princess by Princess Cruise lines

Brenda shares her personal experiences sailing from New York to stunning destinations like Newport, Boston, Bar Harbor, and Halifax, offering insights into the unique attractions, history, and local highlights of each port. From strolling cobblestone streets to exploring Titanic memorabilia and enjoying the stunning fall foliage, Brenda's journey is packed with unforgettable moments.

Ken and Brenda also discuss the luxurious Enchanted Princess, from its dining options (including O'Malleys Pub) to its entertainment and specialty cruise deal packages, and Brenda offers helpful advice for anyone considering a Canada New England cruise.

Discover why this itinerary sailing from either New York, Boston or Canada's Montreal is a must-do for history lovers and cruisers alike, and don’t miss Brenda's tips for making the most of this amazing voyage.

Which Disney Cruise Is The Best For You? Disney Wish Vs. Disney Dream Vs. Disney Magic

In this episode of RTE Travel Talk, host Ken sits down with Mindy Baker of Wheels Up Travel Co. to dive into the magical world of Disney Cruise Line! Together, they compare three iconic Disney ships: the Disney Wish, the Disney Dream, and the Disney Magic.

Mindy shares her personal experiences aboard the Wish and Dream, while Ken reflects on his time sailing on the Magic. They explore each ship’s unique features, onboard experiences, and the special touches that make Disney Cruise Line perfect for families or the young at heart.

Whether you’re deciding which ship is best for your next Disney cruise or simply curious about what makes each vessel stand out, this episode is packed with insights, tips, and recommendations to help you plan the ultimate Disney adventure on the high seas.

Comparing Tauck, Uniworld & Viking In this episode of RTE-Travel Talk, host Ken sits down with Beth Schulberg, owner of Cruise & Travel Specialists, to provide an in-depth comparison of three renowned river cruise lines: Tauck, Uniworld, and Viking River Cruises. As an industry expert, Beth offers insights on how to choose the right river cruise based on your travel preferences, whether you’re seeking the boutique luxury of Uniworld, the all-inclusive experience of Tauck, or the widely acclaimed itineraries of Viking. They dive into differences in ship size and the impact on guest experience, from amenities and space to onboard ambiance. Beth highlights the luxurious, boutique atmosphere of Uniworld, Tauck's truly all-inclusive model, and Viking’s reputation for exceptional value. Together, they cover everything from themed cruises, excursion types, and price comparisons, to tips for solo, family, and group travel. Tune in for practical advice and expert recommendations to help you select the perfect river cruise experience.