RTE-Travel Talk

Join Ken, host of RTE-Travel Talk, as he welcomes Barb Chamberlain from Direct Travel for an in-depth review of Seabourn cruises, the epitome of ultra-luxury small ship cruising. Discover what sets Seabourn apart in the world of high-end travel, including its all-suite accommodations, renowned all-inclusive experience (excluding excursions), and exquisite dining that rivals fine restaurants ashore. Explore the Seabourn Ovation and other vessels designed for intimate, personalized voyages, including Mediterranean itineraries that immerse guests in cultural and scenic wonders.

Barb shares her firsthand insights into the unique onboard atmosphere, highlights like "The Retreat," and how Seabourn compares to other luxury cruise lines. Whether you're new to Seabourn or a seasoned traveler, this discussion dives deep into what makes Seabourn an industry leader in luxury travel, from demographics to best travel times. Don’t miss this chance to explore how Seabourn crafts unforgettable adventures in ultra-luxury ocean travel.

In this episode, host Ken from RTE-Travel Talk sits down with Christy Fitzharris, founder of Wheels Up Travel Company, and Carolyn Szekeres, Sales Director for Riverside Luxury Cruises, to dive deep into what makes Riverside Luxury Cruises one of the most talked-about newcomers in luxury river cruising. Launched in 2023, Riverside has already captured the attention of travelers worldwide with its unique approach to European river travel, offering personalized service, luxurious suites with butler service, and all-inclusive amenities.Ken, Christy, and Carolyn explore a range of topics, including:

• What Sets Riverside Apart: From all-suite accommodations to gourmet dining and exceptional service, Carolyn reveals how Riverside stands out from other river cruise lines.

• Destinations & Itineraries: Discover where Riverside sails, including scenic routes on the Danube and Rhine, and plans for future expansion.

• Exclusive Onboard Experience: From spacious suites to a relaxed yet elegant onboard atmosphere, learn about Riverside’s high standards in luxury and comfort.

• Dining Excellence: With recent accolades for its dining, Riverside provides a culinary experience designed to impress. Find out why it’s winning over even the most discerning foodies.

• Excursions & Special Experiences: Christy shares her personal insights on Riverside’s shore excursions, discussing the variety and quality of these curated cultural experiences.

• Value for Money: Comparing Riverside’s offerings to other top-tier river cruise lines, Carolyn and Christy break down the value Riverside brings to the luxury market.

In this episode of Just the Facts, RTE-Travel Talk host Ken sits down with Real Travel Expert Larry Jackson of Cruise Holidays of Viera to explore what might be their favorite luxury cruise line—Silversea. They begin by addressing the concerns of long-time Silversea cruisers, assuring that the line continues to deliver exceptional experiences. The conversation then shifts to the top-notch service that sets Silversea apart in the world of luxury cruising. Ken and Larry also dive into the inclusivity of Silversea's fares, highlighting the incredible value offered. The discussion continues with an overview of the entertainment and enrichment programs available on board, followed by insights into the typical Silversea guest and what draws them to this exclusive cruise line. They also touch on the renowned butler service and other luxury amenities that enhance the Silversea experience. Finally, Larry shares his excitement about his upcoming Alaska cruise with Silversea, providing viewers with a taste of what's in store for those who choose to sail with this distinguished line. Be sure to watch until the end to find out how to get in touch with Larry for your own luxury cruise planning.

In this episode of RTE-Travel Talk, host Ken sits down with travel expert Brenda Case from Travel Planning by Brenda to discuss how Holland America Line handles unexpected situations during a cruise. From missed ports and itinerary changes to rough seas and health emergencies, Brenda shares her insights and firsthand experiences, including a memorable Alaska cruise. Communication is key when things don’t go as planned, and Brenda reveals Holland America’s approach to keeping guests informed and accommodating their needs. She also covers what to do in cases of stateroom issues, dining room or culinary concerns, and even lost luggage, along with a handy tip for handling medications while at sea. Brenda emphasizes transparency as a crucial factor in why she confidently recommends Holland America, citing their commitment to customer care and proactive problem-solving. Tune in for valuable cruise tips and hear why Holland America stands out as one of the best cruise lines for handling the unexpected.

In this exciting second part of their African Safari adventure, RTE-Travel Talk host Ken sits down with Beth Schulberg of Cruise & Travel Specialists to dive deeper into their luxurious journey. They share their impressions of Amboseli National Park and discuss why it didn’t quite meet their expectations. The conversation shifts to Tanzania's Neptune Lodge, which left a lasting impression for its incredible service and breathtaking views. They explore the wonders of the Ngorongoro Crater, offer a detailed recap of their itinerary, and provide valuable tips for anyone considering a similar safari experience. Ken and Beth also cover important advice about visas and other useful travel tips before wrapping up with a final look at their time spent in Zanzibar. Whether you're planning a luxury safari or just dreaming of Africa, this episode is packed with insights!

In this episode of RTE-Travel Talk, host Ken sits down with special guest Susanne Rose of Cruise Holidays of Oakville to review her recent voyage with Riverside Luxury Cruises aboard the Riverside Mozart on the Danube. Susanne shares her experience of the cruise, highlighting the subtle elegance of the Riverside Mozart and the various aspects of the itinerary. They discuss the luxurious suites on board, the personal butler service, and the spacious staterooms that offer stunning views of the Danube. Susanne also provides insight into the cruise's pricing structure, the expertly guided excursions, and the flexibility of varying cruise lengths. The conversation covers the topic of tipping, the exceptional dining options, and the attentive service that Riverside Luxury Cruises is known for. Susanne paints a picture of the serene atmosphere on board and offers her recommendations, explaining why Riverside Mozart is a top choice for luxury river cruising. She also shares a memorable highlight from her journey—a private concert—and discusses her upcoming travel plans.

In this episode of RTE-Travel Talk, host Ken welcomes Lola Vassiliadis of Cruise Holidays of Oakville to discuss her recent AmaWaterways river cruise, Secrets of Egypt and the Nile. Lola provides an in-depth overview of her journey, beginning with a tip for choosing the perfect hotel in Cairo and highlights from her three-day pre-cruise stay in the historic city. She explains how AmaWaterways expertly handles arrivals and departures, ensuring a seamless travel experience.

Lola shares her impressions of the AmaLilia, AmaWaterways' new ship, and offers practical advice for navigating Egypt’s unique temperatures. She dives into how the service and atmosphere on the AmaLilia differ from AmaWaterways’ European cruises and describes the evening entertainment onboard.

Highlighting the significance of a seven-day cruise, Lola details two unique experiences that set this itinerary apart and offers insight into engaging with Nile vendors and savoring local Egyptian cuisine. She emphasizes what makes this journey extraordinary, discusses the safety of traveling in Egypt, and shares why this cruise is a must-do for adventure seekers. Tune in for Lola’s expert advice, and don’t miss her recommendations for future travels.

In this episode of RTE-Travel Talk, host Ken sits down with Beth Schulberg, owner of Cruise & Travel Specialists, for part one of a two-part series reviewing their luxury African safari experience. Broadcasting from the stunning Little Governors' Camp in Kenya, Beth and Ken share highlights from the first leg of their journey. The adventure begins with a visit to Victoria Falls, where they discuss their hotel stay and a breathtaking sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. They also describe the unforgettable experience of a helicopter ride over the falls and surrounding area. The conversation moves to Nairobi before diving into the highlights of Little Governors' Camp, including the game drives, the iconic Karen Blixen estate, and a magical hot air balloon ride. They also touch on the 5-star dining and all-inclusive offerings at the camp, along with practical tips like the best way to travel between destinations and managing luggage. Be sure to stay tuned for part two, where the adventure continues!

Breathtaking Swiss Countryside By Train. In this episode of RTE-Travel Talk, host Ken sits down with Kathy Schmauss, a travel advisor with Cruise Holidays of Viera, to review her recent Scenic Switzerland by Train tour with Cosmos. Kathy shares her experience exploring Switzerland's breathtaking landscapes via the Swiss train system, renowned for its efficiency and stunning views. She highlights the beautiful cities of Lucerne, Lausanne, Zermatt, and St. Moritz, and discusses the differences between Cosmos and Globus tours. Kathy provides insights into what makes Switzerland a unique and somewhat expensive destination, including tips on what to do in Zermatt and how to balance touring with free time. She also offers practical advice for anyone considering this tour, including organizing a group trip for September 2026. The episode concludes with a discussion on the pricing and value of the tour. Kathy also teases her upcoming travel plans, making this segment a must-watch for anyone interested in a Swiss adventure by train!

Windstar Or Silversea? Pick The Perfect Cruise For You! In this episode of RTE-Travel Talk, host Ken sits down with Debra Dickerson, a travel advisor with Cruise and Travel Experts, to provide an insightful review of Windstar Cruises and compare its two classes of cruises to the luxury experience offered by Silversea. Debra begins with an overview of Windstar, discussing whether it qualifies as a luxury cruise line and highlighting its unique destinations and smaller guest capacity. She dives into the various itineraries, onboard entertainment, and Windstar's distinctive Open Bridge Policy, as well as the Water Sports Platform that adds to the adventure. The conversation also covers the dining experience, the feel of sailing with actual sails in rough seas, and the overall price point. Debra doesn't shy away from discussing the little details that matter, like the deep bathtubs in the cabins, and she addresses the ship’s accessibility and pricing in more depth. The episode wraps up with a discussion on whether Windstar cruises are formal or casual. This episode is perfect for travelers interested in a Windstar cruises and for those looking for a comparison between Windstar and Silversea, offering plenty of expert advice and insider tips!