Podcast
RTE-Travel Talk
Hosted by Real Travel Experts · EN
Our weekly show interviews real travel experts from around the United States and Canada. Check in with us from week to week for travel news, tips, destinations and reviews from some of the top flight travel agents in the country and travel influencers .
10episodes
Episodes
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Scenic vs Emerald Cruises: What's the REAL Difference?
3d ago00:34:44Tap to summarizeIf you've been wondering about the difference between Scenic Luxury Cruises and Emerald Cruises, this interview is for you. In this episode of RTE-Travel Talk – Ask a Real Travel Expert, I sit down with Ken Muskat, President of Scenic Group North America, to discuss everything from luxury river cruising and ocean yachts to expedition cruising, Antarctica, and the exciting future of Scenic and Emerald. You'll learn: ✔ The difference between Scenic and Emerald Cruises ✔ Which brand is best for your travel style ✔ What "truly all-inclusive" really means ✔ Why luxury yacht cruising is one of the fastest-growing segments in travel ✔ Scenic Eclipse expedition yachts ✔ Emerald's boutique luxury yachts ✔ River cruising throughout Europe and Southeast Asia ✔ New destinations including India and the Seychelles ✔ Why small ship cruising offers a completely different experience Whether you're considering your first luxury cruise or comparing Scenic with other premium cruise lines like Viking, AmaWaterways or Uniworld, this conversation will help you decide which experience is right for you.
Transcribe →Luxury River Cruise Suite Comparison : Scenic vs Tauck vs Uniworld
5d ago00:22:22Tap to summarizeScenic vs Tauck vs Uniworld — which luxury river cruise suite is actually worth it? We compare price per day, inclusions, and real onboard experience to help you decide. If you’ve ever considered upgrading to the top suite on a luxury river cruise, you’ve probably asked yourself — is it really worth it? In this episode of RTE-Travel Talk, Ken sits down with river cruise experts Beth Schulberg and Lauren Matthews of Cruise & Travel Specialists to compare the highest suite categories across three of the top luxury river cruise lines: ✔ Scenic ✔ Tauck ✔ Uniworld Focusing on Danube itineraries paired with Prague, this conversation breaks down what travelers actually want to know: Price per person per day (PPPD) What’s truly included (and what isn’t) Differences in suite size, design, and onboard experience Excursions, group sizes, and touring style Which cruise line is best for different types of travelers Plus — we take a look at the AmaMagna, a unique double-wide river ship with larger suites that offers a different approach to luxury river cruising. 👉 If you’re trying to decide which luxury river cruise experience is right for you, this episode will help you make a confident choice.
Transcribe →Crystal Cruises Review | Canada & New England Cruise
6d ago00:24:47Tap to summarizeIs this Canada & New England cruise worth it with only one Canadian port? Lynne Cox and Debra Dickerson review Crystal Serenity’s fall voyage, covering itinerary, food, service, and experience. In this episode of RTE-Travel Talk, Ken sits down with Lynne Cox and Debra Dickerson of Cruise & Travel Experts to review their recent sailing aboard the newly reimagined Crystal Serenity — part of the return of Crystal Cruises. They share their honest experience sailing this unique itinerary, including stops in: Newport, Rhode Island Provincetown, Massachusetts Boston, Massachusetts Portland, Maine Saint John, New Brunswick 👉 Plus, they break down: What the new Crystal Cruises experience is really like Whether Crystal still delivers on ultra-luxury expectations The truth about fall foliage cruising timing How this itinerary compares to traditional Canada & New England routes Shore excursions, history, and standout ports Dining, service, and onboard atmosphere If you’re considering a Crystal cruise, a New England fall cruise, or wondering which itinerary is right for you — this is a must-listen.
Transcribe →Is Tauck REALLY Worth the Money? A Travel Expert Explains Why People Keep Coming Back
2w ago00:14:05Tap to summarizeHave you ever wondered why Tauck vacations cost more than many other luxury tours and river cruises? Is it simply a premium price...or are you actually receiving significantly more value? In this episode of Ask a Real Travel Expert, I sit down with travel advisor Larry Jackson, who has specialized in Tauck vacations for more than 20 years. Together we discuss: ✔ What makes Tauck different from other luxury travel companies ✔ Why so many guests become repeat travelers ✔ The surprising value of Tauck's all-inclusive pricing ✔ Exclusive experiences you simply won't find elsewhere ✔ Tauck's exceptional tour directors and personalized service ✔ Why solo travelers often love Tauck ✔ Whether Tauck is really worth the additional investment If you've been considering a Tauck river cruise or land tour, this conversation may help you decide whether it's the right fit for your travel style.
Transcribe →Best Japan Cruise? Regent vs Ritz-Carlton vs Viking
2w ago00:19:39Tap to summarizeTrying to choose the best luxury cruise for Japan? We compare Regent Seven Seas, Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, and Viking Ocean to help you find the perfect Japan cruise experience. Japan is one of the hottest cruise destinations in the world right now—but which luxury cruise line offers the best experience? In this episode of RTE-Travel Talk, host Ken sits down with travel expert Christy Fitzharris of Wheels Up Travel to compare three very different ways to cruise Japan: Regent Seven Seas Cruises, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, and Viking Ocean Cruises. Together, they break down real itineraries and take a deep dive into: ✈️ What’s driving the surge in Japan travel right now 🚢 How these three luxury cruise lines compare 💰 Pricing and value (cost per person per night) 📍 Ports and itinerary differences (including key destinations like Hiroshima & Nagasaki) 🍷 What’s included—and what’s not 🛳️ Onboard experience and overall vibe 🎯 Which cruise line is best for different types of travelers If Japan is on your bucket list, this comparison will help you choose the right cruise for your travel style.
Transcribe →NCL vs RCI vs Princess Cruises: Which Cruise Line Is Best for You?
2w ago00:23:58Tap to summarizeTrying to decide between Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises, and Norwegian Cruise Line? In this video, we break down the key differences to help first-time cruisers choose the best cruise line. In this episode of RTE-Travel Talk, host Ken sits down with travel expert Brenda Case to break down the seven biggest differences between these three popular cruise lines—so you can decide which one is the best fit for your travel style. From ship size and onboard activities to dining, entertainment, pricing, and passenger demographics, this is a complete comparison designed especially for first-time cruisers. If you’re planning your first cruise—or simply trying to decide which cruise line to book next—this video will help you avoid common mistakes and choose with confidence. 🚢 What You’ll Learn: The biggest differences between Royal Caribbean, Princess, and Norwegian Which cruise line is best for families, couples, and first-time cruisers How dining styles compare (Freestyle vs Traditional) Entertainment and onboard experience differences What type of travelers each cruise line attracts How cabins and comfort compare Which cruise line offers the best value A simple way to choose the right cruise line for YOU
Transcribe →Douro River Cruise Review: Is Portugal BETTER Than the Rhine or Danube?
2w ago00:24:38Tap to summarizeThinking about a European river cruise? In this episode, travel expert Nanci Ott compares the Douro River to the Rhine and Danube while reviewing her recent sailing with Avalon Waterways and comparing top cruise lines including AmaWaterways, Scenic, and Viking. Thinking about booking a European river cruise but not sure whether to choose the Rhine, Danube, or Portugal’s beautiful Douro River? In this episode of RTE-Travel Talk, I’m joined by travel expert Nanci Ott of Tinker Travel, fresh off a sailing aboard Avalon Waterways on Portugal’s stunning Douro River. Together, we explore: ✔ What makes the Douro River unique ✔ Why the Douro is growing rapidly in popularity ✔ Whether it’s a good first river cruise ✔ The differences between the Douro, Rhine, and Danube ✔ Port wine experiences and Portuguese culture ✔ Avalon Waterways’ Panorama Suites ✔ Shore excursions and accessibility ✔ Scenic landscapes and smaller intimate ships PLUS… Nanci compares some of the top cruise lines sailing the Douro River including: 🚢 Avalon Waterways 🚢 AmaWaterways 🚢 Scenic 🚢 Viking We discuss: ✅ Pricing ✅ Shore excursions ✅ Luxury inclusions ✅ Transfers & gratuities ✅ Best value ✅ Best luxury experience ✅ Best for foodies ✅ Best for active travelers ✅ Best for first-time river cruisers If you’re considering a Douro River cruise — or any European river cruise — this episode is packed with helpful insights and firsthand experiences.
Transcribe →Celebrity Cruises versus Celestyal Cruises: Luxury Ship or Authentic Experience?
3w ago00:23:29Tap to summarizeTrying to decide between Celebrity Cruises and Celestyal Cruises for a Mediterranean vacation? In this episode, Brenda Case compares the onboard experience, itineraries, pricing, excursions, and cultural immersion of these two very different cruise styles. When most travelers think about cruising the Mediterranean, Celebrity Cruises is often one of the first names that comes to mind. But what about Celestyal Cruises? In this episode of RTE-Travel Talk, Ken sits down with Brenda Case of Travel Planning by Brenda to compare these two very different Mediterranean cruise experiences. From modern luxury and Edge Class ships to authentic Greek immersion, smaller ports, overnight sailings, and destination-focused itineraries, this conversation explores what truly separates Celebrity Cruises from Celestyal Cruises. If you’re planning a Mediterranean cruise and wondering whether you want: 🚢 a ship-focused premium cruise experience —or— 🌍 a more immersive, culturally focused journey …this episode is for you. 🛳️ In This Episode: ✔ Celebrity Cruises vs Celestyal Cruises ✔ Mediterranean itinerary differences ✔ Sea days vs overnight sailings ✔ Shore excursions & local immersion ✔ Food, entertainment & onboard atmosphere ✔ Celestyal pricing & inclusions ✔ Balcony cabins vs Infinite Verandas ✔ Who each cruise line is best for ✔ The “Steps of Paul” itineraries ✔ Which line offers the best value?
Transcribe →World Cruise Comparison: Viking versus Regent Seven Seas
3w ago00:25:37Tap to summarizeThinking about taking a world cruise? In this episode we compare Viking Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, and Holland America Line to help you choose the best world cruise for your travel style, budget, and bucket-list dreams. Dreaming of taking a world cruise? In this episode of RTE-Travel Talk, Ken sits down with Annette Stellhorn and Kristen Smith of Accent on Travel to compare three of the most talked-about world cruise options: ✅ Viking Cruises ✅ Regent Seven Seas Cruises ✅ Holland America Line We cover: 🌍 What is a world cruise? 💰 Which offers the best value? 🍷 Which is best for luxury travelers? 📚 Which is best for enrichment & destinations? 🚢 Which line is best for first-time world cruisers? 🧳 Practical realities like visas, luggage, health care & logistics 📍 How to choose the right world cruise for YOU If you’ve ever wondered whether a world cruise is worth it — this episode is for you.
Transcribe →Is Uniworld Worth It? New Ships, 50th Anniversary | What Makes This Luxury Line Different?
Apr 2300:24:30Tap to summarizeTrying to compare river cruise lines? In this episode of RTE-Travel Talk, Ken speaks with Uniworld’s Senior VP to explain what makes Uniworld different and how it compares to other luxury river cruises. River cruising continues to grow in popularity — but not all river cruise lines deliver the same experience. In this episode of RTE-Travel Talk, Ken sits down with Adena Wilson, Senior Vice President of Global Sales for Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, to explore what makes Uniworld one of the most distinctive names in luxury river travel. From their boutique-style ships and fully all-inclusive experience to their destination-inspired design and personalized service, Adena explains why so many guests return to Uniworld again and again. They also discuss: ✔️ What “all-inclusive” really means on Uniworld ✔️ Who Uniworld is best suited for ✔️ How river cruising compares to luxury ocean cruising ✔️ Their immersive shore excursions and culinary program ✔️ Uniworld’s 50th Anniversary celebrations ✔️ New ships launching in 2026 and 2027 ✔️ Cruise-and-rail journeys and Luxury Gold land programs ✔️ The biggest misconception about Uniworld If you’re researching river cruises, planning a European trip, or just curious about how luxury river travel works, this episode will give you a clear insider perspective.
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