RTE-Travel Talk

Real Travel Experts

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 .

  1. 18h ago

    Douro River Cruise Review: Is Portugal BETTER Than the Rhine or Danube?

    Thinking 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.

    25 min

  2. 1d ago

    Celebrity Cruises versus Celestyal Cruises: Luxury Ship or Authentic Experience?

    Trying 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?

    23 min

  3. 3d ago

    World Cruise Comparison: Viking versus Regent Seven Seas

    Thinking 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.

    26 min

  4. Apr 23

    Is Uniworld Worth It? New Ships, 50th Anniversary | What Makes This Luxury Line Different?

    Trying 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.

    25 min

  5. Apr 20

    Canary Islands: The Best Alternative to Crowded Europe?

    If you’ve already explored the Mediterranean or Caribbean and are wondering “where do I go next?”—the Canary Islands might be exactly what you’re looking for. In this episode of RTE-Travel Talk, Ken sits down with Sarah Green of Accent on Travel to explore one of Europe’s most underrated destinations. From volcanic landscapes and year-round perfect weather to luxury cruises, land stays, and unique itinerary combinations, the Canary Islands offer a completely different kind of travel experience—without the crowds of traditional European hotspots. 🌍 What You’ll Learn in This Video: Where the Canary Islands are and how to get there Why they’re a great alternative to crowded European destinations Best cruise options (Windstar, Star Clippers, Ponant & more) How to combine the Canaries with river cruises and land stays What to expect in Tenerife (landscapes, food, culture & more) When to visit and what kind of traveler this destination is perfect for 🚢 Featured Travel Styles: Small ship cruising Tall ship sailing Expedition cruising River cruise + land combinations Independent land stays

    17 min

  6. Apr 19

    Inside AmaWaterways’ NEW Colombia River Cruise | Magdalena River Experience

    Colombia is quickly becoming one of the most exciting new destinations in river cruising. In this episode of RTE-Travel Talk, Ken Lawrence sits down with Neil Dudley, Business Development Manager for AmaWaterways, who recently sailed the Magdalena River in Colombia himself, along with Barb Chamberlain of Direct Travel, a top-selling AmaWaterways travel advisor. Together they explore what makes this brand-new river cruise experience so unique. Topics covered in this episode include: • What it’s really like sailing the Magdalena River • The difference between Wonders of Colombia and Magic of Colombia itineraries • The new AmaWaterways ships built specifically for this river • What excursions and experiences guests can expect along the way • Wildlife, birdlife and cultural encounters • What surprised experienced river cruisers the most • Safety considerations for travelers visiting Colombia • The best time of year to take this cruise • Who this itinerary is best suited for AmaWaterways worked directly with local communities along the Magdalena River to develop ports, excursions and cultural experiences that give guests an authentic look at Colombian life. If you’ve already cruised the rivers of Europe and are looking for something truly different, this might be one of the most immersive river cruise destinations in the world today.

    26 min

  7. Apr 16

    10 Most Asked Questions About Antarctica Expedition Cruises

    In this episode of RTE-Travel Talk, host Ken Lawrence sits down with Antarctica specialist Nanci Ott of Tinker Travel to answer the most common questions travelers have about visiting the most remote continent on Earth. From the silence and scale of Antarctica to the realities of sailing the Drake Passage, Nanci shares insights from her experience helping travelers plan life-changing expeditions to the White Continent. If Antarctica has ever crossed your mind as a possible adventure, this conversation will help you understand what the experience is really like. In this episode we discuss: • Why Antarctica feels quieter and more peaceful than most cruises • What Antarctica actually feels like once you're there • Why wildlife encounters feel so personal • How comfortable modern expedition ships really are • The emotional moments that surprise travelers • The truth about sailing the Drake Passage • What a typical day in Antarctica is really like • Small onboard comforts that matter most • Why photos never capture Antarctica’s true scale • How the Antarctica landing rules work • What determines how many landings you actually get • And whether you should try the famous Antarctic Polar Plunge Antarctica isn’t just another cruise destination — it’s an experience that many travelers say changes how they see the world.

    22 min

  8. Apr 13

    Are Cruise Loyalty Programs Actually Worth It? NCL, Oceania & Regent Explained

    Cruise loyalty programs can feel confusing — and many travelers wonder if it’s really worth staying loyal to one cruise line just to earn perks. In this episode of RTE-Travel Talk, Ken sits down with cruise expert Lola Vassiliadis of Cruise Holidays of Oakville and Lawrence Park to break down how cruise loyalty programs actually work in the real world. Together they explore: • How loyalty programs work on Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas • When loyalty perks start to deliver real value • Why some cruisers stay loyal — and why others don’t • How cruise line “family” relationships can let you carry status between brands • Practical advice for choosing the right cruise strategy for your travel style If you’ve ever wondered whether cruise points really matter — or whether they should influence your next cruise choice — this episode will help you decide.

    19 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.7
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

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 .

Information

  • Creator
    Real Travel Experts
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    250
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    RTE-Travel Talk

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