Avid Travel | Travmarket Media Network

Last month, I sailed the Danube with Avalon Waterways. During the sailing, I sat down with Cruise Director, Istvan, to chat about the Danube, Avalon's Active & Discovery program, and more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last month I interviewed Pam Hoffee, President of Avalon Waterways. We sat down to record a three interviews that we will feature over the next few weeks.  In our first segment, Pam and I chatted about her recent trip to Egypt to cruise the Nile. We talked about Avalon's exotic itineraries and other "once-in-a--lifetime" trips, like Avalon's Mekong itinerary (though Pam has taken this voyage multiple times). Join us for the first a series of interviews with Avalon.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week I am joined by AmaWaterways Co-Founder and Executive Vice President, Kristin Karst. Kristin and I sat down to chat about her latest journey to Europe, as well as how AmaWaterways will welcome guests during the holidays. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As river cruising finally seems to be returning to normal, so will our podcast.  This week I am joined by Marilyn Conroy from Riviera River Cruises. Marilyn gives a great overview for those who are unfamiliar with Riviera and also shares an exciting promotion on Riviera's 2022 sailings.  Contact me: britton.frost@gmail.com VOTE FOR BEST RIVER CRUISE COMPANY: https://www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-river-cruise-line-2021/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There was no one that made traveling during Covid easier than our cruise manager, Martina. During my time on AmaSiena, Martina handled everything that we needed in order to pass freely from country to country by getting us paperwork, filling out forms, and even translating documents for the guests on board. I sat down with Martina as our cruise drew to a close to ask her about her first trip back as a Cruise Manager since before the COVID-19 pandemic. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week join I am joined by the CEO of UnCruise Adventures, Dan Blanchard. UnCruise is an adventure cruise company offering itineraries that sail North and South America.  I sat down with Blanchard, who joined me from his office in Juneau, to talk about what you can expect on an UnCruise adventure, as well as the company's experiences in Alaska and beyond.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week I am joined by MSC Cruises' EVP and COO, Ken Muskat. Over the past year, MSC has been successfully operating ocean cruises in the Mediterranean making it one of the only large ship ocean cruise lines to resume service in 2020.  Muskat sat down to talk with me what we can expect to see for MSC this year. On the heels of the company's simulation sailing on MSC Meraviglia, Muskat gave a great visual of what life onboard will look like when MSC resumes operations next week. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week I am joined by Marilyn Conroy to talk about Riviera River Cruises. The UK-based river cruise company is still relatively new to the American market, but in Conroy's own words, "[Riviera] offers a top of the premium line product, but where prices are less than premium." Because of its affordable cruise fares and amenities, the company has been busier than ever the past few years as it has introduced itself to the American market. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week's podcast: https://omny.fm/shows/avidtravel/taucks-2021-river-cruises Past Tauck podcasts:  https://omny.fm/shows/avidtravel/avid-travel-with-britton-frost-s1e15-katharine-bon https://omny.fm/shows/avidtravel/avid-travel-with-britton-frost-s2e8-taucks-small-s https://omny.fm/shows/avidtravel/avid-travel-with-britton-frost-s3e17-taucks-galapa In part one of a two part interview, I am joined by Michelle Molnar from Tauck. Molnar is the Senior Product Manager at Tauck and has been with the company for 17 years.  Join us as we talk about Tauck's history operating tours, what's new for 2022, and more.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Past Tauck Podcasts:  https://omny.fm/shows/avidtravel/avid-travel-with-britton-frost-s1e15-katharine-bon https://omny.fm/shows/avidtravel/avid-travel-with-britton-frost-s2e8-taucks-small-s https://omny.fm/shows/avidtravel/avid-travel-with-britton-frost-s3e17-taucks-galapa In part one of a two part interview, I am joined by Michelle Molnar from Tauck. Molnar is the Senior Product Manager at Tauck and has been with the company for 17 years.  On today's episode, we will talk about Tauck's highly anticipated restart and what cruises are still available for this year. Join back next week for part two where we talk 2022 and beyond.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week I sat down with Kristin Karst from AmaWaterways to discuss the company's newly announced plans to restart river cruising in Europe. Karst states that her team at AmaWaterways is "dancing the happy dance" as the company gears up for its summer river cruises.  When and where will these cruises take place? What will cruising be like this summer? What's coming up for Ama in the future? Listen to find out.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week we sat down with Avalon Waterways to speak about how the company is preparing to return to the rivers: https://omny.fm/shows/avidtravel/avalon-waterways-return-to-the-rivers This week, we look to what Avalon is offering in 2022 and 2023 - including special event cruises to Oberammergau and Floriade.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week many river cruise companies have announced their plans for restarting. I was lucky enough to sit down with Pam Hoffee from Avalon Waterways to talk about Avalon's restart, as well as some of her favorite itineraries available to sail this year.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, I sat down to interview Lesa Bain, Lindblad's vice president of sales for North America. The company recently announced its resumption of operations, offering itineraries in Alaska and the Galapagos. Lindblad got its start in 1979 and has become a major player in the expedition cruise market. But how does Lindblad stand out from its expedition cruise competitors? Listen to find out. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, I sat down to interview Lesa Bain, Lindblad's vice president of sales for North America. The company recently announced its resumption of operations, offering itineraries in Alaska and the Galapagos. Lindblad got its start in 1979 and has become a major player in the expedition cruise market. But how does Lindblad stand out from its expedition cruise competitors? Listen to find out. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Want to cruise this weekend on an eight-day Historic South and Golden Isles sailing between Amelia Island and Charleston? Yes, I consumed my morning coffee before writing this, and no, you’re not reading an old post from March of 2019. Cruising in the United States is back, after a year’s hiatus. You can now cruise again, this coming Saturday if you wish or any other Saturday thereafter. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Doing my first river cruise alone was one of the most fulfilling travel experiences of my life. There is something about traveling solo that makes me feel fiercely independent and unstoppable. The only downside to traveling solo, however, is the cost. Well … sometimes. Solo passengers often have to pay single supplements, meaning that they usually must dole out what a couple would pay for the same stateroom. Though single supplements can run high, some companies waive these fees.  Today we will look at the best river cruise lines for solo travelers.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

World Cruise article with photos: https://www.avidcruiser.com/2021/02/top-five-world-cruises-for-2022-2023/ At the end of a 7-day cruise I almost always have the same thought: I wish this didn’t have to end. Some might have a similar thought and look at taking grand voyages, spanning anywhere from a month to a couple of months. But for those who want to take their love of cruising to the next level, there’s a World Cruise for that. The World Cruises that we will look at today span from 118 days to 180 days. These voyages are a perfect opportunity for world travelers looking to cross off bucket list destinations. World Cruises also take guests to a number of UNESCO World Heritage sites, allowing for deeper exploration into destinations. Like regular cruises, there is no World Cruise that is one size fits all. So to help you decide which World Cruise is right for you, I will look at our top five World Cruises for 2022 and 2023. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How Will COVID-19 Impact The Future Of Cruising?: https://omny.fm/shows/avidtravel/how-will-covid-19-impact-the-future-of-cruising A few weeks ago we had a reader write in that they wished to unsubscribe from our newsletter because cruising "has no concrete future".  Today I sat down with cruise expert Ralph Grizzle to get his thoughts on the future of cruising. From good news like MSC's resumption of operations to the not so good news like Canada's cruise ban, the past few weeks have been a rollercoaster for the cruise world. But one thing is clear to both Ralph and me - cruising definitely has a future.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How Will COVID-19 Impact The Future Of Cruising?: https://omny.fm/shows/avidtravel/how-will-covid-19-impact-the-future-of-cruising River Cruise 101: What Are The Hidden Costs?: https://omny.fm/shows/avidtravel/river-cruise-101-what-are-the-hidden-costs Email me: britton.frost@gmail.com This week we are looking at the top wave season deals for river cruisers. These deals don't include things like free beverages or wifi like the ocean cruise deals we looked at last week, but that's because river cruise companies include these already. So what can we look for as far as deals go? Airfare incentives and percentage discounts.  With all this talk about deals, I've been thinking more and more about the future of cruising so we will also spend a minute previewing next week's topic - Does Cruising Have A Concrete Future? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Check out the article: https://www.avidcruiser.com/2021/01/2021-wave-season-deals/ Contact me: britton.frost@gmail.com If you’re anything like me, you have been eager to get back on a cruise ship since March 2020. You might already have sailings lined up for 2021 and 2022, but for those of you who have been dreaming of booking a cruise once the pandemic is over with – the time to do so is now. For years now, cruise companies have offered itineraries at discounted prices during wave season (typically running from January through March). This year’s wave season is a great time to book voyage, be it in 2021 or beyond. With wave season in full force, there’s no better time to turn your aspirational voyages and daydreams into reality. Let’s take a look at the wave season deals you should take advantage of in 2021. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Article: https://www.avidcruiser.com/2021/01/top-three-cruises-for-millennials/ Podcast with Megan: https://www.travmarketmedia.com/podcasts/adventure-cruising-where-can-i-go-britton-frost/ There is no shortage of vacation options for millennials. In fact, the AirBNB that I run in Asheville seems to attract droves of young professionals looking to get out and explore. But for as many things as we see that are specifically catered to millennials, cruises often get glossed over. Rest assured, there are plenty of great cruise options for millennials. Let’s take a look at my top three. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Which Cruise Lines Allow Children? Podcast: https://omny.fm/shows/avidtravel/which-cruise-lines-allow-children Backroads Webinar: https://vimeo.com/480990826 Cruising is often seen as an activity for retirees - especially when it comes to cruising the rivers of Europe. Throughout the past few years as river cruising has gained popularity river cruise companies have taken steps to cater to younger travelers.  Today we look at the top three river cruise companies for millennials. From active experiences and hands-on cultural emersion, there is something for young people to do both on and off the ship.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We've partied like it's 1999 and now we have the hindsight of 2020.  What does that mean for 2021?  Here's what we, the podcast hosts at Travmarket Media Network, are hopeful for and resolving to do in 2021.  Happy New Years! ~ The Hosts of Travmarket Media Network See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week we look at the difference between small ship vs. large (and mid-size) ship cruising. Join me as I compare my experiences on board MSC Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea, which, as I mention in the podcast is really like comparing apples and oranges.  The beauty of cruising is the ability to tailor a vacation to fit your needs. Do you want water slides or butlers? Poolside chairs or tons of activities? Let's find out how large ships compare to small ships, and do some exploration in between.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week I sat down with AmaWaterways' Co-Founder and Executive Vice President, Kristin Karst, to talk about how AmaWaterways stands out on the rivers of Europe and beyond.  Join me as I learn more about AmaWaterways and the company's philosophy to under promise and over deliver - which it always does.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We have so much to be thankful for in 2020.  This episode is heartfelt and personal thankful messages from a majority of the hosts on the Travmarket Media Network of podcasts.   Let us also thank you for listening.  We hope you are safe and at least in communications with your loved ones if you can't be physically present with them this year. Blessings to you and gobble, gobble, gobble, ~ Megan Chapa Network Producer Travmarket Media Network See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we look at Thanksgiving and Christmas cruises offered on the oceans and rivers.  Join me as I share some of my experiences sailing during the holidays, as well as a comprehensive list of which river cruise companies offer Christmas Market itineraries and where they sail.  Regardless of whether you choose to sail the Danube, Seine, or Rhine, Christmas Market cruises are a once in a lifetime experience that make any Christmas memorable.  Don't know where to sail over the holidays in 2021? Join me to find out.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Africa cruise podcast with Devin Quinn: https://www.rivercruiseadvisor.com/2019/01/avid-travel-with-britton-frost-devin-quinn-pt-2-africa/ This week we are joined by Michael DaCosta from CroisiEurope. Though CroisiEurope has one of the biggest river cruise fleets in Europe, the company is still fairly unknown to North American travelers. With riverboats around the world, and two oceangoing vessels, let's see what the French-owned cruise company has to offer.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cruising is a truly customizable experience. When I hear someone say they aren't interested in cruising I know that it is likely because they simply haven't found the right cruise.  Here are my top reasons to book a cruise for 2021 and beyond.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On September 30 the CDC made a final update to the No Sail Order, stating that if the conditions above were not met cruise lines could resume sailing October 31, 2020. So, what does that mean at the beginning of November? The CDC released what it calls a Conditional Sailing Order on October 30, 2020. But just because cruise lines are allowed to resume sailing does not mean that passengers are eagerly flocking to cruise ships. It also doesn’t mean that cruise lines are allowed to resume sailing however they wish. There are multiple stipulations, most importantly that cruise lines must complete simulated voyages before they are issued a COVID-19 Conditional Sailing Certificate. These voyages will be conducted with volunteer passengers over the age of 18 who have clearance from a healthcare provider. They must provide written proof that they are not at high risk for COVID-19. The simulated voyages must include embarkation and disembarkation procedures, on board activities including dining and entertainment, shore excursions, evacuation procedures, transfers of symptomatic persons to isolation rooms, and quarantine of remaining passengers and crew. Essentially, the cruise lines must prove that they meet the CDC’s requirements and guidance for safe sailings. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we look at which cruise lines allow children on board their ships. However, just because children are allowed onboard does not mean that every cruise line is suitable for children. Some are better fits than others. So, which cruise lines are the best for children? Let's dive in.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Inclusion comparisons: https://www.rivercruiseadvisor.com/comparisons/ Danube price comparisons: https://www.rivercruiseadvisor.com/2019/07/danube-river-cruise-pricing-charts-2020/ In the past, cruises were notorious for having hidden costs. Passengers traveling on cruise ships often felt they were being nickeled and dimed, paying extra for beverages, excursions, internet, and dining. When river cruising came along, it introduced a much more inclusive product than what we were used to seeing on the oceans.  From beverages to shore excursions to gratuities, there are many hidden costs that can be added to your ticket price. This week we look at what is included in the cruise fare for many of the mainstream river cruise companies.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why AmaMagna Is A Great Choice For First-Time River Cruisers: https://www.rivercruiseadvisor.com/2019/11/ama-magna-first-time-river-cruises/ 6 Types Of Travelers Who Are Perfect For AmaMagna, Are You One Of Them? https://www.rivercruiseadvisor.com/2019/07/6-types-of-travelers-who-are-perfect-for-amamagna-are-you-one-of-them/ The transition from ocean cruises to river cruises, or vice versa, may not be an easy one. Ocean cruisers often fear that river cruises will be boring, with a lack of activities on board and fewer choices when it comes to dining, bars, lounges, etc. Conversely, those who enjoy the quiet and relaxed nature of river cruising often think that taking an ocean cruise is overwhelming, with crowds of people and not enough down time to explore the ship and the cities around them.  While both of these things can be true, there are plenty of cruisers who enjoy spending time both on the oceans and on the rivers. It's all about finding the right fit.  Today we look at the main differences between ocean cruises and river cruises, and which type of passenger is right for each.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Water levels comment page: https://www.rivercruiseadvisor.com/2019/08/video-how-to-use-german-water-level-charts/ German water level maps:  https://www.pegelonline.wsv.de/gast/karte/standard https://www.wetteronline.de/pegelstaende What are water levels? How can they affect a river cruise? Do they need to be taken into consideration before booking a river cruise?  Today we look at how water levels can impact cruises and what we can do to avoid cancelling a cruise due to high or low water.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

COVID-19 has raised many questions for travelers. When will we be able to fly again? When are we going to be allowed into other countries? When can we enjoy visiting a resort without a mask?  The pandemic has been especially hard for cruise companies, as a handful of cruise ships were forced into lockdown at the beginning of the pandemic. This posed two questions: When will cruise companies be able to resume sailing? and, more importantly, when will cruise passengers feel safe on board ships again?  Today I am joined by Mike Louagie to recap two cruises that he has taken since cruise companies have resumed operations in Europe. Mike discusses Ponant's COVID-19 protocols and procedures, as well as what it feels like to be back on board a ship.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week I am joined by cruise journalist Ralph Grizzle to take a look at the future of cruising and where the industry is headed during, and after, the COVID-19 pandemic.  It's no secret that the cruise industry was hit hard at the beginning of the pandemic, with cruise ships often being called floating Petri dishes. But with many cruise companies resuming operations, there is more hope for the industry than some initially thought.  Join Ralph and me as we talk about the cruise companies that have returned to the oceans and rivers as well as what we expect will happen with cruising in the near future.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week's episode: https://www.travmarketmedia.com/podcasts/top-5-itineraries-for-first-time-river-cruisers/ There are so many cruise itineraries available to choose from that it poses the question: What are the best itineraries for a first-time cruiser?  Well, it depends. If a trip Europe is a bucket list item, then cruising the Mediterranean or the Baltic could be a great option for a first-time cruiser. For those that want to stay closer to home, the Caribbean offers various itineraries with beautiful beaches, opportunities for snorkeling, and is great for family fun. Feeling more adventurous? Check out a cruise to Alaska, or a Canada & New England itinerary.  Contact me:  britton.frost@gmail.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With river cruising more popular than ever, it can be hard to choose which river to sail on for the first time. In today's episode, I go over my top five recommendations for first-time river cruisers.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Britton Frost is a travel journalist specializing in small-ship cruises on both oceans and rivers. An experienced traveler with dozens of cruises under her belt, Britton began cruising when she was a mere six months old (crossing the Atlantic with her parents on the Queen Elizabeth 2). She’s been cruising ever since. Britton runs two websites - Avid Cruiser & River Cruise Advisor - with Ralph Grizzle. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Avid Travel With Britton Frost - Avalon Waterways' COVID-19 Response & 2021 Plans by brittonfrost See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our first Riviera podcast: https://soundcloud.com/brittonfrost/avid-travel-with-britton-31 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Vantage River Cruise interview with Sarah Sweeney: https://soundcloud.com/brittonfrost/avid-travel-with-britton-frost-getting-to-know-vantage-with-sarah-sweeney See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week I am joined by Ingo Soerensen from Oracle. Soerensen explains the technologies that are currently being used on board different ships and also what technologies could be implemented in the future. Read Soerensen's article on Avid Cruiser:https://www.avidcruiser.com/2019/11/opinion-cruise-lines-of-the-future-what-should-we-expect-next/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today I am joined by American Queen Steamboat Company's Senior Director of Product Development, Ruth Richebacher. Other AQSC interview: https://soundcloud.com/brittonfrost/avid-travel-with-britton-54 Mississippi Itineraries write-up: https://www.rivercruiseadvisor.com/2019/11/u-s-river-cruise-itineraries-the-mississippi-river/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join me this week as I talk to Sarah Sweeney about Vantage. We talk about everything from what is included in Vantage's cruise fare to its solo travel initiatives to its concierge service. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Avid Travel With Britton Frost - Tom Wolber On Crystal Endeavor by brittonfrost See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Avid Travel With Britton Frost - What Makes Crystal River Cruises Stand Out by brittonfrost See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Avid Travel With Britton Frost - Tom Wolber On The Moselle by brittonfrost See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With many new itineraries for 2020, and four new ships debuting, Uniworld has its hands full preparing for next season. Join us as we talk about what guests can expect from Uniworld and its sister company U River Cruises; as well as what these companies have in store for the future.  Check out the latest Cruise News at www.avidcruiser.com/blog/ www.rivercruiseadvisor.com/blog/ Contact me: britton.frost@gmail.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, we take at the holiday offerings from American Queen Steamboat Company and American Cruise Lines. Holiday offerings article: https://www.rivercruiseadvisor.com/2019/09/its-not-too-late-u-s-holiday-river-cruises-2019/ Check out the latest Cruise News at www.avidcruiser.com/blog/ www.rivercruiseadvisor.com/blog/ Contact me: britton.frost@gmail.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.