Travel Talk Podcast

Our guest is Barbara Davis, Director of Product Training for Victory Cruise Lines.  Explore many destinations by Victory Cruise Lines from the Great Lakes to Alaska to New England. Each Victory voyage offers inclusions that make your refined, small ship experience both luxurious and comfortable.  The agile small ships can easily navigate canals and locks, tranquil bays, and hidden ports where larger ships dare not go. Relish the charms of seaside villages and metropolitan meccas that blend the old-world and modern history.

Our guest on Travel Talk by ALTOUR & The Travel Authority is Barbara Davis, Manager, Training & Sales Support for American Queen Steamboat Company. Journey Back in Time with these uniquely American River Cruises. They offer cruises to Lower and Upper Mississippi Rivers, Ohio, Tennessee, Cumberland Rivers, Columbia and Snake River. These unique sailings provide you with regionally inspired dining, Broadway caliber entertainment, enrichment, guided shore excursions and authentic paddle wheel riverboats following in the footsteps of the great steamboat era travelers but with modern refinements.

Our guest on Travel Talk by ALTOUR & The Travel Authority is Tina White, Director of Strategic Accounts for Oceania Cruises. Oceania's ships are upscale and imitate, emphasizing food and destinations. You'll find Oceania's itineraries to be high on time in port and some overnights in port are common. Considered a premium, boutique cruise line, Oceania sail's the world and because of its midsize ships they are able to get into over 330 amazing destinations.

Our guest on Travel Talk by ALTOUR & The Travel Authority is Amanda Jordan, Business Development Manager, National and Strategic Accounts. Iconic Ships and Legendary Journeys only on Cunard will you experience a tradition of style and elegance. Imagine sipping a crisp glacial cocktail or a comforting hot toddy on a grand uncrowded deck, tucked under warm blankets, while being accommodated by Cunard’s signature White Star Service. “Watch for the majestic sight of whales surfacing at dusk or the pristine wilderness of Alaska as your ship, the famous Queen Elizabeth,” glides into Glacier Bay. Seeing Alaska with Cunard’s carefully scheduled itineraries to be in port when there are few, if any, other ships calling on the same day, with plenty of time to indulge personal passions and only-in-Alaska experiences. These are only some of the reasons “Why Alaska by Cunard ? “ Cunard is the operator of luxury cruise ships Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth. There is nothing quite like the adventure of a Cunard World Voyage with as many as 112 nights to visit far-flung destinations around the world. You can also take segments of the world cruise with a journey to tailor your itinerary to suite you and your schedule. Amanda Jordan will explain how Cunard will help you find your vacation.

Our guest on Travel Talk by ALTOUR & The Travel Authority is Shawn Johnson, Senior Director Sales National Accounts for Abercrombie & Kent. With more than 55 offices around the world, Abercrombie & Kent has their fingers firmly on the pulse of luxury travel, allowing them to confidently predict next year's hottest destinations. Travel by land on a custom journey created to match your interests, or an Expedition Cruise or a Private Jet Journey with inspiring adventures in more than 100 countries on all seven continents. How about the Ultimate Iceland & Greenland on an Expedition Cruise. You can also travel on A&K's Expedition Cruises to the Arctic and Antarctica in the polar regions and visit South Georgia for the large colonies of penquins, as well as the beautiful contrast of icebergs and the deep blue sea. Travel as well to Europe and Japan on the cultural side. A&K takes you to 2020's hottest destinations where to go for a true one-off experience and the up-and-comers promising seasoned travelers something different. South America..New ! Wings Over Argentina, Chile & Brazil Chile and discover vibrant nations with this immersive journey. Our conversation today with Shawn Johnson just gives us a glimpse of how A&K can take you around the world in unmatched luxury and style.

Our guest is Carol Herron, Vice President, Field Sales for Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Regent Seven Seas Cruises sail to more than 450 iconic and immersive destinations around the world. Every luxury is included in a Regent voyage, such as all-suite accommodations, the largest collection of unlimited shore excursions, entertainment, unlimited internet access, exquisite cuisine, fine wines and spirits, gratuities and ground transfers. Here comes the newest ship adding to the Regent fleet. It's the Seven Seas Splendor that will offer her 750 quests the most luxurious accomodations as she sails the world. Perfecting luxury requires going beyond the expected by anticapating guest desires, elevating each aspect of the experience and refining details to please every guest like they're Regents only guest. The world is waiting until February 2020 when the fifth ship in Regent Seven Seas Cruises makes her maiden voyage as we get to experience what luxury perfected truly means.

Our guest on Travel Talk by ALTOUR & The Travel Authority is Mark Howell Regional Spokesperson for TSA. . Learn more about the checkpoint security screening process and policies. What can you bring onboard, an update on permitted and prohibited items. What happens if I try to bring guns/weapons onboard. TSA Cares is a helpline that provides travelers with disabilities, medical conditions and other special circumstances additional assistance during the security screening process. Everything you need to know about TSA Pre Check and The Real ID. These are just a few of the topics we discussed. No matter how often you travel, you don’t want to miss our conversation with TSA spokesperson Mark Howell with what’s new, where to go on the TSA website for more information so you can be prepared for your next trip.

Our guest on Travel Talk by ALTOUR & The Travel Authority is Ian Swain, President & Owner of Swain Destinations. Since 1987 this family-run business and the dedicated team of destination experts have offered travelers the opportunity to design distinctive trips to intriguing international locales, including Australia, New Zealand, the South Pacific, Asia, India and Africa. From adventure-packed trips to leisurely getaways, Swain Destinations curates itineraries based on each individual’s travel preferences. With the upcoming holidays and that means many people consider going away at this time of the year, because the winter blues have set in to escape the cold or they want to gift the trip of a lifetime to their family. Ian Swain will offer his top three immersive travel experiences. After listening to Ian, I was ready to pack my bags and experience the Swain Destination remarkable level of customer service ! This unwavering commitment to service excellence and dedication to raising the industry standard makes the Swain Destinations family owned company the market leader.

Our guest on Travel Talk by ALTOUR & The Travel Authority is Amanda O’Connell, District Sales Manager for Trafalgar. Find out what separates Trafalgar from the other tour companies and what’s included with a Trafalgar Tour. From our United States National Parks to the far corners of the world, for over 74 years Trafalgar driven by their passion for travel and encouraged by the feedback of 5 million happy past guests continues to innovate and create travel experiences that are Simply the Best to the most popular and trending destinations across all seven continents they visit. Whatever your trip style is from Regional Explorer, Country Explorer or at Leisure, Trafalgar will help you create memories of a lifetime. You have the pledge from every member of the Trafalgar family to “make travel matter- for our planet, for people and for wildlife. This is Trafalgar !

Our guest is Javier Echecopar, Sales Director for Abercrombie & Kent. Discover Latin America with A&K. Journey through Peru from Lima to Cusco, interacting with the people of the Sacred Valley and experiencing their culture,music and cuisine, and explore magnificent Machu Picchu. Marvels of Chile as you experience the diverse cities, towns and lanscapes of Chile on a journey of outdoor activities. Wings over Argentina, Chile and Brazil as you discover three vibrant nations, experiencing their people, cultures and culinary treasures firsthand including fine wines on an active immersive journey that explores Mendoza's winelands, Patagonia's epic landscapes and stunning Iquau Falls. No matter what A&K journey or experience you choose, you're in the company of renowed experts who show you their Latin America as only a local can.

Our guest is Tina White, Director Strategic Accounts for Oceania Cruises. Sail the world on mid-sized boutique style , ships that make you feel luxurious, with a “country club” casual ambiance. Oceania’s ships sail the world, with its mid-sized ships that are able to get into many of the smaller, more exotic ports of call. Awarded , The finest cuisine at sea”, with no formal nights and open seating at dinner as you sail from one captivating destination to the next. Oceania Cruises debuts new AQUAMAR SPA and VITALITY CENTER, and new GO LOCAL TOURS, immersive tour series that takes travelers into the lives and homes of locals. The unveiling of the 2021 Europe and North America Voyages with more overnights, longer stays and unique shore tours that present the ultimate immersion experiences , Oceania continues to set trends in the travel industry. Tina White has so much information to share to help you make memories of a lifetime.

Our guest is Waldo Carmenate, Business Development Manager National Accounts for Delta Vacations. As we travel with Waldo to his latest destinations he will Wisk us away to Salzburg and Vienna.  What makes these destinations different and so special.  Waldo will share things to do, places to stay and yes the people and the culture as you immerse yourself into  these two amazing destinations.  Do you know who can get you to Salzburg and Vienna, Delta Vacations can !

Our guest is Amanda Jordan , Business Development Manager, National and Strategic Accounts for Cunard. For over a century and a half, the iconic ships of Cunard have defined sophisticated ocean travel.  They have  always been The Most Famous Ocean Liners in the World. Cunard has carried guests across the great oceans to far points on the globe in unparalleled style sailing on the royal court- Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth. That same tradition continues today with  special event cruises for the 2020 Transatlantic Crossings, and Alaska cruise itineraries that are  different and special when you sail with Cunard , just to name a few.  Amanda will explain why this is the best time to make your reservations to travel the world with Cunard.  You get your choice of dates, destinations and save money when you make your reservations now. Why wait, it’s time to save !

Our guest is Dana Huckestein.  Dana specializes in Pet Travel and when she is not handling animal related travel Dana also books corporate and leisure travel from our ALTOUR Fresno, CA. office. For 20 years, Dana takes pride in her specialization in Pet Travel, which makes sense considering the deep interest that she has in anything animal related. Dana has been competing with her own dog for over 30 years.  She handles anything ranging from competitors and their dogs attending domestic and international dog shows, judges travel, breeding or brokers traveling with new puppy's owners and traveling with dogs, rescue and relocations. Dana will be the first to say that it takes years of dedication and training to get a dog to the level of competition that involves traveling to events. Lot’s of time this is a trip of a lifetime that they have spent years training to accomplish.  It is more like a work trip than a vacation for these people.  It’s the challenges of moving dogs around the world- cargo vs baggage.  For Dana it is really an honor to have so many people in the dog world trust her with their travels.  This is the story of a very special Pet Travel specialist, Dana Huckestein.

Our guest is Anthony Cooper,  Director of Field Sales for Holland America Line. The cruise line dedicated to explorers, foodies and music lovers, who want to pursue these passions on all seven continents, on perfectly sized, refreshingly uncrowded ships filled with one -of-a-kind experiences. Today, we are going to discover Australia & New Zealand Cruises with our guest Anthony Cooper who will share firsthand knowledge and expertise why cruise with Holland America Line to these much see destinations.  Have you ever dreamed of leaving your cares behand and sailing away to a sunny distant land cooled by ocean breezes.  A cruise to Australia, New Zealand or the South Pacific could be just the ticket.  Dream no more, and go beyond to share and truly immerse yourself in amazing new places and culture.

Our guest is Stephanie Schmuddle, Vice President of Product Development & Operations for Abercrombie & Kent  introducing us to new wellness-inspired luxury small group journeys that are expertly designed and focused on well-being.   At the heart of A&K’s new wellness-inspired Luxury Small Group Journeys is a mission to reveal the world’s most inspiring traditions and places in a way that authentically speaks to well-being.  That means a perfect balance of deeply cultural and expertly led experiences in luxuries A&K style that also enrich the mind, body and spirit. Relax, replenish and be as active as you wish with Abercrombie & Kent Luxury Small Group Journeys.

Our guest is Catherine Reilly, Managing Director for over 30 years for Brendan Vacations. Heading up the Dublin team, and an Ireland native, Catherine is the embodiment of Celtic expertise and knowledge. From guided vacations, private chauffeur, self-drive & Lux self-drive, or a locally hosted rail  trip,  Brendan Vacations has Travel Styles to help you pursue your passion for travel to Ireland and Scotland.  With an abundance of stunning sights, vibrant cities and friendly locals Brendan Vacations can make even your most out-of-this- world dreams come true.  Our stories bring yours to life as you visit cities with ancient secrets, or trace your ancestry.  Image spending St. Paddy’s day as you stop in for a pint at a local pub, attend an exciting parade or simply bond with the locals as you learn about the timeless traditions. Vacation in the cozy season with fewer crowds during the off season as you spend more time engaging with nations of storytellers and form a deeper bond with these magical lands.  Welcome to Brendan Vacations !

Our guest is Eddy Mestre, Director of National Sales for U River Cruises. Looking for the best way to experience Europe ? It’s U.  It’s not merely a river cruise.  It’s a full on, activity packed, culturally immersive, social and active travel experience.  U River Cruising has innovated the travel industry with a fresh approach to River Cruising for the young and young at heart. There is plenty of fun to be had onshore, but your time onboard will be just as exciting.  The lineup of daily activities and events were all created with U in mind.  Eddy Mestre will share with us why U River Cruises is not your average vacation, they are U, inspired by you !

Our guest is Michelle Suker, Director of Field Sales for Insight Vacations & Luxury Gold. With a trip to suit your style, Michelle will let us know what’s  new for 2020, and what is trending in the  in the travel  industry.  Insight Vacations knows that Travel is an incredible gift, as it has the ability to open our eyes,  our hearts and our minds to unique cultures and wonders of the world.    Join Michelle as she welcomes all of us to the art of  traveling in style.  Discover your journey with Insight Vacations, the  award-winning global leader in premium escorted trips.

Our guest is Bob Ford, Regional Vice President for AIG Travel Guard.  When you travel, things can happen. With a Travel Guard travel insurance policy, you’ll have valuable coverage that travels with you and your family.  Without travel Insurance, you must be able to answer the question, “so what’s your plan.”  Travel is unique to each traveler , why settle for a “one -size-fits-all” travel insurance plan?  What is trending right now in the travel insurance space that a traveler should be careful?  Bob Ford will share experiences to look out for and the new products  AIG Travel guard has launched.

Our guest is Amanda Jordan, Business Development Manager, National and Strategic Accounts for Cunard .  For over 179 years the iconic ships of Cunard have defined sophisticated ocean travel.  Meet the three queens, Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria, the most famous ocean liners in the world.  Amanda will guide us along to Cunard’s flagship Queen Mary 2 for a Transatlantic Crossing with a twist.  In June of 2020 the first-ever Festival of Food & Wine Voyage promises to be a delight for food and drink lovers everywhere.  This is just one of the many special event cruises  scheduled for 2020 & 2021.   See Alaska with Cunard and discover why Cunard  itineraries are different.  Cunard will be the only cruise line offering 10, 11 and 12 day roundtrip voyages from Vancouver in 2020 that soak up the majestic and pristine drama of both Glacier Bay and Hubbard Glacier.  Want to spend a special independence day in New York and Boston and cruise Canada and New England.  Cunard offers so many ways to sail across the globe offering you a world to savor in your own way !

Our guest is Barbara Davis, Manager, Training & Sales Support for American Queen Steamboat Company, offering Uniquely American River Cruises.  Voyages on authentic paddlewheelers include a pre-cruise hotel night, all meals, wine and beer with dinner share excursions in each port of call and more. With regionally inspired fine dining, Broadway-caliber entertainment and enrichment, and comprehensive guided shore excursions, passengers will follow in the footsteps of explorers Louis and Clark through some of the most scenic areas in the world.  Travel on the mighty Mississippi and its tributaries aboard the iconic Amirian Queen and be transported back in time to an era of leisurely and romantic travel. Share special Holiday themed cruises or special themes like American River BBQ Bourbon Cruises.  After extensively cruising amidst the charms and gracious style of unique vessels you will be forever changed, by cruising with American Queen Steamboat Company.

Our guest is Bill Fletcher, Director of Alaska Sales, Marketing and Planning for Holland America Line.  No one knows Alaska like Bill, who is a native, so let’s start by asking Bill,  “ Why go to Alaska with Holland America Line ?”   The answer, “we are Alaska.”  Holland America Line has been cruising Alaska for over 70 years and it shows when you are first in Alaska, knowing the history of the destination, having the right size ships, immersive Land+Sea Journey’s, with more time in the best places to show you the iconic and authentic Alaska.  With Holland America you will discover the ultimate Premier Denali experience.   Bill Fletcher will take us to his Alaska to help us explore Alaska’ wonders created by the pioneers from Holland America who started the iconic McKinley Explorer Rail experience and ownership of the McKinley Chalet Resort that has the amazing Denali Square.  Welcome to the Alaska Holland America has known and  cherished for more than 70 years.

Our guest is Bob Simpson, Vice President , Expedition Cruising for Abercrombie & Kent.  Luxury and adventure travel pioneer Abercrombie & Kent (A&K)  has taken travelers to Antarctica, the Artic and around the world on more than 300 expedition cruises since 1991. With the newest and most luxurious small ships and the unrivalled expertise of inviting only the top experts to join our Expedition Team, Bob Simpson will discuss the sense of discovery that is the guiding inspiration behind each carefully immersive all-inclusive itinerary.  Venture deeper and find out what’s new for 2020 & 2021 as A&K continues to create  the most rewarding cruise experience for culturally-curious travelers.  A&K Luxury Expedition Cruises reveal the familiar and far-flung corners of the world, including Antarctica, the Artic and Northwest Passage, Japan, Greece, Italy and Australia’s Kimberley.

Our guest is Eric Bacon, Business Development Manager for Hurtigruten, the world’s leader in exploration travel. Hurtigruten is an expedition company in the truest sense of the word. Origin meets innovation, sustainability, and 126 years of expertise with Hurtigruten’s richest selection of expedition cruises to the awe-inspiring Norwegian coastline. This is home, sailing these waters since the 1800’s, with a know-how of nature and culture to offer guests a unique way to immerse themselves in Norway by the sea. Find your inner explorer to the world’s most pristine and remote destinations, including Antarctica, Alaska, Artic Canada , the Northwest Passage, Greenland, Iceland, Svalbard, Baja California and more. With a mission to bring adventurers to remote natural beauty around the world…..this is Hurtigruten !

Our guest is Ian Swain II, Vice President of Swain Destinations. Swain Destinations is the leading U.S. provider of completely personalized exotic vacations. Our topic today is Travel with Purpose.  As defined by Swain Destinations, is travel that positively impacts the world either through directly funding conservation, preservation or sustainability efforts that help the environment, wildlife, and people: travel that offers personal fulfillment through adventure and discovery; or travel that is mindful of the native culture, landscape, history, people and wildlife .Ian II, Vice President of Swain Destinations, is an advocate for Travel with Purpose both within Swain Destinations and his personal life.  He lives his passion every day by using travel as a vehicle to enrich and expand the worldviews of travelers from around the world. Find out why Youth for Lions Ambassadors is a topic that is very dear to his heart.

Our guest is Gary Murphy, Co-owner and Senior Vice President of Sales for AmaWaterways.  An AmaWaterways river cruise is about more than the destination-it’s the journey.  It’s a journey that began when AmaWaterways was founded in 2002 by three families, one of those three pioneers was Jimmy Murphy, Gary’s father.  The story continues today providing guests with a higher standard of luxury on European river cruises, Asia river cruises, or Africa river cruises as you see the world in luxury and comfort.  When you sail with the award winning AmaWaterways, you will experience the luxury of more- more ways to discover, more ways to indulge ,more onboard amenities, more acclaimed dining and more unique tour options.  The  three founding families,  Rudi Schreiner, Kristin Karst and  Gary Murphy, look forward to welcoming you aboard  AmaWaterways

Our guest is  Mina Agnos, Co-founder and President of Travelive, an award winning luxury travel company. Travelive offers a high level of tailor-made services to clients traveling  to Greece, Italy, Spain, Egypt and Turkey. They provide  luxury private tours which are designed to offer access to the most  memorable sights as well as insights into the local culture and authentic experiences.  Mina and her Travelive team are proud to be included in the coveted Travel+Leisure Magazine’s list for the 9th consecutive year and included in Conde Nast Traveler’s top travel specialists.  Welcome to Travelive.

Our guest is  Catherine Anderson, Market Sales Manager for Celebrity Cruises.  Join a voyage of discovery in the Galapagos Islands with an all-inclusive Celebrity Cruise  .  These Active-Adventures with a Focus on Nature are the best way to immerse yourself in a Galapagos experience.  As we travel with Catherine and learn more about the 2020 Europe season on board the newest ship, Celebrity Apex, with new alternating 10-and-11 night guests will have the opportunity to enjoy the peak European experience in true Celebrity style.  Discover new places, new spaces with the Celebrity 2020 and 2021 cruises  that offer a world of new.  This is Celebrity Cruises with Catherine Anderson !

Our guest is Walter Littlejohn, Vice President & Managing Director for Crystal River Cruises.  Looking for true luxury in the heart of Europe, Crystal River Cruises has reimagined luxury river cruising across Europe with an extraordinary attention to detail.  Life on board flows to the rhythm of the rivers, an invitation to immerse yourself in the culture, history and wonder of legendry lands.  Walter Littlejohn’s philosophy is simple: “for me, good is never enough, great is never great enough. We’re always, always, always striving for more.”  Discover  with Walter Littlejohn The Crystal River Cruises difference, “where luxury is personal.”

Our guest is Julie Petschler, Business Development Manager for the Globus Family of Brands.  One of the family members is Avalon Waterways who launched  in 2004, setting a new standard in small ship cruising. We will take you back to the beginning of river cruises and fast forward today with The Avalon Waterways difference and why people rave about river cruising.  YOU NAVIGATE. WE”LL STEER.”  Julie will steer us along as Avalon Waterways unveils “YOUR WAY” Cruising and so many more immersive experiences.   For over 91 years the Globus Family of Brands has been consistently bringing, new, fresh and inventive ideas to the world of travel. Today, we will help you envision your perfect vacation.

Our guest is John Chernesky, Vice President North America Sales & Trade Marketing for Princess Cruises one of the best known names in cruising. Princess offers approximately 1.7 million passengers each year the opportunity to literally cover the globe, with sailings to six continents that call at more than 300 ports at top destinations aboard a fleet of 18 modern vessels.  With culturally-rich itineraries to bucket-list destinations, guests will enjoy an elevated experience onboard with the highly-rated Princess Medallion Class Vacations.  With MedallionNet, the Best Wi-Fi at Sea , the launch of Local Connections, connecting guests with local experts Ashore and the Princess commitment to deliver a completely different memorable experience for all guests,  “This is Princess Cruises.”

Our guest is Scott Kluesner, Vice President Strategic Accounts for award winning Oceania Cruises, who will unveil new go local tours, the 2021 Europe & North America Collection and Oceania Cruises New Sirena Exotic Collection. Savor the world with the finest cuisine at sea and destination rich itineraries that span the globe. Oceania Cruises offers more to explore and experience as you cruise aboard intimate luxurious ships to some of the world’s most enticing corners.

Our guest is Carol Herron, Vice President, Field Sales for Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Carol will unveil 146 new extraordinary voyages for its 2021-2022 season. With time left for the 2019 and 2020 season you can still treat yourself to an ultra-luxury, all-inclusive and immersive cruise experience in all corners of the world. Regent Seven Seas Cruises features all-suite, all-balcony ships as you journey to the places you have always desired.

Our guest is Kindra Brownlee, Director of Alaska Planning & Activities for Princess Cruises. The leader in Alaska, Princess Cruises, is celebrating its 50th year sailing in Alaska in 2019. Princess Cruises connects guests with even more exclusive and authentic experiences ashore as part of its award-winning Local Connections program. Get a taste of local life with these meaningful, authentic, personal and exclusive experiences crafted and hosted by local experts. You will leave ALASKA with memories of a lifetime when you cruise with Princess Cruises.

Our guest is Cindy Vezinau, Business Development Manager for Delta Vacations. Delta Vacations gives you the benefits and flexibility to truly own your vacation experience with packages inspired by hundreds of destinations, thousands of accommodation and endless activities. So Let’s Travel with Delta Vacations and the Travel Advisors at ALTOUR/The Travel Authority who will answer the questions, Why Delta Vacations? Or better yet, why not when we show you how to save time, and money when we bundle and book your customized vacation.

Our guest is Jon Grutzner, President of Insight Vacations & Luxury Gold. Want to know what destinations are trending, and how Jon Grutzner has positioned Insight Vacations to better serve the needs of the evolving traveler. In search of the Un-Google-able Experience? Its not just going to a destination, but it’s how you can experience that destination with a more authentic experience and a better human connection. Insight Vacations is listening a delivering what travelers are looking for.

Our guest is Larry Pimentel, President & CEO of Azamara. Learn how he is taking their Destination Immersion experiences to the next level and making industry-changing initiatives to venture beyond the sea. With more than 1,700 new land programs Azamara is taking their destination immersion vision deep into the heart of more than 100 countries around the world. What sets Azamara apart from other cruise options besides more overnight says and longer stays in port will become evident as you listen to Larry Pimentel talk about as a Azamara guest you will explore the world within the world with unparalleled itineraries, immersive cultures and authentic service.

Our guest is Sherwin Banda, President of African Travel. For over 40 years, African Travel, Inc. has crafted extraordinary, handcrafted, luxury safari experiences ensuring immersive and authentic cultural encounters across the continent. Travel is an incredible gift, and with this gift comes a responsibility- to protect the world as we know it. At African Travel and TreadRight, the mission is clear to make Travel Matter, by having a positive impact on the people and communities they visit, to help protect wild and marine life, and to care for the planet we all call home. Find out what’s new and exciting for 2020 and how does African Travel match the right Africa with the right client.

John Stoll, Vice President of Crystal Cruises Land Programs will take us ashore as we explore the world with a variety of unique, intimate and exclusive opportunities beyond our imagination. Learn about an innovative, compassionate and complimentary “You Care, We Care” program offering Crystal Voluntourism Adventures dedicated to worthwhile causes worldwide. Distinctively Crystal is The Chrystal Endeavor that doesn’t just break boundaries, it sails far beyond them. Step aboard a Crystal Cruise and experience unwavering, unparalleled standards of excellence and luxury to the farthest reaches of the world. It’s your vacation, your way as Crystal Cruises expands possibilities for you with choices, experiences and luxuries unmatched in the industry.

Our guest is Ellison “Tommy“ Thompson, Deputy Director General of the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism. As you know, Hurricane Dorian delivered a devastating blow to two of the 700 islands of the Bahamas. Specifically, the Abacos and Grand Bahama suffered severe damage after the Category 5 hurricane battered the islands. Our hearts go out to all the people of the Bahamas. We welcome Tommy Thompson today to answer the question, “what can we do to help.” The best way we can assist the Bahamas is to come and visit. We will discuss what travelers need to know about travel to the Bahamas after Hurricane Dorian. The Bahamas is an archipelago with more than 700 islands spread out over 100,000 square miles of ocean. Tommy will provide a quick roundup of the 14 most popular and beautiful islands in the Bahamas that remain unharmed, open and ready to welcome travelers. Now is the best time to visit the Bahamas. Every trip from a friends getaway to business conference will help the country’s effort in rebuilding the two affected islands. Tourism accounts for more than half of the county’s economy and a healthy tourism industry is essential to the people of The Bahamas. As you listen today to Tommy Thompson you will learn more about each of the 14 islands that are so unique and pristine as you immerse yourself into the culture with the warm and friendly people of The Bahamas.

Our guest is Melissa Krueger, Vice President of Groups for Classic Vacations will discuss the benefits of group travel and why every traveler should experience it. Learn how to create customized group packages that deliver the best values and itineraries. Groups such as Destination Weddings, Family Reunions, Friends Getaways, Corporate Incentives or Special Interest groups such as Food and Wine Festivals, Wellness Retreats, the possibilities are endless.

Our guest is Faith Sutkus, Strategic Account Manager/Field Sales for Royal Caribbean Cruise Line. What makes Royal Caribbean stand out from the other cruises? Celebrating 50 years of pushing limits and crushing boundaries to deliver game changing vacations to give guests the boldest vacation yet with jaw-dropping, eye-popping, chart topping getaway’s onboard Royal Caribbean. Faith will explain why it’s never too early to begin daydreaming about where your travel will take you next. Royal Caribbean offers so many new and exciting ways to explore in 2020-2021, including first time visits to coastal towns, overnight stays in port and one-of-a- kind expeditions to cross more firsts off your bucket list. Travel worldwide with a cruise line that has only one rule: Anything is possible. They push the limits of the imagination for a vacation that exceeds every expectation. The vacation you deserve , this is Royal Caribbean Cruise Line!

Our guest is Emilio Freeman, Vice President, Destinations and Revenue Management for SeaDream Yacht Club. When we last spoke to Emilio we discovered It’s Yachting, Not Cruising , for a uniquely exceptional must do for those in search of a hidden, refined style while traveling to some of the most intimate ports and destinations around the world. Today we will follow the sun to the many new voyages in place for 2020 and 2021. Welcome aboard SeaDream Yacht Club with itineraries that feature overnight stays in some of the best yachting ports and harbors in the world.

Our guest is Julie Petschler, Business Development Manager for the Globus Family of Brands. Is it time for you to travel, as you envision the perfect vacation? We think you deserve an extraordinary, engaging vacation. More precisely, a Globus tour or perhaps an immersive river cruise experience. Because for ninety-one years the Globus Family of Brands has been consistently bringing, new, fresh, inventive ideas to the world of travel.

Our guest is John Round-Turner, Regional Sales & Marketing Director, East and Southern Africa for Abercrombie & Kent. A&K is the world’s leading luxury travel company, with a legacy for creating memorable, inspiring adventures in more than 100 countries on all seven continents. John will take us to Africa where 60 years ago, Abercrombie & Kent pioneered the modern style of luxury travel . Learn why after 60 years Abercrombie & Kent is still setting the standard for an African journey like no other, delivering authentic, inspiring experiences beyond the usual tourist destinations. With incomparable expertise and a passion for authentic discovery, Abercrombie & Kent reveals every destination from a true local perspective-and with a level of style and service that is the Abercrombie & Kent difference.

This episode of Travel Talk, our guest is Allycia Auxier, Market Sales Manager for Celebrity Cruises who will tell us how to chart a course for uncharted experiences to various cruise destinations around the world. Celebrity cruise destinations allow us to explore all seven continents to over 300 destinations in 79 countries. If you want to do more than simply observe the world, you can dive into it, relish its flavors and get to know its people. Travel to your hearts content with more overnight stays, personalized shore excursions, culinary adventures, and immersive multi-night vacation packages. Experience the evolution of travel in the Galapagos with Celebrity’s newest ship the Celebrity Flora. This revolutionary 100-guest, all suites mega yacht is poised to connect travelers to the Galapagos islands like never before. What’s new, what’s trending, it’ a great time to book with your combination of perks plus savings!

Welcome to the art of river cruising with our guest Joseph Barney, Business Development Manager for Uniworld Boutique River Cruises. Joseph is just back from cruising on the S.S. Bon Voyage one of Uniworld’s stunning Super Ships. Luxury is never static, but an evolving concept and today we will discuss the meticulous attention that Uniworld boutique river cruises allow guests to travel from one exciting destination to the next aboard a stylish floating hotel with inviting lounges, cozy libraries, panoramic restaurants, sumptuous cuisine and luxurious river view staterooms and suites.

Join us today on a uniquely American River Cruise Experience. Our guest Barbara Davis, Manager of Training & Sales Support for American Queen Steamboat Company, take us along the best in US River Cruises. Enjoy all-inclusive luxury cruising in the heart of America with the history, culture and nature of the famous US Rivers. Authentic America is out there just waiting to be discovered and it is unlike anything you have ever experienced before.

Our guest is Karl Kannstadter, Director of Expedition Sales for Silversea Cruises. Silversea voyages and cruise expeditions sail to over 970 destinations on all seven continents. We will discuss the differences between Antarctica and the Arctic and what sets Silversea Cruises apart from other similar cruise lines.

Discover the treasures of the world on PONANT Cruises, named Travel + Leisure Magazine 2018 World’s Best for BOTH Mid-Size Ship AND Small-Size Ship and Conde Nast 2018 Readers Choice Award for Small Size Ship. With more than 200 cruises every year, 100 countries, 400 ports and 100 different routes, Edie Rodriquez, Americas Brand Chairman is with us today to invite us to escape from the everyday and enjoy exotic experiences as we travel with PONANT Cruises to all four corners of the world.