Podcasts about amawaterways

Send us a textIn the last couple of years, we have started checking off some bucket list cruises. Given that they are bucket list destinations, vessels, or both it is of little surprise that several of those bucket list check offs made it on to this list. And as we have a number of bucket list cruises in front of us, i suspect this list will evolve over time. Like later this year, our next cruise is a bucket list trip to the Panama Canal on Holland America Lines flagship, Rotterdam, and if what I have researched turns out to be the case I suspect it will crack our top ten. This is an absolutely subjective list, not just that it is our opinion only, but offered from the perspective of non-professional reviewers. We don't have a YouTube channel, so we don't go over ships anywhere near as comprehensively as many of those content creators. We just thought it would be fun to do. Exactly half of the top ten were before The Joy of Cruising Podcast was created, and the other half have been since the podcast, and thus we have done a reflections podcast for each of the five on the list that we have done since the podcast started two and-a-half years ago. So, you could check them out if you missed them.Paul's article about the AmaWaterways AmaKristina Soulful Experience cruise at Quirky Cruise https://quirkycruise.com/amawaterways-soulful-experience-cruise/ 1.     AmaWaterways, AmaKristina by Friends of Festival At Sea2.     Fire & Ice, Hawaii to Alaska to Vancouver on Norwegian Spirit 3.     Celebrity Beyond Mediterranean 4.     Soul Train Cruise on Holland America Line Nieuw Amsterdam5.     The Smooth Jazz Cruise on Celebrity Millenium6.     Explora Journeys, Explora I7.     Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady Transatlantic Cruise8.     Festival At Sea On Celebrity Equinox9.     Carnival Mardi Gras10.   Royal Caribbean Symphony of The Seas Do you have a dream car?Support the showSupport thejoyofcruisingpodcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/2113608/supporters/newSupport Me https://www.buymeacoffee.com/drpaulthContact Me https://www.thejoyofcruising.net/contact-me.htmlBook Cruises http://www.thejoyofvacation.com/US Orders (coupon code joyofcruisingpodcast)The Joy of Cruising https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruisingCruising Interrupted https://bit.ly/CruisingInterruptedThe Joy of Cruising Again https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruisingAgainIntl Orders via Amazon

River cruising is expanding its reach to attract new markets, engage a more active customer, develop new destinations, and offer longer cruises. This panel of river cruise experts examines the latest new products and services, as well as the newest destinations on the rivers of the world. Our river cruise experts also tell you how your clients can visit familiar rivers in a completely new way. They detail how you can better sell river cruising to a new generation of customers. James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report moderates a panel with Marilyn Conroy, executive vice president business development for Riviera Travel, Steven Simao, vice president of sales for Century Cruises, and Rob Huffman, director of field sales-USA for AmaWaterways. All our Insider Travel Report video interviews are archived and available on our Youtube channel (youtube.com/insidertravelreport), and as podcasts with the same title on: Spotify, Pandora, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Listen Notes, Podchaser, TuneIn + Alexa, Podbean,  iHeartRadio,  Google, Amazon Music/Audible, Deezer, Podcast Addict, and iTunes Apple Podcasts, which supports Overcast, Pocket Cast, Castro and Castbox.

Catherine Powell, the new CEO of AmaWaterways, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about her new role, her background and her plans for the luxury river cruise line going forward. Powell tells us about her first river cruises on AmaWaterways, her impressions of the product and how she intends to keep working with the travel agency distribution system to sell her company's river cruises. For more information, visit www.amawaterways.com.  All our Insider Travel Report video interviews are archived and available on our Youtube channel  (youtube.com/insidertravelreport), and as podcasts with the same title on: Spotify, Pandora, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Listen Notes, Podchaser, TuneIn + Alexa, Podbean,  iHeartRadio,  Google, Amazon Music/Audible, Deezer, Podcast Addict, and iTunes Apple Podcasts, which supports Overcast, Pocket Cast, Castro and Castbox.  

The Le Vigne Winery team joined us at the fair ahead of the SLO County Wine Awards where they accepted the 2025 Winery of the Year award! Enjoy our conversations about the award winning wines, amazing cheese pairings and more! The Krush 92-5 would like to thank our 2025 fair partners! AMA Waterways - Plan your European river cruise now at AMAwaterways.com. 15 Degrees C Wine Bar & Restaurant. On the fairgrounds with us every July AND serving deliciousness year round on Broad Street in SLO and at 15cwine.com. Hear more of our fair time conversations at Krush925.com. On Apple Podcasts, subscribe to The Krush 92-5 Podcast Network.

Two Paso Wine legends joined us at the fair! Thank you to Gary Eberle and Tobin James for a special day full of great stories and award winning wines and an amazing throwback bottle of 1987 Cab that they made together back in the day! Ali with 15 Degrees C (who used to work for Gary!) and Paso Wine's Chris Taranto joined in on the fun too! The Krush 92-5 would like to thank our 2025 fair partners! AMA Waterways - Plan your European river cruise now at AMAwaterways.com. 15 Degrees C Wine Bar & Restaurant. On the fairgrounds with us every July AND serving deliciousness year round on Broad Street in SLO and at 15cwine.com. Hear more of our fair time conversations at Krush 92-5 dot com. On Apple Podcasts, subscribe to The Krush 92-5 Podcast Network.

Send us a textHello, passionate cruisers! This is Paul. This week on The Joy of Cruising Podcast, I am delighted to welcome Janet Bava, Chief Commercial Officer, Windstar Cruises. We have had several small ship specialists on the podcast as well as leaders from some of the lines, and of course passionate cruisers providing us their cruise reports from their time on various small ship and river cruises. This is the first time we have exclusive focused on Windstar Cruises, and I am excited to meet Janet and learn about Windstar.Cuban born and Miami raised, Janet Bava found her love for travel at a young age. She had her first taste of cruising at the age of 15 when she celebrated her quinceañera onboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship and never looked back. She describes herself as a cruise lifer and internationally travel driven — she even met her husband while traveling through Italy during her college years.Prior to joining Windstar Cruises during the summer of 2023, Bava was most recently the Chief Marketing Officer for AmaWaterways River Cruises, and she has spent upwards of 20 years working in the travel industry. Most notably, prior to AmaWaterways, Bava was the VP of Marketing (The Americas) for Silversea Cruises where she fell in love with small-ship luxury cruising. Graduated from Florida International University with her Marketing and International Business degree, she always dreamed of working for a global brand poised for expansion and that would allow her to focus on bringing people from all over the world closer together. As a member of Chief [Professional Network for Women], she enjoys connecting and supporting women executive leaders and emerging future female leaders in the corporate world.She prides herself on being a results-driven professional who is able to lead by example and set a clear vision for her team. Bava values collaboration, creativity and innovation. She sees the advantages of leveraging new emerging technologies to consistently deliver results and she looks forward to further elevating the Windstar experience ensuring every touch point with our guests can be 180 degrees from ordinary.There's one thing Bava has that never expires — her passport. If she could, she would explore the whole world on a ship with her beloved colleagues, family & friends. With an already accomplished travel portfolio, Bava is most eager to experience Tahiti and the Middle East the Windstar way, on an intimate private-yacht style cruise delighting in the culinary experiences this award-winning global travel brand is renowned for.Do you have a dream car?Support the showSupport thejoyofcruisingpodcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/2113608/supporters/newSupport Me https://www.buymeacoffee.com/drpaulthContact Me https://www.thejoyofcruising.net/contact-me.htmlBook Cruises http://www.thejoyofvacation.com/US Orders (coupon code joyofcruisingpodcast)The Joy of Cruising https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruisingCruising Interrupted https://bit.ly/CruisingInterruptedThe Joy of Cruising Again https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruisingAgainIntl Orders via Amazon

Join travel advisors Ryan and Julie as they dive into an exclusive AmaWaterways river cruise opportunity that wine and food lovers won't want to miss! Ryan shares details about his hosted group cruise through France's renowned Bordeaux wine region, sailing July 16-23, 2026.Featured Cruise: Taste of Bordeaux Wine-Themed River CruiseShip: AmaWaterways AmaDolce Dates: July 16-23, 2026 Route: 7-night round-trip from BordeauxHighlighted Destinations & Experiences:Bordeaux wine regions: Médoc, Saint-Émilion, Libourne, Blaye, CadillacExclusive wine tastings at UNESCO World Heritage vineyardsCulinary experiences: Market visits with onboard chefs, truffle hunting, bread baking in historic windmillsCultural immersion: Castle tours, citadel visits, walking tours along scenic riverfrontSpecial group activities: Wine and food pairing dinners, chef's table experiencesExtension OptionsPre-Cruise: 4-night Spanish Basque Country (Bilbao, San Sebastian) - $1,440/personGuggenheim Museum visitMichelin-star dining experiencesSpanish pintxos tastingsPost-Cruise: 3-night Loire Valley & Paris - $1,590/personFairytale châteaux visitsParis landmarks tourRomantic city explorationSpecial Pricing (Through July 2025)Triple Savings Promotion:$1,000 off per personComplimentary cabin upgrade$100 onboard credit per stateroomGroup Pricing:Category B (French Balcony): $5,848/person (upgraded to Category A)Category E: $4,348/person (upgraded to Category D)First two bookings: Additional 5% discount$400 deposit required per personWhy Choose This Cruise?Ryan emphasizes the "relaxed, boutique onboard experience" that AmaWaterways is known for, comparing it to staying in a luxury boutique hotel. The itinerary focuses on authentic French wine culture, smaller off-the-beaten-path towns, and immersive culinary experiences that differ from typical Rhine or Danube river cruises.Perfect for: Wine enthusiasts, foodies, couples, solo travelers, and anyone seeking luxury travel with cultural immersion.How to BookContact Ryan at WonderandBeyondTravel.com - click "Work with Ryan" and mention "AmaWaterways Group" in your email.Experience France's wine country like never before with expert guidance and exclusive group amenities!Support the showLove the podcast? Help us continue to create great travel content by supporting the show. You can do that here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1197029/supporters/new Ready to plan your vacation? Most families are confused and overwhelmed when planning a vacation. We work with you to plan a trip perfect for your family. Saving you time, money, and stress! Visit our website www.allthingstravelpodcast.com and click on "Plan Your Next Vacation" Join the travel conversations and the fun in our Facebook Page and Instagram Page! Please share the show with your travel buddies!! Click this link and share the show! Never miss an episode and help us take you to the top with us by following and leaving a 5-Star review on your favorite podcasting app!

Kristin Karst, co-founder and chief brand ambassador, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the increased interest in river cruising, evolving guest preferences and authentic cultural experiences in Colombia and beyond. For more information, visit www.amawaterways.com.   All our Insider Travel Report video interviews are archived and available on our Youtube channel  (youtube.com/insidertravelreport), and as podcasts with the same title on: Spotify, Pandora, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Listen Notes, Podchaser, TuneIn + Alexa, Podbean,  iHeartRadio,  Google, Amazon Music/Audible, Deezer, Podcast Addict, and iTunes Apple Podcasts, which supports Overcast, Pocket Cast, Castro and Castbox.  

What do luxury river cruises offer that sets them apart today? What kind innovative itineraries and destinations are they offering? What dining options do they need to have? What tours and excursions do they need to offer. This panel examines how luxury river cruising has changed and what makes it different. Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report moderates this panel of experts, including Kelly Ross, Azamara; Jason Douglas Harris, Silversea and Matthew Zion, AmaWaterways. All our Insider Travel Report video interviews are archived and available on our Youtube channel  (youtube.com/insidertravelreport), and as podcasts with the same title on: Spotify, Pandora, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Listen Notes, Podchaser, TuneIn + Alexa, Podbean,  iHeartRadio,  Google, Amazon Music/Audible, Deezer, Podcast Addict, and iTunes Apple Podcasts, which supports Overcast, Pocket Cast, Castro and Castbox.  

Send us a textHello, passionate cruisers! This is Paul. I am delighted to welcome back to The Joy of Cruising Podcast Paul and Carole, creators of one of the top cruise brands in the world, Paul and Carole Love to Travel. They are dominant on every social medium platform they are on, and whether you classify them as cruise influencers or cruise content creators they are among the world's leader as either. Most importantly to me is that Paul and Carole are passionate cruisers, and just about every time I read about them on social or see them on YouTube, they are cruising to one of my bucket list destinations! Like the topic of this podcast; we'll be checking off Dubai from our bucket list in a few weeks, and when I found out Paul and Carole had recently cruised there, I had to get them back on the show. They are no strangers to The Joy of Cruising Podcast—you can count on a few fingers the number of guests appearing on the podcast for the third time. Ep 27 Paul and Carole Love to Travel, and  Ep 99 Paul & Carole Love To Travel, Mekong River Cruise, AmaWaterways, AmaDara, Japan!By the way, you can count on a couple of fingers the passionate cruisers who have been in more than one of my books, and Paul and Carole Love to Travel was featured in both The Joy of Cruising amzn.to/2EAMddF, and Cruising Interrupted amzn.to/3seFU8y. It's been over a year, so I wanted to catch up with Paul and Carole, and especially to get their thoughts on their cruise to Dubai and the Emirates, which Cheryl and I will be visiting in a couple of weeks. Support the showSupport thejoyofcruisingpodcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/2113608/supporters/newSupport Me https://www.buymeacoffee.com/drpaulthContact Me https://www.thejoyofcruising.net/contact-me.htmlBook Cruises http://www.thejoyofvacation.com/US Orders (coupon code joyofcruisingpodcast)The Joy of Cruising https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruisingCruising Interrupted https://bit.ly/CruisingInterruptedThe Joy of Cruising Again https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruisingAgainIntl Orders via Amazon

In this episode of All Things Travel, hosts Ryan and Julie continue their discussion of Ryan's recent river cruise experience with AmaWaterways on the Romantic Danube itinerary. After covering the pre-cruise stay and initial impressions in the previous episode, they dive deeper into the dining experience, daily excursions, and how the cruise line handles unexpected situations.Dining Experience on AmaWaterwaysBreakfast: Combination of menu items (omelets, eggs benedict, pancakes) and buffet options including English breakfast and pastriesLunch: Menu-based with regionally-inspired options, including sandwiches, soups, and hot main dishesDinner: Full menu service with regionally-based cuisine reflecting the sailing locationsChef's Table: Complimentary specialty dining experience in a separate venue with a chef preparing meals in front of guestsUnlimited beer and wine included with lunch and dinnerLate night snacks available in the lounge around 10 PMFlexible dining options for various preferences, with "always available" menu items like steak, chicken, and salmonItinerary and Port HighlightsTechnical issues required modifications to the schedule, with AmaWaterways providing bus transportation to destinationsWachau Valley: Though initially missed due to ship issues, the cruise was rerouted to allow passengers to sail through this beautiful Austrian valleyDürnstein, Austria: Known for apricots, offering tastings of various apricot productsMelk Abbey: A gorgeous architectural complex with monks still in residenceVienna, Austria: Ryan toured the vibrant city on Palm SundayBratislava, Slovakia: Surprisingly Ryan's favorite stop, offering the perfect blend of small village charm and modern city amenities Walking tour through the old townBeer garden with Slovakian beer tastingsLocal pastries and ice cream (including fig flavor)Shopping opportunities at both traditional shops and modern mallsBudapest, Hungary: Sailing into Budapest and seeing the Parliament building along the Danube Tours of both Buda (old town, castle area) and Pest sidesVisit to the Jewish memorial shoes along the DanubeEaster market with food, music, decorations, and giftsKey TakeawaysExceptional level of service throughout the cruiseVariety of experiences available even with similar excursion typesRiver cruising allowsWant to cruise with Ryan and Julie in July 2025? Join our cruise with friends of the podcast (yes, that's you as a listener)! Check out the details: https://forms.gle/Jpikq82XPQS63v5N8Visit our website, allthingstravelpodcast.com, for freebies and more podcast info! Ready to plan your vacation? Most families are confused and overwhelmed when planning a vacation. We work with you to plan a trip perfect for your family. Saving you time, money, and stress! Visit our website www.allthingstravelpodcast.com and click on "Plan Your Next Vacation" Join the travel conversations and the fun in our Facebook Page and Instagram Page! Please share the show with your travel buddies!! Click this link and share the show! Never miss an episode and help us take you to the top with us by following and leaving a 5-Star review on your favorite podcasting app!

Kristin Karst, co-founder and chief brand ambassador for AmaWaterways, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the AmaMagdalena, the first river ship to cruise in Colombia. The ship made its debut earlier this month sailing seven-night cruises on a culturally rich and scenic itinerary from Cartagena to Barranquilla (and the reverse). For more information, visit www.amawaterways.com. All our Insider Travel Report video interviews are archived and available on our Youtube channel (youtube.com/insidertravelreport), and as podcasts with the same title on: Spotify, Pandora, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Listen Notes, Podchaser, TuneIn + Alexa, Podbean,  iHeartRadio,  Google, Amazon Music/Audible, Deezer, Podcast Addict, and iTunes Apple Podcasts, which supports Overcast, Pocket Cast, Castro and Castbox.

Join travel advisors Ryan and Julie as they discuss Ryan's recent river cruise experience on AmaWaterways' Romantic Danube itinerary. In this episode, Ryan shares the first part of his journey, including his pre-cruise adventures in Munich, Germany, and his initial experiences aboard the ship.Episode Highlights:Ryan participated in AmaWaterways' "Seminar on the River" program, combining a typical river cruise experience with special training sessions for travel advisorsThe cruise sailed from Vilshofen, Germany to Budapest, Hungary on a 7-night journeyRyan discusses his pre-cruise stay in Munich, including hotel selection strategies and a food and beer walking tourDetailed insights about logistical considerations: currency exchange, phone service, language barriers, and jet lag managementTransportation from Munich to the embarkation point in Vilshofen via trainThe welcoming experience on the ship, including a special Oktoberfest celebration hosted by the town of VilshofenPort visits to Passau, Germany and Linz, Austria, with excursion options including Český Krumlov in the Czech RepublicDiscussion of AmaWaterways' included excursions and how they're organized into different activity levels (gentle, regular, and active)Ryan's experience traveling solo and how river cruising naturally facilitates making connections with other travelersAmaWaterways River Cruise Insights:Excursions are included in the cruise fare (with one exception in Vienna)Options to book pre/post cruise extensions in destinations like PragueThe logistics of booking air through the cruise line and transfer considerationsHow excursions are organized into small groups for a more intimate experienceWhy river cruising works well for solo travelersStay tuned for the next episode where Ryan will continue sharing his Danube River cruise experience, including shipboard life, dining, and more port adventures!Whether you're considering a river cruise or just curious about European travel, this episode offers valuable insights about planning, logistics, and making the most of your adventure.Want to cruise with Ryan and Julie in July 2025? Join our cruise with friends of the podcast (yes, that's you as a listener)! Check out the details: https://forms.gle/Jpikq82XPQS63v5N8Visit our website, allthingstravelpodcast.com, for freebies and more podcast info! Ready to plan your vacation? Most families are confused and overwhelmed when planning a vacation. We work with you to plan a trip perfect for your family. Saving you time, money, and stress! Visit our website www.allthingstravelpodcast.com and click on "Plan Your Next Vacation" Join the travel conversations and the fun in our Facebook Page and Instagram Page! Please share the show with your travel buddies!! Click this link and share the show! Never miss an episode and help us take you to the top with us by following and leaving a 5-Star review on your favorite podcasting app!

Send us a text157 - Discover Europe's most breathtaking waterways in this definitive guide to river cruising! Join hosts Rob & Kerri Stuart as they reveal their expert insights on the top 5 European rivers for unforgettable cruise experiences: The Rhine, Danube, Seine, Douro, and Rhône. Currently sailing the Danube themselves, the Stuarts share firsthand experiences from Budapest to Vienna and beyond on luxury vessels like AmaWaterways' AmaLea.Learn why river cruising offers the perfect blend of convenience (unpack just once!) and immersion in Europe's most iconic destinations. From castle-lined shores and vineyard vistas to medieval towns and lavender fields, discover why each river offers its own unique charm. Whether you're drawn to the romance of Paris on the Seine, the wine regions of Portugal's Douro Valley, or the imperial cities along the Danube, this episode is your complete gateway to planning the European river cruise of your dreams.Perfect for first-time cruisers or experienced travelers looking to elevate their European adventure with this increasingly popular travel style. Subscribe now for more international travel inspiration, destination guides, and insider tips from veteran travelers!If we can help you plan your next adventure, please reach out at Creating Magic Vacations .com#RiverCruise #EuropeanTravel #LuxuryTravel #TravelInspiration #TravelTips #DanubeRiver #RhineRiver #EuropeanDestinations #TravelPodcast #InstagrammableTravel

Send us a textHello, passionate cruisers! This is Paul and this week on The Joy of Cruising Podcast I am delighted to welcome back again to The Joy of Cruising Podcast Mikkel and Dan, creators of the Sometimes Sailing cruise website and Instagram. Mikkel and Dan are special friends, that I got to know when I wrote about Sometimes Sailing in my latest book release,  The Joy of Cruising Again http://amzn.to/3lAfyON where I wrote about their penchant for small ship cruising as well as “ship-within-a-ship” spaces, for instance, Celebrity Cruises The Retreat, Norwegian Haven, Princess Cruises Medallion Class, and MSC Yacht Club. With today's episode Mikkel and Dan, Sometimes Sailing, are the first The Joy of Cruising Podcast guests to appear on the podcast four times! I hosted Sometimes Sailing on The Joy of Cruising Podcast Episode 28 in 2023, and Episode 101, and then Episode 149 in 2024. ➡️ Mikkel and Dan have created a complimentary river cruise planning resource for our listeners. **Download their Essential River Cruise Budgeting Guide here.**Listen to Small Ship Cruise Talk wherever you tune into podcasts.They have a lot of AmaMagna content on their Instagram, @sometimessailingLearn more about their in-depth Viking Torgil Douro River review. Support the showSupport thejoyofcruisingpodcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/2113608/supporters/newSupport Me https://www.buymeacoffee.com/drpaulthContact Me https://www.thejoyofcruising.net/contact-me.htmlBook Cruises http://www.thejoyofvacation.com/US Orders (coupon code joyofcruisingpodcast)The Joy of Cruising https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruisingCruising Interrupted https://bit.ly/CruisingInterruptedThe Joy of Cruising Again https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruisingAgainIntl Orders via Amazon

Kristen Karst, co-founder, co-owner and chief brand ambassador for AmaWaterways, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about her luxury river cruise line's plans for new ships, new itineraries and a whole new river. Karst details plans for a second AmaMagna class ship, named AmaRudi after her co-founder and husband, Rudi Schreiner, and provides an update on plans to start river cruising on the Magdalena River in Colombia later this spring. For more information, visit www.amawaterways.com. All our Insider Travel Report video interviews are archived and available on our Youtube channel  (youtube.com/insidertravelreport), and as podcasts with the same title on: Spotify, Pandora, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Listen Notes, Podchaser, TuneIn + Alexa, Podbean,  iHeartRadio,  Google, Amazon Music/Audible, Deezer, Podcast Addict, and iTunes Apple Podcasts, which supports Overcast, Pocket Cast, Castro and Castbox.  

Today, we’re diving into the world of Ama Waterways – a leader in luxury river cruising renowned for its immersive experiences and exceptional service. Recently, Sandy had the privilege of sailing on the magnificent Ama Magna, a unique vessel that’s twice the size of traditional river cruise boats, offering unmatched space and luxury. Alongside 30 … Continue reading Episode 539: Sailing the Danube on the Ama Magna →

This week on Traveling Culturati, we will have an exciting discussion on river cruising with Jazzmine Douse, including an inside look at our upcoming Colombia Cruise experience. Discover the charm of river cruising, the unique destinations along the way, and why this style of travel offers an unforgettable journey. You don't want to miss this episode! Tune in for expert insights, travel tips, and a glimpse into the beauty of river adventures. We'll also have Ja'Vonne's Travel Minute and The Culture Report featuring Boheme Retreats with Keva Nive!

In this episode, host Amanda Bauner explores the enchanting world of river cruises with guests Beci Mahnken and Grace Korba. They reveal details about the exciting 2026 Me and the Magic group trip along the Seine River in France with AmaWaterways, sharing insights on river cruising in Europe and the allure of destinations such as the Normandy Beaches and Monet's garden. The episode provides valuable tips on choosing staterooms, excursion options, and dining experiences onboard.  To see all the details for the 2026 Seine River cruise, go to the Event page on Me and the Magic.com.  Connect with Our Guests Connect with Beci Mahnken, founder and CEO of MEI-Travel & Mouse Fan Travel, on Facebook and Instagram, and at her website, Adventures with Beci.  Connect with Grace online on Facebook and Instagram, or email Grace at grace.korba@mei-travel.com . Also, you may contact Grace through MEI-Travel and Mouse Fan Travel. Join the Me and the Magic Community Join the Me and the Magic Facebook community to share your love of solo travel, Disney travel, and more with new friends. Plus, share your thoughts and questions on this episode with the community! Connect with Amanda Is there a topic you'd like us to discuss? Email Amanda at amanda@meandthemagic.com.   Subscribe to the Me and the Magic weekly newsletter for exclusive content, including solo travel tips! Me and the Magic has voicemail! Leave a voicemail or text to 1-347-74MAGIC (1-347-746-2442). Share your thoughts about this episode, a future episode topic idea, or just say hi! Podcast Subscribe to this podcast so you will be the first to hear new episodes!  If you are enjoying the podcast, I'd greatly appreciate it if you could rate and review it on Apple Podcasts. The reviews help other people find this podcast.  Online Shop Buy some fun travel and pop culture shirts and more, at our online shop!   

Send us a text155 - Ready to embark on a solo adventure? Join Travel Inspired hosts Rob and Kerri Stuart as they reveal why solo cruising – both river and ocean – has become the ultimate way to explore Europe and beyond. Whether you're dreaming of gliding down the Danube or sailing across the Pacific, this episode is your complete guide to independent cruise travel.Discover how luxury river cruise lines like AmaWaterways, Riviera Cruises, and Emerald Cruises are transforming solo travel with dedicated single cabins and exclusive solo sailings, while innovative ocean lines like Norwegian Cruise Line and Virgin Voyages are revolutionizing the solo experience with specialized lounges and social spaces. From boutique river ships to modern ocean vessels, learn how cruise lines are adapting to welcome a new generation of independent travelers.In this episode, we explore:Top river and ocean cruise lines for solo travelersMoney-saving tips on single supplements and exclusive dealsDifferences between river and ocean cruising for solo adventurersReal stories from experienced solo travelers, including trans-Pacific journeysHow to choose between intimate river cruises and vibrant ocean voyagesSocial opportunities and activities for independent travelersExpert insights on the future of solo cruise travelPlus, get a sneak peek at our upcoming European cruise ship tours and stay tuned for next week's episode on maximizing airline miles and points for your travel adventures!#SoloTravel #CruiseLife #RiverCruise #OceanCruise #TravelTips #LuxuryTravel #SoloFemaleTravel #TravelPodcast #TravelInspiration #Wanderlust #EuropeanVacation #CruiseVacationWant to turn your dream vacations into reality? Listen now and start planning your 2025 adventures!Plan your vacation!----------------------- Do you have a destination you want us to cover? Please reach out to us and let us know. You can send a direct message to us on Instagram.Check out the CMV YouTube channel for travel inspiration.Want to learn a new language? Then use our referral code and join DuoLingo - the app. It's free, it's fun, and imagine what spending 15 mins a day learning a new language instead of mindlessly scrolling on Facebook can do for you.  JOIN HERERemember, the world is a book and those who don't travel only read a page.Be Travel Inspired.

Walaa Badour, cruise director, Egyptologist and tour director on AmaLilia, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about AmaWaterways' Nile River itineraries. Badour describes the full 12-day itinerary, including stops in Cairo, Luxor, Aswan and Abu Simbel, featuring guided tours of historic sites, museum visits, cultural experiences and Nile River cruising. Badour also explains AmaWaterways' approach to accessibility, service, exclusive excursions and the Egyptian government's safety measures for travelers. For more information, visit www.amawaterways.com. All our Insider Travel Report video interviews are archived and available on our Youtube channel  (youtube.com/insidertravelreport), and as podcasts with the same title on: Spotify, Pandora, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Listen Notes, Podchaser, TuneIn + Alexa, Podbean,  iHeartRadio,  Google, Amazon Music/Audible, Deezer, Podcast Addict, and iTunes Apple Podcasts, which supports Overcast, Pocket Cast, Castro and Castbox.  

Walaa Badour, cruise director, Egyptologist and tour director on AmaLilia, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about AmaWaterways' Nile River ships, AmaDahlia and AmaLilia. Badnour describes the accommodations, dining, entertainment and amenities on board, including a gym, spa and specialty restaurant. Badour also highlights the accessibility on the ships, themed parties, cultural performances and the Egyptian government's extensive safety measures. This is the first of a two-part interview. For more information, visit www.amawaterways.com. All our Insider Travel Report video interviews are archived and available on our Youtube channel  (youtube.com/insidertravelreport), and as podcasts with the same title on: Spotify, Pandora, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Listen Notes, Podchaser, TuneIn + Alexa, Podbean,  iHeartRadio,  Google, Amazon Music/Audible, Deezer, Podcast Addict, and iTunes Apple Podcasts, which supports Overcast, Pocket Cast, Castro and Castbox.  

Send us a textI am delighted to welcome back to The Joy of Cruising Podcast Mikkel and Dan, creators of the Sometimes Sailing cruise website and Instagram. Mikkel and Dan are special friends, and this is a special episode.  I got to know Mikkel and Dan when I wrote about Sometimes Sailing in my new release The Joy of Cruising Again http://amzn.to/3lAfyON where I wrote about their penchant for small ship cruising as well as “ship-within-a-ship” spaces, for instance, Celebrity Cruises The Retreat, Norwegian Haven, and Princess Cruises Medallion Class. I hosted Sometimes Sailing on The Joy of Cruising Podcast Episode 28 last year, and on Episode 101 earlier this year where I mentioned how Mikkel and Dan were instrumental in motivating me to pursue my bucket list aspiration to sail our first river cruise—AmaWaterways Soulful Epicurean French River Cruise on AmaKristina. What makes this episode special is that Mikkel and Dan, Sometimes Sailing are the first guests to appear on the podcast three times!  Mikkel and Dan have created a complimentary river cruise planning resource for our listeners. **Download their Essential River Cruise Budgeting Guide here.**Relying on ship wifi is slow, unsecure, sometimes not available & at foreign ports travelers don't want to pay their carriers' high fees. Save $ with GigSky! Get a data package usable on the ship & in ports. Link to GigSky: https://gigsky.pxf.io/nloxor. For a 10% discount use code: joyofcruisingSupport the showSupport thejoyofcruisingpodcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/2113608/supporters/newSupport Me https://www.buymeacoffee.com/drpaulthContact Me https://www.thejoyofcruising.net/contact-me.htmlBook Cruises https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruisingPodcast-BookACruiseUS Orders (coupon code joyofcruisingpodcast)The Joy of Cruising https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruisingCruising Interrupted https://bit.ly/CruisingInterruptedThe Joy of Cruising Again https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruisingAgainIntl Orders via Amazon

It's not a category of travel one usually associates with family travel, but river cruises can provide the perfect family vacation, especially for families with slightly older kids (12 years plus). Families can tour Europe without having to pack and unpack, explore city centers and find family friendly attractions and historic sites throughout. We talk with river cruise lines that offer great family vacations. Moderated by James Shillinglaw, editor in chief of Insider Travel Report, this panel features Rob Huffman, director of field sales for AmaWaterways, and Jen Halboth, chief executive officer for Riverside Luxury Cruises and Riverside Collection, Americas. All our Insider Travel Report video interviews are archived and available on our Youtube channel  (youtube.com/insidertravelreport), and as podcasts with the same title on: Spotify, Pandora, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Listen Notes, Podchaser, TuneIn + Alexa, Podbean,  iHeartRadio,  Google, Amazon Music/Audible, Deezer, Podcast Addict, and iTunes Apple Podcasts, which supports Overcast, Pocket Cast, Castro and Castbox.  

Everyone who studied ancient civilizations knows a little something about the Ancient Egyptians. They built The Pyramids. They had hieroglyphics that was their written language that decorated their temples and tombs. They invented “paper” or papyrus. Egypt is one of those places that are on most people's Top 5 or Top 10 Destination Lists. Donna … Continue reading Episode 521: Exploring Egypt on Amawaterways →

This week I welcome two guests: Christian Svoboda, owner of Beforeyoubookit.com, and Natalia Yepes, owner of Adventuresque Travel Boutique. Together we first discuss the latest trending news in the travel industry, including the Biden Administration's new inquiry into US airlines, Venice's tourist tax extension, and more.  Later, the three of us discuss our time at the 2024 Visit Portugal Travel Trade Marketplace event. Hear what Svoboda and Yepes thought of the event, their post event FAM trip experiences, and their top recommendations for what to do and see throughout Portugal.  The interview on Portugal begins just before the 16-minute mark.  Today's episode sponsor: AmaWaterways  Invite your clients to explore the legendary Danube River on AmaWaterways' Best of the Danube itinerary. Guests will enjoy three of Europe's Old-World capitals – Vienna, Austria; Bratislava, Slovakia; and Budapest, Hungary – along with the gorgeous UNESCO-designated Wachau Valley. A favorite of AmaWaterways' Co-Founder Rudi Schreiner, this 7-night Budapest round-trip cruise offers an itinerary-exclusive carriage ride through Vienna! Plus, you will earn up to a 15% commission rate on your client's river cruise fare when you reserve their stateroom. Visit AmaWaterways.com/bestdanube to learn more about this incredible itinerary! Have any feedback or questions? Want to sponsor the show? Contact us at Podcast@TravelPulse.com and follow us on social media @TravelPulse. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to Humans in the Hot Seat, a spinoff series of Humans of Travel. This is Emma Weissmann, Executive Editor at TravelAge West, and your host. Over the coming weeks, we will be interviewing the finalists of the TravelAge West Trendsetter Awards, which were created to acknowledge the work of exceptional travel advisors. This year, TravelAge West honored travel advisors in five categories, and named a winner and a runner-up and each category. Today, you'll hear from the eleventh, and final, travel advisor in this series: Theresa Curbelo, Owner of BucketListTravel.Net, an affiliate of CruisePlanners. Theresa's targeted sales effort was focused on a first responders' trip to Dublin, Ireland. As part of her planning, she contacted a tour company in Dublin and created a private tour of the Dublin Fire Brigade Training Facility due to its rich history in Irish firefighting. Curbelo was named runner-up in the category of Best Group Booking Effort.  This episode was sponsored by AmaWaterways. Theresa's Trendsetter award was sponsored by the Globus Family of Brands. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Theresa Curbelo, CruisePlanners ABOUT YOUR HOST  Emma Weissmann is the Executive Editor of TravelAge West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She is also the co-host of Trade Secrets, a podcast created with sister publication Travel Weekly. TravelAge West also produces national trade publications Explorer and Family Getaways, as well as events including the Future Leaders in Travel Retreat, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala and the Napa Valley Leadership Forum.  ABOUT THE SHOW  TravelAge West's podcast, “Humans of Travel,” features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry's notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the highs and lows that make them human.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The tensions in the Middle East have been front and center for more than a year, from Hamas' attack on Israel and continuing with escalations between Israel and Iran. What does that mean for travel in the region? Thanks to reporting by acting tours editor Tom Stieghorst, we've got a snapshot of travel demand – and in this episode he talks with news editor Johanna Jainchill and host Rebecca Tobin about how and where people are traveling to the region. This conversation was recorded Oct. 18 and has been edited for length and clarity. Episode sponsor: This episode is sponsored by AmaWaterways https://www.amawaterways.com Related links: Middle East tension stays high, and travel stays slow https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Tour-Operators/Middle-East-tension-stays-high-travel-slow Delta extends pause on Israel flights through the end of 2024 https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Airline-News/Delta-extends-Israel-flight-pause-end-2024 Travel executives visit Israel with the goal to 'inspire and educate' https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Travel-Agent-Issues/Travel-executives-visit-Israel-with-a-mission From the Window Seat: Should independent travelers engage in thorny foreign politics? https://www.travelweekly.com/Arnie-Weissmann/The-meaning-of-meaningSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode we're looking at the impacts of hurricanes Milton and Helene on Florida's tourism economy. Florida is such an important state for tourism that whenever a hurricane slams through it's news. Here, host Rebecca Tobin, hotels editor Christina Jelski and Peter Ricci, the director of the Tourism and Hospitality Management program at Florida Atlantic University, talk about how the recent hurricanes might reshape the tourism landscape on Florida's Gulf Coast. We also discuss short-and long-term impacts to other travel destinations like Orlando and the right kind of marketing messaging that would encourage travelers to return after a storm.  What's the status of tourism in the hard-hit areas of North Carolina? We've added links to the show notes about travel organizations' relief and fundraising efforts.  This episode was recorded Oct. 17 and has been edited for length and clarity. It's important to note that this is a developing story, so any information in this episode about cities or regions might be change as the hurricane recovery process continues. Episode sponsor: This episode is sponsored by AmaWaterways https://www.amawaterways.com Related links: After Milton's wrath, experts see a reshaping of Florida's West Coast https://www.travelweekly.com/North-America-Travel/Reshaping-Florida-tourism-after-Milton-and-Helene How does American Airlines prep for a hurricane? A visit to its operations center shows how https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Airline-News/How-does-AA-prep-for-a-hurricane Relief efforts: Internova charity arm seeks to help travel professionals affected by Helene https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Travel-Agent-Issues/Internova-help-for-Helene-affected-advisors Carnival president skydives over Tampa for hurricane relief https://www.carnival-news.com/2024/10/19/carnival-cruise-line-president-christine-duffy-skydives-over-tampa-for-hurricane-relief Community Resources and travel information, via Explore Asheville https://always.exploreasheville.com/  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What's the difference between a tour operator and a destination management company (DMC)? How can advisors find DMCs to work with, and what are the top do's and don'ts of working with them? What if a contact at a DMC ghosts a travel advisor? Hear the answers to these questions and more in this week's episode of Trade Secrets, where co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada chat about all things DMCs with Andrea Grisdale, CEO and founder of I.C. Bellagio in Italy. This episode is sponsored by AmaWaterways. Further resources IC Bellagio on the web Andrea Grisdale's email Mentioned in this episode: Death of a Travel Advisor by Dori Saltzman - From TravelAge West: The ultimate travel advisor guide to destination management companies Conde Nast's travel specialists Travel + Leisure's A List Wendy Perrin's WOW List Need advice? Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098 Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com   Theme song: Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week I welcome Vanessa McGovern, Co-Founder and Chief Sales & Marketing Officer of Gifted Travel Network, to the podcast to first discuss trending news in the travel industry, including Cancun's airport change, Royal Caribbean's big announcement, and more.  Later, McGovern shares top tips for travel advisors. Hear her thoughts on how to grow your business, advice for dealing with tough clients, and so much more. McGovern also shares insights from some elite-level advisors in the Gifted Travel Network.  The interview on travel advisor tips begins at the 16-minute mark.  Today's episode sponsors: AmaWaterways  Invite your clients to explore the legendary Danube River on AmaWaterways' Best of the Danube itinerary. Guests will enjoy three of Europe's Old-World capitals – Vienna, Austria; Bratislava, Slovakia; and Budapest, Hungary – along with the gorgeous UNESCO-designated Wachau Valley. A favorite of AmaWaterways' Co-Founder Rudi Schreiner, this 7-night Budapest round-trip cruise offers an itinerary-exclusive carriage ride through Vienna! Plus, you will earn up to a 15% commission rate on your client's river cruise fare when you reserve their stateroom. Visit AmaWaterways.com/bestdanube to learn more about this incredible itinerary! Have any feedback or questions? Want to sponsor the show? Contact us at Podcast@TravelPulse.com and follow us on social media @TravelPulse. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to Humans in the Hot Seat, a spinoff series of Humans of Travel. This is Emma Weissmann, Executive Editor at TravelAge West, and your host. Over the coming weeks, we will be interviewing the finalists of the TravelAge West Trendsetter Awards, which were created to acknowledge the work of exceptional travel advisors. This year, TravelAge West honored travel advisors in five categories, and named a winner and a runner-up and each category. Today, you'll hear from the ninth and tenth travel advisor in this series: Jessica Malerman and Nicole Rivera who, along with their colleague Shelby Reyes, organized a Taylor Swift Affinity Cruise setting sail in a couple weeks onboard Allure of the Seas. The Marvelous Mouse Travels' advisors won in the category of Best Group Booking Effort.  This episode was sponsored by AmaWaterways. Jessica and Nicole's Trendsetter award was sponsored by the Globus Family of Brands. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Marvelous Mouse Travels In My Cruise Era ABOUT YOUR HOST  Emma Weissmann is the Executive Editor of TravelAge West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She is also the co-host of Trade Secrets, a podcast created with sister publication Travel Weekly. TravelAge West also produces national trade publications Explorer and Family Getaways, as well as events including the Future Leaders in Travel Retreat, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala and the Napa Valley Leadership Forum.  ABOUT THE SHOW  TravelAge West's podcast, “Humans of Travel,” features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry's notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the highs and lows that make them human.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week I first discuss the latest trending news in travel, including another Hurricane set to impact travel, new fees for frequent travelers and more.  Later, I welcome Master Foodie Mara Papatheodorou, a Tastes & Traditions Expert and Culinary Historian, to talk about the latest in culinary travel trends. Papatheodorou shares her insights into what the flavors of the moment are, trending destinations in the foodie scene, and more.  The interview on culinary travel trends begins shortly before the 8-minute mark.  Today's episode sponsors: AmaWaterways  Invite your clients to explore the legendary Danube River on AmaWaterways' Best of the Danube itinerary. Guests will enjoy three of Europe's Old-World capitals – Vienna, Austria; Bratislava, Slovakia; and Budapest, Hungary – along with the gorgeous UNESCO-designated Wachau Valley. A favorite of AmaWaterways' Co-Founder Rudi Schreiner, this 7-night Budapest round-trip cruise offers an itinerary-exclusive carriage ride through Vienna! Plus, you will earn up to a 15% commission rate on your client's river cruise fare when you reserve their stateroom. Visit AmaWaterways.com/bestdanube to learn more about this incredible itinerary! Have any feedback or questions? Want to sponsor the show? Contact us at Podcast@TravelPulse.com and follow us on social media @TravelPulse. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alle Pierce is an Emmy award-winning host, travel influencer, river cruise ship Godmother and founder of Gals Abroad Getaways, a travel company that designs group trips for like-minded women. Before diving into the travel industry, Pierce built a successful career in broadcast journalism as a local news reporter. During this time, she honed her storytelling and public speaking skills, which would later become the foundation for her next venture — helping companies and tourism boards craft compelling brand stories. On this episode of Humans of Travel, Pierce reflects on her journey from television host to entrepreneur, shares insights from her favorite projects (including a recent role covering the 2024 Paris Olympics), and opens up about how she stays authentic in the fast-paced world of social media. She also delves into the inspiration behind Gals Abroad Getaways, the lessons learned from her travel advisor mother and her vision for the future of her company. This episode was sponsored by AmaWaterways. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Alle Pierce's website and Instagram Gals Abroad Getaways Gals Abroad Getaways on Instagram ABOUT YOUR HOST  Emma Weissmann is the Executive Editor of TravelAge West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She is also the co-host of Trade Secrets, a podcast created with sister publication Travel Weekly. TravelAge West also produces national trade publications Explorer and Family Getaways, as well as events including the Future Leaders in Travel Retreat, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala and the Napa Valley Leadership Forum.  ABOUT THE SHOW  TravelAge West's podcast, “Humans of Travel,” features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry's notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the highs and lows that make them human.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Trade Secrets takes on the world. Jennifer Doncsecz of VIP Vacations returns to the podcast to discuss her specialty: destination weddings and honeymoons. She talks about everything from getting started selling destination weddings and honeymoons, to turning those travelers into clients for life. Then, she answers a number of listener questions about destinations, ranging from the benefits of visiting a spot before selling it, qualifying for fam trips and where to send clients headed to Europe for the first time. This episode is sponsored by AmaWaterways. Further resources VIP Vacations on Facebook Jennifer Doncsecz's email Jennifer's previous Trade Secrets episodes: All things branding Destination weddings and honeymoons Mentioned in this episode: Death of a Travel Advisor by Dori Saltzman -  The Travel Institute's course on destination weddings and honeymoons From Travel Weekly, Getting into groups Need advice? Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098 Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com   Theme song: Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week I welcome Stephen Scott, founder of Travel Hub 365 and the Odyssey Travel App, back to the podcast to discuss top trending news, including Hurricane Helene's travel impact, big changes for Southwest Airlines, and more.  Later in the show we dive into the top emerging travel destinations around the world as well as the unique vacation experiences taking shape. Scott shares his insights into what trends he's seeing rise up in the world of travel.  The discussion on emerging travel destinations and experiences begins after the 14-minute mark.  Today's episode sponsors: AmaWaterways  Invite your clients to explore the legendary Danube River on AmaWaterways' Best of the Danube itinerary. Guests will enjoy three of Europe's Old-World capitals – Vienna, Austria; Bratislava, Slovakia; and Budapest, Hungary – along with the gorgeous UNESCO-designated Wachau Valley. A favorite of AmaWaterways' Co-Founder Rudi Schreiner, this 7-night Budapest round-trip cruise offers an itinerary-exclusive carriage ride through Vienna! Plus, you will earn up to a 15% commission rate on your client's river cruise fare when you reserve their stateroom. Visit AmaWaterways.com/bestdanube to learn more about this incredible itinerary! Have any feedback or questions? Want to sponsor the show? Contact us at Podcast@TravelPulse.com and follow us on social media @TravelPulse. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rose Gray, the business relationship director at Fox World Travel, got her start in the travel industry by walking into the agency her family used for their own personal vacations, and convincing them to hire her. At the time, she says that travel advisors were more “order-takers” and less “consultative,” and Gray would spend her days handwriting airline tickets and typing itineraries on a typewriter. She then spent the next 35-plus years in the industry, adapting to various technologies as the profession evolved, all while exploring and embracing new ideas. Now, as the business relationship director and tour manager at Fox World Travel (the 25th Largest Travel Agency on Travel Weekly's Power List), Gray still works with other advisors and traveling clients, albeit in a different way. She leads groups of clients all over the world as a tour manager for the agency, and is often found broadcasting her own radio show and podcast from the road. In this episode of Humans of Travel, listeners will hear Gray reflect on her decades in travel; how her female role models helped shape her; how she has embraced new technologies (hello, artificial intelligence!); and her best advice for new-to-industry travel advisors on how to be successful and have a fruitful, long-lasting career. This episode was sponsored by AmaWaterways. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Fox World Travel Gray's Radio Show and Podcast ABOUT YOUR HOST  Emma Weissmann is the Executive Editor of TravelAge West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She is also the co-host of Trade Secrets, a podcast created with sister publication Travel Weekly. TravelAge West also produces national trade publications Explorer and Family Getaways, as well as events including the Future Leaders in Travel Retreat, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala and the Napa Valley Leadership Forum.  ABOUT THE SHOW  TravelAge West's podcast, “Humans of Travel,” features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry's notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the highs and lows that make them human.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Send us a textHello, passionate cruisers! I am delighted to welcome this week on The Joy of Cruising Podcast, Chef Bri Bullard, creator of Authentique Delights. I learned of Chef Bri when I hosted Nikki and Tommie Jones of Jones Getaways podcast a couple months ago Ep 123. The Jones' had traveled on AmaWaterways Soulful Epicurean French River Cruise on AmaKristina in June, a bucket list cruise Cheryl and I were booked for a few months later. Tommie mentioned in a way that I can just describe as “mouth-watering,” Chef Bri's presence and culinary role on that journey. Yes, as you can hear me vow on the podcast, I did follow-up with AmaWaterways to inquire whether Chef Bri was going to be on our voyage. She wasn't but her presence was felt, which I will explain shortly. Jazzmine Douse, AmaWaterways Senior Director, National Accounts, said, “This past June, we invited Chef Bri her company is Authentique Delight, and she came on as a featured chef in June and she was able to prepare a menu for us as we celebrated Juneteenth onboard the Soulful Experiences. So, we are always looking to continually involve these experiences and add aspects to it, do some trial and error, and this Juneteenth concept is one we want to incorporate in the future Soulful Experiences and it's our hope to be able to feature Black chefs on each one of these experiences, but it is a work in progress. At least for now we established a fantastic itinerary with Chef Bri, she did a fantastic job and there was so much great feedback onboard from the meals she prepared. She prepared a ___ menu and an Uhuru menu, just talking about freedom and celebration of our heritage and it was truly amazing.” Chef Bri Bullard was born and raised in the Bahamas and has been passionate about cooking since the age of eight. Growing up surrounded by the bounties of the ocean, she developed a deep love for seafood, which has become a hallmark of her culinary creations. Her early interest in cooking was matched by her diverse skills, including certification as a welder, demonstrating her versatility and dedication. Chef Bri's exceptional talent has garnered her widespread recognitRelying on ship wifi is slow, unsecure, sometimes not available & at foreign ports travelers don't want to pay their carriers' high fees. Save $ with GigSky! Get a data package usable on the ship & in ports. Link to GigSky: https://gigsky.pxf.io/nloxor. For a 10% discount use code: joyofcruisingSupport the showSupport thejoyofcruisingpodcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/2113608/supporters/newSupport Me https://www.buymeacoffee.com/drpaulthContact Me https://www.thejoyofcruising.net/contact-me.htmlBook Cruises https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruisingPodcast-BookACruiseUS Orders (coupon code joyofcruisingpodcast)The Joy of Cruising https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruisingCruising Interrupted https://bit.ly/CruisingInterruptedThe Joy of Cruising Again https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruisingAgainIntl Orders via Amazon

This week, I first discuss the latest trending news in the travel industry, including booming travel industry numbers, updated passport renewal process, and much more.  Later, I welcome Alex Pinelo, Senior Vice President of Sales at AmaWaterways. Pinelo shares insights into what trends he's seeing in the river cruise industry. From hot destinations to unique and personalized experiences, Pinelo also highlights what's new with AmaWaterways.  The river cruise discussion begins after the 9-minute mark.  Today's episode sponsors: AmaWaterways  Invite your clients to explore the legendary Danube River on AmaWaterways' Best of the Danube itinerary. Guests will enjoy three of Europe's Old-World capitals – Vienna, Austria; Bratislava, Slovakia; and Budapest, Hungary – along with the gorgeous UNESCO-designated Wachau Valley. A favorite of AmaWaterways' Co-Founder Rudi Schreiner, this 7-night Budapest round-trip cruise offers an itinerary-exclusive carriage ride through Vienna! Plus, you will earn up to a 15% commission rate on your client's river cruise fare when you reserve their stateroom. Visit AmaWaterways.com/bestdanube to learn more about this incredible itinerary! Have any feedback or questions? Want to sponsor the show? Contact us at Podcast@TravelPulse.com and follow us on social media @TravelPulse. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to Humans in the Hot Seat, a spinoff series of Humans of Travel. This is Emma Weissmann, Executive Editor at TravelAge West, and your host. Over the coming weeks, we will be interviewing the finalists of the TravelAge West Trendsetter Awards, which were created to acknowledge the work of exceptional travel advisors. This year, TravelAge West honored travel advisors in five categories, and named a winner and a runner-up and each category. Today, you'll hear from the eighth travel advisor in this series: Lainey Melnick, the runner-up in the category of Saving the Day. In order to help her clients have their dream wedding in Antarctica, Lainey not only booked their trip, but she found an officiant to sail at the same time and coordinated with Atlas Ocean Voyages so that the wedding could take place on a landing. Ultimately, Lainey saved the day and her clients got their dream wedding. This episode was sponsored by AmaWaterways. Lainey's Trendsetter award was sponsored by Travel Insured International. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Dream Vacations - Lainey Melnick & Associates ABOUT YOUR HOST  Emma Weissmann is the Executive Editor of TravelAge West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She is also the co-host of Trade Secrets, a podcast created with sister publication Travel Weekly. TravelAge West also produces national trade publications Explorer and Family Getaways, as well as events including the Future Leaders in Travel Retreat, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala and the Napa Valley Leadership Forum.  ABOUT THE SHOW  TravelAge West's podcast, “Humans of Travel,” features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry's notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the highs and lows that make them human.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, the final in a three-part series of Trade Secrets recorded on the road at Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada welcome Azamara CEO Dondra Ritzenthaler. She discusses leaving her retirement to helm the small-ship luxury cruise line, the importance of suppliers listening to trade partners, luxury travel sales techniques and what sets luxury cruise lines like Azamara apart. This episode is sponsored by AmaWaterways.  Further resources Dondra Ritzenthaler's email Mentioned in this episode:  Azamara World Academy From Travel Weekly, Azamara introduces advisor training with incentives From TravelAge West: Azamara launches travel advisor celebration with enhanced incentives Dondra Ritzenthaler on Humans of Travel Need advice? Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098 Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com   Theme song: Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week I welcome Shayla Northcutt, owner of Northcutt Travel Agency, to first discuss the latest trending news in the travel industry, including Cancun Airport issues arising, Boeing's latest hit, and much more.  Later, Northcutt shares insights into what she's seeing trending this fall travel season. Hear where people are planning for future trips now, why last minute travel is still hot, and more. She also gives her best advice on how fellow travel advisors can make this a great fall season.  The discussion on fall travel trends begins after the 15-minute mark.  Today's episode sponsors: AmaWaterways  Invite your clients to explore the legendary Danube River on AmaWaterways' Best of the Danube itinerary. Guests will enjoy three of Europe's Old-World capitals – Vienna, Austria; Bratislava, Slovakia; and Budapest, Hungary – along with the gorgeous UNESCO-designated Wachau Valley. A favorite of AmaWaterways' Co-Founder Rudi Schreiner, this 7-night Budapest round-trip cruise offers an itinerary-exclusive carriage ride through Vienna! Plus, you will earn up to a 15% commission rate on your client's river cruise fare when you reserve their stateroom. Visit AmaWaterways.com/bestdanube to learn more about this incredible itinerary! Have any feedback or questions? Want to sponsor the show? Contact us at Podcast@TravelPulse.com and follow us on social media @TravelPulse. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In addition to being a model, actress and licensed therapist, New Yorker Karmia Berry has always had a love for travel. In 2017, Berry decided to merge this love with her more than 25 years of experience working with youth communities by creating I Am C.U.L.T.U.R.E.D., a nonprofit organization that aims to empower marginalized youth communities through travel experiences, cultural exposure and mentorship.In this episode of Humans of Travel, Berry shares the origin story of I Am C.U.L.T.U.R.E.D (which stands for Confident, Unique, Leading, Tenacious, Unstoppable, Regal, Educated and Daring), and reveals how her past experiences — both as a Black traveler, and through her jobs working with underrepresented populations — and as an employee, has helped inspire the birth of this organization. Listeners will also hear about the various components of I Am C.U.L.T.U.R.E.D's curriculum (which includes mentorship, personal development, passport sponsorship, and coordinated group trips, among other programs) and how it has influenced high school students in the New York City area. Travel advisors and suppliers will also learn how they can directly help the organization's mission through fundraising, trip sponsorships and more. This episode is sponsored by AmaWaterways. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE I am C.U.L.T.U.R.E.D. (Confident, Unique, Leading, Tenacious, Unstoppable, Regal, Educated, Daring) Makeup and Breakup (YouTube), Streaming on a network called Allblk. Coming to America (Berry's favorite film) Berry on Instagram: @Karmiaberry, @iamculturedinc www.Karmiaberry.com LinkedIn Karmia Berry ABOUT YOUR HOST  Emma Weissmann is the Executive Editor of TravelAge West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She is also the co-host of Trade Secrets, a podcast created with sister publication Travel Weekly. TravelAge West also produces national trade publications Explorer and Family Getaways, as well as events including the Future Leaders in Travel Retreat, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala and the Napa Valley Leadership Forum.  ABOUT THE SHOW  TravelAge West's podcast, “Humans of Travel,” features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry's notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the highs and lows that make them human.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, I'm joined by Jason Gewirtz, Executive Editor and Publisher, Sports Travel Magazine. We first discuss the latest trending news in the travel industry, including record setting tourism numbers, new tourist taxes and more.  Later, Gewirtz shares insights into the growth of the sports travel world, from the youth level to colleges and the NFL. We also dive into how the Olympics performed and what's in store for the North American market with future Olympics and the World Cup.  The discussion on sports travel begins after the 13-minute mark. Today's episode sponsors: AmaWaterways  Invite your clients to explore the legendary Danube River on AmaWaterways' Best of the Danube itinerary. Guests will enjoy three of Europe's Old-World capitals – Vienna, Austria; Bratislava, Slovakia; and Budapest, Hungary – along with the gorgeous UNESCO-designated Wachau Valley. A favorite of AmaWaterways' Co-Founder Rudi Schreiner, this 7-night Budapest round-trip cruise offers an itinerary-exclusive carriage ride through Vienna! Plus, you will earn up to a 15% commission rate on your client's river cruise fare when you reserve their stateroom. Visit AmaWaterways.com/bestdanube to learn more about this incredible itinerary! Have any feedback or questions? Want to sponsor the show? Contact us at Podcast@TravelPulse.com and follow us on social media @TravelPulse. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week we have Brenna Join us to talk about some of her travels.  She grew up her entire life as a Non Rev and has seen the world!