Christmas Markets River Cruise with AmaWaterways A review. Travel experts Rich and Linda Skinner of Cruise Holidays of Woodinville join Ken to review AmaWaterways Christmas Markets on the Danube aboard AmaMagna. Linda and Rich detail their delight with this particular itinerary, with magical being the number one adjective. The Christmas markets found along the Danube bring not only wonderful shopping opportunities but a warm and welcoming experience for all ages. "Think Disney for adults," accor...
Feb 13, 2023•24 min
Themed Cruises & Affinity Groups FAQ's. Have you every been on cruise with group on board or perhaps you have been part of a group or a theme cruise? Kerry Turner of Cruise Holidays joins Ken to discuss everything you wanted to know about group cruises but were afraid to ask. Learn about the different types of affinity or common interest groups such as quilting, knitting, alumni, car enthusiasts, and many more. Other types are wedding groups, religious groups, and also corporate and incentiv...
Feb 10, 2023•23 min
Egypt & the Nile River Cruise Onboard with AmaWaterways - Behind the Scenes Interviews. Part four of our series on Egypt and the Nile with AmaWaterways, Ken interviews the Cruise Manager and Hotel Manager for the AmaDahlia during his recent sailing with AmaWaterways. What does it take to manage a river cruise vacation such as the "Secrets of Egypt and the Nile"? Ken discovers just what sets AmaWaterways apart when it comes to river cruising in Egypt, and why they are rated one of the highest...
Jan 10, 2023•36 min
Holland America Mediterranean 12 Days Review. Real Travel Expert Carol Patterson owner of Cruise Holidays of Burlington joins Ken to review her recent voyage aboard Holland America's Oosterdam in the Mediterranean. Carol and Ken discuss the twelve-day itinerary departing Venice, Italy and finishing in Barcelona Spain. Carol describes the ports long the way including Dubrovnick, Sarande, Naples, Livorno, and more. Carol also details what to expect for cruises departing Venice under the new ship r...
Dec 26, 2022•21 min
Top Three River Cruise Line Comparison Viking, AmaWaterways & Uniworld. Real Travel expert Beth Schulberg, owner of Cruise & Travel Specialists of Lake Oswego Oregon, joins Ken to compare three of the top river cruise lines: AmaWaterways, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises and Viking River Cruises, sailing the Rhine river in Europe. Beth and Ken discuss what sets each river cruise line apart from each other and what you need to know when choosing a river cruise line. Ken and Beth delve into...
Dec 26, 2022•22 min
Iceland & Greenland Celebrity Cruises Review.with Roy Suthons. Real travel expert Roy Suthons joins Ken to review his recent Iceland and Greenland cruise with Celebrity Cruises. Roy details his four day pre-cruise tour in Iceland followed by a 12-day cruise that included stops in Reykajavik, Akureyri, Iceland, Qaqortog Greenland, cruising in Prins Christian. Sund, St John's, Halifax and Boston. Roy details the voyage, offers some cruise tips for potential cruisers, and reviews what he likes ...
Dec 19, 2022•18 min
14 Day Alaska Cruise with Holland America, what to expect. Real Travel Expert Emma Warren of Cruise Holidays of Topeka joins Ken to review her upcoming 14-day round trip Vancouver to Alaska cruise with Holland America line that she is escorting in September of 2023. An Alaska cruise veteran Emma describes what draws her back to Alaska time after time, and details what makes this 14-day itinerary special. Learn what Emma considers "do-not-miss" excursions to take, and some of her favorite ports. ...
Dec 19, 2022•16 min
Princess Cruises to Alaska 2022 Review. Real Travel Experts Linda and Rich Skinner of Cruise Holidays of Woodinville join Ken to review their latest cruise, a seven-day southbound Alaska cruise with Princess Cruises aboard the "Majestic Princess". Linda and Rich detail the day-to-day itinerary with stops in Juneau, Icy Strait, Ketchikan, plus cruising Glacier Bay National Park and Hubbard Glacier. Linda and Rich provide great cruise tips and advice for potential Alaska cruisers and for folks wan...
Dec 19, 2022•30 min
Top 3 Luxury Cruise Lines Comparison | Choosing the correct ship for you Ken's special guest is Lola Vassiliadis, owner of Cruise Holidays of Oakville and Cruise Holidays of Lawrence Park comprising 17 plus travel advisors based in Ontario, Manitoba and Nova Scotia. Lola joins Ken to compare three of the Ultra Luxury cruise lines: Regent Seven Seas, Seabourn and Silversea. Lola describes the three pillars that define an ultra luxury cruise line and why they are important for potential guests. Lo...
Dec 13, 2022•32 min
Tahiti and the Society Islands Paul Gauguin Cruise Review. Real Travel Expert Susanne Rose of My Luxury Cruises (Cruise Holidays of Oakville office) joins Ken to review her recent cruise with Paul Gauguin Cruises. Visiting Tahiti, The Society and Cook Islands, Susanne details the islands, what there is to do, and some of the do-not-miss excursions and tours. Susanne describes the on board Paul Gauguin Cruises Experience as simply the World’s Best in Luxury Tahiti, French Polynesia, Fiji and Sout...
Dec 13, 2022•20 min
Expedition Cruising Review. Real Travel Experts Linda and Rich Skinner of Cruise Holidays of Woodinville join Ken to review the hottest new product in cruising, expedition cruises and cruising. Rich details a brief history that led to what we now know as expedition cruises. Are they for everyone? Linda describes the typical guest found on board and the unique cruise activities and excursions that sets expedition cruising apart. Rich and Linda detail the newest and most modern green ships that ar...
Dec 13, 2022•39 min
Silversea Baltic Cruise Review. Real Travel Expert Barbara Young owner of Cruise Holidays of Port Coquitlam joins Ken for a review of her recent Baltic cruise, Copenhagen to Copenhagen roundtrip, with Silversea Cruises aboard the stunning "Silver Moon". Barb details the onboard experience with Silversea, what to expect in a classic veranda stateroom, and just how much fun it was to have your very own butler. Dining was an absolute highlight with a shout out to Silversea's S.A.L.T program. Ken an...
Dec 06, 2022•17 min
Sandals Grenada review and travel tips with Certified Sandals Specialist Shari Marsh. Ken interviews Shari about her recent stay at Sandals Grenada. Shari explains the three levels of Sandals: luxury, club and butler elite, and how choosing the right level makes for a great Sandals vacation. Shari explains that Sandals is known for their high quality of service across all of the resorts but that each resort has its own personality of which she highlights those of Sandals Grenada. Which Sandals r...
Dec 06, 2022•26 min
Alaska Cruise Review with Silversea. Real travel expert Larry Jackson of Cruise Holidays of Viera joins Ken to review his recent cruise to Alaska aboard Silversea's Silver Muse. Larry details the ports of call, the best time of year to cruise in Alaska, and some of the do-not-miss sights and sounds in Alaska. Ken and Larry spend time discussing Silversea Cruises, a luxury all-inclusive cruise line, and their "Door to Door" all inclusive program. Larry details the onboard entertainment, the type ...
Dec 06, 2022•16 min
Pride at Sea with Celebrity Cruises. Ken speaks with real travel expert Roy Suthons regarding his recent Celebrity cruise aboard Celebrity Cruise's flagship "The Edge "which was one of several cruises in the month of June celebrating Pride and the LBGTQ+ community. Roy details the special events that took place on board in celebration of Pride and explains the award winning reputation Celebrity Cruises has earned with the community. Having sailed on a number of cruises that included LBGTQ cruise...
Aug 09, 2022•16 min
Save Money with Back To Back Cruising Tips with Real Travel Expert Roy Suthons. Roy joins Ken to review his recent back-to-back cruises with Celebrity Cruises aboard their flagship the Celebrity Edge. Roy and Ken discuss just exactly what is a back-to-back cruise and the various opportunities to save money by booking back-to-back cruises. Roy details his two seven-day voyages that departed Rome for a western Mediterranean itinerary and then, secondly, a Greek islands Itinerary. Roy shares his mo...
Aug 05, 2022•19 min
Our Top 10 Tips for Your next All Inclusive Resort Vacation with Melissa Feenstra. Ken is joined by Melissa Feenstra, owner of Feenstra Travel and a AMR Master Agent for Secrets Resorts, to review her top ten travel tips and things to consider when booking your next all-Inclusive resort vacation. A certified travel agent and specialist for Apple Vacations, AM Resorts, Avanti Destinations, Globus, and RIU Resorts. Melissa details great planning advice for all inclusive resorts in the Caribbean, M...
Aug 05, 2022•30 min
Pride at Sea with Celebrity Cruises. Ken speaks with real travel expert Roy Suthons regarding his recent Celebrity cruise aboard Celebrity Cruise's flagship "The Edge "which was one of several cruises in the month of June celebrating Pride and the LBGTQ+ community. Roy details the special events that took place on board in celebration of Pride and explains the award winning reputation Celebrity Cruises has earned with the community. Having sailed on a number of cruises that included LBGTQ cruise...
Aug 05, 2022•16 min
Choosing a Panama Canal cruise. Travel expert Tim Hersh of Cruise Holidays of Topeka joins Ken to discuss what you need to know about Panama Canal cruises and review his upcoming escorted Southern Caribbean cruise with Norwegian Cruise lines which includes a Panama Canal transit. Tim details the best time of year for a Panama Canal cruise and the three types of voyages; full transit, partial transit, and closed loop. What you need to know regarding passports plus the four must pack items for a S...
Aug 03, 2022•16 min
Real Travel Experts Ira & Helene Kaplan of Cruise Holidays of Marlboro join Ken to discuss Celebrity Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Lines suite perks. Ira and Helene detail two programs that Ken likens to "ships within ships": The Retreat on Celebrity Cruises and The Haven on Norwegian. These two areas on most the Celebrity' and Norwegian ships are made available exclusively to suite guests. Perks include: private speciality restaurants, private courtyards, pools / sundecks, butlers, concierge...
Aug 02, 2022•12 min
Cruising the Rhone with Avalon Waterways, a River Cruise Review with travel expert Ann- Marie Gaudet of Cruise Holidays Select. Ann-Marie joins Ken to provide an in-depth review of her recent 10- day river cruise in France through the Burgundy and Provence regions with a two-day post-cruise tour of Paris, the City of Light. Ann-Marie provides details on why she chose Avalon Waterways, the ships (Poetry II in particular), Avalon's Panorama Suites, and why you don't want the lowest fare cabin on m...
Jul 31, 2022•21 min
Bob Shaffer of Vacations by Cruise & Travel Experts joins Ken to review his most recent adventure: a nine-day African Safari with Micato Safaris. Bob goes into great detail for what he expected to be be a once-in-a-lifetime adventure but now wishes to return! Learn about the Big Five animals, when is the best time to take an African Safari, what you should prepare for, and the differences between a budget safari outfitter and a luxury outfitter such as Micato Safaris. Bob details his favorit...
Jul 29, 2022•23 min
Ken's special guest is Colleen Atherton of Eaglewings Travels of Wichita, Kansas. Colleen details her three weeks' tour of the British Isles with stops in England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland. Colleen expands on the sights and sounds of this three-part tour of which some was self-guided. Learn for whom this type of tour would be best, the time of year to go, what to expect weather-wise, and some recommended sights and activities along the way. It is a great adventure for history buffs but perha...
Jul 27, 2022•19 min
All about AmaWaterways with Kristin Karst co-owner and executive vice president. Kirstin joins Ken to discuss AmaWaterways river cruises which she co founded with Rudi Schreiner and the late Jimmy Murphy in 2002. Kristin details the history of AmaWaterways and what makes them so beloved by their customers and and travel advisors. Kristin delves into where they sail, what's included, the onboard wellness programs, culinary delights, and the welcoming atmosphere found on board which she credits to...
Jul 26, 2022•33 min
Save Money with Back To Back Cruising Tips with Real Travel Expert Roy Suthons. Roy joins Ken to review his recent back-to-back cruises with Celebrity Cruises aboard their flagship the Celebrity Edge. Roy and Ken discuss just exactly what is a back-to-back cruise and the various opportunities to save money by booking back-to-back cruises. Roy details his two seven-day voyages that departed Rome for a western Mediterranean itinerary and then, secondly, a Greek islands Itinerary. Roy shares his mo...
Jul 25, 2022•22 min
Alaska Cruises 2022 with Holland America. (Timestamps below.) Travel experts Dick Knoll and and Tim Hersh of Cruise Holidays of Topeka join Ken to review Alaska cruises for 2022 and celebrate Holland America's 75 years of service to Alaska. Discover why Holland America is the cruise line of choice for Cruise Holidays of Topeka. Dick and Tim detail the various options for an Alaska cruise, and explain the difference between a cruise and a cruise tour. The duo offers valuable advice and cruise tip...
Apr 26, 2022•18 min
Regent Seven Seas Cruises as reviewed by travel expert Carol Patterson of Cruise Holidays of Burlington. Carol joins Ken to review her recent cruise aboard Regent Seven Sea's Explorer. This all inclusive luxury cruise line is making waves with its all suite ships says Carol. Carol spends time describing the atmosphere on board, the dress code, entertainment, specialty dining, and destinations visited during her Caribbean cruise. Learn just what is included with Regent Seven Seas all inclusive pr...
Mar 22, 2022•17 min
Quebec Christmas Markets Tour reviewed by real travel expert Sheri Clarke. Sheri Clarke co-owner of Picture This Travel joins Ken to review her recent tour that included the Christmas Markets in Quebec City and Montreal Canada. Sheri details this four night five day tour that included stays at the historic Fairmont Le Château Frontenac in Quebec City, the Hotel Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth in Montreal, plus the sights, sounds and flavours of the Christmas Markets found in both cities. Sheri and ...
Mar 22, 2022•16 min
Real Travel Expert Shari Marsh joins Ken for a review of Shari's first cruise aboard Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady. Shari is pleasantly surprised to discover some of the unique aspects of this cruise line and their approach to the industry. Shari details the pros and cons of the stateroom, ship and her amenities. Of particular note is the dining, with seven high end dining venues: they are some of the best at sea according to Shari. Entertainment ranges from cruise line standard to edgy. Shari dis...
Mar 22, 2022•31 min
Travel Expert, Tracey Mosser, owner of Discovery Destinations Travel Planning, joins Ken to review her recommendations for the top three all inclusive resorts in the Caribbean. Tracey highlights her choices for adults, Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana, Atelier Playa Mujeres, and of course, Secrets Resorts and Spas. For families: Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana, Beaches Turks & Caicos, and Hotel Xcaret. In addition, Tracey details what to expect if you are switching from cruising to an all inclusive land vacation...
Mar 21, 2022•15 min
