The Insider Travel Report Podcast

Jan Sorensen, vice president of food and beverage operations for Celebrity Cruises, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the many dining options aboard Celebrity Xcel. These range from the main restaurants Cosmopolitan, Tuscan, Normandie and Cyprus to casual venues like Mosaic at The Bazaar, Bora, Spice Café and Raw on 5 to elegant eateries Le Grand Bistro, Le Petit Chef and Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud. There are so many choices, it’s almost overwhelming, with plenty of options over the course of a seven-day cruise. For more information, visit www.thecelebritycommitment.com or www.celebrity.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.

Lisa Lehr, vice president-entertainment for Celebrity Cruises, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel report about all the major production shows, club shows and music experiences aboard Celebrity Xcel. Located in some highly innovative and state-of-the art venues, these shows are not to be missed. For more information, visit www.thecelebritycommitment.com or www.celebrity.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.

Katina Athanasiou, senior vice president of sales and services-the Americas for Celebrity Cruises, talks with James Shillinglaw onboard the just christened Celebrity Xcel, the upper premium cruise line’s fifth and final ship in the Edge Class. Athanasiou tells you how to sell this remarkable ship focused on the lavish accommodations, the varied dining options and unique entertainment. For more information, visit www.thecelebritycommitment.com or www.celebrity.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.

Captain Manolis Alevropoulos, senior vice president of marine operations for Celebrity Cruises, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the hardware and software behind the new Celebrity Xcel, the fifth and last of the Edge class of ships launched by the upper premium cruise line. Alevropoulos details what went into the building of the ship and how it represents the perfection of class. For more information, visit www.thecelebritycommitment.com or www.celebrity.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.

Nathan Hickman, chief commercial officer for Oceania Cruises, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the newly cruises Oceania Allura, the second in the line’s Vista class of ships. Hickman tells you how to sell this luxury ship by focusing on the service, itineraries and cuisine, which lives up to Oceania’s reputation as having the best dining at sea. Plus, there’s more to come with Oceania with a new Sonata class of ships. For more information, visit www.oceancruises.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.

Brad Tolkin, co-CEO of World Travel Holdings, parent company of Dream Vacations and CruiseOne, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report following their annual conference aboard Star Princess about booking trends, last-minute demand and how expanded availability is reshaping consumer behavior as the cruise industry normalizes post-COVID. Tolkin addresses pricing expectations through 2026, the growing influence of private destinations, the continued strength of luxury and groups, and why the human touch keeps travel advisors essential despite advances in AI. For more information, visit www.worldtravelholdings.com or www.dreamvacationsfranchise.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.

Jason Montague, chief luxury officer for Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the just christened Oceania Allura, which is now firmly in the luxury category of cruising. Montague details the brilliant new features of this ship, including a focus on culinary excellence and unparalleled service. He also explains how Oceania and Regent differ in the luxury service and amenities they deliver. For more information, visit www.oceaniacruises.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.

Nicolay Hotze, managing director of Nobu Miami Beach and Eden Roc Miami Beach, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report, about his dual-branded luxury property located right on the beach. With a Nobu hotel within the famed Eden Roc hotel, this property offers a range of luxury rooms and suites, a Nobu restaurant, a classic lobby hotel bar, pool complex and a full spa. For more information, visit www.nobuhotels.com and www.edenrockmiami.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.

Erika Larsen, president of Magic Castle Enterprises and partner for Spellbound by Magic Castle on Star Princess, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the brilliant new magic club aboard the ship, complete with a 1930s decorated bar and a stage. It’s one of the experiences your clients just can’t miss when they cruise on Star Princess. This is the sixth in a six-part video series on Star Princess. For more information, visit www.princess.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.

Becky Thompson-Foley, head of global entertainment for Princess Cruises, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the range of entertainment on board Star Princess, including innovative product shows, Meridien and Illuminate, and Spellbound by Magic Castle magic club. Thompson-Foley details all the things guests can experience during their cruise. This is the fifth in a six-part series of videos on Star Princess. For more information, visit www.princess.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.

Tony Gemignani, head pizza maker at Alfredos on Princess Cruises’ Star Princess, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the secrets of making great pizza no board a cruise ship. And in Alfredos, Gemignani has one of the best pizza places at sea, reflecting his status as a world champion pizza maker and owner of Tony's Pizza Napoletana in San Francisco. And our secret: We judge a cruise ship by its pizza. This is the fourth in a six-part video series on Star Princess. For more information, visit www.princess.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.

Sami Kohen, vice president of food and beverage for Princess Cruises, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the incredible range of dining and drinking options aboard Star Princess, the newly christened Sphere class ship. Kohen tells us all about the food and beverage outlets aboard, everything from Love by Britto to Alfredos pizzeria. This is the third in a six-part video series on Star Princess. For more information, visit www.princess.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.

Captain Gennaro Arma, master of the just-christened Star Princess, talks with James Shillinglaw about his ship, its many capabilities, amenities and comforts. As the second vessel in the Sphere class, Star Princess offers a perfected cruise product in design, public areas, dining and more. This is the first in a six-part video series on Star Princess. For more information, visit www.princess.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.

Marie Lee, chief marketing officer for Princess Cruises, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report on how the Sphere-class Sun Princess and newly christened Star Princess to attract new customers while satisfying current cruisers. With Star Princess sailing to Alaska next year, Princess will have the newest and largest ship in the region. This is the second in a six-part video series on Star Princess. For more information, visit www.princess.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.

Frank Marini, president and CEO of Railbookers Group and author of Staying on Track, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report at the Railbookers Group Global Summit at Hilton Lake Las Vegas about how rail travel is entering the same high-growth phase river cruising experienced before its breakout. That's being fueled by a 39 percent rise in luxury bookings and surging demand for independent, customizable itineraries. Marini explains how Railbookers’ pattern-recognition technology identifies emerging trends across 180 countries, why advisors who embrace rail now can get ahead of the curve, and how new collections like Stars and Stripes and World Cup will drive even more opportunity. For more information, visit www.railbookers.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.

Adam Duckworth, president and founder of Travelmation, a Disney Affinity travel agency, talks with Sherman Dejon of Insider Travel Report aboard the brand-new Disney Destiny about how Disney Cruise Line fits into his agency's product mix and why the ship’s heroes-and-villains theme is generating so much excitement. Duckworth shares his first impressions of the Grand Hall, explains why Port Everglades is a major advantage for clients, and highlights the entertainment, dining, accommodations and short itineraries that make the Disney Destiny appealing to both first-time cruisers and loyal Disney travelers. For more information, visit www.disneytravelagents.com or www.disneycruise.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.

Jen Haile Tinn, director of marketing and sales strategy for Disney Cruise Line, talks with Sherman Dejon of Insider Travel Report aboard the brand-new Disney Destiny about the ship’s heroes-and-villains theme, immersive entertainment and what makes this new vessel stand out within the expanding Disney fleet. Tinn highlights Broadway-style shows, themed venues, dual-island itineraries from Port Everglades, early booking trends and tools available to help travel advisors match clients with the right Disney cruise vacation. For more information, visit www.disneytravelagents.com or www.disneycruise.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.

Victoria Simpson, commercial director of Camiral, talks with Olivia Liveng of Insider Travel Report at the International Golf Travel Market in Cannes about how the resort is preparing to host the 2031 Ryder Cup and why this milestone is elevating Spain’s position in global golf tourism. Simpson highlights Camiral’s championship courses, state-of-the-art wellness center, sustainability programs, family activities and packages that make it easy to sell. For more information, visit www.camiral.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.

Olivier Odin, founder and CEO of Private Golf Key, joins Olivia Liveng of Insider Travel Report at the International Golf Travel Market in Cannes to discuss the rise of bespoke European golf travel for American clients. Odin shares how his France-based luxury golf and lifestyle tour company tailors itineraries that combine world-class courses with fine dining, culture, and elegant accommodations. He also explains the growing demand for curated cultural and culinary experiences alongside premium golf and outlines how Private Golf Key supports travel advisors with commissionable packages, concierge-level service and a white-label platform. For more information, visit www.privategolfkey.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.

Jack Sharp, director of travel agency sales for Disney Cruise Line, talks with Sherman Dejon of Insider Travel Report aboard the brand-new Disney Destiny about the ship’s heroes-and-villains theme, new entertainment and innovative stateroom design. Sharpe highlights such onboard attractions as Pride of the Lion King dining, Marvel- and Doctor Strange-themed venues, the AquaMouse water coaster, as well as the ship's regional itineraries from Port Everglades and travel advisor training resources. For more information, visit www.disneytravelagents.com or www.disneycruise.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.