RTE-Travel Talk

Trying to decide between Virgin Voyages and Sandals? In this video, we break down the key differences between these adults-only vacations—from vibe and dining to who each experience is best suited for. If you're considering an adults-only vacation, you might assume the choice is simple — but when it comes to Virgin Voyages vs Sandals, you're really choosing between two completely different travel experiences. In this episode of RTE-Travel Talk, Ken sits down with Susan Blume of Personal Escapes Travel to break down the most frequently asked questions about both options — helping you decide which one is right for your next getaway. 🧭 What You'll Learn in This Video The biggest difference between Virgin Voyages and Sandals Who each vacation is best suited for The vibe and atmosphere of each experience Dining comparisons (including The Galley, Test Kitchen & Butch’s Chophouse) What a typical day looks like at Sandals vs on Virgin Voyages Value and what's included (and what’s not) Which is better for couples vs solo travelers Real-world insights from someone who has experienced both 🧠 Key Takeaway While both are adults-only vacations, 👉 Sandals is about romance, relaxation, and staying in one beautiful destination 👉 Virgin Voyages is about energy, variety, and exploring multiple destinations

Can you really travel to China in luxury for just $6,000? In this episode of RTE-Travel Talk, we explore Century Cruises and the Yangtze River experience to find out if it lives up to the hype. China is one of the most fascinating — and misunderstood — travel destinations in the world right now. In this episode of RTE-Travel Talk, host Ken Lawrence sits down with: Steven Simao, VP of Sales for Century Cruises Nanci Ott of Tinker Travel Together, they break down what it’s really like to travel to China today — including safety, comfort, value, and what makes a Yangtze River cruise such a unique experience. 💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Is China safe for North American travelers? What a Century Cruises experience is REALLY like Why this 14-day China journey starts around $6,000 What’s included (and what’s not) The biggest surprises travelers experience in China Must-see highlights like the Terracotta Warriors Who this trip is best suited for 🚢 From five-star hotels and immersive cultural experiences to surprisingly affordable pricing, this may be one of the best-kept secrets in travel right now.

If you've been wondering about the difference between Scenic Luxury Cruises and Emerald Cruises, this interview is for you. In this episode of RTE-Travel Talk – Ask a Real Travel Expert, I sit down with Ken Muskat, President of Scenic Group North America, to discuss everything from luxury river cruising and ocean yachts to expedition cruising, Antarctica, and the exciting future of Scenic and Emerald. You'll learn: ✔ The difference between Scenic and Emerald Cruises ✔ Which brand is best for your travel style ✔ What "truly all-inclusive" really means ✔ Why luxury yacht cruising is one of the fastest-growing segments in travel ✔ Scenic Eclipse expedition yachts ✔ Emerald's boutique luxury yachts ✔ River cruising throughout Europe and Southeast Asia ✔ New destinations including India and the Seychelles ✔ Why small ship cruising offers a completely different experience Whether you're considering your first luxury cruise or comparing Scenic with other premium cruise lines like Viking, AmaWaterways or Uniworld, this conversation will help you decide which experience is right for you.

Scenic vs Tauck vs Uniworld — which luxury river cruise suite is actually worth it? We compare price per day, inclusions, and real onboard experience to help you decide. If you’ve ever considered upgrading to the top suite on a luxury river cruise, you’ve probably asked yourself — is it really worth it? In this episode of RTE-Travel Talk, Ken sits down with river cruise experts Beth Schulberg and Lauren Matthews of Cruise & Travel Specialists to compare the highest suite categories across three of the top luxury river cruise lines: ✔ Scenic ✔ Tauck ✔ Uniworld Focusing on Danube itineraries paired with Prague, this conversation breaks down what travelers actually want to know: Price per person per day (PPPD) What’s truly included (and what isn’t) Differences in suite size, design, and onboard experience Excursions, group sizes, and touring style Which cruise line is best for different types of travelers Plus — we take a look at the AmaMagna, a unique double-wide river ship with larger suites that offers a different approach to luxury river cruising. 👉 If you’re trying to decide which luxury river cruise experience is right for you, this episode will help you make a confident choice.

Is this Canada & New England cruise worth it with only one Canadian port? Lynne Cox and Debra Dickerson review Crystal Serenity’s fall voyage, covering itinerary, food, service, and experience. In this episode of RTE-Travel Talk, Ken sits down with Lynne Cox and Debra Dickerson of Cruise & Travel Experts to review their recent sailing aboard the newly reimagined Crystal Serenity — part of the return of Crystal Cruises. They share their honest experience sailing this unique itinerary, including stops in: Newport, Rhode Island Provincetown, Massachusetts Boston, Massachusetts Portland, Maine Saint John, New Brunswick 👉 Plus, they break down: What the new Crystal Cruises experience is really like Whether Crystal still delivers on ultra-luxury expectations The truth about fall foliage cruising timing How this itinerary compares to traditional Canada & New England routes Shore excursions, history, and standout ports Dining, service, and onboard atmosphere If you’re considering a Crystal cruise, a New England fall cruise, or wondering which itinerary is right for you — this is a must-listen.