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Insider Travel Report assists travel advisors by discussing the changing travel landscape with a line-up of special guests VIP guests, the movers and shakers...
Insider Travel Report assists travel advisors by discussing the changing travel landscape with a line-up of special guests VIP guests, the movers and shakers...
Episodes

3 hours ago
3 hours ago
Beth Shearer, vice president-product for Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group (AKTG), talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at AKTG’s 100 Club in Chicago about the wide diversity of luxury travel products offered by her company. From a vast network of DMCs and safari lodges to exotic river and expedition cruises, AKTG creates a bespoke experiences around the world. Shearer details what on offer now and in the future. For more information, visit www.abercrombiekent.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.

3 hours ago
3 hours ago
Ivan Chavez, executive vice president of Grupo Vidanta, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his company’s newly launched luxury Mediterranean cruise ship named Elegant. VidantaWorld is better known for luxury resorts in Mexico for couples, families and singles, but how it’s making a major entry into the cruise space with a completely refurbished, nearly all-inclusive yacht with amazing itineraries including all the top ports in the Med. For more information, visit www.vidantaworld.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.

2 days ago
2 days ago
Gerry Larson-Fedde, chief operating officer of Hurtigruten, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report at Seatrade Cruise Global about the company’s work toward zero-emission ships and reducing energy consumption through new and existing technologies. He discusses hybrid upgrades across the fleet, a carbon-neutral sailing using biodiesel, ongoing ship refurbishments and the line’s dual role serving both travelers and local communities along the Norwegian coast. For more information, visit www.hurtigruten.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.

2 days ago
2 days ago
Stephanie Brooks, vice president of product & operations at the Globus family of brands, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about why America’s most iconic destinations continue to resonate with travelers, how guided touring simplifies complex U.S. itineraries for travel advisors, and where opportunity lies beyond the well-known highlights. From Alaska and the National Parks to lesser-known regions close to home, the discussion highlights how advisors can turn familiarity into fresh discoveries. For more information, visit https://agents.globusfamily.com/login.
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.

2 days ago
2 days ago
Shawn Johnson, senior vice president-national accounts, trade loyalty and events, for Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group (AKTG), talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last months A&K 100 Club in Chicago, about the importance of the event, which gathers 100 top-selling advisors for AKTG. Johnson also details the breadth of product that AKTG now has for advisors to sell—from safaris and tours around the world to ocean and river cruises. For more information, visit www.abercrombiekent.com or www.crystalcruises.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.

4 days ago
4 days ago
Elizabeth Gordon, co-founder and CEO of Extraordinary Journeys, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about her boutique tour company delivering bespoke experiences in Africa, South America, Oceania, Middle East, Asia and Polar. Gordon, who was born in Kenya and speaks six languages, leads a team of 25 women focused on delivering truly personal and extraordinary experience to every single client. For more information, visit www.extraordinaryjourneys.com.

4 days ago
4 days ago
Debra Fox, chief sales officer-trade for Abercombie & Kent Travel Group (AKTG), talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s Club 100 meeting with top-selling travel advisors. Fox describes the amazing array of destinations, tours and products now offered by AKTG across its four units—Abercrombie & Kent, Crystal, Cox & Kings and Ecoventura. If your luxury client can think it, AKTG can deliver the right experience in the right destination around the world. For more information, visit www.abercrombiekent.com.

6 days ago
6 days ago
Kimberly Daley, chief operating officer of Transcend Cruises, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report at Seatrade Cruise Global in Miami about the company’s purpose-built river ships designed exclusively for group business booked by travel advisors. She discusses flexible accommodations that convert into suites, fully customizable onboard and shore experiences, B2B pricing and branding tools, and the company's growing fleet with its first ship launching this summer. For more information, visit www.transcendcruises.com.

6 days ago
6 days ago
Han Yeo-ok, executive director for international Tourism content for Korean Tourism Organization, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s Virtuoso Symposium in Seoul about why her country hosted the luxury travel network’s Symposium and signed an agreement with Virtuoso to promote luxury tourism with its members. Yeo-ok tells us why South Korea is emerging as a major tourism destination because of its history, culture, music, entertainment, accommodations and food, as well as its focus on beauty and wellness. For more information, visit https://knto.or.kr/eng/index.

7 days ago
7 days ago
Jonathan Wilson, CEO of Aman at Sea, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report at Seatrade Cruise Global in Miami about the launch of Aman’s first yacht, Aman at Sea, and how it extends the brand’s focus on privacy, space and curated experiences to ocean travel. He also discusses Mediterranean itineraries visiting dozens of ports and UNESCO sites, onboard design, wellness and dining concepts, and how the product is positioned as a private yacht-style experience rather than a traditional cruise. For more information, visit www.amanatsea.com.

7 days ago
7 days ago
Dr. Peter Cressy, retired U.S. Navy rear admiral, educator and historian, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report aboard Sea Cloud II about connecting Caribbean itineraries to the history of the American Revolution. He discusses the role of guest lecturers in enhancing the onboard experience, how storytelling brings destinations to life and why the line’s sailing ships offer a slower, more immersive way to travel. For more information, visit www.seacloud.com.

Wednesday Apr 29, 2026
How HX Expeditions Is Evolving Experience-Driven Cruises
Wednesday Apr 29, 2026
Wednesday Apr 29, 2026
Gebhard Rainer, CEO of HX Expeditions, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report at Seatrade Cruise Global in Miami about the company’s evolution following its separation from Hurtigruten and its focus on expedition travel as an experience-driven product. He also discusses growth in younger travelers, science-based expeditions, new educational partnerships, immersive onboard experiences, and the importance of travel advisors in driving awareness and bookings. For more information, visit www.travelhx.com.

Wednesday Apr 29, 2026
How Victory Cruise Lines Is Enhancing Its Two Ships and Sailings on the Great Lakes
Wednesday Apr 29, 2026
Wednesday Apr 29, 2026
John Waggoner, founder and chairman of Victory Cruise Lines, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report at Seatrade Cruise Global in Miami about enhancements to Victory I and Victory II, including mechanical upgrades and onboard refinements. He also discusses new and extended itineraries from the Great Lakes to the Eastern Seaboard and Bahamas, drive-to cruising options for U.S. travelers, and ongoing updates to culinary programming and onboard experiences. For more information, visit www.victorycruiselines.com.

Monday Apr 27, 2026
Taking the Next Step From Sustainable to Regenerative Hotels
Monday Apr 27, 2026
Monday Apr 27, 2026
Héctor de Castro, founder and chairman of Regenera Luxury, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his group, offering the world's first management and certification for regenerative luxury hotels and retreats. De Castro founded Regenera Luxury initially as a nonprofit initiative to support boutique hotels, retreats and regenerative destinations through mentorship, sponsored services and purpose-driven consulting. It is designed to elevate hotels that are not only sustainable but restorative and that create a net positive impact on culture, community and ecology. For more information, visit www.regeneraluxury.com.

Monday Apr 27, 2026
How Riverside Luxury Cruises is Planning to Add the Mahler in 2028
Monday Apr 27, 2026
Monday Apr 27, 2026
Jennifer Halboth, CEO Americas for Riverside Luxury Cruises, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report at Seatrade Cruise Global in Miami about the addition of Riverside Mahler to the fleet 2028. Mahler is currently sailing under the Uniworld brand as the S.S. Elizabeth, but was part of the original Crystal River Cruises fleet that Riverside purchased in 2023. Halboth discusses how the expansion is expected to increase capacity on the Rhine, Moselle and Danube; provide more inventory for travel advisors; allow for ship swaps between sister vessels; and support the company’s continued growth. For more information, visit www.riverside-cruises.com.

Sunday Apr 26, 2026
How Windstar Positions Small Ship Cruising for River Cruise Clients
Sunday Apr 26, 2026
Sunday Apr 26, 2026
Janet Bava, chief commercial officer for Windstar Cruises, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report at Seatrade Cruise Global in Miami about positioning small-ship ocean cruising as an option for river cruise clients seeking similar intimate experiences. She also discusses Windstar's technology investments such as AI-driven pricing, fleet expansion with new ships, updated dining concepts, expanded itineraries in Tahiti, and tools for travel advisors such as a co-branded website and training resources. For more information, visit www.windstarcruises.com.

Sunday Apr 26, 2026
Behind the Success of Virtuoso’s Symposium in Seoul
Sunday Apr 26, 2026
Sunday Apr 26, 2026
Jennifer Campbell, senior vice president-global events for luxury travel network Virtuoso, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the just completed Virtuoso Symposium in Seoul. In charge of organizing Virtuoso's events worldwide, Campbell tells us why Virtuoso selected Seoul, how the meeting was organized and what goes into the planning of such as event, including the entertainment and activities. For more information, visit www.virtuoso.com.

Thursday Apr 23, 2026
Thursday Apr 23, 2026
Join Insider Travel Report’s James Shillinglaw and Oceania Cruises' Chief Sales Officer Nathan Hickman, as they dive into the latest developments shaping the future of Oceania Cruises. Their conversation highlights the debut of the all‑new Sonata Class ships and growth of the fleet, representing a new era of luxury for guests, the vision behind the “Joy of Traveling Well” campaign, standout destination offerings and the introduction of the Oceania Club Ambassador Program. Learn more, visit www.oceaniacruises.com.

Thursday Apr 23, 2026
What You Need to Know About Tenon Tours
Thursday Apr 23, 2026
Thursday Apr 23, 2026
Bryan Lewis, found and CEO of Tenon Tours, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his award-winning tour operator specializing in personalized itineraries to the top destinations in Europe. Wilmington, Mass.-based Tenon focuses on the United Kingdom, Ireland, Italy, Iceland, France, Switzerland, Spain and Portugal, with more destinations on the way. For more information, visit www.tenontours.com.

Thursday Apr 23, 2026
Matthew Upchurch on Where Luxury Travel Stands Today
Thursday Apr 23, 2026
Thursday Apr 23, 2026
Matthew Upchurch, chairman and CEO of Virtuoso, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at the Virtuoso Symposium in Seoul about how his luxury travel network has restructured to meet the demands of the market, why Virtuoso selected Seoul for its Symposium this year, and what the future holds for luxury travel. For more information, visit www.virtuoso.com.

Wednesday Apr 22, 2026
How Azamara Is Investing in Ships and Enhancing the Guest Experience
Wednesday Apr 22, 2026
Wednesday Apr 22, 2026
Dondra Ritzenthaler, CEO of Azamara, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report at Seatrade Cruise Global in Miami about ther cruise line’s focus on destination immersion, small-ship cruising and enhancements driven by feedback from more than 1,000 travel advisors and loyalty guests. She discusses the $80 million Azamara Forward refurbishment program across four ships, new onboard and pre-cruise offerings, suite additions and advisor engagement initiatives. For more information, visit www.azamara.com.

Tuesday Apr 21, 2026
How Century Cruises Is Expanding from China to Europe and Egypt
Tuesday Apr 21, 2026
Tuesday Apr 21, 2026
David Fredericks, president and general manager of the Americas division of Century Cruises, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report at Seatrade in Miami about strong growth in North America driven by travel advisors, with revenue performance reaching well over 300 percent of what was expected following fam trips to China. Fredericks discusses Century's expansion into Europe on the Danube, Rhine and Moselle, and plans for new ships in Europe and Egypt. He also reveals how the company combines Asian service standards, new ship technology, immersive experiences and advisor policies, including 25 percent commission. For more information, visit www.centurycruise.com.

Tuesday Apr 21, 2026
What the Future Holds for Avoya Travel
Tuesday Apr 21, 2026
Tuesday Apr 21, 2026
Phil Cappelli, CEO of Avoya Travel, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his innovative host agency and how he intends to lead it in the years to come. Cappelli, who has been CEO since December, tells us how Avoya will support its advisors with technology, a new focus on luxury travel, and a new commission plan for the agency’s Live Leads lead generation program. For more information, visit www.joinavoya.com.

Monday Apr 20, 2026
How Hurtigruten Is Expanding Itineraries and Driving Sales
Monday Apr 20, 2026
Monday Apr 20, 2026
Carly Biggart, vice president of sales and marketing for Hurtigruten Americas, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report at Seatrade in Miami about record first-quarter sales growth, including a more than 50 percent increase through travel advisor channels. She discusses new itineraries such as the Inner Fjords Explorer, Arctic Line and Arctic Circle Explorer, and outlines advisor incentives, including discounted sailings, reduced solo supplements and resources available through the cruise line's advisor portal. For more information, visit www.hurtigruten.com.

Monday Apr 20, 2026
Why Holland America Is Investing in Fleetwide Enhancements
Monday Apr 20, 2026
Monday Apr 20, 2026
Beth Bodensteiner, president of Holland America Line, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report at Seatrade in Miami about the company’s Evolution program, a refurbishment of six ships representing its largest investment in guest experience in 153 years. She explains the decision to focus on enhancing the existing fleet rather than building new ships, and details new features such as the Grand Dutch Cafe and solo veranda staterooms. For more information, visit www.hollandamerica.com

Sunday Apr 19, 2026
Why Sea Cloud Cruises Stands Apart in Small Ship Cruising
Sunday Apr 19, 2026
Sunday Apr 19, 2026
Beth Butzlaff, Virtuoso general manager for the U.S., and Bill Smith, Sea Cloud brand ambassador, talk with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about how Sea Cloud Cruises is positioned through authenticity and legacy, as well as how it differs from traditional luxury cruise products. They also discuss small-ship sailing features including guest access to climb the masts, itinerary flexibility and the importance of travel advisors in telling the brand story. For more information, visit www.seacloud.com.

Sunday Apr 19, 2026
Discover the New Dune House Hotel on Atlantic Beach
Sunday Apr 19, 2026
Sunday Apr 19, 2026
Erik Kreft, general manager of the new Dune House Hotel & Spa in Atlantic Beach, Fla., talks with James Shillinglaw of insider Travel Report, about his resort, which is inspired by the work of late Jacksonville architect William Morgan, with a design that blends vintage surf influences with a modern, understated approach to luxury. Kreft, who was named national GM of the year by AHLA in 2025, reveals the public spaces, dining options and more of this luxury boutique oceanfront property. For more information, visit www.dunehousehotelandspa.com.

Friday Apr 17, 2026
How Sea Cloud Cruises Supports Advisors with Training and Group Incentives
Friday Apr 17, 2026
Friday Apr 17, 2026
Kevin Smith, chief sales officer of Sea Cloud Cruises, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report while touring Sea Cloud II about Mediterranean itineraries, differences among the line’s three ships and its all-inclusive product for North American travelers. He also discusses advisor rates, fam trips, group policies, onboard credit for preferred partners, training programs and how Sea Cloud positions itself as a small-ship luxury brand focused on immersive destinations. For more information, visit www.seacloud.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.

Thursday Apr 16, 2026
Thursday Apr 16, 2026
When you think of destination weddings and honeymoons, the first thing that might not come to mind is how a tour operator can help you plan the perfect experience. In this interview, we talk to one tour operator who can help you and your clients create the top romantic experiences in the destinations it services. Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report interviews Kiran Nambiar, senior vice president of sales for ANZCRO.

Wednesday Apr 15, 2026
Wednesday Apr 15, 2026
You may consider yourself to be an expert in planning honeymoons and destination weddings, but there are always professional resources you can turn to at top hotels when you need help. This panel features two top resorts that can inspire, create and develop your destination wedding or honeymoon plan for your clients. Moderated by Alan Fine, this panel features Maurella Ras, sales executive for Embassy Suites by Hilton Aruba Resort, and Daniela D’Amato, sales manager for Grotto Bay Beach Resort and Spa.

Wednesday Apr 15, 2026
Wednesday Apr 15, 2026
Top destinations around the world can help you plan and execute the perfect destination wedding or honeymoon experience for your clients. Discover the resources these destinations can provide to help you create the ultimate destination wedding or honeymoon. Moderated by Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report, this panel includes Robyn Basso, senior director-travel industry partnerships for the Hawaiian Islands; Shana C. Whyte, director of sales for the U.S.V.I Department of Tourism; and Antonia Urlic executive director of Impresia Croatia, representing the Croatian National Tourist Office.

Monday Apr 13, 2026
Monday Apr 13, 2026
For a destination wedding or honeymoon, the right choice for your clients often is an all-inclusive resort. In this panel, we feature representatives of several all-inclusive properties who give you the lowdown on why their resort is the perfect place to book based on its location, facilities and programs. Moderated by James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report, this panel includes Maria Cabera, product and operations coordinator for Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts; Simona Gigli, romance manager for Barceló Maya Grand Resort; and Nitzy Rios, business development manager for Marival Resorts.

Sunday Apr 12, 2026
Sunday Apr 12, 2026
For a destination wedding or honeymoon, the right choice for your clients often is an all-inclusive resort. In this panel, we feature representatives of all-inclusive resorts who give you the lowdown on why their resort is the perfect place to book based on its location, facilities and programs. Moderated by James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report, this panel includes Melina Guerrero, weddings regional manager for Ocean Signature Resorts and Viviana Salgado Ferreyra, head of sales and marketing for romance for Weddings by Melia.

Thursday Apr 09, 2026
How Sea Cloud Cruises Stands Out in Luxury Travel
Thursday Apr 09, 2026
Thursday Apr 09, 2026
Alex Sharp, CEO of Signature Travel Network, and Bill Smith, Sea Cloud brand ambassador, talk with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about positioning Sea Cloud Cruises within the luxury segment and how it differentiates through legacy, authenticity and small-ship sailing experiences. They also discuss ship size, onboard experience and unique sailing features including guest access to climb the masts, along with advisor training opportunities. For more information, visit www.seacloud.com.

Thursday Apr 09, 2026
Sponsored Interview: How Traveller Made Is Getting Ready to Go Back to Panama in May
Thursday Apr 09, 2026
Thursday Apr 09, 2026
Quentin Desurmont, president of Traveller Made, talks about Serandipians & Takuminas, the two luxury travel designer communities thriving under the Traveller Made umbrella, which are getting ready to meet this May at Essence of Panama. He details the importance of the Essence shows, the network’s series of luxury travel flagship events in Phuket, Panama and Sardinia. To express your interest in attending Essence of Panama, May 18-22, 2026, visit www.essenceofluxury.com/Panama/index.aspx.

Wednesday Apr 08, 2026
How Margot Kong Built Her Agency Business with Travel Experts
Wednesday Apr 08, 2026
Wednesday Apr 08, 2026
Margot Kong, owner of Journeys Unparalleled, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at Travel Experts’ Summit 5 last month onboard AmaWaterways’ AmaMora. She details how she achieved success with support from her host agency, Travel Experts, and consortium, Virtuoso. After working for China specialist Imperial Tours, Kong began focusing on luxury family travel all around the world and is always eager to explore different cultures, histories and geographies. For more information, visit www.journeysunparalleled.com or www.travel-experts.com.

Tuesday Apr 07, 2026
How This Mother-Daughter Team Grew Their Agency Business with Travel Experts
Tuesday Apr 07, 2026
Tuesday Apr 07, 2026
Ashley and Carter Carey, a mother-daughter agency team with Ashley Carter Travel, talk with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at Travel Experts’ Summit 5 on an AmaWaterways cruise on the Danube. They detail how they got in the travel business, why they became members of Travel Experts, and how they plan to grow their business even more using their host agency’s resources and Virtuoso affiliation. For more information, visit www.ashleycareytravel.com or www.travel-xperts.com.

Monday Apr 06, 2026
Get an Update on Uniworld’s Luxury River Cruises
Monday Apr 06, 2026
Monday Apr 06, 2026
Michele Palma, executive vice president of sales for Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, gives James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report an update on her luxury river cruise line at last month’s ASTA River Cruise Expo in Amsterdam. Palma talks about her line’s newest ships, and innovative itineraries, as well as how travel advisors should be selling Uniworld today. For more information, visit www.uniworld.com.

Sunday Apr 05, 2026
Meet the New President of NCL as He Gets His First New Ship
Sunday Apr 05, 2026
Sunday Apr 05, 2026
Mark Kazlauskas, president of Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his brand-new Norwegian Luna, the opportunity he sees in taking over as brand leader, and what prepared him for this new role overseeing a major cruise line. Kazlauskas also details what he likes about the ship, the brand overall and what he hopes to achieve. For more information, visit www.ncl.com.

Thursday Apr 02, 2026
What’s the Future for VIVA Cruises on the Rivers of Europe?
Thursday Apr 02, 2026
Thursday Apr 02, 2026
Andrea Kruse, CEO and co-founder of VIVA Cruises, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month's ASTA River Cruise Expo in Amsterdam about her relatively young but growing river cruise brand. Launched in late 2018, VIVA Cruises will have 10 ships carrying no more than 190 guests each, sailing throughout Europe by mid-2026. Headquartered in Düsseldorf, the cruise line is owned by Scylla AG, a major builder of river ships. And now it's firmly targeting the U.S. river cruise market for growth. For more information, visit www.viva-cruises.com.

Thursday Apr 02, 2026
How Tauck Navigates the Rivers of Europe and Beyond
Thursday Apr 02, 2026
Thursday Apr 02, 2026
Steve Spivak, vice president-global sales and reservations for Tauck, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s ASTA River Cruise Expo in Amsterdam about the growth of his upscale river cruise fleet. With two news ships in France and more to come, Tauck has become a major force in luxury river cruising, in tandem with its growth as a major bespoke tour operator. For more information, visit www.tauck.com.

Thursday Apr 02, 2026
Discover the Off-the-Beaten Path with Japan Travel Trade Portal
Thursday Apr 02, 2026
Thursday Apr 02, 2026
Mika White, co-founder of Tourism Exchange Japan, talks with James Shillinglaw of insider Travel Report about Japan Travel Trade Portal, a new B2B platform that is launching to help travel advisors to make reservations in hard-to-book regional Japan accommodations and experiences. These are in lesser-known regions of the country in off-the-beaten-track destinations that can open the “real” Japan for American travelers. For more information, visit https://japantraveltradeportal.jp/?lang=en.

Wednesday Apr 01, 2026
Book a Tour of the Family-Owned Castles and Great Houses of Britain
Wednesday Apr 01, 2026
Wednesday Apr 01, 2026
Violet Manners, CEO and founder of HeritageXplore, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about her boutique company that offers tours and stays at some of Britain’s family-owned castles and great houses. And Lady Manners, also known as Viscountess Garnock, should know all about that—she grew up and got married in a castle owned by her parents, the Duke and Duchess of Rutland. For more information, visit https://www.heritagexplore.com.

Tuesday Mar 31, 2026
Discover River Cruising’s Great Austrian Secret—Amadeus
Tuesday Mar 31, 2026
Tuesday Mar 31, 2026
Marcus Leskovar, president-North America for Amadeus River Cruises, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s ASTA River Cruise Expo in Amsterdam about his 40-plus-year-old luxury river cruise line, which for many was again the “find “of the Expo. Leskovar details the new ships, innovative itineraries and family ownership that make Amadeus one of great river cruise lines of Europe. For more information, visit www.amadeus-rivercruises.com.

Tuesday Mar 31, 2026
What Riverside Luxury Cruises in Planning for the Rivers of Europe
Tuesday Mar 31, 2026
Tuesday Mar 31, 2026
Jennifer Halboth, CEO-Americas for Riverside Luxury Cruises, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at the ASTA River Cruise Expo in Amsterdam about how her upscale river cruise company continues to innovate, develop new itineraries and provide a real luxury experience for guests. Halboth details plans for her three-ship fleet and tells us what the future holds for Riverside. For more information, visit www.riverside-cruises.com.

Monday Mar 30, 2026
How Travel Experts Supports Its Growing Roster of Luxury Travel Advisors
Monday Mar 30, 2026
Monday Mar 30, 2026
Travel Experts’ Heather McIntyre, director of technology and finance, and Claire Canady, director of operations, talk with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at this month’s Summit on the Danube about how the other members of the host agency’s team support more than 700 travel advisors around the country. McIntrye and Canady break down how Travel Experts helps its members succeed in selling even more luxury travel. For more information, visit www.travel-xperts.com.

Monday Mar 30, 2026
How Travel Experts Stays on Top in the Luxury Host Agency Market
Monday Mar 30, 2026
Monday Mar 30, 2026
Travel Experts’ Susan Farrell, president and owner, Sharon Fake, executive director, talk with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about what their host agency does to stay so successful in the luxury travel market. Speaking during Travel Experts’ Summit onboard three AmaWaterways river ships on the Danube, Farrell and Fake talk about the long history of their host agency, its affiliation with Virtuoso, its monthly fee structure and the training and support their staff offers affiliated advisors. For more information, visit www.travel-xperts.com.

Sunday Mar 29, 2026
How Riviera Travel Is Getting Its Share of the River Cruise Market
Sunday Mar 29, 2026
Sunday Mar 29, 2026
Riviera Travel’s Matt Luscombe, group CEO, and Stuart Milan. president-North America, talk with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at the ASTA River Cruise Expo in Amsterdam about how their U.K.-based tour operator and river cruise line has made significant strides in its effort to attract more U.S. customers for its European river cruises. Luscombe and Milan cite their new ships, unique itineraries, pricing, focus on the solo market, travel advisor programs and premium positioning as key reasons why more U.S. travelers are choosing Riviera. For more information, visit www.rivieratravel.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.

Friday Mar 27, 2026
How Amsterdam’s Historic De L’Europe Hotel Keeps Evolving Luxury
Friday Mar 27, 2026
Friday Mar 27, 2026
Robert-Jan Woltering, managing director of De L'Europe hotel, takes James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report on a tour of his historic Amsterdam luxury property owned by the Heineken family. For Dutch-native Woltering, it’s a return home to manage a hotel he long wanted to oversee. His 100-plus key hotel is now literally two properties in one, with a historic offering classic rooms and a modern wing with designer suites. The hotel also has three dining options, including a two-star Michelin restaurant, three bars and a large spa. For more information, visit www.deleurope.com.

Thursday Mar 26, 2026
Get an Update on Scenic Group’s Growing River Cruise Empire
Thursday Mar 26, 2026
Thursday Mar 26, 2026
Ken Muskat, president of Scenic Group U.S.A. and LATAM, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at the ASTA River Cruise Expo in Amsterdam about how Scenic is expanding its river cruise offerings for both its brands, Scenic Cruises & Tours and Emerald Waterways, in Europe and Southeast Asia. And yes, he also reveals the latest in Scenic Group’s luxury yacht sailings for both the Scenic and Emerald brands. For more information, visit www.scenicusa.com or www.emeraldcruises.com.
