May 3, 2025 • 53 mins
Ready for a journey that spans from the icy landscapes of Greenland to the tropical paradise of Costa Rica and the magnificent new MSC World America cruise ship? Join us as we dive into the hottest travel destinations and essential travel information you need right now.
The long-awaited enforcement of Real ID requirements begins May 7th—is your license compliant with that gold star? We break down exactly what you'll need at airport security and what alternatives will work if your ID isn't ready. Plus, we explore why Greenland has suddenly become one of the most searched travel destinations with a 300% increase in inquiries. Whether you prefer exploring via cruise ship (with incredible deals starting at just $1,754 for a 14-day journey) or an immersive land tour, we've got the perfect options to help you discover this emerging destination.
Looking for tropical luxury without breaking the bank? Our Costa Rica all-inclusive spotlight reveals prices that have dropped $300-400 per person, with spectacular resorts like the Planet Hollywood (a Marriott Autograph Collection) available for just $1,599. We explain exactly what makes these properties special and why now is the time to book.
The highlight of our show takes you aboard MSC World America, where we share our firsthand experiences with the ship's innovative Infinite Outside cabins, spectacular entertainment including the Queen Symphonic show with incredible acrobatics, and exciting developments at MSC's private island Ocean Key. Plus, don't miss our crucial passport safety tips that could save your vacation.
Whether you're a seasoned traveler or planning your first major journey, this episode delivers the perfect blend of inspiration, practical advice, and exclusive deals. The world is waiting—let us help you explore it safely and affordably.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Patrick Wiscombe (00:00):
It is time to talk travel.
Welcome to the Inside TravelTalk podcast and radio show
Coming up.
On today's show we will betalking about how to travel to
Greenland all-inclusive CostaRica vacations.
MSC Cruises' brand new cruiseship called World America, mark
and I were just on it.
It is a genuinely spectacularship.
Plus, we'll give you traveltips to keep your passports and
(00:22):
money safe while vacationing.
Let's start the show.
The Inside Travel Talk podcastand radio show presented by
BluePlanetVacations.
com contains travel deals,promotions and offers that may
be time sensitive.
All offers and information wereaccurate when the show aired.
Travel deals and offers changeconstantly and are capacity
controlled and subject to changewithout notice.
Show Voice (00:48):
Explore your world.
It's the Inside Travel Talkpodcast and radio show presented
by BluePlanetVacations.
com.
Call or text the show now801-649-3700, 801-649-3700.
And check out the podcast atInsideTravelTalk.
com.
And now here are your hosts,Patrick Wiscombe and Mark Faldmo
(01:11):
.
Patrick Wiscombe (01:21):
Vacation.
Patrick Wiscombe is back, so isMark Faldmo, back from the
Caribbean.
And, mark, I don't know aboutyou, but after spending a month
in the Caribbean I feelabsolutely rejuvenated.
I have more enthusiasm for justthings in general.
(01:41):
I don't know how you couldn'tbe more excited about life than
I am right now.
What a tremendous, tremendousopportunity to go to the
Caribbean for a month.
Mark Faldmo (01:51):
Yeah, that's what travel will do for you.
Patrick Wiscombe (01:53):
One of the cruise highlights for me
personally was getting off theHolland America, the Rotterdam,
and then riding Brightline traindown to Miami where I got to
see Mark.
He handed off some MSC crewshirts that said holiday mode on
.
I love those shirts, very greatshirts.
(02:13):
Thank you, Laura Okonowski, forgetting the shirts and thanks
for meeting me at the Brightlinestation because I haven't seen
you for a while.
Mark Faldmo (02:19):
Yeah, it was a while.
We had some free time therebefore the baseball game that we
went to and decided to go todowntown Miami and meet you.
Patrick Wiscombe (02:27):
If you're brand new to the show, first of
all, just welcome and thank youfor listening.
My name is Patrick Wiscombe, heis Mark Faldmo and the entire
purpose of this radio show andpodcast is to help all of you
plan and book your next vacationor give you ideas of where to
go on your next vacation.
This week, we'll be talkingabout TSA enforcing their real
(02:49):
ID requirement.
It feels like the story's justbeen going on and dates keep
changing.
Anyway, we'll give you thelatest here in a second.
We'll also talk about thedestination of the week, which
is going to be Greenland.
We've got the hot travel dealof the week and, of course,
we'll be talking about MSC'sWorld America.
Let's get to the travel newsheadlines.
What do you say?
Let's go All right, the TSA,let's just start with the real
ID, because this it feels likethat there's, it's on, it's off.
(03:13):
It's on, it's off.
Anyway, it's official the TSAwill start enforcing the real ID
requirements starting May 7th,which is four days from right.
Now, if you're traveling better, have your Real ID, driver's
license ready to go or some formof ID.
Mark Faldmo (03:31):
This is a story, like you alluded to, that has
just kept going and going andgoing.
You know.
Quick background on Real ID.
It was a suggestion coming outof the September 11th committee.
This has been in the works fornearly 20 years and it keeps
getting pushed back.
States have not been real IDcompliant.
(03:51):
Just keeps pushing back andback and the TSA finally just
said okay, may 7th is the date.
So how to know if your driver'slicense is TSA compliant?
It will have most states.
It's a gold star in the upperright hand corner of your
driver's license.
So if you do not have a TSAcompliant driver's license, you
(04:13):
should bring your passport.
If you have anything likeglobal entry or TSA pre-check,
that comes with a card that willalso get you through oh, it
does, I didn't know that it does, okay.
Or a permanent resident cardwill also get you through TSA.
If you do not have a complianceID, you can still get through,
(04:34):
but you'll have to go throughseparate secondary screening
where you'll have to submit toan identity verification process
.
One thing in this that I findinteresting is the TSA reports
that currently only 81% oftravelers in the last year have
gone through with Real IDcompliant driver's licenses.
(04:56):
That could upset some things,then that could upset some
things.
I just find it amazing thatstates have not jumped onto this
.
I think I'm on my third Real IDcompliant driver's license.
Yeah, I think I am too.
New Jersey I think it was NewJersey just filed a lawsuit to
stop this from being implemented, because they only implemented
(05:19):
it like last year, and only like30% of their citizens have a
real ID compliant, becausethey've been so slow to bring
this to the table.
But anyway, just if you'retraveling in the next little
while, make sure you have thatreal ID compliant driver's
license or other documentation.
Patrick Wiscombe (05:38):
United Airlines is expanding their
Pacific network with new routesto Manila, ho Chi Minh City
which is a city I have alwayswanted to go to and Bangkok.
Mark Faldmo (05:49):
Lately we've been talking about a lot of new
routes for airlines, and I thinkthese are pretty fascinating.
United from San Francisco willfly to Manila.
Right now it's the only USairline that is serving direct
flights to the Philippines.
Oh, I didn't know that.
And that starts October 25th ofthis year.
On October 26th they'll startflights from Hong Kong to Ho Chi
(06:14):
Minh City, so it won't be anonstop from the US, but you can
connect United to United, getto Ho Chi Minh City, and also on
October 26th, the same thing,they'll start Hong Kong to
Bangkok flights, also on a 787Dreamliner, always at this first
segment of the show is thedestination of the week, and
(06:35):
we're going to Greenland.
Patrick Wiscombe (06:36):
What is the best way to see Greenland?
First of all, because it's onthe news.
Mark Faldmo (06:40):
It is becoming a pretty popular at least searched
vacation destination.
With the political things thatare going on with Greenland and
also United Airlines announcingin June they're going to start
the first non-stops to Greenlandfrom the US, there's been a lot
of interest in Greenland, towhere you know.
(07:02):
Many search platforms and touroperators are reporting two to
three hundred percent increasein searches for the destination.
Patrick Wiscombe (07:10):
We have to get to know our 52nd state.
Mark Faldmo (07:13):
Yeah, my word.
That kind of begs the questionwhat is the best way to see
Greenland?
In my opinion it's by a cruise.
There are several cruises, likerepositioning cruises, that go
between the US and Europe thatwill stop in Greenland.
So that's a quick stop.
(07:33):
But if you really want to seeGreenland, there are several
smaller ships or expedition typeships that do a great job in
Greenland and there are a fewtours that actually go to
Greenland as well.
What's your favorite cruisetogether?
I looked and I found twodifferent cruise options.
One is actually veryinteresting.
It's in 2026.
(07:54):
It's on Carnival Cruise Lineand it's round trip.
Baltimore oh, departs Baltimorehas a couple of days at sea and
it goes up to two differentports in Greenland and, forgive
me, I can't say these Nanantalik, I think, is how you say it, or
that's how I'm going to say it.
(08:15):
And the other one is Quaggartogis the name of it.
Two ports on the south side orthe very southern tip of
Greenland, and then from thereyou cruise down and get some
Canadian ports St Anthony,corner Brook and Nova Scotia
before returning back toBaltimore.
(08:37):
But this itinerary that doeshit Greenland and then some much
lesser visited places in Canadamakes pretty good sense.
It's a 14-day cruise with somepretty good prices.
This is August 16th of 2026.
So we're talking.
What about 18 months away?
Yeah, but it starts at $1754per person for an inside cabin
(09:00):
or $2624 per person for abalcony cabin that's great for a
14 day cruise for a 14 daycruise, wow, okay.
And then, if you really wantedto get something that's a little
bit more in depth, Viking oceancruises has a 14 day cruise,
(09:22):
leaves July 5th of 2026.
And this one actually starts inToronto, Canada, and ends in
Greenland.
So it has an overnight inToronto, cruises up the river to
Quebec City and then has acouple of Canadian ports before
cruising and hitting fourdifferent ports in Greenland.
(09:43):
If you want a little bit morein-depth, some of the smaller,
more expedition cruises are thebest way to see Greenland.
Patrick Wiscombe (09:52):
So we've talked about cruises.
Is there a land option?
Yeah, there are several landoptions.
Mark Faldmo (09:57):
Now most of the land options include Iceland, so
you'll start and end in Icelandand they'll take a charter
plane, sometimes a ferry or aboat, over to Greenland.
But land tours will really getyou a little bit more in depth
to see Greenland.
You get to spend more time,obviously over nights, which is
(10:23):
just called Greenland Expedition.
It's 10 days and it's all inGreenland.
So it doesn't include anyIceland.
It includes some ferries,charter flights to different
parts, some amazing glaciers,but Greenland is becoming more
and more open and moreaccessible to see.
Patrick Wiscombe (10:41):
I want to go.
That feels like we need to getto know the travel suppliers
there.
Yes, that feels like one ofthose things.
So all right.
So if you want to travel withus, extend the invitation to
everyone, yeah.
Or if you just have generaltravel related questions, so I'm
going to open it up wide,because we kind of covered
everything in this segment thereal ID requirements if you have
(11:04):
that, call Mark in his officejust to get the conversation
started General travel questionsand if you have Greenland
specific questions, which I willcall Mark in his office,
888-718-7717, 888-718-7717,888-718-7717.
Are you going to post this onBluePlanetVacations.
(11:24):
com?
The Greenland stuff?
Mark Faldmo (11:27):
Yes, I will.
Patrick Wiscombe (11:29):
Check it out BluePlanetVacations.
com.
Or call Mark in his office Onemore time on the phone number
888-718-7717.
When we come back it is the hottravel deal of the week, and
this week we're headed to CostaRica.
That is next when the InsideTravel Talk podcast and radio
show continues.
Alongside my good friend MarkFaldmo, my name is Patrick
(11:52):
Wiscombe.
Thank you so much for listening.
We will be right back.
Show Voice (11:57):
Taking you to destinations around the world.
The Inside Travel Talk podcastand radio show is presented by
BluePlanetVacations.
com, America's best traveladvisors.
Call or text the show now801-649-3700, 801-649-3700.
Thanks for listening.
(12:17):
We'll be right back.
Ad Voice (12:22):
Inside Travel Talk is brought to you by Anna.
Waterways, from castles andcapitals to vistas and villages
visit some of Europe's mostremarkable sites and cities To
set out on your own river cruisejourney.
Contact Blue Planet Vacationsat 888-718-7717 or
blueplanetvacations.
com.
Show Voice (12:48):
Now back to the Inside Travel Talk podcast and
radio show presented byBluePlanetVacations.
com, America's best traveladvisors.
Call or text the show right now801-649-3700, 801-649-3700.
And check out the podcast atInsideTravelTalk.
com.
(13:08):
Here's Patrick Wiscombe andMark Faldmo.
Patrick Wiscombe (13:16):
Welcome back to the Inside Travel Talk
podcast and radio show.
My name is Patrick Wiscombe,alongside my good friend, mark
Faldmo.
You are listening to the besttravel podcast and radio show
available to mankind when itcomes to traveling this
beautiful planet that we live on, third Rock from the Sun.
(13:37):
Coming up in this segment ofthe show, always in segment
number two, we've got the hottravel deal of the week and this
week we are headed to CostaRica because one of our
questions came from one of ourlisteners and let me just
emphasize this while we're here,that we want you to become part
of the show and answer and askyour travel related questions.
(14:00):
Whatever you're doing right nowand you have a travel related
question, text the show.
Right now.
You can call or text the showat 801, area code 649-3700,
801-649-3700.
Even if you think it's a sillyquestion, we want to help you.
This show is about helping allof our listeners get out and see
(14:21):
the world and we want you to bepart of the show.
801-649-3700.
All right, mark, let's get tothe hot travel deal of the week,
which is Costa Rica.
But actually you know what,before we do that, let's do the
travel news headlines.
One of the biggest pains in thetuchus of international air
travel, at least according tothis article, will soon become a
(14:42):
little bit less of a pain inthe tuchus.
What details do we have on thisthis?
Mark Faldmo (14:48):
is a new pilot program with American Airlines,
the TSA and the UK Department ofTransport.
The UK, like the US, if you'reconnecting in the UK, you have
to reclaim your bags, recheckthem and then re-go through
security.
Whoa really reclaim your bags,recheck them and then re-go
through security.
Whoa, really, that's the sameway it is in the US.
(15:09):
If you're coming back fromEurope, your first point you
have to check your bags, recheckthem and then re-go through
security.
But this new pilot program withAmerican Airlines will allow
passengers flying on American toLondon Heathrow from Dallas,
(15:30):
fort Worth or Atlanta Georgia tonot have to go through security
again and check their bags.
So it'll be, just like adomestic flight, where you can
just stay in the secure area andgo right to your connecting
flight.
Patrick Wiscombe (15:40):
Now, the only reason I don't know this is
because one of the things thatwe do on this show is we don't
really check baggage.
We just bring everything withus on the airplane, and that
included spending a month in theCaribbean.
Within the last 30 days, wejust took as little as possible
and we knew that we were goingto live in our swimsuits anyway,
(16:02):
but we did laundry on board andso I didn't even know that that
was a big pain.
Mark Faldmo (16:07):
Yeah, it is, you know, quite the pain, especially
coming back to the US, and youknow, hopefully that will change
.
You know there are a fewinternational airports, like
Dublin Ireland, where youactually go through customs and
immigration before you board theplane in Dublin.
So then you fly back and thatplane can go to any gate.
(16:28):
It doesn't have to go to aninternational terminal.
But generally whenever you comeback you check your bags,
recheck them and re-go throughsecurity if you have a
connecting flight, so hopefullythe system takes off and works
and it'll be rolled out to otherairlines and other airports we
have a Disney world alert rightnow, so I wish I had some sort.
Patrick Wiscombe (16:51):
No, I think I do have a sound effect right
here.
That was not the one.
Yeah, that was not supposed tobe a rib shot.
That was supposed to.
Mark Faldmo (17:00):
I don't know what that was I will try and make
this funny so you can use thatAt the end of the story.
Okay, yeah, so anyway this isand this is pretty early for
Disney to be rolling this outthey are offering Walt Disney
World dining plan for kids agedthree to nine for free for 2026
(17:23):
travel.
Three to nine for free for 2026travel.
So as long as kids three tonine are traveling with parents
or teenagers that purchase aregular price dining plan, those
younger kids will get the freedining plan for 2026.
Patrick Wiscombe (17:36):
Marriott is bringing a JW Marriott
all-inclusive property resort toCosta Rica.
I don't know what it is aboutCosta Rica right now.
I know you love it.
I have not been Costa Rica's enfuego right now, it seems like
the place to go.
Mark Faldmo (17:51):
Yeah, costa Rica is such a fascinating destination
and that's actually our hottravel deal of the week after we
talk about this topic.
Jw Marriott is one of thehigher end hotel brands in the
Marriott Corporation, so theyare planning on putting in an
all-inclusive resort in theLiberia area.
This is about 50 miles from theairport in Liberia, which is
(18:15):
typically where all of theall-inclusive resorts are.
Now there's no opening date setfor this.
They've just signed the deal,but that'll give another option
for all inclusives and also anoption that's higher end.
So the plans for the hotel areit's going to be 415 rooms, have
11 different food and beverageoutlets, 17 swimming pools Wow,
(18:41):
so it's going to be 17?
.
I've seen some other hotels inthis area and it's in this
setting.
This is just going to bespectacular.
Patrick Wiscombe (18:51):
And Marriott.
It seems like their resortstheir JW Marriott.
Isn't that one of theirsignature brands?
I know that there's a wholebunch of Marriott brands, but
isn't JW one of their signatures?
Mark Faldmo (19:02):
Yes, it is.
Yeah, that would be one of thehigher end.
Ritz Carlton would probably bethe highest end in that.
And then JW Marriott is aboutthe same, maybe a small step
down, but still a five stardeluxe plus luxury.
Patrick Wiscombe (19:17):
Maybe this is just fascinating to you and me
because we, you know, we'retravel nerds, but I think for
the, for any average listeners,I think we should break down all
of the hotel brands thatMarriott owns, and maybe the
same for Hyatt.
This is ultra luxury.
This is luxury.
Just break down hotel brandsand it's honestly as many hotels
as are out there.
(19:37):
They're really kind of owned byjust a handful of companies.
Mark Faldmo (19:40):
Yeah, and actually in the hot deal of the week, one
of the hotels is an autographcollection by Marriott.
So I was actually going to goin to kind of explain what that
means.
Okay, all right, so so we willdo a little bit of that in the
next few minutes here okay.
Patrick Wiscombe (19:56):
Well, let's get to the hot travel day of the
week, which is, of course,Costa Rica.
Now is this?
The same Susan that has been,uh, one of your clients and she
asked a lot of questions, butshe also does a lot of travel,
so yeah, Susan, how are youthere?
Mark Faldmo (20:09):
And yeah, so, yeah, this is, I think, the third or
fourth question that Susan hasasked, and she wants to go to an
all-inclusive resort in CostaRica.
Patrick Wiscombe (20:19):
Okay, and just before you move on, if you have
travel related questions, letme just give out the text and
the studio number 801-649-3700,801-649-3700.
Okay, now to Susan.
So you?
Mark Faldmo (20:32):
know we've talked about Costa Rica a few times on
the show where all of theall-inclusive resorts are
located.
Most of them is in theGuanacaste area and you'd fly in
the airport is called LiberiaAirport.
Personally, I prefer differentareas of Costa Rica to travel,
but if you are looking for anall-inclusive, this is a great
(20:54):
option for that, and so you know.
I looked at a five-nightpackage from Salt Lake.
This was in the fall, it was inSeptember, September 11th and
so this includes five nightshotel, round trip airfare from
Salt Lake City and the airport,hotel transfers, and again, the
disclaimer on that because ourradio listeners are in Salt Lake
(21:17):
.
We put that, but if you'relistening from another city, we
can certainly check other citiesfor you.
This is the first time in along time that I have seen Costa
Rica prices drop close to the$1,000 per person mark.
There are some reasons for that, or just air travel demand is
down and so there's more seatsand airlines are selling for
(21:40):
less price for a lower price.
Well good, this is the perfecttime to travel, so this is a
great time to go.
So the first hotel is calledthe Occidental Papagayo Resort.
This is a three and a half starresort and that price starts at
$1,059 per person.
These prices are about $300 to$400 per person lower than they
(22:01):
were a few months ago.
Yeah, that's what I thought.
For a three and a half starhotel.
It's a good hotel.
I still probably, personally,would go with one of the next
three hotels that I'm going togive.
The next one is the Rio Palace,costa Rica.
It's a four and a half starhotel, starts at $1279 per
person and I've stayed at thishotel twice, really enjoyed it.
(22:23):
It's kind of in a little cove,has a really good beach.
The next hotel is theMargaritaville Beach Resort,
which is a four-star resort.
It starts at $1579 per personbut, as we've talked about, that
Margaritaville brand was kindof laid-back luxury.
It is a great atmosphere tovacation in.
(22:44):
But this next hotel is one thatI'm really interested in.
It's the Planet HollywoodResort.
It's a five-star, it's aMarriott autograph collection
and it starts at $1599 perperson.
Patrick Wiscombe (22:56):
Hold on.
So Marriott now owns PlanetHollywood.
Part of the autographcollection.
Mark Faldmo (23:01):
This hotel is part of the autograph collection of
Marriott, and so you know thatkind of goes where you're saying
let's break down what all ofthese brands are.
So what the autographcollection is is it's smaller,
unique, independently ownedhotels that Marriott vets.
They have some significance,either architecture, they're by
(23:21):
a landmark, they're unique insome way and there's a kind of a
rigorous standard to getthrough to be an autograph
collection by Marriott, but thisdoes put them in the
distribution system by Marriott.
Ad Voice (23:33):
Okay.
Mark Faldmo (23:34):
All right, this is a newer hotel and I have not
seen it.
I've seen pictures, I've seen afew videos.
It just looks like an amazinghotel, but for that price, for a
five-star.
If we were just looking, thereare some other comparable
five-star hotels that are about$500 or $600 more per person
than this.
So this is a really good pricefor Costa Rica, all-inclusive,
(23:56):
in fact, all of these.
I wouldn't hesitate to stay atany of the hotels that we
mentioned in this segment.
Patrick Wiscombe (24:01):
There's just something about rejuvenating
about travel.
If you're interested in goingto Costa Rica and Susan, it
sounds like you are you knowwhere to find Mark.
Just call him in his office, oranyone really Call him in his
office, 888-718-7717,888-718-7717.
(24:22):
He will also post this onblueplanetvacations.
com and we want to answer all ofyour travel-related questions.
We don't care how simple theymight be or you might be
embarrassed.
Call Mark, 888-718-7717.
When we come back, we will bespeaking with our good friend, a
(24:46):
friend of the show, LauraOkonowski, with MSC Cruises.
We'll be talking about MSC'sWorld America, the brand new
ship, gigantic ship.
Mark and I have both been on it.
We'll talk about that next whenthe Inside Travel Talk podcast
or radio show continues.
Thank you so much for allowingus to be part of your weekend.
We will be back in just acouple of minutes.
Show Voice (25:10):
You're listening to the Inside Travel Talk podcast
and radio show with PatrickWiscombe and Mark Faldmo,
presented by BluePlanetVacations.
com America's best traveladvisors.
Call or text the show now801-649-3700.
That's 801-649-3700.
That's 801-649-3700.
(25:30):
And check out the podcast atInsideTravelTalk.
com.
We'll be right back.
Ad Voice (25:38):
This segment of Inside Travel Talk is sponsored by
Star Clippers.
For over 30 years, StarClippers has offered unique
authentic tall ship sailingexperiences featuring creative
itineraries throughout theMediterranean Caribbean and
Central America.
To book your unique StarClipper sailing adventure,
contact Blue Planet Vacations at888-718-7717 or
(25:59):
blueplanetvacations.
com.
Patrick Wiscombe (26:01):
Okay, we're back.
Welcome back to the InsideTravel Talk podcast, a radio
show coming up.
In the next 28 minutes we willbe talking about MSC's World
America.
It is a genuinely beautifulship.
I just spent a week on it.
Mark was on it as well.
We'll also be talking aboutkeeping your passport and money
safe while traveling, and wehave a real story.
(26:22):
That's not about me and Mark,but it is happening to someone
he knows.
Let's get back to the show.
The Inside Travel Talk podcastand radio show presented by
BluePlanetVacations.
com contains travel deals,promotions and offers that may
be time sensitive.
All offers and information wereaccurate when the show aired.
Travel deals and offers changeconstantly and are capacity
(26:43):
controlled and subject to changewithout notice.
Show Voice (26:53):
This is the Inside Travel Talk podcast and radio
show presented byBluePlanetVacations.
com, America's best traveladvisors.
Call or text the show right now801-649-3700, 801-649-3700.
Patrick Wiscombe (27:11):
And now here are your hosts Patrick Wiscombe
and Mark Faldmo all aboard forthe infamous just cruising
(27:39):
segment on the inside traveltalk podcast or radio show.
Hello there, we hope that youare having a terrific weekend.
My name is Patrick Wiscombe,back from the Caribbean After a
month.
We'll be talking about all ofthose adventures coming up and
we'll also be talking aboutMSC's World America.
Mark and I were on that shipwithin the last couple of weeks
(28:01):
and we'll be talking about areal-life situation, about one
of Mark's employees who lost wasit her money and her passport?
Mark, yes, yes, I am sorry tohear that.
That's terrible.
We're going to be talking withLaura Okonowski, the business
development manager with MSCCruises.
I know that we're a travel showand we want to share our
(28:22):
adventures with listeners.
It was a beautiful ship.
Let's talk about the room thatyou had on the MSC World America
.
Mark Faldmo (28:29):
Yeah, so this is an interesting experience.
I had what is called aninfinite outside cabin.
So typically, you know, anoutside cabin is a room with a
big picture window, but this wasnot the case.
I'm a balcony person throughand through.
When I walk in to a cruise shipcab, when I put my bags down,
go out and sit on the deck,generally that's the first thing
(28:50):
I do.
Just, you know, take in, I'm ona cruise ship, get excited for
the cruise.
I walked into this cabin, Iwalked over like oh, this isn't
a balcony, it just had a bigfloor to ceiling glass wall.
Patrick Wiscombe (29:02):
Oh, so you had an infinite veranda.
Mark Faldmo (29:08):
Infinite Yep, and I was a little bit disappointed.
It took me a little while todecide or to figure out that oh,
there's a button that opens thewindow, so the top half of the
glass slides down and turns yourwhole room into a balcony.
It was amazing.
I love that.
It gives you an extra five orsix feet in the length of the
cabin.
It gives you an extra five orsix feet in the length of the
(29:30):
cabin.
Patrick Wiscombe (29:34):
So you have more living space in your cabin,
but you still get that balconyfeel to it.
Some people call that a reallycontroversial cabin, that
infinite veranda with basicallyhalf the window coming down.
Mark Faldmo (29:41):
I loved it yes, so I'm right there with you, but it
is different.
It is different yeah.
Patrick Wiscombe (29:47):
Let's bring in Laura Okonowski with MSC
Cruises.
Laura, I'm going to greet youin a way that will sound
familiar to both you and Mark.
I said good morning.
I said good morning.
MSC World America.
Laura Okonowski, hello there.
Mark Faldmo (30:06):
You sound like a cruise director, Patrick Dr.
Patrick Wiscombe (30:08):
P.
We'll call you Dr P.
I'm not Dr E, I'm Dr P.
Laura Okonowski (30:14):
I love it.
I love it, I love it.
Patrick Wiscombe (30:17):
I knew you'd get a kick out of that.
Laura Okonowski (30:21):
Which, by the way, he is absolutely hands down
, the best cruise director I'veever experienced on board any
cruise ship in my entire careerand personal travels as a
vacation cruiser by cruise ship.
Patrick Wiscombe (30:34):
So for people who don't know the cruise
director, what is his real name?
He calls himself Dr E.
He's the cruise director andhe's the one that makes all the
announcements every single day.
He was terrific, Loved him.
Sounds like you did too.
Laura Okonowski (30:49):
He is a fantastic man and, as you're
saying this, I'm trying to findhis official name, Everson
Beville.
Patrick Wiscombe (30:58):
Well, what was fun is the first time I saw him
was at the Dirty Dancingcelebration.
So there's two things going onon MSC World America.
There's the celebration ofdirty dancing.
That's about a what?
35, 40 minute show, somethinglike that.
And then there was the what didthey call it?
It was the dirty, where youactually watch the movie, and
(31:20):
then they have a live band andso during each section of the
show there's music throughoutthe whole movie.
But they had the live band comeout and play during the movie
and it was a spectacular concept.
Took me a second to figure outwhat was going on, but did you
guys see that when you were on?
Laura Okonowski (31:39):
I did not.
Patrick Wiscombe (31:40):
Oh, I did.
I loved it.
I've never seen anything likethat before.
Laura Okonowski (31:44):
Yes, unfortunately I missed that.
I heard from some friends andcolleagues that it was an
amazing show and quite an ode tothat movie.
That's how old now I mean 30years old, I think Dirty Dancing
.
So we are very pleased to havethat exclusively on MSC Cruises
World America.
I, though Patrick, was witnessto the Queen Symphonic show,
(32:10):
which was an ode to all thewonderful songs from the group
Queen, and that was a ton of fun.
Patrick Wiscombe (32:18):
The Queen Symphonic.
Basically, like Laura said, itwas all the Queen songs.
And, by the way, I didn't knowthat I was a Queen fan.
I was like, oh, I know thatsong, oh, I know that song.
Oh, I know that I was a queenfan.
I was like, oh, I know thatsong.
Oh, I know that song, oh, Iknow that song.
Laura Okonowski (32:34):
And the, the people, the man and the woman
who are up on the.
What are they called?
Uh, they're hanging from thechandeliers.
They are they.
Patrick Wiscombe (32:37):
They are like satin ribbons ribbons, thank you
that's the word, and some ofthe uh acrobatic display during
queen symphonic was justincredible.
I'm like I didn't even know thehuman body could contort like
that.
Laura Okonowski (32:49):
Exactly the athletic ability of the dance
entertainment team on board.
They're stellar.
I mean they could be on anystage around the world.
And here they are with us onWorld America.
So very pleased to have suchamazing talent on board our
ships.
Patrick Wiscombe (33:07):
And what makes it even more incredible
generally speaking, the seaswere calm, but that night it was
a little bit rocky, and thatthey were still doing the
acrobatic stuff on a movingplatform.
Crazy, how strong they were.
Laura Okonowski (33:20):
I don't think they're hitting that pizza
burger buffet at night like Iwas to be in that type of
athletic prowess shape.
Patrick Wiscombe (33:29):
So, in case someone is just joining us right
now we're talking about MSC'sbrand new ship, MSC World
America.
Laura Okonowski is the businessdevelopment manager with MSC.
I want to ask you Lauranormally we're talking about
promotions you were on the shipwith Mark.
What was your favorite part ofthe ship?
Laura Okonowski (33:48):
My favorite part of the ship was literally
watching the guests come onboard and watching their faces
light up with eyes, big, bigsmiles at every twist and turn.
As they walked about withcameras in hand, phones in hand.
I mean I heard a lot of oh.
Oh, my goodness, look at that,oh, look at this.
(34:12):
I mean it was constant and thatwas what I was feeling and, as
I recant this to you, I'mliterally getting goosebumps
because I'm a very touchy, feelyperson, very tactile, and so,
as I'm walking about the ship, Ikept touching, you know, the
walls.
Oh my gosh, that's real brick.
Oh my gosh, that's full marble.
It just is spectacular to theeyes, the ears.
(34:35):
There's so much to see.
My head was on a spinner forthe first several hours of being
on board.
Patrick Wiscombe (34:42):
My mouth just kept dropping going.
This ship is unbelievable.
It is beautiful From theoutside.
When we were docked in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and we were off
to the I guess it would be thenot the starboard, but the
what's the other side, port side, port side and I was taking
video of how big the ship was.
(35:03):
It is beautiful outside.
That was the first time that Ireally got to see the ship in
its grandeur.
Whoever the architect was didan amazing job.
Laura Okonowski (35:14):
Just visually from the outside, I totally
agree and to bring to life theEuropean style of the ship
itself, of the hardware, andthen to affix the interior with
so many American comforts andthings that we, as Americans,
enjoy and love about vacationtravel and having multiple
(35:38):
restaurants to choose from,having multiple venues for
entertainment all hours of theday.
There is just such an endlessarray of things to treat and
tantalize and I can't wait to goback.
I'm actually, truth be told,booked for this coming October
with my family and I cannot waitbecause, Patrick, I am envious
(36:00):
that you had a full seven nightson board and Mark and I only
had three.
So, I need more.
Patrick Wiscombe (36:07):
So let's talk about Ocean Key, because that's
the one thing we have in common,which is MSC's private island.
So the last time I was therewas 10 months ago and the island
is really starting to takechange.
So I'll just call it.
When you come off the ship,where it's docked over to the
left side, they are buildingmore food pavilions.
The island it is underconstruction, but it's in an
(36:30):
unobtrusive way.
But I can see that MSC isreally investing a lot of money
into that private island andit's fun to watch.
Laura Okonowski (36:38):
We absolutely are.
There is an evolution happeningand we've read the surveys from
our guests who have been.
We have listened.
We know they want more of this.
They want a private oasis thatis their own, they want food
venues, they want more beachtime.
They want all the things thatone could want on a private
(37:01):
island oasis and the fact thatthis used to be basically a
scrapyard right in the middle ofthe ocean and now it's turned
into pristine miles of sandybeach and if you're wanting to,
you can literally walk on overto the other side or take the
narrated tram on over and youcan find a little piece of oasis
(37:23):
just to yourself.
I mean, it's truly possible.
Even though you're travelingperhaps with 6,000 other guests,
you do feel like this is yourown private island, and that's
what I love about it.
You know the ship is carrying alot of other guests, but you
don't see them all when you'reon the island.
Patrick Wiscombe (37:41):
You don't.
Laura Okonowski (37:42):
And in looking at the future of this particular
island, there have been somenews articles that have come out
just this week that confirm,Patrick, your suspicions.
Patrick Wiscombe (37:55):
Okay, so let me set it up this way.
So Nikki and I were in thebuffet we hadn't eaten all day
because we were on the islandand, as I was texting you, I'm
like that's a new island, thatwasn't there 10 months ago.
I'm like that's a new island,that wasn't there 10 months ago,
and I could see caterpillartrucks and I'm talking about the
(38:15):
gigantic earth movers that looklike little dots on this new
island that's being constructedat this point and you have an
announcement, kind of there aresome public news articles.
Tell people what we can expecton that island, and I'm thinking
it won't be 2025.
I'm thinking that it might evenbe mid to late 2026, probably.
Laura Okonowski (38:32):
Yes, Patrick, so I don't think there is a
completion date yet set.
However, what I know so far isthat, from the dredging of the
sand that occurs for Ocean, keyitself is now accumulating a
little ways away and we aregoing to be naming this island.
(38:53):
It's already aptly received itsname, called Little Key, and
Little Key, from what Iunderstand, is going to be very
luxurious, very, very private.
So the only way that one wouldget to Little Key is by water
motorcraft from the biggerisland of.
Ocean Bay, and I don't knowreally anything else.
(39:14):
I don't know if we're expandingmarine life there, if there
will be additional MSCfoundation elements as part of
this.
All I can tell you is I am soexcited to see the expansion
because I know it really is apassion project, if you will, of
(39:34):
our owners, the Aponte family,and they truly, truly believe
this to their heart and core,that they want to be good
stewards to the oceans and theywant to leave the oceans better
than how we originally foundthem.
Patrick Wiscombe (39:48):
Is it correct to say that when they were and
we kind of alluded to this thatMSC World America, the ship that
we were on brand new, very justmassive.
Not only is it long and wide,it is just a beautiful ship that
construction had to take placeat Ocean Key at some point, just
so World America could dock.
(40:08):
So when you're talking aboutdredging the sand or the ocean,
that's probably where they putall that that new sand.
For what is Little Key Is that?
Laura Okonowski (40:17):
Exactly yes.
So basically it essentiallyorganically probably came to be
right.
Yes, organically probably cameto be right, yes, no-transcript.
Patrick Wiscombe (40:34):
I know that we don't have to say this, but I'm
telling listeners I sound likeI'm on a soapbox right now.
Listen to me.
People Go on MSC World America.
It is a beautiful ship.
Not only is it beautiful, thelocations are beautiful.
We went to Dominican Republic,Puerto Plata.
(40:55):
Specifically, we went to SanJuan, Puerto Rico.
I was not expecting a lot fromPuerto Rico Ends up being one of
my favorite places that we evenwent.
It is worth every effort thatyou can to save your pennies to
go on World America.
You will not be disappointed,and I'm not saying that because
Laura's on the show.
It is genuinely worth it.
Do it.
(41:15):
Okay, mark, let's talk aboutpromotions for World America.
Mark Faldmo (41:20):
First we'll talk about MSC's just main promotion.
This is for May.
They have up to 30% off cruisesplus kids sale free.
Talking about World America, itis a great ship for families
and kids.
There's so much to do there.
So, you know, getting the kidssale free part of that is a very
(41:40):
good promotion.
And then you know, I did lookat some pricing for World
America.
Looking at a November 29th date, I actually can't believe, for
a brand new ship like this,these prices.
Patrick, you said save yourpennies to go on this.
Yeah, you don't have to do alot of savings because it's such
(42:00):
a good price.
Yeah, an inside cabin starts at$759 per person and a balcony
starts at $1,079 per person forthat November 29th date.
And this is actually theitinerary that you did, which
goes to Porta Plata and San Juanand Ocean Key.
Patrick Wiscombe (42:23):
It was an adventure of a lifetime.
If you are even thinking aboutgoing, or one of those around
the table conversations, callMark in his office during the
break.
Get the conversation started.
You will not regret this at all.
Call Mark in his office duringthe break.
Get the conversation started.
You will not regret this at all.
888-718-7717.
(42:44):
888-718-7717.
And he will also post this onblueplanetvacations.
com.
When we come back, we're goingto wrap up the show.
This hour always goes by sofast.
We will be talking about whatto do if your passport is stolen
.
This is an actual story.
(43:04):
Fortunately, it's not my story.
We'll talk about what to do ifyour passport is stolen.
That is next when the InsideTravel Talk podcast or radio
show continues.
Alongside Laura Okonowski, MarkFaldmo, my name is Patrick
Wiscombe.
Thank you so much for listening.
We will be right back.
Show Voice (43:25):
Taking you to destinations around the world.
The Inside Travel Talk podcastand radio show is presented by
BluePlanetVacations.
com, America's best traveladvisors.
Call or text the show now801-649-3700 801-649-3700.
Thanks for listening.
(43:46):
We'll be right back.
Ad Voice (43:50):
This segment of Inside Travel Talk is sponsored by El
Dorado Spa Resorts.
Escape to Cancun's Riviera Mayawith authentic all-inclusive
luxury at an El Dorado sparesort.
To book your romantic beachgetaway, contact Blue Planet
Vacations at 888-718-7717 orblueplanetvacations.
com no-transcript 801-649-3700.
Show Voice (44:45):
And now your hosts, patrick Wiscombe and Mark Fultmo
.
Patrick Wiscombe (44:49):
We do want to hear from you.
If you have travel-relatedquestions, like Big Voice and
Answer Guy said by the way, hisname is Todd Carlson Good guy
and a tremendous talent.
What a voice Text us in thestudio while we're on the air so
we can answer your travelrelated questions.
(45:11):
We do want you to be part ofthe show 801-649-3700.
801-649-3700 is how you get ahold of the show, and that was a
fun interview with LauraOkonowski of MSC Cruises and we
meant what we said.
(45:31):
It is a beautiful ship, notbecause she was on the show, but
because we were literally onthe physical ship three weeks
ago.
Awesome, absolutely terrific.
If you've thought aboutcruising, if cruising is your
thing, and if you don't know, ifcruising is your thing, world
America MSC's World America is agood place to start.
Let's get to the travel newsheadlines as we start to wrap up
(45:52):
the show this week and we'realso going to be talking about
what to do if your passport isstolen.
It's a real story.
It did not happen to me andMark, but it is happening to one
of was it one of your employees?
Yes, this is Avalon Waterways,and we had who was on last week.
I can't think of it, TJ McEvoy.
Yeah, TJ McEvoy.
(46:12):
TJ McEvoy of Avalon Waterways.
We had them on the show lastweek and they are launching
their Avalon After Dark programin 2020, 2026.
This feels like an adultchannel Avalon After Dark.
What's the?
Mark Faldmo (46:32):
After Dark program.
They're really making a play tostay, imports longer and, you
know, make the evenings on shipsa little bit more enjoyable Not
that they aren't enjoyable Ilove river cruising but I think
this really enhances that.
So in 2026, this after darkincludes going to have some
(46:55):
dinners on the sky deck of theships.
Ooh, okay, we're going to havesome dinners on the sky deck of
the ships, ooh, okay.
So some alfresco dining,expanded food and beverage up
there in the evening time.
Usually you go up there andthey're dead.
There's nothing happening.
They have all the deck chairsput away.
So I think this is oneenhancement that is good.
The next one is they're goingto have more overnight port
(47:20):
stays.
So in destinations likeBudapest, Vienna, Amsterdam, rue
de Chine, Avignon in France,they are going to spend
overnights or late into theevening there.
So they'll have more chances toexplore those destinations in
the evening time and also moreexcursions that go to experience
things in the evening time.
Patrick Wiscombe (47:41):
Oh, I love this idea.
Mark Faldmo (47:43):
It's going to start 2026.
Those usually start inmid-March is when the 2026
season will start, so there aregoing to be several sailings
that do this.
The one thing I like aboutriver cruising is they get you
so immersed in the destinationsthat you visit.
I think this is just going tohelp because a lot of cities are
(48:03):
very different in the eveningtime than they are in the
daytime, so if you're busy inthe daytime, you're not getting
the full experience of thosedestinations.
Patrick Wiscombe (48:13):
Let's talk about travel and safety
precautions.
This was a direct result ofsomething that happened to one
of Mark's employees,unfortunately, so let's talk
about what happens if yourpassport your cash.
But let's talk about passportsspecifically and how you can
prevent stuff from being stolen.
Mark Faldmo (48:32):
This person had an activity that required her to
bring her passport with her.
You know, there are someactivities, some museums,
different things, where you doneed, in Europe, a passport to
get in to these places.
She had in her purse herpassport, her money, her credit
cards, all of that and her wholepurse got stolen, and so there
(48:56):
are a few ways to prevent this.
First of all, don't travel witha purse or backpack or anything
important in the purse orbackpack.
You know we've talked about onthis show before.
I travel with an RFID moneybelt or money necklace that
hangs around.
So you know I have my passportin that.
If needed, I have a credit cardand cash in that.
(49:21):
I also recommend splitting yourcash up between couples or
other people in your travelingparty.
Leave some of the hotel so youdon't have all of your eggs in
one basket there.
Patrick Wiscombe (49:33):
What happens if you have like a photocopy of
your passport?
Is that good enough?
Mark Faldmo (49:38):
To most places.
It's not good enough to get in.
Okay, but you should have acouple copies of your passport.
I have one for both Heather andI in each of our suitcases yeah
, so do I.
And then I have one at myparents' home as well, at my
(50:01):
parents' home as well.
So if you do lose your passport, get it lost or stolen, with a
photocopy it is easier to get itreplaced, and so in this case,
she was in Barcelona and had togo to the consulate there.
So you find the nearest embassyor consulate and they can
usually get it issued fairlyquickly.
Sometimes same day they canre-get your passport.
(50:22):
It might take a day or two,which can be unfortunate.
If you're on a cruise, it's alot harder to do.
That's also another reasonwe've talked about the step
program, where you registerwhere you're going to be.
That also will help in thiscircumstance.
Patrick Wiscombe (50:38):
Those are really, really good suggestions
and I genuinely feel sorry forher.
Yes, what a pain.
Mark Faldmo (50:46):
Quite the process to get that passed part.
Luckily she had a few days todo it.
Patrick Wiscombe (50:53):
Thank you so much for allowing this to be
part of your weekend.
My name is Patrick Wiscombe, heis Mark Faldmo.
If you have any travel relatedquestions or you want to book
one of the travel deals that wetalked about the hot travel deal
to Costa Rica talked abouttraveling to Greenland.
We spent a good portion of timeat the bottom of the hour
(51:14):
talking about MSC's new, brandnew ship called World America
Truly spectacular.
Call Mark as soon as we get offthe air.
Just get the conversationstarted.
There's no obligation.
888-718-7717.
888-718-7717.
And you can also go toblueplanetvacations.
com.
(51:36):
Well, we are done.
You can listen to this showagain tomorrow morning, Sunday,
at 11 o'clock, right here onthis radio station, and you can
stream, download and subscribeto this very podcast of the
radio show at insidetraveltalk.
com and we are on all of themajor podcast platforms.
(51:58):
It's your turn now.
Get out and explore the worldwhile you can, because you never
know what curveballs life isgoing to throw at you Health
related, financial, whatever itis.
Get out, see the world.
It's a beautiful place.
Just spent a month in theCaribbean.
It is a beautiful place, greattime to be alive, because you
(52:20):
can get from one side of thecountry to the other so quickly.
Live your life deliberately,live your life intentionally,
and thank you so much forlistening.
Really, thank you.
We don't have a show withoutyou.
We don't have a businesswithout you.
We'll talk to you next week.
Thank you so much.
Show Voice (52:36):
That's it.
That's the end of the show.
So much, that's it.
That's the end of the showYou've been listening to the
Inside Travel Talk podcast andradio show with Patrick Wiscombe
and Mark Faldmo, presented byBluePlanetVacations.
com.
Book your adventure right now.
Call 888-718-7717.
That's 888-718-7717.
(52:57):
Thanks for listening.
Have a great week.
Ad Voice (53:00):
Inside Travel Talk is brought to you by Travelex
Insurance Services.
Their travel insurance planscan help protect you and your
vacation.
Travelex is known for theiraward-winning customer service
and high claims paid rate.
Contact Blue Planet Vacationsat 888-718-7717 or
blueplanetvacations.
com for more information.
It is time to talk travel.
Welcome to the Inside TravelTalk podcast and radio show
Coming up.
On today's show we will betalking about how to travel to
Greenland all-inclusive CostaRica vacations.
MSC Cruises' brand new cruiseship called World America, mark
and I were just on it.
It is a genuinely spectacularship.
Plus, we'll give you traveltips to keep your passports and
(00:22):
money safe while vacationing.
Let's start the show.
The Inside Travel Talk podcastand radio show presented by
BluePlanetVacations.
com contains travel deals,promotions and offers that may
be time sensitive.
All offers and information wereaccurate when the show aired.
Travel deals and offers changeconstantly and are capacity
controlled and subject to changewithout notice.
Show Voice (00:48):
Explore your world.
It's the Inside Travel Talkpodcast and radio show presented
by BluePlanetVacations.
com.
Call or text the show now801-649-3700, 801-649-3700.
And check out the podcast atInsideTravelTalk.
com.
And now here are your hosts,Patrick Wiscombe and Mark Faldmo
(01:11):
.
Patrick Wiscombe (01:21):
Vacation.
Patrick Wiscombe is back, so isMark Faldmo, back from the
Caribbean.
And, mark, I don't know aboutyou, but after spending a month
in the Caribbean I feelabsolutely rejuvenated.
I have more enthusiasm for justthings in general.
(01:41):
I don't know how you couldn'tbe more excited about life than
I am right now.
What a tremendous, tremendousopportunity to go to the
Caribbean for a month.
Mark Faldmo (01:51):
Yeah, that's what travel will do for you.
Patrick Wiscombe (01:53):
One of the cruise highlights for me
personally was getting off theHolland America, the Rotterdam,
and then riding Brightline traindown to Miami where I got to
see Mark.
He handed off some MSC crewshirts that said holiday mode on
.
I love those shirts, very greatshirts.
(02:13):
Thank you, Laura Okonowski, forgetting the shirts and thanks
for meeting me at the Brightlinestation because I haven't seen
you for a while.
Mark Faldmo (02:19):
Yeah, it was a while.
We had some free time therebefore the baseball game that we
went to and decided to go todowntown Miami and meet you.
Patrick Wiscombe (02:27):
If you're brand new to the show, first of
all, just welcome and thank youfor listening.
My name is Patrick Wiscombe, heis Mark Faldmo and the entire
purpose of this radio show andpodcast is to help all of you
plan and book your next vacationor give you ideas of where to
go on your next vacation.
This week, we'll be talkingabout TSA enforcing their real
(02:49):
ID requirement.
It feels like the story's justbeen going on and dates keep
changing.
Anyway, we'll give you thelatest here in a second.
We'll also talk about thedestination of the week, which
is going to be Greenland.
We've got the hot travel dealof the week and, of course,
we'll be talking about MSC'sWorld America.
Let's get to the travel newsheadlines.
What do you say?
Let's go All right, the TSA,let's just start with the real
ID, because this it feels likethat there's, it's on, it's off.
(03:13):
It's on, it's off.
Anyway, it's official the TSAwill start enforcing the real ID
requirements starting May 7th,which is four days from right.
Now, if you're traveling better, have your Real ID, driver's
license ready to go or some formof ID.
Mark Faldmo (03:31):
This is a story, like you alluded to, that has
just kept going and going andgoing.
You know.
Quick background on Real ID.
It was a suggestion coming outof the September 11th committee.
This has been in the works fornearly 20 years and it keeps
getting pushed back.
States have not been real IDcompliant.
(03:51):
Just keeps pushing back andback and the TSA finally just
said okay, may 7th is the date.
So how to know if your driver'slicense is TSA compliant?
It will have most states.
It's a gold star in the upperright hand corner of your
driver's license.
So if you do not have a TSAcompliant driver's license, you
(04:13):
should bring your passport.
If you have anything likeglobal entry or TSA pre-check,
that comes with a card that willalso get you through oh, it
does, I didn't know that it does, okay.
Or a permanent resident cardwill also get you through TSA.
If you do not have a complianceID, you can still get through,
(04:34):
but you'll have to go throughseparate secondary screening
where you'll have to submit toan identity verification process
.
One thing in this that I findinteresting is the TSA reports
that currently only 81% oftravelers in the last year have
gone through with Real IDcompliant driver's licenses.
(04:56):
That could upset some things,then that could upset some
things.
I just find it amazing thatstates have not jumped onto this
.
I think I'm on my third Real IDcompliant driver's license.
Yeah, I think I am too.
New Jersey I think it was NewJersey just filed a lawsuit to
stop this from being implemented, because they only implemented
(05:19):
it like last year, and only like30% of their citizens have a
real ID compliant, becausethey've been so slow to bring
this to the table.
But anyway, just if you'retraveling in the next little
while, make sure you have thatreal ID compliant driver's
license or other documentation.
Patrick Wiscombe (05:38):
United Airlines is expanding their
Pacific network with new routesto Manila, ho Chi Minh City
which is a city I have alwayswanted to go to and Bangkok.
Mark Faldmo (05:49):
Lately we've been talking about a lot of new
routes for airlines, and I thinkthese are pretty fascinating.
United from San Francisco willfly to Manila.
Right now it's the only USairline that is serving direct
flights to the Philippines.
Oh, I didn't know that.
And that starts October 25th ofthis year.
On October 26th they'll startflights from Hong Kong to Ho Chi
(06:14):
Minh City, so it won't be anonstop from the US, but you can
connect United to United, getto Ho Chi Minh City, and also on
October 26th, the same thing,they'll start Hong Kong to
Bangkok flights, also on a 787Dreamliner, always at this first
segment of the show is thedestination of the week, and
(06:35):
we're going to Greenland.
Patrick Wiscombe (06:36):
What is the best way to see Greenland?
First of all, because it's onthe news.
Mark Faldmo (06:40):
It is becoming a pretty popular at least searched
vacation destination.
With the political things thatare going on with Greenland and
also United Airlines announcingin June they're going to start
the first non-stops to Greenlandfrom the US, there's been a lot
of interest in Greenland, towhere you know.
(07:02):
Many search platforms and touroperators are reporting two to
three hundred percent increasein searches for the destination.
Patrick Wiscombe (07:10):
We have to get to know our 52nd state.
Mark Faldmo (07:13):
Yeah, my word.
That kind of begs the questionwhat is the best way to see
Greenland?
In my opinion it's by a cruise.
There are several cruises, likerepositioning cruises, that go
between the US and Europe thatwill stop in Greenland.
So that's a quick stop.
(07:33):
But if you really want to seeGreenland, there are several
smaller ships or expedition typeships that do a great job in
Greenland and there are a fewtours that actually go to
Greenland as well.
What's your favorite cruisetogether?
I looked and I found twodifferent cruise options.
One is actually veryinteresting.
It's in 2026.
(07:54):
It's on Carnival Cruise Lineand it's round trip.
Baltimore oh, departs Baltimorehas a couple of days at sea and
it goes up to two differentports in Greenland and, forgive
me, I can't say these Nanantalik, I think, is how you say it, or
that's how I'm going to say it.
(08:15):
And the other one is Quaggartogis the name of it.
Two ports on the south side orthe very southern tip of
Greenland, and then from thereyou cruise down and get some
Canadian ports St Anthony,corner Brook and Nova Scotia
before returning back toBaltimore.
(08:37):
But this itinerary that doeshit Greenland and then some much
lesser visited places in Canadamakes pretty good sense.
It's a 14-day cruise with somepretty good prices.
This is August 16th of 2026.
So we're talking.
What about 18 months away?
Yeah, but it starts at $1754per person for an inside cabin
(09:00):
or $2624 per person for abalcony cabin that's great for a
14 day cruise for a 14 daycruise, wow, okay.
And then, if you really wantedto get something that's a little
bit more in depth, Viking oceancruises has a 14 day cruise,
(09:22):
leaves July 5th of 2026.
And this one actually starts inToronto, Canada, and ends in
Greenland.
So it has an overnight inToronto, cruises up the river to
Quebec City and then has acouple of Canadian ports before
cruising and hitting fourdifferent ports in Greenland.
(09:43):
If you want a little bit morein-depth, some of the smaller,
more expedition cruises are thebest way to see Greenland.
Patrick Wiscombe (09:52):
So we've talked about cruises.
Is there a land option?
Yeah, there are several landoptions.
Mark Faldmo (09:57):
Now most of the land options include Iceland, so
you'll start and end in Icelandand they'll take a charter
plane, sometimes a ferry or aboat, over to Greenland.
But land tours will really getyou a little bit more in depth
to see Greenland.
You get to spend more time,obviously over nights, which is
(10:23):
just called Greenland Expedition.
It's 10 days and it's all inGreenland.
So it doesn't include anyIceland.
It includes some ferries,charter flights to different
parts, some amazing glaciers,but Greenland is becoming more
and more open and moreaccessible to see.
Patrick Wiscombe (10:41):
I want to go.
That feels like we need to getto know the travel suppliers
there.
Yes, that feels like one ofthose things.
So all right.
So if you want to travel withus, extend the invitation to
everyone, yeah.
Or if you just have generaltravel related questions, so I'm
going to open it up wide,because we kind of covered
everything in this segment thereal ID requirements if you have
(11:04):
that, call Mark in his officejust to get the conversation
started General travel questionsand if you have Greenland
specific questions, which I willcall Mark in his office,
888-718-7717, 888-718-7717,888-718-7717.
Are you going to post this onBluePlanetVacations.
(11:24):
com?
The Greenland stuff?
Mark Faldmo (11:27):
Yes, I will.
Patrick Wiscombe (11:29):
Check it out BluePlanetVacations.
com.
Or call Mark in his office Onemore time on the phone number
888-718-7717.
When we come back it is the hottravel deal of the week, and
this week we're headed to CostaRica.
That is next when the InsideTravel Talk podcast and radio
show continues.
Alongside my good friend MarkFaldmo, my name is Patrick
(11:52):
Wiscombe.
Thank you so much for listening.
We will be right back.
Show Voice (11:57):
Taking you to destinations around the world.
The Inside Travel Talk podcastand radio show is presented by
BluePlanetVacations.
com, America's best traveladvisors.
Call or text the show now801-649-3700, 801-649-3700.
Thanks for listening.
(12:17):
We'll be right back.
Ad Voice (12:22):
Inside Travel Talk is brought to you by Anna.
Waterways, from castles andcapitals to vistas and villages
visit some of Europe's mostremarkable sites and cities To
set out on your own river cruisejourney.
Contact Blue Planet Vacationsat 888-718-7717 or
blueplanetvacations.
com.
Show Voice (12:48):
Now back to the Inside Travel Talk podcast and
radio show presented byBluePlanetVacations.
com, America's best traveladvisors.
Call or text the show right now801-649-3700, 801-649-3700.
And check out the podcast atInsideTravelTalk.
com.
(13:08):
Here's Patrick Wiscombe andMark Faldmo.
Patrick Wiscombe (13:16):
Welcome back to the Inside Travel Talk
podcast and radio show.
My name is Patrick Wiscombe,alongside my good friend, mark
Faldmo.
You are listening to the besttravel podcast and radio show
available to mankind when itcomes to traveling this
beautiful planet that we live on, third Rock from the Sun.
(13:37):
Coming up in this segment ofthe show, always in segment
number two, we've got the hottravel deal of the week and this
week we are headed to CostaRica because one of our
questions came from one of ourlisteners and let me just
emphasize this while we're here,that we want you to become part
of the show and answer and askyour travel related questions.
(14:00):
Whatever you're doing right nowand you have a travel related
question, text the show.
Right now.
You can call or text the showat 801, area code 649-3700,
801-649-3700.
Even if you think it's a sillyquestion, we want to help you.
This show is about helping allof our listeners get out and see
(14:21):
the world and we want you to bepart of the show.
801-649-3700.
All right, mark, let's get tothe hot travel deal of the week,
which is Costa Rica.
But actually you know what,before we do that, let's do the
travel news headlines.
One of the biggest pains in thetuchus of international air
travel, at least according tothis article, will soon become a
(14:42):
little bit less of a pain inthe tuchus.
What details do we have on thisthis?
Mark Faldmo (14:48):
is a new pilot program with American Airlines,
the TSA and the UK Department ofTransport.
The UK, like the US, if you'reconnecting in the UK, you have
to reclaim your bags, recheckthem and then re-go through
security.
Whoa really reclaim your bags,recheck them and then re-go
through security.
Whoa, really, that's the sameway it is in the US.
(15:09):
If you're coming back fromEurope, your first point you
have to check your bags, recheckthem and then re-go through
security.
But this new pilot program withAmerican Airlines will allow
passengers flying on American toLondon Heathrow from Dallas,
(15:30):
fort Worth or Atlanta Georgia tonot have to go through security
again and check their bags.
So it'll be, just like adomestic flight, where you can
just stay in the secure area andgo right to your connecting
flight.
Patrick Wiscombe (15:40):
Now, the only reason I don't know this is
because one of the things thatwe do on this show is we don't
really check baggage.
We just bring everything withus on the airplane, and that
included spending a month in theCaribbean.
Within the last 30 days, wejust took as little as possible
and we knew that we were goingto live in our swimsuits anyway,
(16:02):
but we did laundry on board andso I didn't even know that that
was a big pain.
Mark Faldmo (16:07):
Yeah, it is, you know, quite the pain, especially
coming back to the US, and youknow, hopefully that will change
.
You know there are a fewinternational airports, like
Dublin Ireland, where youactually go through customs and
immigration before you board theplane in Dublin.
So then you fly back and thatplane can go to any gate.
(16:28):
It doesn't have to go to aninternational terminal.
But generally whenever you comeback you check your bags,
recheck them and re-go throughsecurity if you have a
connecting flight, so hopefullythe system takes off and works
and it'll be rolled out to otherairlines and other airports we
have a Disney world alert rightnow, so I wish I had some sort.
Patrick Wiscombe (16:51):
No, I think I do have a sound effect right
here.
That was not the one.
Yeah, that was not supposed tobe a rib shot.
That was supposed to.
Mark Faldmo (17:00):
I don't know what that was I will try and make
this funny so you can use thatAt the end of the story.
Okay, yeah, so anyway this isand this is pretty early for
Disney to be rolling this outthey are offering Walt Disney
World dining plan for kids agedthree to nine for free for 2026
(17:23):
travel.
Three to nine for free for 2026travel.
So as long as kids three tonine are traveling with parents
or teenagers that purchase aregular price dining plan, those
younger kids will get the freedining plan for 2026.
Patrick Wiscombe (17:36):
Marriott is bringing a JW Marriott
all-inclusive property resort toCosta Rica.
I don't know what it is aboutCosta Rica right now.
I know you love it.
I have not been Costa Rica's enfuego right now, it seems like
the place to go.
Mark Faldmo (17:51):
Yeah, costa Rica is such a fascinating destination
and that's actually our hottravel deal of the week after we
talk about this topic.
Jw Marriott is one of thehigher end hotel brands in the
Marriott Corporation, so theyare planning on putting in an
all-inclusive resort in theLiberia area.
This is about 50 miles from theairport in Liberia, which is
(18:15):
typically where all of theall-inclusive resorts are.
Now there's no opening date setfor this.
They've just signed the deal,but that'll give another option
for all inclusives and also anoption that's higher end.
So the plans for the hotel areit's going to be 415 rooms, have
11 different food and beverageoutlets, 17 swimming pools Wow,
(18:41):
so it's going to be 17?
.
I've seen some other hotels inthis area and it's in this
setting.
This is just going to bespectacular.
Patrick Wiscombe (18:51):
And Marriott.
It seems like their resortstheir JW Marriott.
Isn't that one of theirsignature brands?
I know that there's a wholebunch of Marriott brands, but
isn't JW one of their signatures?
Mark Faldmo (19:02):
Yes, it is.
Yeah, that would be one of thehigher end.
Ritz Carlton would probably bethe highest end in that.
And then JW Marriott is aboutthe same, maybe a small step
down, but still a five stardeluxe plus luxury.
Patrick Wiscombe (19:17):
Maybe this is just fascinating to you and me
because we, you know, we'retravel nerds, but I think for
the, for any average listeners,I think we should break down all
of the hotel brands thatMarriott owns, and maybe the
same for Hyatt.
This is ultra luxury.
This is luxury.
Just break down hotel brandsand it's honestly as many hotels
as are out there.
(19:37):
They're really kind of owned byjust a handful of companies.
Mark Faldmo (19:40):
Yeah, and actually in the hot deal of the week, one
of the hotels is an autographcollection by Marriott.
So I was actually going to goin to kind of explain what that
means.
Okay, all right, so so we willdo a little bit of that in the
next few minutes here okay.
Patrick Wiscombe (19:56):
Well, let's get to the hot travel day of the
week, which is, of course,Costa Rica.
Now is this?
The same Susan that has been,uh, one of your clients and she
asked a lot of questions, butshe also does a lot of travel,
so yeah, Susan, how are youthere?
Mark Faldmo (20:09):
And yeah, so, yeah, this is, I think, the third or
fourth question that Susan hasasked, and she wants to go to an
all-inclusive resort in CostaRica.
Patrick Wiscombe (20:19):
Okay, and just before you move on, if you have
travel related questions, letme just give out the text and
the studio number 801-649-3700,801-649-3700.
Okay, now to Susan.
So you?
Mark Faldmo (20:32):
know we've talked about Costa Rica a few times on
the show where all of theall-inclusive resorts are
located.
Most of them is in theGuanacaste area and you'd fly in
the airport is called LiberiaAirport.
Personally, I prefer differentareas of Costa Rica to travel,
but if you are looking for anall-inclusive, this is a great
(20:54):
option for that, and so you know.
I looked at a five-nightpackage from Salt Lake.
This was in the fall, it was inSeptember, September 11th and
so this includes five nightshotel, round trip airfare from
Salt Lake City and the airport,hotel transfers, and again, the
disclaimer on that because ourradio listeners are in Salt Lake
(21:17):
.
We put that, but if you'relistening from another city, we
can certainly check other citiesfor you.
This is the first time in along time that I have seen Costa
Rica prices drop close to the$1,000 per person mark.
There are some reasons for that, or just air travel demand is
down and so there's more seatsand airlines are selling for
(21:40):
less price for a lower price.
Well good, this is the perfecttime to travel, so this is a
great time to go.
So the first hotel is calledthe Occidental Papagayo Resort.
This is a three and a half starresort and that price starts at
$1,059 per person.
These prices are about $300 to$400 per person lower than they
(22:01):
were a few months ago.
Yeah, that's what I thought.
For a three and a half starhotel.
It's a good hotel.
I still probably, personally,would go with one of the next
three hotels that I'm going togive.
The next one is the Rio Palace,costa Rica.
It's a four and a half starhotel, starts at $1279 per
person and I've stayed at thishotel twice, really enjoyed it.
(22:23):
It's kind of in a little cove,has a really good beach.
The next hotel is theMargaritaville Beach Resort,
which is a four-star resort.
It starts at $1579 per personbut, as we've talked about, that
Margaritaville brand was kindof laid-back luxury.
It is a great atmosphere tovacation in.
(22:44):
But this next hotel is one thatI'm really interested in.
It's the Planet HollywoodResort.
It's a five-star, it's aMarriott autograph collection
and it starts at $1599 perperson.
Patrick Wiscombe (22:56):
Hold on.
So Marriott now owns PlanetHollywood.
Part of the autographcollection.
Mark Faldmo (23:01):
This hotel is part of the autograph collection of
Marriott, and so you know thatkind of goes where you're saying
let's break down what all ofthese brands are.
So what the autographcollection is is it's smaller,
unique, independently ownedhotels that Marriott vets.
They have some significance,either architecture, they're by
(23:21):
a landmark, they're unique insome way and there's a kind of a
rigorous standard to getthrough to be an autograph
collection by Marriott, but thisdoes put them in the
distribution system by Marriott.
Ad Voice (23:33):
Okay.
Mark Faldmo (23:34):
All right, this is a newer hotel and I have not
seen it.
I've seen pictures, I've seen afew videos.
It just looks like an amazinghotel, but for that price, for a
five-star.
If we were just looking, thereare some other comparable
five-star hotels that are about$500 or $600 more per person
than this.
So this is a really good pricefor Costa Rica, all-inclusive,
(23:56):
in fact, all of these.
I wouldn't hesitate to stay atany of the hotels that we
mentioned in this segment.
Patrick Wiscombe (24:01):
There's just something about rejuvenating
about travel.
If you're interested in goingto Costa Rica and Susan, it
sounds like you are you knowwhere to find Mark.
Just call him in his office, oranyone really Call him in his
office, 888-718-7717,888-718-7717.
(24:22):
He will also post this onblueplanetvacations.
com and we want to answer all ofyour travel-related questions.
We don't care how simple theymight be or you might be
embarrassed.
Call Mark, 888-718-7717.
When we come back, we will bespeaking with our good friend, a
(24:46):
friend of the show, LauraOkonowski, with MSC Cruises.
We'll be talking about MSC'sWorld America, the brand new
ship, gigantic ship.
Mark and I have both been on it.
We'll talk about that next whenthe Inside Travel Talk podcast
or radio show continues.
Thank you so much for allowingus to be part of your weekend.
We will be back in just acouple of minutes.
Show Voice (25:10):
You're listening to the Inside Travel Talk podcast
and radio show with PatrickWiscombe and Mark Faldmo,
presented by BluePlanetVacations.
com America's best traveladvisors.
Call or text the show now801-649-3700.
That's 801-649-3700.
That's 801-649-3700.
(25:30):
And check out the podcast atInsideTravelTalk.
com.
We'll be right back.
Ad Voice (25:38):
This segment of Inside Travel Talk is sponsored by
Star Clippers.
For over 30 years, StarClippers has offered unique
authentic tall ship sailingexperiences featuring creative
itineraries throughout theMediterranean Caribbean and
Central America.
To book your unique StarClipper sailing adventure,
contact Blue Planet Vacations at888-718-7717 or
(25:59):
blueplanetvacations.
com.
Patrick Wiscombe (26:01):
Okay, we're back.
Welcome back to the InsideTravel Talk podcast, a radio
show coming up.
In the next 28 minutes we willbe talking about MSC's World
America.
It is a genuinely beautifulship.
I just spent a week on it.
Mark was on it as well.
We'll also be talking aboutkeeping your passport and money
safe while traveling, and wehave a real story.
(26:22):
That's not about me and Mark,but it is happening to someone
he knows.
Let's get back to the show.
The Inside Travel Talk podcastand radio show presented by
BluePlanetVacations.
com contains travel deals,promotions and offers that may
be time sensitive.
All offers and information wereaccurate when the show aired.
Travel deals and offers changeconstantly and are capacity
(26:43):
controlled and subject to changewithout notice.
Show Voice (26:53):
This is the Inside Travel Talk podcast and radio
show presented byBluePlanetVacations.
com, America's best traveladvisors.
Call or text the show right now801-649-3700, 801-649-3700.
Patrick Wiscombe (27:11):
And now here are your hosts Patrick Wiscombe
and Mark Faldmo all aboard forthe infamous just cruising
(27:39):
segment on the inside traveltalk podcast or radio show.
Hello there, we hope that youare having a terrific weekend.
My name is Patrick Wiscombe,back from the Caribbean After a
month.
We'll be talking about all ofthose adventures coming up and
we'll also be talking aboutMSC's World America.
Mark and I were on that shipwithin the last couple of weeks
(28:01):
and we'll be talking about areal-life situation, about one
of Mark's employees who lost wasit her money and her passport?
Mark, yes, yes, I am sorry tohear that.
That's terrible.
We're going to be talking withLaura Okonowski, the business
development manager with MSCCruises.
I know that we're a travel showand we want to share our
(28:22):
adventures with listeners.
It was a beautiful ship.
Let's talk about the room thatyou had on the MSC World America
.
Mark Faldmo (28:29):
Yeah, so this is an interesting experience.
I had what is called aninfinite outside cabin.
So typically, you know, anoutside cabin is a room with a
big picture window, but this wasnot the case.
I'm a balcony person throughand through.
When I walk in to a cruise shipcab, when I put my bags down,
go out and sit on the deck,generally that's the first thing
(28:50):
I do.
Just, you know, take in, I'm ona cruise ship, get excited for
the cruise.
I walked into this cabin, Iwalked over like oh, this isn't
a balcony, it just had a bigfloor to ceiling glass wall.
Patrick Wiscombe (29:02):
Oh, so you had an infinite veranda.
Mark Faldmo (29:08):
Infinite Yep, and I was a little bit disappointed.
It took me a little while todecide or to figure out that oh,
there's a button that opens thewindow, so the top half of the
glass slides down and turns yourwhole room into a balcony.
It was amazing.
I love that.
It gives you an extra five orsix feet in the length of the
cabin.
It gives you an extra five orsix feet in the length of the
(29:30):
cabin.
Patrick Wiscombe (29:34):
So you have more living space in your cabin,
but you still get that balconyfeel to it.
Some people call that a reallycontroversial cabin, that
infinite veranda with basicallyhalf the window coming down.
Mark Faldmo (29:41):
I loved it yes, so I'm right there with you, but it
is different.
It is different yeah.
Patrick Wiscombe (29:47):
Let's bring in Laura Okonowski with MSC
Cruises.
Laura, I'm going to greet youin a way that will sound
familiar to both you and Mark.
I said good morning.
I said good morning.
MSC World America.
Laura Okonowski, hello there.
Mark Faldmo (30:06):
You sound like a cruise director, Patrick Dr.
Patrick Wiscombe (30:08):
P.
We'll call you Dr P.
I'm not Dr E, I'm Dr P.
Laura Okonowski (30:14):
I love it.
I love it, I love it.
Patrick Wiscombe (30:17):
I knew you'd get a kick out of that.
Laura Okonowski (30:21):
Which, by the way, he is absolutely hands down
, the best cruise director I'veever experienced on board any
cruise ship in my entire careerand personal travels as a
vacation cruiser by cruise ship.
Patrick Wiscombe (30:34):
So for people who don't know the cruise
director, what is his real name?
He calls himself Dr E.
He's the cruise director andhe's the one that makes all the
announcements every single day.
He was terrific, Loved him.
Sounds like you did too.
Laura Okonowski (30:49):
He is a fantastic man and, as you're
saying this, I'm trying to findhis official name, Everson
Beville.
Patrick Wiscombe (30:58):
Well, what was fun is the first time I saw him
was at the Dirty Dancingcelebration.
So there's two things going onon MSC World America.
There's the celebration ofdirty dancing.
That's about a what?
35, 40 minute show, somethinglike that.
And then there was the what didthey call it?
It was the dirty, where youactually watch the movie, and
(31:20):
then they have a live band andso during each section of the
show there's music throughoutthe whole movie.
But they had the live band comeout and play during the movie
and it was a spectacular concept.
Took me a second to figure outwhat was going on, but did you
guys see that when you were on?
Laura Okonowski (31:39):
I did not.
Patrick Wiscombe (31:40):
Oh, I did.
I loved it.
I've never seen anything likethat before.
Laura Okonowski (31:44):
Yes, unfortunately I missed that.
I heard from some friends andcolleagues that it was an
amazing show and quite an ode tothat movie.
That's how old now I mean 30years old, I think Dirty Dancing
.
So we are very pleased to havethat exclusively on MSC Cruises
World America.
I, though Patrick, was witnessto the Queen Symphonic show,
(32:10):
which was an ode to all thewonderful songs from the group
Queen, and that was a ton of fun.
Patrick Wiscombe (32:18):
The Queen Symphonic.
Basically, like Laura said, itwas all the Queen songs.
And, by the way, I didn't knowthat I was a Queen fan.
I was like, oh, I know thatsong, oh, I know that song.
Oh, I know that I was a queenfan.
I was like, oh, I know thatsong.
Oh, I know that song, oh, Iknow that song.
Laura Okonowski (32:34):
And the, the people, the man and the woman
who are up on the.
What are they called?
Uh, they're hanging from thechandeliers.
They are they.
Patrick Wiscombe (32:37):
They are like satin ribbons ribbons, thank you
that's the word, and some ofthe uh acrobatic display during
queen symphonic was justincredible.
I'm like I didn't even know thehuman body could contort like
that.
Laura Okonowski (32:49):
Exactly the athletic ability of the dance
entertainment team on board.
They're stellar.
I mean they could be on anystage around the world.
And here they are with us onWorld America.
So very pleased to have suchamazing talent on board our
ships.
Patrick Wiscombe (33:07):
And what makes it even more incredible
generally speaking, the seaswere calm, but that night it was
a little bit rocky, and thatthey were still doing the
acrobatic stuff on a movingplatform.
Crazy, how strong they were.
Laura Okonowski (33:20):
I don't think they're hitting that pizza
burger buffet at night like Iwas to be in that type of
athletic prowess shape.
Patrick Wiscombe (33:29):
So, in case someone is just joining us right
now we're talking about MSC'sbrand new ship, MSC World
America.
Laura Okonowski is the businessdevelopment manager with MSC.
I want to ask you Lauranormally we're talking about
promotions you were on the shipwith Mark.
What was your favorite part ofthe ship?
Laura Okonowski (33:48):
My favorite part of the ship was literally
watching the guests come onboard and watching their faces
light up with eyes, big, bigsmiles at every twist and turn.
As they walked about withcameras in hand, phones in hand.
I mean I heard a lot of oh.
Oh, my goodness, look at that,oh, look at this.
(34:12):
I mean it was constant and thatwas what I was feeling and, as
I recant this to you, I'mliterally getting goosebumps
because I'm a very touchy, feelyperson, very tactile, and so,
as I'm walking about the ship, Ikept touching, you know, the
walls.
Oh my gosh, that's real brick.
Oh my gosh, that's full marble.
It just is spectacular to theeyes, the ears.
(34:35):
There's so much to see.
My head was on a spinner forthe first several hours of being
on board.
Patrick Wiscombe (34:42):
My mouth just kept dropping going.
This ship is unbelievable.
It is beautiful From theoutside.
When we were docked in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and we were off
to the I guess it would be thenot the starboard, but the
what's the other side, port side, port side and I was taking
video of how big the ship was.
(35:03):
It is beautiful outside.
That was the first time that Ireally got to see the ship in
its grandeur.
Whoever the architect was didan amazing job.
Laura Okonowski (35:14):
Just visually from the outside, I totally
agree and to bring to life theEuropean style of the ship
itself, of the hardware, andthen to affix the interior with
so many American comforts andthings that we, as Americans,
enjoy and love about vacationtravel and having multiple
(35:38):
restaurants to choose from,having multiple venues for
entertainment all hours of theday.
There is just such an endlessarray of things to treat and
tantalize and I can't wait to goback.
I'm actually, truth be told,booked for this coming October
with my family and I cannot waitbecause, Patrick, I am envious
(36:00):
that you had a full seven nightson board and Mark and I only
had three.
So, I need more.
Patrick Wiscombe (36:07):
So let's talk about Ocean Key, because that's
the one thing we have in common,which is MSC's private island.
So the last time I was therewas 10 months ago and the island
is really starting to takechange.
So I'll just call it.
When you come off the ship,where it's docked over to the
left side, they are buildingmore food pavilions.
The island it is underconstruction, but it's in an
(36:30):
unobtrusive way.
But I can see that MSC isreally investing a lot of money
into that private island andit's fun to watch.
Laura Okonowski (36:38):
We absolutely are.
There is an evolution happeningand we've read the surveys from
our guests who have been.
We have listened.
We know they want more of this.
They want a private oasis thatis their own, they want food
venues, they want more beachtime.
They want all the things thatone could want on a private
(37:01):
island oasis and the fact thatthis used to be basically a
scrapyard right in the middle ofthe ocean and now it's turned
into pristine miles of sandybeach and if you're wanting to,
you can literally walk on overto the other side or take the
narrated tram on over and youcan find a little piece of oasis
(37:23):
just to yourself.
I mean, it's truly possible.
Even though you're travelingperhaps with 6,000 other guests,
you do feel like this is yourown private island, and that's
what I love about it.
You know the ship is carrying alot of other guests, but you
don't see them all when you'reon the island.
Patrick Wiscombe (37:41):
You don't.
Laura Okonowski (37:42):
And in looking at the future of this particular
island, there have been somenews articles that have come out
just this week that confirm,Patrick, your suspicions.
Patrick Wiscombe (37:55):
Okay, so let me set it up this way.
So Nikki and I were in thebuffet we hadn't eaten all day
because we were on the islandand, as I was texting you, I'm
like that's a new island, thatwasn't there 10 months ago.
I'm like that's a new island,that wasn't there 10 months ago,
and I could see caterpillartrucks and I'm talking about the
(38:15):
gigantic earth movers that looklike little dots on this new
island that's being constructedat this point and you have an
announcement, kind of there aresome public news articles.
Tell people what we can expecton that island, and I'm thinking
it won't be 2025.
I'm thinking that it might evenbe mid to late 2026, probably.
Laura Okonowski (38:32):
Yes, Patrick, so I don't think there is a
completion date yet set.
However, what I know so far isthat, from the dredging of the
sand that occurs for Ocean, keyitself is now accumulating a
little ways away and we aregoing to be naming this island.
(38:53):
It's already aptly received itsname, called Little Key, and
Little Key, from what Iunderstand, is going to be very
luxurious, very, very private.
So the only way that one wouldget to Little Key is by water
motorcraft from the biggerisland of.
Ocean Bay, and I don't knowreally anything else.
(39:14):
I don't know if we're expandingmarine life there, if there
will be additional MSCfoundation elements as part of
this.
All I can tell you is I am soexcited to see the expansion
because I know it really is apassion project, if you will, of
(39:34):
our owners, the Aponte family,and they truly, truly believe
this to their heart and core,that they want to be good
stewards to the oceans and theywant to leave the oceans better
than how we originally foundthem.
Patrick Wiscombe (39:48):
Is it correct to say that when they were and
we kind of alluded to this thatMSC World America, the ship that
we were on brand new, very justmassive.
Not only is it long and wide,it is just a beautiful ship that
construction had to take placeat Ocean Key at some point, just
so World America could dock.
(40:08):
So when you're talking aboutdredging the sand or the ocean,
that's probably where they putall that that new sand.
For what is Little Key Is that?
Laura Okonowski (40:17):
Exactly yes.
So basically it essentiallyorganically probably came to be
right.
Yes, organically probably cameto be right, yes, no-transcript.
Patrick Wiscombe (40:34):
I know that we don't have to say this, but I'm
telling listeners I sound likeI'm on a soapbox right now.
Listen to me.
People Go on MSC World America.
It is a beautiful ship.
Not only is it beautiful, thelocations are beautiful.
We went to Dominican Republic,Puerto Plata.
(40:55):
Specifically, we went to SanJuan, Puerto Rico.
I was not expecting a lot fromPuerto Rico Ends up being one of
my favorite places that we evenwent.
It is worth every effort thatyou can to save your pennies to
go on World America.
You will not be disappointed,and I'm not saying that because
Laura's on the show.
It is genuinely worth it.
Do it.
(41:15):
Okay, mark, let's talk aboutpromotions for World America.
Mark Faldmo (41:20):
First we'll talk about MSC's just main promotion.
This is for May.
They have up to 30% off cruisesplus kids sale free.
Talking about World America, itis a great ship for families
and kids.
There's so much to do there.
So, you know, getting the kidssale free part of that is a very
(41:40):
good promotion.
And then you know, I did lookat some pricing for World
America.
Looking at a November 29th date, I actually can't believe, for
a brand new ship like this,these prices.
Patrick, you said save yourpennies to go on this.
Yeah, you don't have to do alot of savings because it's such
(42:00):
a good price.
Yeah, an inside cabin starts at$759 per person and a balcony
starts at $1,079 per person forthat November 29th date.
And this is actually theitinerary that you did, which
goes to Porta Plata and San Juanand Ocean Key.
Patrick Wiscombe (42:23):
It was an adventure of a lifetime.
If you are even thinking aboutgoing, or one of those around
the table conversations, callMark in his office during the
break.
Get the conversation started.
You will not regret this at all.
Call Mark in his office duringthe break.
Get the conversation started.
You will not regret this at all.
888-718-7717.
(42:44):
888-718-7717.
And he will also post this onblueplanetvacations.
com.
When we come back, we're goingto wrap up the show.
This hour always goes by sofast.
We will be talking about whatto do if your passport is stolen
.
This is an actual story.
(43:04):
Fortunately, it's not my story.
We'll talk about what to do ifyour passport is stolen.
That is next when the InsideTravel Talk podcast or radio
show continues.
Alongside Laura Okonowski, MarkFaldmo, my name is Patrick
Wiscombe.
Thank you so much for listening.
We will be right back.
Show Voice (43:25):
Taking you to destinations around the world.
The Inside Travel Talk podcastand radio show is presented by
BluePlanetVacations.
com, America's best traveladvisors.
Call or text the show now801-649-3700 801-649-3700.
Thanks for listening.
(43:46):
We'll be right back.
Ad Voice (43:50):
This segment of Inside Travel Talk is sponsored by El
Dorado Spa Resorts.
Escape to Cancun's Riviera Mayawith authentic all-inclusive
luxury at an El Dorado sparesort.
To book your romantic beachgetaway, contact Blue Planet
Vacations at 888-718-7717 orblueplanetvacations.
com no-transcript 801-649-3700.
Show Voice (44:45):
And now your hosts, patrick Wiscombe and Mark Fultmo
.
Patrick Wiscombe (44:49):
We do want to hear from you.
If you have travel-relatedquestions, like Big Voice and
Answer Guy said by the way, hisname is Todd Carlson Good guy
and a tremendous talent.
What a voice Text us in thestudio while we're on the air so
we can answer your travelrelated questions.
(45:11):
We do want you to be part ofthe show 801-649-3700.
801-649-3700 is how you get ahold of the show, and that was a
fun interview with LauraOkonowski of MSC Cruises and we
meant what we said.
(45:31):
It is a beautiful ship, notbecause she was on the show, but
because we were literally onthe physical ship three weeks
ago.
Awesome, absolutely terrific.
If you've thought aboutcruising, if cruising is your
thing, and if you don't know, ifcruising is your thing, world
America MSC's World America is agood place to start.
Let's get to the travel newsheadlines as we start to wrap up
(45:52):
the show this week and we'realso going to be talking about
what to do if your passport isstolen.
It's a real story.
It did not happen to me andMark, but it is happening to one
of was it one of your employees?
Yes, this is Avalon Waterways,and we had who was on last week.
I can't think of it, TJ McEvoy.
Yeah, TJ McEvoy.
(46:12):
TJ McEvoy of Avalon Waterways.
We had them on the show lastweek and they are launching
their Avalon After Dark programin 2020, 2026.
This feels like an adultchannel Avalon After Dark.
What's the?
Mark Faldmo (46:32):
After Dark program.
They're really making a play tostay, imports longer and, you
know, make the evenings on shipsa little bit more enjoyable Not
that they aren't enjoyable Ilove river cruising but I think
this really enhances that.
So in 2026, this after darkincludes going to have some
(46:55):
dinners on the sky deck of theships.
Ooh, okay, we're going to havesome dinners on the sky deck of
the ships, ooh, okay.
So some alfresco dining,expanded food and beverage up
there in the evening time.
Usually you go up there andthey're dead.
There's nothing happening.
They have all the deck chairsput away.
So I think this is oneenhancement that is good.
The next one is they're goingto have more overnight port
(47:20):
stays.
So in destinations likeBudapest, Vienna, Amsterdam, rue
de Chine, Avignon in France,they are going to spend
overnights or late into theevening there.
So they'll have more chances toexplore those destinations in
the evening time and also moreexcursions that go to experience
things in the evening time.
Patrick Wiscombe (47:41):
Oh, I love this idea.
Mark Faldmo (47:43):
It's going to start 2026.
Those usually start inmid-March is when the 2026
season will start, so there aregoing to be several sailings
that do this.
The one thing I like aboutriver cruising is they get you
so immersed in the destinationsthat you visit.
I think this is just going tohelp because a lot of cities are
(48:03):
very different in the eveningtime than they are in the
daytime, so if you're busy inthe daytime, you're not getting
the full experience of thosedestinations.
Patrick Wiscombe (48:13):
Let's talk about travel and safety
precautions.
This was a direct result ofsomething that happened to one
of Mark's employees,unfortunately, so let's talk
about what happens if yourpassport your cash.
But let's talk about passportsspecifically and how you can
prevent stuff from being stolen.
Mark Faldmo (48:32):
This person had an activity that required her to
bring her passport with her.
You know, there are someactivities, some museums,
different things, where you doneed, in Europe, a passport to
get in to these places.
She had in her purse herpassport, her money, her credit
cards, all of that and her wholepurse got stolen, and so there
(48:56):
are a few ways to prevent this.
First of all, don't travel witha purse or backpack or anything
important in the purse orbackpack.
You know we've talked about onthis show before.
I travel with an RFID moneybelt or money necklace that
hangs around.
So you know I have my passportin that.
If needed, I have a credit cardand cash in that.
(49:21):
I also recommend splitting yourcash up between couples or
other people in your travelingparty.
Leave some of the hotel so youdon't have all of your eggs in
one basket there.
Patrick Wiscombe (49:33):
What happens if you have like a photocopy of
your passport?
Is that good enough?
Mark Faldmo (49:38):
To most places.
It's not good enough to get in.
Okay, but you should have acouple copies of your passport.
I have one for both Heather andI in each of our suitcases yeah
, so do I.
And then I have one at myparents' home as well, at my
(50:01):
parents' home as well.
So if you do lose your passport, get it lost or stolen, with a
photocopy it is easier to get itreplaced, and so in this case,
she was in Barcelona and had togo to the consulate there.
So you find the nearest embassyor consulate and they can
usually get it issued fairlyquickly.
Sometimes same day they canre-get your passport.
(50:22):
It might take a day or two,which can be unfortunate.
If you're on a cruise, it's alot harder to do.
That's also another reasonwe've talked about the step
program, where you registerwhere you're going to be.
That also will help in thiscircumstance.
Patrick Wiscombe (50:38):
Those are really, really good suggestions
and I genuinely feel sorry forher.
Yes, what a pain.
Mark Faldmo (50:46):
Quite the process to get that passed part.
Luckily she had a few days todo it.
Patrick Wiscombe (50:53):
Thank you so much for allowing this to be
part of your weekend.
My name is Patrick Wiscombe, heis Mark Faldmo.
If you have any travel relatedquestions or you want to book
one of the travel deals that wetalked about the hot travel deal
to Costa Rica talked abouttraveling to Greenland.
We spent a good portion of timeat the bottom of the hour
(51:14):
talking about MSC's new, brandnew ship called World America
Truly spectacular.
Call Mark as soon as we get offthe air.
Just get the conversationstarted.
There's no obligation.
888-718-7717.
888-718-7717.
And you can also go toblueplanetvacations.
com.
(51:36):
Well, we are done.
You can listen to this showagain tomorrow morning, Sunday,
at 11 o'clock, right here onthis radio station, and you can
stream, download and subscribeto this very podcast of the
radio show at insidetraveltalk.
com and we are on all of themajor podcast platforms.
(51:58):
It's your turn now.
Get out and explore the worldwhile you can, because you never
know what curveballs life isgoing to throw at you Health
related, financial, whatever itis.
Get out, see the world.
It's a beautiful place.
Just spent a month in theCaribbean.
It is a beautiful place, greattime to be alive, because you
(52:20):
can get from one side of thecountry to the other so quickly.
Live your life deliberately,live your life intentionally,
and thank you so much forlistening.
Really, thank you.
We don't have a show withoutyou.
We don't have a businesswithout you.
We'll talk to you next week.
Thank you so much.
Show Voice (52:36):
That's it.
That's the end of the show.
So much, that's it.
That's the end of the showYou've been listening to the
Inside Travel Talk podcast andradio show with Patrick Wiscombe
and Mark Faldmo, presented byBluePlanetVacations.
com.
Book your adventure right now.
Call 888-718-7717.
That's 888-718-7717.
(52:57):
Thanks for listening.
Have a great week.
Ad Voice (53:00):
Inside Travel Talk is brought to you by Travelex
Insurance Services.
Their travel insurance planscan help protect you and your
vacation.
Travelex is known for theiraward-winning customer service
and high claims paid rate.
Contact Blue Planet Vacationsat 888-718-7717 or
blueplanetvacations.
com for more information.
Popular Podcasts
Bookmarked by Reese's Book Club
Welcome to Bookmarked by Reese’s Book Club — the podcast where great stories, bold women, and irresistible conversations collide! Hosted by award-winning journalist Danielle Robay, each week new episodes balance thoughtful literary insight with the fervor of buzzy book trends, pop culture and more. Bookmarked brings together celebrities, tastemakers, influencers and authors from Reese's Book Club and beyond to share stories that transcend the page. Pull up a chair. You’re not just listening — you’re part of the conversation.
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com