The Insider Travel Report Podcast

Will Cairns, founder of Active England Tours, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about what his company offers and why increasingly Wales is emerging as a top destination in the U.K. From national parks to castles and other historic attractions, from great accommodations to inventive cuisine, Wales hits all the hot spots—and Active England has the programs to meet the demand. For more information, visit www.activ...

Portia Hart, owner and manager of Blue Apple Beach, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about her unique sustainable resort located on an island just minutes by boat from Cartagena, Colombia. Hart tells us how she founded the property and why it’s been recognized by readers of Conde Nast Travel and why she herself has been called a pioneer shaping the future of travel. For more information, visit www.blueapplebeac...

Simon Chapman, complex general manager of The Benjamin Royal Sonesta, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report, about his historic and recently renovated hotel located in midtown New York on Lexington Avenue. With large, refurbished rooms and a brand-new spa, The Benjamin offers a luxurious experience for guests. And soon, it will get a new restaurant and bar. For more information, visit www.thebenjamin.com. 

John Chernesky, senior vice president of North America sales for Norwegian Cruise Line, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about Norwegian Aqua, the newest ship in the Prima Plus class. He explains how the design builds on previous ships with expanded public spaces, new dining concepts like Sukhothai and the Indulge Food Hall, and standout attractions including the Aqua Slidecoaster. Chernesky also details luxury upgrade...

Shelly Hartfield, vice president of destinations for Victory Cruise Lines, speaks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the brand’s curated shore excursions across the Great Lakes and how her team was able to quickly create new experiences during a recent repositioning cruise. She discusses immersive tours that go beyond the top 10 attractions, and shares how Victory’s itineraries cater to American travelers seeking Europea...

Stephanie Mirando, senior vice president of global marketing at Collette, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the modern traveler and how Collette's product is evolving to meet their needs. She also details the tools and support the company has to help travel advisors to sell confidently, as well as what's on tap for Collette's Travel Advisor Appreciation Month. For more information visit www.gocollette.com....

Kari Koskela, general manager of Shangri-La Toronto, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his luxurious designer hotel in the heart of the city. It comes complete with an Italian and Asia restaurant, a buzzing central hotel lobby and a spacious spa. It’s the perfect place to stay when visiting trendy Toronto. For more information, visit www.shangri-la.com/toronto. 

Patrick Miller, president of Rio Las Vegas, takes James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report on a tour of this famed casino resort, which now features renovated rooms, new dining options, new lounges, new shows and a surprising villa complex. At the same time Rio Las Vegas has kept its famed Voodoo Lounge and its signature entertainment. For more information, visit www.riolasvegas.com. 

Kelly Messina, senior director of leisure sales for the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the very first Spotlight Nevada, a new trade event designed to promote resorts and attractions in Las Vegas and the rest of Nevada. On April 13-15, nearly 80 travel advisors gathered with roughly 100 suppliers to meet and experience all the state has to offer. And Spotlig...

Guillermo Ortega, general manager of Hotel Continental, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his newly refurbished art deco boutique property on the famed Collins Avenue in Miami Beach. With fully refurbished rooms, a classic pool area and innovative artwork, this hotel, part of Hilton’s Tapestry Collection, is a great option for your clients. Plus, Ortega will be opening a new speakeasy bar and rooftop bar l...

Craig Richison, area director of sales for Hersha Hospitality Management, which manages the Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club in Miami Beach, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about this classic art-deco property, great for singles, couples and families. With a large pool area, pool bar and restaurant, a more formal Italian grill and direct access to the beach, the Cadillac, part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection...

Chef Luigi Iannuario, executive chef at Donna Mare Italian Chophouse talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his brand-new restaurant, which features all the Italian classics and much more. Located in the Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club, this restaurant is one of those great finds that may soon become wildly popular—so book your clients now. For more information, visit www.donnamare.com or www.cadillachotelmiami...

Matteo Mancini, senior manager of kids and family entertainment for MSC Cruises, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report aboard the brand-new MSC World America to showcase the ship’s groundbreaking family programming. Mancini discusses the Family Aventura district, the Lego partnership, Guinness World Records events, and innovative attractions like the Cliffhanger swing and sky rail. He also highlights MSC’s popular youth soa...

John Waggoner, CEO of Victory Cruise Line, speaks to Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the rechristened Victory I, which made its return to Great Lakes cruising on April 27. The ship, which will be joined by Victory II next month, will sail on Great Lakes cruises between Chicago and Toronto (and the reverse), stopping at Niagara Falls, Cleveland, Detroit, Sault St. Marie, Mackinac Island, Escanaba (Mich.). For more informati...

Kristin Karst, co-founder and chief brand ambassador for AmaWaterways, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the AmaMagdalena, the first river ship to cruise in Colombia. The ship made its debut earlier this month sailing seven-night cruises on a culturally rich and scenic itinerary from Cartagena to Barranquilla (and the reverse). For more information, visit www.amawaterways.com. 

Andrea Franklin, CEO of Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc., talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at Seatrade Global in Miami, about her island’s growing cruise business. Franklin attended Seatrade to convince more cruise lines to choose Barbados as a great port of call. For more information, visit www.visitbarbados.org. 

Melnecia Marshall, deputy chief executive officer for the St. Kitts Tourism Authority, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at Seatrade Cruise Global in Miami about how her island nation works to attract more cruise business. With the ability to take multiple ships of almost any size, great attractions, spectacular beaches and a long history, St. Kitts just might be one of the perfect port of calls in the Caribbean...

Gerry Larsson-Fedde, chief operating officer of Hurtigruten, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at Seatrade Cruise Global in Miami about his cruise line’s plan to get to Net-Zero (non-carbon-emitting) cruising as early as 2030. With new ships and new technologies, the Norwegian coastal cruise company is betting it can lead the way to the next generation of cruising. For more information, visit www.hurtigruten.com...

Latia Duncombe, director general of the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at Seatrade Global in Miami about why the Bahamas has focused so heavily on the cruise market, developing Nassau as the top port in the region and developing many private islands for specific cruise lines. She also details a new program to get cruisers and other travelers to experien...