Welcome to this week’s episode of the Inside Travel Talk Podcast, your go-to source for travel inspiration, expert tips, and exclusive deals. This week, hosts Patrick Wiscombe and Mark Faldmo cover everything from airline bag sizers and the ultimate 24-day African adventure to an incredible travel deal to Germany. They also explore the latest cruise news, including MSC Cruises opening their second Alaska season, Norwegian Cruise Line’s new loyalty program, and the cruise deal of the week. Whether you’re planning a European escape, an African safari, or an unforgettable Alaska cruise, this episode is packed with insights to help you plan your next adventure.
Neuschwanstein Castle
On This Week’s Episode
- American Airlines bag sizers are moving from gates to check-in lobbies.
- Southwest Airlines announces seasonal flights to Alaska.
- The ultimate 24-day journey from Cape Town to Cairo, including safaris, Victoria Falls, and Egypt.
- Travel deal of the week: Germany – river cruises or custom-built packages.
- MSC Cruises opens sales for their second Alaska season (2027).
- Viking announces an extraordinary 142-day world cruise with 31 countries and 61 tours.
- Norwegian Cruise Line unveils a new loyalty program across all three brands.
- Cruise deal of the week: Alaska cruises on Princess Cruises and Cunard.
Segment 1: African Adventures, and Germany Travel Deals
American Airlines Bag Sizers Update
Travelers have long faced delays at airline gates due to carry-on bag checks. This week, American Airlines announced they are moving bag sizers from gate areas to check-in lobbies. The rule for carry-on bags remains the same: 45 linear inches maximum. However, by relocating the sizers, the boarding process becomes faster and less stressful, especially during peak travel times.
For frequent flyers, this change is especially helpful on budget carriers where every bag must be measured. With less congestion at the gate, travelers can board more efficiently and spend less time waiting.
Southwest Airlines Alaska Flights
Southwest Airlines is adding seasonal flights to Alaska, operating from Las Vegas and Denver to Anchorage, running from mid-May through mid-September. While travelers need to connect through these cities, this expansion introduces extra competition, making Alaska cruises and vacations more accessible and potentially more affordable.
The Ultimate 24-Day African Adventure: Cape Town to Cairo
Colette Tours offers an extraordinary 25-day journey from Johannesburg to Cairo, including safaris in Kruger National Park, time in Cape Town, Victoria Falls, Nairobi, Masai Mara, and a river cruise between Aswan and Luxor. This all-inclusive tour features:
- Nine unique accommodations
- 51 meals included
- Seven wildlife safaris
- Iconic experiences like Victoria Falls and Masai Mara
This adventure is perfect for travelers seeking the best of Africa, combining wildlife, culture, and history in one unforgettable trip.
Travel Deal of the Week: Germany
Janae, a listener, asked about a 7–8 day Germany trip. Hosts Patrick and Mark recommend two options:
- River Cruise Option: Avalon Waterways’ Romantic Rhine itinerary, starting in Basel, Switzerland, and visiting the Black Forest, Strasbourg, Heidelberg, Cologne, and ending in Amsterdam. Benefits include free airfare to Europe for a limited time.
- Build-Your-Own Package: Focus on Berlin and Munich, with four nights in each city. Highlights include:
- Berlin: Hop-on-hop-off tour, World War II and Cold War walking tour, Checkpoint Charlie, Berlin Wall, and the Holocaust Memorial.
- Munich: Neuschwanstein and Linderhof castles, Marienplatz, Hofbräuhaus original brewery, and Dachau concentration camp.
Both options provide a rich cultural experience, combining architecture, history, and iconic European sights. For travelers looking to explore Germany at their own pace, the build-your-own package offers flexibility and savings.
Segment 1 Main Focus: The spotlight is on Germany travel and African adventures. These options offer bucket-list experiences with expert recommendations on maximizing time, exploring cultural landmarks, and making the most of travel deals.
Segment 2: Alaska Cruises and Cruise Deal of the Week
MSC Cruises Opens Alaska 2027 Season
MSC Cruises is opening sales for its second Alaska season in 2027, offering competitive pricing $50–$150 per person below other cruise lines. The MSC Posia undergoes the largest renovation in its history, including:
- A new Yacht Club
- Two specialty restaurants
- Upgraded Aria Spa
These enhancements make MSC Cruises a strong contender for Alaska travelers seeking a premium experience at a competitive price.
Viking World Cruise Announcement
Viking introduced a 142-day world cruise visiting 31 countries with 61 included tours. Benefits for early bookers include:
- Free business-class airfare
- Shipboard credit of $4,000 per couple
- Reduced deposit of 10%
- Complimentary visas and Wi-Fi
The itinerary covers Fort Lauderdale to London via the Panama Canal, Hawaii, French Polynesia, Australia, Singapore, Africa, and Europe. This is an exceptional opportunity for travelers seeking a life-changing cruise experience.
Norwegian Cruise Line Loyalty Program
Norwegian Cruise Line is rolling out a combined loyalty program across its three brands: Norwegian, Oceana, and Regent. This allows status matching across brands, enabling loyal cruisers to enjoy perks and benefits regardless of the ship or line. It’s a strategic move to enhance customer retention and provide luxury options for experienced travelers.
Cruise Deal of the Week: Alaska
Two featured Alaska cruises are highlighted:
- Princess Cruises (7-Day): Vancouver to Seattle, including Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, and Glacier Bay. Balcony cabins start at $1,299 per person.
- Cunard Cruises (11-Day): Roundtrip Seattle, visiting Victoria, Ketchikan, Wrangell, Sitka, Icy Strait, Glacier Bay, Skagway, and Hubbard Glacier. Balcony cabins start at $2,459 per person.
The best travel window for Alaska is mid-to-late May, offering ideal weather, fewer crowds, and opportunities to see whales and wildlife. Skagway, Glacier Bay, and Juneau are must-visit ports, along with Victoria for international travelers.
Segment 2 Main Focus: The main focus is Alaska cruises. Highlighting seasonal itineraries, early bookings, and port tips, this segment provides practical guidance for planning an unforgettable Alaskan adventure.
Conclusion
This episode of Inside Travel Talk delivers expert insights for travelers looking to explore the world. From African safaris and Egypt river cruises to cultural explorations in Germany, listeners gain actionable advice for planning life-changing adventures. Cruise enthusiasts benefit from the latest news on MSC Cruises, Viking world cruises, and Norwegian Cruise Line’s loyalty program, along with curated Alaska cruise deals perfect for first-time and seasoned cruisers alike.
Whether you’re exploring Europe’s castles, Africa’s wildlife, or the majestic glaciers of Alaska, the episode empowers listeners to take control of their travel experiences. Travel deals and insider tips make it easy to plan thoughtfully, maximize value, and create memories that last a lifetime. With the world opening up and opportunities expanding, now is the perfect time to embark on your next journey.