Cruise travel, resort vacations, and smart travel planning take center stage in this episode of the Inside Travel Talk Podcast, where hosts Patrick Wiscombe and Mark Faldmo break down the latest cruise industry shifts, Alaska cruise trends, and Europe’s popular Christmas market river cruises. The conversation also spotlights El Dorado Resorts and Lomas Hospitality’s innovative “More Inclusive” resort experience, which goes beyond traditional all-inclusive vacations by adding transportation, excursions, and curated experiences. From the world’s busiest cruise ports and quiet airline fee increases to award-winning Mexico luxury and standout travel deals of the week, this episode delivers expert insight designed to help travelers book better and travel with confidence.
On This Week’s Episode
- The world’s busiest cruise port: Port Canaveral vs. Miami
El Dorado Seaside Suites Riviera Maya
- American Airlines quietly raises international baggage fees
- Travel Deal of the Week: El Dorado Resorts’ “More Inclusive” luxury experience
- A breakdown of El Dorado and Lomas Hospitality resort brands
- Virgin Voyages launches a new Alaska season pass
- Virgin Voyages status match explained
- Alaska cruising trends and why it’s ideal for first-time cruisers
- The launch of AlaskaCruiseGuru.com
- Cruise Deal of the Week: Christmas Market River Cruises in Europe
- Best Christmas market itineraries on the Rhine and Danube Rivers
Travel News, Mexico Luxury & the Travel Deal of the Week
This first segment blends breaking travel news with an inspiring destination deep dive. From airline fee changes to award-winning resort experiences, the conversation focuses on value, transparency, and how expert travel planning enhances every trip.
American Airlines Quietly Raises Bag Fees
American Airlines recently increased baggage fees on short-haul international flights without a major announcement. The fee rose from $35 to $40, matching domestic baggage costs. While the increase is small, it highlights why travelers benefit from working with travel advisors who track these changes in real time.
Airline fees continue to evolve, and subtle increases can add hundreds of dollars to a family vacation. Understanding airline policies is now a key part of smart trip planning.
Travel Deal of the Week: El Dorado Resorts & the “More Inclusive” Experience
The Travel Deal of the Week centers on El Dorado Resorts, part of Lomas Hospitality, and their innovative “More Inclusive” resort concept. This approach expands traditional all-inclusive offerings to deliver deeper value and richer experiences.
Unlike standard all-inclusive resorts, the More Inclusive concept includes:
- Round-trip airport transportation
- Signature excursions such as catamaran cruises and snorkeling
- Cenote experiences at Aktun Chen Nature Park
- Eco-ranch wildlife encounters
- Access to the Maroma Beach Club
- Water park admission for families
This model removes surprise costs while enhancing cultural immersion, making it especially appealing for travelers who want more than just a beach chair and buffet.
The Palm Award: Recognition That Benefits Travelers
During this episode, Mark Faldmo shares news of receiving the prestigious Palm Award, given annually to one of the top travel advisors working with Lomas Hospitality. This recognition reflects trust, performance, and deep destination expertise.
For travelers, awards like this matter. They signal strong supplier relationships, insider access, and elevated service—advantages that translate into better experiences, added perks, and smoother trips.
El Dorado Resort Collection: Which One Is Right for You?
Each El Dorado property caters to a different travel style while maintaining consistent luxury standards.
El Dorado Royale
An adults-only, romance-focused resort known for exceptional dining and destination weddings. It is especially popular with honeymooners and anniversary travelers.
El Dorado Casitas Royale
An elevated adults-only experience featuring private casitas, exclusive pools, swim-up bars, and outdoor showers. It offers enhanced privacy with beachfront access.
El Dorado Seaside Suites
A modern adults-only resort where every room includes an infinity pool or direct pool access. It’s ideal for travelers who want quiet luxury with panoramic ocean views.
El Dorado Maroma
Located on Maroma Beach, one of the world’s most highly ranked beaches. This boutique-style adults-only resort is consistently recognized as one of Mexico’s most romantic hotels.
Generations Riviera Maya
The family-friendly option offering one-, two-, and three-bedroom suites. It is designed for multi-generational travel and includes butler service for every stay.
Together, these resorts demonstrate how luxury travel is shifting toward value-driven, experience-rich vacations.
Cruise News, Alaska Adventures & the Cruise Deal of the Week
The second segment focuses entirely on cruising, covering industry news, Alaska itineraries, and one of Europe’s most popular seasonal cruise experiences.
Port Canaveral Becomes the World’s Busiest Cruise Port
Port Canaveral has officially surpassed Miami as the world’s busiest cruise port, recording 8.6 million passenger movements in a single fiscal year. Miami followed closely with approximately 8.5 million.
Port Canaveral’s growth is driven by increased ship calls, strong homeport demand, and its use as a port of call for select itineraries sailing from New York. While Miami remains visually iconic, Port Canaveral now leads in sheer cruise volume.
Virgin Voyages Status Match Program Explained
Virgin Voyages has entered the status match space, allowing guests to transfer loyalty status from most major cruise lines. The program also extends to Virgin Atlantic and Virgin Australia frequent flyers.
This move lowers the barrier for travelers curious about Virgin Voyages while rewarding loyalty earned elsewhere. It also reflects a growing trend toward flexible, guest-centric cruise loyalty programs.
Virgin Voyages Launches Alaska Season Pass for 2026
Virgin Voyages will debut in Alaska in 2026 and has introduced a 30-day Alaska Season Pass. This pass allows guests to sail back-to-back Alaska itineraries over a month-long period.
Sailing dates include late May through August, with rotating ports and scenic highlights. For travelers who love Alaska, this offers extended immersion without repeating identical itineraries.
Why Alaska Is One of the Best First Cruises
Alaska cruising consistently ranks as a top choice for first-time cruisers. The scenery is dramatic, the ports are walkable, and the itineraries combine comfort with adventure.
Guests experience glaciers, wildlife, and frontier towns while enjoying cruise-ship convenience. Many travelers leave wishing they had booked a longer sailing.
AlaskaCruiseGuru.com Launches
Mark Faldmo announces the launch of AlaskaCruiseGuru.com, a niche website dedicated entirely to Alaska cruises. The site covers:
- Large-ship Alaska cruises
- Small-ship, luxury, and adventure sailings
- Alaska cruise tours and land extensions
- Seasonal promotions and expert planning advice
The platform reflects growing demand for specialized cruise expertise and destination-specific planning resources.
Cruise Deal of the Week: Europe’s Christmas Market Cruises
Christmas market river cruises continue to be one of Europe’s most in-demand winter travel experiences. Many 2026 sailings are already 40–60% sold out.
Best Rivers for Christmas Markets
Danube River
Ideal for travelers seeking festive capital cities, diverse cultures, and iconic markets. Key stops include Budapest, Vienna, and Nuremberg.
Rhine River
Perfect for storybook towns, medieval castles, and classic Christmas village charm. Highlights include Cologne, Heidelberg, Strasbourg, and Rüdesheim.
Best Cruise Lines for Christmas Markets
AmaWaterways
Offers savings of up to $2,500 per stateroom on select sailings. Christmas market discounts are smaller due to high demand, but availability is limited.
Avalon Waterways
Features free or reduced airfare promotions on many itineraries. Their “Christmas on the Romantic Rhine” is a standout option.
When to Book Christmas Market Cruises
The best time to book is as early as possible. These sailings sell out quickly due to limited ships, seasonal demand, and strong repeat guests.
For travelers planning a once-in-a-lifetime holiday experience, early booking ensures better cabin selection and pricing.
Final Thoughts: Why Inside Travel Talk Matters
This episode of Inside Travel Talk demonstrates why expert-led travel conversations matter more than ever. From navigating airline fees to choosing the right cruise itinerary, informed guidance helps travelers avoid mistakes and maximize value.
The show blends industry insight with real-world experience, offering listeners practical advice they can use immediately. Whether planning a luxury Mexico escape, an Alaska cruise, or a European river voyage, this episode reinforces the importance of thoughtful, intentional travel.
Travel opportunities change quickly. However, with trusted advisors and reliable information, travelers can confidently explore the world—one unforgettable trip at a time.
DISCLAIMER: The Inside Travel Talk podcast and radio show contains travel deals, promotions and offers that may be time sensitive. All offers and information were accurate when the show aired. Travel deals and offers change constantly and are capacity controlled and subject to change without notice. Offers are subject to other supplier terms and conditions i.e. cruise lines, tour operators etc. For details visit appropriate supplier website.