Dreaming of your next adventure? On this week’s Inside Travel Talk podcast, hosts Patrick Wiscombe and Mark Faldmo uncover the hottest travel news and jaw-dropping offers — from Fiji airfare deals starting at $798 to Viking River Cruises with free airfare. They discuss MSC’s plan for a new class of world-record cruise ships, Royal Caribbean’s Santorini beach club, and how Jamaica is bouncing back after Hurricane Melissa. You’ll also hear where to travel in 2026, why German Christmas markets should top your winter bucket list, and insider advice from America’s best travel advisors at Blue Planet Vacations.

Whether you’re planning a relaxing island getaway, a once-in-a-lifetime river cruise, or a European winter escape, this episode will inspire you to explore the world — and show you how to save while doing it.

On This Week’s Episode

• 

  Fiji Resort

  Three-hour airport lines across Europe’s new EU Entry & Exit System
• Jamaica’s fast recovery after Category 5 Hurricane Melissa
• Germany’s top Christmas markets — Nuremberg vs. Cologne (and a secret favorite in Heidelberg)
• Top destinations to visit in 2026: Jasper (Alberta), Fiji, Oulu (Finland), Adelaide (Australia), and Vienna (Austria)
• Travel Deal of the Week — Fiji airfare deals and free stopovers
• MSC Cruises’ mega-ship plans to outsize Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class
• Royal Caribbean’s new Santorini Beach Club concept
• Viking’s 100-ship milestone and record river-cruise expansion
• Cruise Deal of the Week — Viking River Cruises with free airfare
• Closing reflections: why now is the time to travel intentionally

Segment 1: Travel Headlines and 2026 Destinations

Europe’s New Entry-Exit System Causes Airport Delays

Patrick and Mark open with Europe’s new biometric Entry & Exit System — a well-intentioned update that’s causing three-hour delays at border checkpoints. Only a few countries were prepared when it launched, leading to technical failures from Luxembourg to Prague.

The system requires travelers to scan passports and fingerprints upon entry and exit, helping the EU track who’s visiting and for how long. The hosts remind travelers that the program will improve over time, but early adopters should plan extra airport time and keep travel documents ready.

Jamaica’s Fast Recovery After Hurricane Melissa

Next, the team spotlights Jamaica’s resilience following a direct hit from Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm with winds exceeding 200 mph. Despite devastation, Jamaica’s tourism board expects full operation by December 15 — just weeks away. Hotels and airports are reopening quickly, though some are limiting reservations until repairs are certain. Mark praises Jamaica’s hospitality and cuisine, calling it one of his favorite Caribbean destinations. Travelers craving authentic island warmth should plan winter travel now, supporting recovery efforts while enjoying uncrowded beaches.

Germany’s Christmas Markets: Nuremberg vs. Cologne vs. Heidelberg

The hosts debate the best German Christmas market, weighing Nuremberg’s centuries-old market against Cologne’s cathedral-side festivities. Mark’s verdict? Nuremberg for history, Cologne for atmosphere — but Heidelberg wins for charm.
Every German city hosts a Christmas market between late November and early January, blending regional food, local crafts, and community spirit. Travelers should book early December trips for smaller crowds and authentic experiences.

Top Destinations for 2026 Travel

Drawing from Frommer’s Best Places to Go in 2026, Mark shares his picks:

• Jasper, Canada — The Canadian Rockies are open post-wildfire, offering spectacular scenery with fewer tourists.
• Fiji — Pristine islands, luxury resorts, and the Sigatoka Jet Boat Safari reveal true Fijian culture.
• Ulu, Finland — A quirky Arctic-adjacent town, home to the Air Guitar World Championship and EU Capital of Culture honor.
• Adelaide, Australia — An underrated southern gem with wine regions and festival vibes.
• Vienna, Austria — Elegant imperial architecture, horse shows, palaces, and music heritage along the Danube.

Mark’s insider tip: explore Vienna via Viking River Cruise to see the city’s palaces from the water and attend a private classical concert at Schönbrunn Palace.

Travel Deal of the Week — Fiji Airfare from $798 + Free Stopover

If you’ve ever dreamed of visiting Fiji, this deal is for you. Blue Planet Vacations has exclusive access to Fiji airfare specials starting at $798 per person from Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Dallas — about $200 less than usual fares. Even better, travelers can continue on to Australia (Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane) for $999 and enjoy a free stopover in Fiji.

These fares are available through the end of November and may be extended — but space is limited. Bundle airfare with a Fiji hotel package for even greater savings.

Call 888-718-7717 to start planning your Fiji or Australia adventure today. There’s no obligation to book — just expert advice from America’s best travel advisors.

Segment 2: Cruise News & Deals

MSC Cruises Plans the World’s Largest Ships

In the “Just Cruising” segment, Patrick and Mark reveal that MSC Cruises is in talks with a Finnish shipyard to build a four-ship fleet even larger than Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas. Each proposed ship would span 365 meters and weigh 265,000 gross tons — a Titanic larger than the Icon Class.

MSC’s advantage? It’s the only major cruise line that’s privately owned, not beholden to shareholders. This lets them offer lower fares and bold innovation without corporate pressures. While Royal Caribbean charges premium rates for its largest ships, MSC’s World America was 30–40 percent less expensive — proof that bigger can mean better value.

Patrick notes that if MSC can match Icon’s experience at half the price, it could reshape the industry and expand luxury cruising to a broader audience.

Royal Caribbean Expands Its Private Beach Clubs

Next, the hosts highlight Royal Caribbean’s new Santorini Beach Club, an exclusive concept following its “Perfect Day at Coco Cay” success. Royal Caribbean is developing private beach clubs worldwide — from the Bahamas to Mexico and now Greece — designed for guests who want a crowd-free, luxurious experience during port days.

Santorini is notoriously beautiful but busy; this club will offer peaceful oceanfront relaxation with curated local food and views of the caldera. Norwegian Cruise Line is also investing heavily in its own beach resorts, including the upgraded Great Stirrup Cay featuring the largest pool in the Caribbean.

Healthy competition means travelers win — with more choice, better amenities, and stunning destinations.

Viking Reaches a 100-Ship Milestone

Viking Cruises has officially launched its 100th ship, celebrating nine new longships and a fleet that now includes 88 river ships and 12 ocean ships (two of them expedition vessels). CEO Torstein Hagen emphasizes that the brand’s goal is to “build to meet demand” as river cruising booms in popularity. By 2030, Viking plans to add 31 more river ships and 14 ocean ships.

Mark shares insider insight: with so many new ships, expect fresh European ports, smaller villages, and unique routes along the Danube and Rhine. It’s the perfect time to experience Europe in comfort and style.

Cruise Deal of the Week — Viking River Cruises with Free Airfare

This week’s headline offer is a traveler’s dream: Viking River Cruises with free airfare, reduced fares, and even $25 deposits on select sailings — but only through November 30.

Featured Itineraries:

• Grand European Tour (15 days) — Sail the Danube and Rhine through four countries from $4,499 per person.
• Pharaohs & Pyramids (12 days) — Nile River voyage with 11 guided tours from $6,000 per person.
• Mississippi Delta Explorer (8 days) — New Orleans to Memphis with free airfare starting around $4,000.

Other routes like the Rhine Getaway and Romantic Danube feature discounted airfares and limited-time upgrades.

Call 888-718-7717 to claim this offer before November 30. Space is limited, and these cruises sell fast.

Conclusion — Live Intentionally, Travel Deliberately

This week’s episode of Inside Travel Talk proves that the world is ready for you — whether you’re drawn to Fiji’s turquoise waters, Europe’s timeless rivers, or Santorini’s sun-washed beaches. From record-breaking ships to record-low fares, travel has never been more exciting.

Patrick and Mark close the show with a reminder we all need to hear: live your life intentionally, because you never know what curveballs life may throw your way.