Avid Travel With Britton Frost

Check out the article: https://www.avidcruiser.com/2021/01/2021-wave-season-deals/ Contact me: britton.frost@gmail.com If you’re anything like me, you have been eager to get back on a cruise ship since March 2020. You might already have sailings lined up for 2021 and 2022, but for those of you who have been dreaming of booking a cruise once the pandemic is over with – the time to do so is now. For years now, cruise companies have offered itineraries at discounted prices during wave season (typically running from January through March). This year’s wave season is a great time to book voyage, be it in 2021 or beyond. With wave season in full force, there’s no better time to turn your aspirational voyages and daydreams into reality. Let’s take a look at the wave season deals you should take advantage of in 2021. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Article: https://www.avidcruiser.com/2021/01/top-three-cruises-for-millennials/ Podcast with Megan: https://www.travmarketmedia.com/podcasts/adventure-cruising-where-can-i-go-britton-frost/ There is no shortage of vacation options for millennials. In fact, the AirBNB that I run in Asheville seems to attract droves of young professionals looking to get out and explore. But for as many things as we see that are specifically catered to millennials, cruises often get glossed over. Rest assured, there are plenty of great cruise options for millennials. Let’s take a look at my top three. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Which Cruise Lines Allow Children? Podcast: https://omny.fm/shows/avidtravel/which-cruise-lines-allow-children Backroads Webinar: https://vimeo.com/480990826 Cruising is often seen as an activity for retirees - especially when it comes to cruising the rivers of Europe. Throughout the past few years as river cruising has gained popularity river cruise companies have taken steps to cater to younger travelers.  Today we look at the top three river cruise companies for millennials. From active experiences and hands-on cultural immersion, there is something for young people to do both on and off the ship.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week we look at the difference between small ship vs. large (and mid-size) ship cruising. Join me as I compare my experiences on board MSC Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea, which, as I mention in the podcast is really like comparing apples and oranges.  The beauty of cruising is the ability to tailor a vacation to fit your needs. Do you want water slides or butlers? Poolside chairs or tons of activities? Let's find out how large ships compare to small ships, and do some exploration in between.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week I sat down with AmaWaterways' Co-Founder and Executive Vice President, Kristin Karst, to talk about how AmaWaterways stands out on the rivers of Europe and beyond.  Join me as I learn more about AmaWaterways and the company's philosophy to under promise and over deliver - which it always does.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we look at Thanksgiving and Christmas cruises offered on the oceans and rivers.  Join me as I share some of my experiences sailing during the holidays, as well as a comprehensive list of which river cruise companies offer Christmas Market itineraries and where they sail.  Regardless of whether you choose to sail the Danube, Seine, or Rhine, Christmas Market cruises are a once in a lifetime experience that make any Christmas memorable.  Don't know where to sail over the holidays in 2021? Join me to find out.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Africa cruise podcast with Devin Quinn: https://www.rivercruiseadvisor.com/2019/01/avid-travel-with-britton-frost-devin-quinn-pt-2-africa/ This week we are joined by Michael DaCosta from CroisiEurope. Though CroisiEurope has one of the biggest river cruise fleets in Europe, the company is still fairly unknown to North American travelers. With riverboats around the world, and two oceangoing vessels, let's see what the French-owned cruise company has to offer.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cruising is a truly customizable experience. When I hear someone say they aren't interested in cruising I know that it is likely because they simply haven't found the right cruise.  Here are my top reasons to book a cruise for 2021 and beyond.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On September 30 the CDC made a final update to the No Sail Order, stating that if the conditions above were not met cruise lines could resume sailing October 31, 2020. So, what does that mean at the beginning of November? The CDC released what it calls a Conditional Sailing Order on October 30, 2020. But just because cruise lines are allowed to resume sailing does not mean that passengers are eagerly flocking to cruise ships. It also doesn’t mean that cruise lines are allowed to resume sailing however they wish. There are multiple stipulations, most importantly that cruise lines must complete simulated voyages before they are issued a COVID-19 Conditional Sailing Certificate. These voyages will be conducted with volunteer passengers over the age of 18 who have clearance from a healthcare provider. They must provide written proof that they are not at high risk for COVID-19. The simulated voyages must include embarkation and disembarkation procedures, on board activities including dining and entertainment, sho

Today we look at which cruise lines allow children on board their ships. However, just because children are allowed onboard does not mean that every cruise line is suitable for children. Some are better fits than others. So, which cruise lines are the best for children? Let's dive in.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Inclusion comparisons: https://www.rivercruiseadvisor.com/comparisons/ Danube price comparisons: https://www.rivercruiseadvisor.com/2019/07/danube-river-cruise-pricing-charts-2020/ In the past, cruises were notorious for having hidden costs. Passengers traveling on cruise ships often felt they were being nickeled and dimed, paying extra for beverages, excursions, internet, and dining. When river cruising came along, it introduced a much more inclusive product than what we were used to seeing on the oceans.  From beverages to shore excursions to gratuities, there are many hidden costs that can be added to your ticket price. This week we look at what is included in the cruise fare for many of the mainstream river cruise companies.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why AmaMagna Is A Great Choice For First-Time River Cruisers: https://www.rivercruiseadvisor.com/2019/11/ama-magna-first-time-river-cruises/ 6 Types Of Travelers Who Are Perfect For AmaMagna, Are You One Of Them? https://www.rivercruiseadvisor.com/2019/07/6-types-of-travelers-who-are-perfect-for-amamagna-are-you-one-of-them/ The transition from ocean cruises to river cruises, or vice versa, may not be an easy one. Ocean cruisers often fear that river cruises will be boring, with a lack of activities on board and fewer choices when it comes to dining, bars, lounges, etc. Conversely, those who enjoy the quiet and relaxed nature of river cruising often think that taking an ocean cruise is overwhelming, with crowds of people and not enough down time to explore the ship and the cities around them.  While both of these things can be true, there are plenty of cruisers who enjoy spending time both on the oceans and on the rivers. It's all about finding the right fit.  Today we look at the main differences betwee

Water levels comment page: https://www.rivercruiseadvisor.com/2019/08/video-how-to-use-german-water-level-charts/ German water level maps:  https://www.pegelonline.wsv.de/gast/karte/standard https://www.wetteronline.de/pegelstaende What are water levels? How can they affect a river cruise? Do they need to be taken into consideration before booking a river cruise?  Today we look at how water levels can impact cruises and what we can do to avoid cancelling a cruise due to high or low water.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

COVID-19 has raised many questions for travelers. When will we be able to fly again? When are we going to be allowed into other countries? When can we enjoy visiting a resort without a mask?  The pandemic has been especially hard for cruise companies, as a handful of cruise ships were forced into lockdown at the beginning of the pandemic. This posed two questions: When will cruise companies be able to resume sailing? and, more importantly, when will cruise passengers feel safe on board ships again?  Today I am joined by Mike Louagie to recap two cruises that he has taken since cruise companies have resumed operations in Europe. Mike discusses Ponant's COVID-19 protocols and procedures, as well as what it feels like to be back on board a ship.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week I am joined by cruise journalist Ralph Grizzle to take a look at the future of cruising and where the industry is headed during, and after, the COVID-19 pandemic.  It's no secret that the cruise industry was hit hard at the beginning of the pandemic, with cruise ships often being called floating Petri dishes. But with many cruise companies resuming operations, there is more hope for the industry than some initially thought.  Join Ralph and me as we talk about the cruise companies that have returned to the oceans and rivers as well as what we expect will happen with cruising in the near future.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week's episode: https://www.travmarketmedia.com/podcasts/top-5-itineraries-for-first-time-river-cruisers/ There are so many cruise itineraries available to choose from that it poses the question: What are the best itineraries for a first-time cruiser?  Well, it depends. If a trip Europe is a bucket list item, then cruising the Mediterranean or the Baltic could be a great option for a first-time cruiser. For those that want to stay closer to home, the Caribbean offers various itineraries with beautiful beaches, opportunities for snorkeling, and is great for family fun. Feeling more adventurous? Check out a cruise to Alaska, or a Canada & New England itinerary.  Contact me:  britton.frost@gmail.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With river cruising more popular than ever, it can be hard to choose which river to sail on for the first time. In today's episode, I go over my top five recommendations for first-time river cruisers.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Britton Frost is a travel journalist specializing in small-ship cruises on both oceans and rivers. An experienced traveler with dozens of cruises under her belt, Britton began cruising when she was a mere six months old (crossing the Atlantic with her parents on the Queen Elizabeth 2). She’s been cruising ever since. Britton runs two websites - Avid Cruiser & River Cruise Advisor - with Ralph Grizzle. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Avid Travel With Britton Frost - Avalon Waterways' COVID-19 Response & 2021 Plans by brittonfrost See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our first Riviera podcast: https://soundcloud.com/brittonfrost/avid-travel-with-britton-31 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.