Ted Blank Luxury Travel & Adventures

This week on TED Talks Cruises , Ted and Ken put two popular river cruise lines head-to-head: AmaWaterways and Uniworld Boutique River Cruises . Both offer incredible ways to experience Europe and other destinations by river, but the experience, style and feel of each cruise line can be very different. We compare and contrast AmaWaterways vs. Uniworld , talking through the ships, dining, service,...

This week on TED Talks Cruises , Ted and Ken break down the ins and outs of Oceania — from its incredible food and smaller ships to its destination-focused itineraries and overall onboard experience. Is Oceania worth it? And more importantly, is it the right cruise line for you? Watch the full episode of TED Talks Cruises to find out. #OceaniaCruises #CruiseTips #LuxuryCruise #CruiseTravel #Cruisi...

🚢 7 Things Viking Does Differently  What makes Viking such a popular choice for travelers? On this episode of Ted Talk Cruises , Ted Blank and Ken Coenen break down seven things Viking does that help set the experience apart . From the way Viking approaches the onboard experience to the little details that can make a big difference in your trip, we walk through what travelers should know before d...

Ken and Ted recap their incredible visit aboard Viking's Mississippi River cruise ship and share what makes this sailing experience unlike any other. From the luxurious accommodations and exceptional service to the rich history found along America's greatest river, they discuss who should consider a Viking Mississippi cruise and why it continues to impress travelers. Whether you're...

In this episode, Ted Blank and Ken Coenen step aboard the stunning Viking Mississippi for an inside look at Viking's newest river cruise experience. Joined by Rebecca, Viking's Business Development Manager, they discuss everything from the onboard experience and accommodations to the destinations, excursions, and who will love this itinerary most. If you've been curious about Americ...

What Does a Cruise Ship Butler Actually Do? When people hear the word **butler**, they often imagine luxury—but what does a butler actually do on a cruise ship? In this episode of **Ted Talks Cruises**, Ted Blank pulls back the curtain on one of the most misunderstood perks of cruising. From unpacking your luggage and delivering afternoon treats to making specialty dining reservations and helping...

In this episode of Ted Talks Cruises , Ted breaks down two of the most popular luxury cruise lines in the world: Viking and Regent Seven Seas . If you're trying to decide between these incredible cruise experiences, this episode covers the key differences, including: What makes Viking unique Where Regent stands out Included amenities and value Dining and onboard experience Excursions and enri...

Everyone makes mistakes—but you don't have to make them on your next river cruise. In this episode of Ted Talk Cruises , Ted shares the most common mistakes travelers make before and during a river cruise. From booking the wrong itinerary and packing too much to misunderstanding excursions and overlooking important planning details, we walk through the lessons we've learned from years of...

The Caribbean remains one of the world's most popular cruise destinations—and for good reason. In this episode of Ted Talks Cruises , Ted explains the key differences between Eastern, Western, and Southern Caribbean itineraries, highlights must-see ports, and shares expert advice to help you choose the cruise that's right for you. Whether you're sailing for the first time or returni...

What’s the best way to experience a New England & Canada cruise? In this episode of Ted Talks Cruises , Ted compares small, medium, and large cruise ships sailing this iconic itinerary. From personalized service and unique ports to onboard entertainment and dining options, we discuss the advantages of each ship size and who they're best suited for. If a New England & Canada cruise is...

Podcast Description What makes a Uniworld Boutique River Cruise different from every other cruise experience? In this episode of Ted Talks Travel , Ted takes a deep dive into one of the world's premier luxury river cruise brands. From beautifully appointed ships and world-class dining to immersive cultural experiences and exceptional service, Uniworld has built a reputation for delivering unf...

They explore the Viking experience, including river cruises through Europe, ocean voyages to incredible destinations, onboard amenities, cultural enrichment programs, and why so many travelers are choosing smaller ships and destination-focused travel. Whether you're considering your first cruise or looking for a more immersive travel experience, this conversation offers valuable insights into...

All aboard for a new adventure! On this episode of Ted Talks Travel, Ted Blank dives into the growing popularity of train travel and why more travelers are rediscovering the magic of seeing the world by rail. From scenic routes and stress-free travel to luxury rail experiences and hidden gems across the U.S. and beyond, Ted shares why trains are becoming one of the hottest trends in travel today....

On this episode of Ted Talks Cruises , Ted Blank and Ken Coenen head inland to talk about one of the most unique travel experiences in America — Mississippi River cruising. The guys discuss what travelers can expect from cruising the Mississippi, including the pace, atmosphere, onboard experience, entertainment, dining, and the historic towns you’ll visit along the way. Ted also shares insight int...

In this episode, I sit down with Ted Blank from Ted Blank Luxury Travel & Adventures for another edition of Ted Talks Cruises—and this one is all about the premium river cruise experience with AmaWaterways. We dive into what truly sets AmaWaterways apart in the world of river cruising—from their elevated onboard experience and personalized service to the unique destinations they sail across Eu...

Step aboard as Ted takes you on a journey through one of the most breathtaking spring experiences in the world—a river cruise through the Amsterdam region at peak tulip season. Picture this: miles of vibrant tulip fields in full bloom, winding canals lined with historic windmills, and charming Dutch villages that feel like they’ve been frozen in time. Ted shares what it’s really like to cruise thr...

This week on TED Talks Travel (Cruises Edition) , we’re diving into something completely different from your typical cruise experience… tall ship sailing . We break down everything you need to know about Star Clippers — a one-of-a-kind cruise line that lets you sail the Caribbean and Mediterranean on authentic, full-rigged sailing ships. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to trade mega-ships f...

Episode 3: Exploring Eastern Mediterranean Cruises (Italy, Greek Isles & Turkey) In this episode of Ted Talks Cruises , Ken and Ted explore the magic of Eastern Mediterranean cruising —one of the most diverse and visually stunning cruise regions in the world. From the eastern coast of Italy to the Greek Isles and into Turkey, Ted walks through the key ports, experiences, and itinerary consider...

Part 2: Exploring the Western Mediterranean In Part 2 of our European Ocean Cruise series, Ken and Ted dive into one of the most iconic cruise regions in the world — the Western Mediterranean. From the vibrant streets of Barcelona to the historic coastlines of France and Italy, this episode breaks down what makes Western Med cruises one of the most popular itineraries for travelers. We talk about:...

Part 1: European Ocean Cruises (Getting Started) Thinking about taking a European cruise but not sure where to start? In Part 1 of our European Ocean Cruise series, Ted Blank and Ken Coenen from Ted Blank Luxury Travel Adventures break down the basics of cruising Europe—from understanding cruise ships and itineraries to what it’s like visiting iconic Mediterranean and European ports. If you’ve eve...

In the final episode of our Alaska series, Ted and I dive into one of the most exciting ways to experience Alaska — **expedition ships and smaller cruise vessels**. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to go beyond the big ports and truly explore Alaska up close, this episode is for you. We talk about the advantages of smaller ships, including access to remote glaciers, hidden coves, and wildlif...

In this episode of Ted Talks Cruises , we go port-by-port through an Alaska cruise itinerary and break down the best excursions in each stop. We cover: Whale watching in Juneau The White Pass Scenic Railway in Skagway Salmon fishing and cultural tours in Ketchikan Icy Strait Point adventures Helicopter glacier landings Dog sledding on real snow And how to decide which excursions are actually worth...

TED Talks Cruises: Alaska Cruises — Which Ship Is Right for You? Alaska is one of the most breathtaking cruise destinations in the world—but choosing the right ship can completely shape your experience. In this episode of TED Talks Cruises, Ted Blanc and Ken Coenen break down the full spectrum of Alaska cruising, from intimate expedition ships designed for immersive exploration to premium and larg...

In this episode, Ted Blank takes listeners inside one of the greatest engineering feats in modern history—the Panama Canal. Drawing from his firsthand experience crossing the canal, Ted shares what it’s really like to navigate the locks, witness the scale of the operation up close, and move seamlessly from one ocean to another. Along the way, he offers perspective on the history, logistics, and hu...

Planning an Alaska cruise can feel overwhelming—balcony or no balcony, which itinerary matters most, and what’s really included? In this episode, we break it all down with two perspectives: Angela from Princess Cruises shares the insider view of what makes Princess unique in Alaska, and travel advisor Ted Blank translates what that means for real travelers trying to make the right decision. We cov...