This week, I welcome Melissa Cooper, Director of Marketing, Northstar Retail Travel Group and Sterling Wertanzl, Partner and Director of Operations of Sterling Journeys, to first discuss the latest trending news in travel, including Black Friday deals, big cruise news, and more. 

Later, we share the top moments and highlights from the 2026 Travvy Awards. Cooper provides details on the behind-the-scenes of the show coming together, and Wertanzl offers tips for fellow advisors after being named to the 40 Under 40 Class of 2026. 

The discussion on the Travvy Awards and 40 Under 40 begins after the 13-minute mark. 

Today's episode sponsor: Princess Cruises 

Have any feedback or questions? Want to sponsor the show? Contact us at Podcast@TravelPulse.com and follow us on social media @TravelPulse.

This week, I welcome Melissa Cooper, Director of Marketing, Northstar Retail Travel Group and Sterling Wertanzl, Partner and Director of Operations of Sterling Journeys, to first discuss the latest trending news in travel, including Black Friday deals, big cruise news, and more.&nbsp;
Later, we share the top moments and highlights from the 2026 Travvy Awards. Cooper provides details on the behind-the-scenes of the show coming together, and Wertanzl offers tips for fellow advisors after being named to the <a href="https://www.travelpulse.com/40-under-40/2026/travelpulse-40-under-40">40 Under 40 Class of 2026</a>.&nbsp;
The discussion on the Travvy Awards and 40 Under 40 begins after the 13-minute mark.&nbsp;
Today's episode sponsor: Princess Cruises&nbsp;
Have any feedback or questions? Want to sponsor the show? Contact us at Podcast@TravelPulse.com and follow us on social media @TravelPulse.

Cutting through all the noise and giving you what you need to hear about in travel. Tune-in to hear TravelPulse's Executive Editor Eric Bowman discuss travel news, tips, and more with industry experts and other insightful guests.

Cutting through all the noise and giving you what you need to hear about in travel. Tune-in to hear TravelPulse's Executive Editor Eric Bowman discuss travel news, tips, and more with industry experts and other insightful guests.

TravelPulse Podcast

Cutting through all the noise and giving you what you need to hear about in travel. Tune in to hear TravelPulse's Executive Editor Eric Bowman discuss travel news, tips, and more with industry experts and other insightful guests.

Cutting through all the noise and giving you what you need to hear about in travel. Tune in to hear TravelPulse's Executive Editor Eric Bowman discuss travel news, tips, and more with industry experts and other insightful guests.

2026 Travvy Awards Highlights + Black Friday Deals 

This week, I first discuss the latest trending news in travel, including a new travel alert for France due to protests, the latest consumer price index, and much more. 

Later on the show, I welcome Nathan Hickman, Oceania Cruises Chief Sales Officer, for insights into luxury at sea. Hickman shares what he's seeing when it comes to luxury travelers' booking behaviors, along with updates about Oceania Cruises. Hickman provides details on the decision to change to an adults-only brand, what Oceania Cruises offers with the Best Value Guarantee, plus some exciting new sales, offers and incentives for travel advisors. 

The discussion on luxury at sea begins after the 11-minute mark. 

Today's episode sponsor: Oceania Cruises

There is a certain joy in traveling well and exploring the world deeply, at your own pace. With Oceania Cruises, sail aboard intimate, luxurious ships to the world's most captivating destinations. Savor The Finest Cuisine at Sea®, thoughtfully crafted experiences, and gracious, personalized service in an adults-only atmosphere. Because true luxury is not about excess. It is about meaning. Experience The Joy of Traveling Well with Oceania Cruises. Learn more at OceaniaCruises.com 

Have any feedback or questions? Want to sponsor the show? Contact us at Podcast@TravelPulse.com and follow us on social media @TravelPulse.

This week, I first discuss the latest trending news in travel, including a new travel alert for France due to protests, the latest consumer price index, and much more.&nbsp;
Later on the show, I welcome Nathan Hickman, Oceania Cruises Chief Sales Officer, for insights into luxury at sea. Hickman shares what he's seeing when it comes to luxury travelers' booking behaviors, along with updates about Oceania Cruises. Hickman provides details on the decision to change to an adults-only brand, what Oceania Cruises offers with the Best Value Guarantee, plus some exciting new sales, offers and incentives for travel advisors.&nbsp;
The discussion on luxury at sea begins after the 11-minute mark.&nbsp;
Today's episode sponsor: Oceania Cruises
There is a certain joy in traveling well and exploring the world deeply, at your own pace. With Oceania Cruises, sail aboard intimate, luxurious ships to the world's most captivating destinations. Savor The Finest Cuisine at Sea&reg;, thoughtfully crafted experiences, and gracious, personalized service in an adults-only atmosphere. Because true luxury is not about excess. It is about meaning. Experience The Joy of Traveling Well with Oceania Cruises. Learn more at <a href="https://url.us.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/i7QSCW6pyVH91KkQu6fkkiocw3E?domain=oceaniacruises.com">OceaniaCruises.com</a>&nbsp;
Have any feedback or questions? Want to sponsor the show? Contact us at Podcast@TravelPulse.com and follow us on social media @TravelPulse.

Luxury at Sea

This week, I welcome Kelly Fontenelle, CEO of St. Kitts Tourism Authority and founder of Travel Advisors Selling the Caribbean, to first discuss the latest trending news in travel, including the TSA chair dilemma, Marriott's new test and more. 

Later, Fontenelle provides insights and information on the state of Caribbean tourism in 2026, what's trending and changing, and more. She also shares tips for advisors to grow their sales in the destinations. 

The discussion on Caribbean travel begins after the 12:30-minute mark. 

Today's episode sponsor: Oceania Cruises

There is a certain joy in traveling well and exploring the world deeply, at your own pace. With Oceania Cruises, sail aboard intimate, luxurious ships to the world's most captivating destinations. Savor The Finest Cuisine at Sea®, thoughtfully crafted experiences, and gracious, personalized service in an adults-only atmosphere. Because true luxury is not about excess. It is about meaning. Experience The Joy of Traveling Well with Oceania Cruises. Learn more at OceaniaCruises.com 

Have any feedback or questions? Want to sponsor the show? Contact us at Podcast@TravelPulse.com and follow us on social media @TravelPulse.

This week, I welcome&nbsp;Kelly Fontenelle, CEO of St. Kitts Tourism Authority and founder of Travel Advisors Selling the Caribbean, to first discuss the latest trending news in travel, including the TSA chair dilemma, Marriott's new test and more.&nbsp;
Later, Fontenelle provides insights and information on the state of Caribbean tourism in 2026, what's trending and changing, and more. She also shares tips for advisors to grow their sales in the destinations.&nbsp;
The discussion on Caribbean travel begins after the 12:30-minute mark.&nbsp;
Today's episode sponsor: Oceania Cruises
There is a certain joy in traveling well and exploring the world deeply, at your own pace. With Oceania Cruises, sail aboard intimate, luxurious ships to the world's most captivating destinations. Savor The Finest Cuisine at Sea&reg;, thoughtfully crafted experiences, and gracious, personalized service in an adults-only atmosphere. Because true luxury is not about excess. It is about meaning. Experience The Joy of Traveling Well with Oceania Cruises. Learn more at <a href="https://url.us.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/i7QSCW6pyVH91KkQu6fkkiocw3E?domain=oceaniacruises.com">OceaniaCruises.com</a>&nbsp;
Have any feedback or questions? Want to sponsor the show? Contact us at Podcast@TravelPulse.com and follow us on social media @TravelPulse.

Caribbean Tourism Insights and Selling Tips

This week, I welcome Debbie Brown, founder and CEO of SmartBird World Travel, to first discuss the latest trending news in travel, including Royal Caribbean purchasing a stake in Sandals, air traffic control issues, and more. 

Later, Brown provides insights into dealing with a crisis in travel and what steps advisors should take when something goes wrong. She shares real examples of crisis situations she's dealing with now, how connections and contacts with suppliers can help, and much more. 

The discussion on crisis management in travel begins after the 19-minute mark.

Today's episode sponsor: Travel Insured International

At Travel Insured International, we believe that power lies in partnership. And that means giving you the tools to streamline your workflow and help protect your reputation. Gain more control over your business (and its bottom line) with a custom Advisor Dashboard featuring a quote manager, commission and conversion tracking, and payment alerts. Plus, our Certified Specialist Program gives you the confidence to offer premium protection as a standard offering. Your clients aren’t alone. Now, neither are you. Visit TravelInsured.com. Where our people, become your people.  

Have any feedback or questions? Want to sponsor the show? Contact us at Podcast@TravelPulse.com and follow us on social media @TravelPulse.

This week, I welcome&nbsp;Debbie Brown, founder and CEO of SmartBird World Travel, to first discuss the latest trending news in travel, including Royal Caribbean purchasing a stake in Sandals, air traffic control issues, and more.&nbsp;
Later, Brown provides insights into dealing with a crisis in travel and what steps advisors should take when something goes wrong. She shares real examples of crisis situations she's dealing with now, how connections and contacts with suppliers can help, and much more.&nbsp;
The discussion on crisis management in travel begins after the 19-minute mark.
Today's episode sponsor: Travel Insured International
At Travel Insured International, we believe that power lies in partnership. And that means giving you the tools to streamline your workflow and help protect your reputation. Gain more control over your business (and its bottom line) with a custom Advisor Dashboard featuring a quote manager, commission and conversion tracking, and payment alerts. Plus, our Certified Specialist Program gives you the confidence to offer premium protection as a standard offering. Your clients aren&rsquo;t alone. Now, neither are you. Visit <a href="https://www.travelpulse.com/podcasts/entertainment/www.TravelInsured.com">TravelInsured.com</a>. Where our people, become your people.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Have any feedback or questions? Want to sponsor the show? Contact us at Podcast@TravelPulse.com and follow us on social media @TravelPulse.

2026 Travvy Awards Highlights + Black Friday Deals

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