Is a river cruise just a floating hotel, or can it be one of the most authentic ways to travel? In this episode, we explore the world of Riviera Travel river cruises with the brand's North American President, Stuart Milan. As the UK's #1 river cruise and tour operator makes its official entry into the US market, we uncover what "upper premium" travel really means and ask the crucial question: How can you find a genuine, meaningful cultural connection while traveling along Europe's most historic waterways?

Stuart Milan reveals the secrets behind Riviera Travel's 40-year success and its expansion as Riviera Travel US. We dive deep into what sets their luxury ships and curated itineraries apart, from their intentionally smaller passenger capacity to their upcoming all-inclusive drinks package in 2026. Stuart explains the unique value proposition of an upper premium river cruise, which combines luxury hardware with incredible value, providing an experience that sits comfortably above standard premium lines without the formalities of ultra-luxury. Discover how these journeys offer an authentic European river cruise experience by docking directly in the heart of medieval cities and ancient towns along the Danube, Rhine, and Douro rivers. You'll learn how you can step off the ship and be immediately immersed in the local culture.

Beyond the destinations, we unpack Riviera's specialized programs that cater to specific travel styles. Stuart gives us an inside look at their robust solo travel river cruises, which include entire sailings dedicated exclusively to solo travelers—not just a few single cabins on a regular cruise. He also highlights their comprehensive group travel offerings, confidently stating they have one of the best propositions in the market for groups. We also discuss Riviera's "Grand Tours," which combine their award-winning land tours with their signature Riviera Travel river cruises for a longer, more immersive European vacation. From Stuart's personal journey through the travel industry to the intricate details of what makes a thoughtful holiday, this conversation is your guide to a better way of river cruising.

About Our Guest:
Stuart Milan is the President of Riviera Travel North America. With a lifelong career in the travel industry, from starting in customer service to launching startup travel brands, Stuart brings a wealth of experience to his role. He is now spearheading the expansion of Riviera Travel, the UK's largest river cruise operator, into the United States, aiming to bring their award-winning "upper premium" European experiences to American travelers.

Timestamps / Chapters:
(00:00) Can River Cruising Be an Authentic Way to Travel?
(03:20) Getting to Know Stuart Milan: His Personal Travel Rituals
(08:55) Stuart's Journey: From Customer Service to Travel Company President
(14:00) Introducing Riviera Travel: The UK's #1 River Cruise Line Comes to the US
(21:00) Defining the "Upper Premium" River Cruise Experience
(24:00) Beyond Europe: The Future of Riviera's Global Itineraries
(25:10) Combining Land & River: An Inside Look at Riviera's "Grand Tours"
(28:15) The "No Tourists Allowed" Debate: Is a River Cruise Truly Authentic?
(38:00) Who Travels with Riviera? A Deep Dive into Solo and Group Cruises
(45:00) Exciting Giveaway: How to Win a Luxury Princess Cruise to Alaska

Episode Resources

• Learn more about Riviera Travel
• Discover Riviera's Solo Traveler Cruises
• Explore the Grand Tours
• Enter the Giveaway
• Instagram
• YouTube
• LinkedIn

Produced by Podcast Studio X.

Tired of business trips that feel like a copy-paste of the same sterile ballroom and conference room? How do you transform a mandatory work trip into a memorable, culturally-rich experience? In this episode, we tackle the secret to planning truly authentic corporate events that leave a lasting impact on attendees. We sit down with a master of the craft, Renee Jacobs, the Chief Operating Officer of MGME (McVeigh Global Meetings and Events), to uncover how professionals can escape the corporate bubble and genuinely connect with a destination.

Join us as Renee Jacobs pulls back the curtain on the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) industry. She shares a wealth of corporate event planning ideas that go far beyond the typical agenda. We explore the powerful shift in MICE industry trends toward creating genuine "sense of place" activities, from sourcing local food for a surprise culinary competition to organizing city-wide "dine-arounds" for groups of up to a thousand people. Renee reveals how selecting unique corporate event venues—like historic castles in Ireland, the iconic Raffles Hotel in Singapore, or the Alvear Palace in Buenos Aires—is the critical first step in setting the stage for an immersive experience.

The conversation also delves into the growing importance of integrating corporate social responsibility activities into the itinerary. Renee explains how CSR initiatives, such as local beach cleanups, tree planting, or bringing supplies to a local school, can be powerfully grounding experiences that connect attendees to the community in a meaningful way, even on a tight schedule. From fishing for piranhas in the Amazon to multi-million dollar gala dinners at the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi, Renee shares unforgettable stories and practical strategies that prove business travel doesn't have to be boring. This episode is packed with inspiration for creating your own authentic corporate events.

About Our Guest:
Renee Jacobs is the Chief Operating Officer of MGME (McVeigh Global Meetings and Events), a leading global agency specializing in event planning for Fortune 500 companies, life science organizations, and major associations. With a passion for travel that began in high school, Renee has built a remarkable career in the MICE industry. Her journey includes roles at The Compass Group, the Journal of Commerce, and WorldTEK, where she honed her expertise in planning large-scale commercial trade shows, exhibitions, and incentive trips across the globe before joining MGME and rising to her current role as COO.

TIMESTAMPS / CHAPTERS:
(00:00) Win a Luxury Cruise to Alaska!
(05:21) Introducing Renee Jacobs: A Leader in the MICE Industry
(09:21) The Scale of MGME: From Advisory Boards to Fan Activations
(14:24) The Big Question: How to Make Corporate Events Authentic
(15:33) Strategy 1: Choosing Unique Corporate Event Venues
(17:40) Strategy 2: Creating Authentic Culinary Experiences
(20:52) Strategy 3: Engaging Local Culture & Artisans
(23:06) Behind the Scenes of a Multi-Million Dollar Event
(24:50) Strategy 4: Integrating Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
(29:00) How to Partner with MGME for Your Next Event
(32:35) Final Thoughts: The Power of Authentic Travel

Links

• Enter the Giveaway
• Instagram
• YouTube
• LinkedIn

Produced by Podcast Studio X.

Join Mike Putman and James Ferrara from No Tourists Allowed as they recount their latest global adventures, from the bustling Panama Canal and historic Istanbul to vibrant Barcelona and glamorous Las Vegas. Discover thrilling travel tips and dive into a vital discussion on overtourism, but don't miss your chance to win a 7-day luxury Alaska cruise for two with Princess Cruise Lines! Visit notouristsallowed.com now to enter the giveaway and gain invaluable insights on mindful, authentic travel from our decades of experience.

Links

• Enter the Giveaway
• Instagram
• YouTube
• LinkedIn
• Share this episode

Produced by Podcast Studio X.