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Welcome to Small Ship Cruise Talk, your go-to podcast—and the only podcast of its kind—for all things small ship cruising! Whether you're curious about river cruises, yacht cruises, expedition cruises, barge cruises, or ship-within-a-ship experiences on larger vessels, we, Dan and Mikkel, of the esteemed small ship cruise website Sometimes Sailing, have you covered.
Ever wondered what it’s like to sail on a ship with just four passengers...or 150? Want to know how to budget for a small ship cruise and what the actual costs are? Do we give small ship cruise food a thumbs up or thumbs down? Find out all that and more, like what kinds of ports small ships go to and what packing essentials we recommend, along with valuable small ship cruise travel planning tips.
Each episode delivers concise, value-packed insights to help you easily navigate the world of luxury, adventure, and intimate cruising.
Join us as we dive into real cruise experiences, insider tips, and expert interviews to help you plan your perfect small ship vacation.
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45 Episodes
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Ever wondered what it’s really like to eat and drink your way through an American Cruise Lines sailing? In this episode, we walk you through a full day of food on board: sit-down breakfasts, light bites in the lounge, and made-to-order favorites at the Back Porch Cafe. We share what lunches and dinners actually look like—menus, portions, shared tables, dress code, and how “American comfort food” the experience really feels. We also talk cocktail hour spreads, cookie time (yes, even on excursi...
Thinking about a Douro River cruise with Viking and wondering if it’s for you? In this episode, we share our honest, on-the-ground review of Viking’s Portugal’s River of Gold itinerary, from the land stay in Lisbon to sailing through the Douro Valley and that surprise day trip into Spain. We chat through what makes Douro ships different from other European river ships, what the onboard vibe and food are really like (including how “Portuguese” the menus are), and why this itinerary is more bus...
Step inside The Retreat on Celebrity Xcel, the newest ship in Celebrity Cruises’ Edge-class, as we take you through the suite-only experience during the ship’s exclusive preview sailing. This episode gives you a clear look at what sets Xcel’s version of The Retreat apart, from refreshed spaces to thoughtful service touches. You’ll hear impressions of The Retreat Lounge, the subtle layout changes from earlier Edge-class ships, and why it becomes the perfect small-ship-within-a-big-ship home ba...
Discover what to do during a pre-cruise stay in Venice (and why getting around isn't as easy as you'd think) and how to get to Chioggia to embark on your cruise. We'll share hidden gems you might not know about, like Piran, and experience the breathtaking views and cultural treasures of iconic ports like Dubrovnik, Kotor, Corfu, Santorini (you’ll never guess what happened that day), Olympia, and Athens. We'll walk you through our favorite excursions at each stop, including third-party tour op...
We're taking you through what meals are like aboard a Viking Ocean ship to show you exactly what makes the onboard dining experience so exceptional. You'll discover the impressive variety of dining venues, from the high-quality breakfast buffet and traditional Norwegian dishes at Mamsen's to the special Chef's Table experience and hands-on cooking classes that elevate your culinary journey. We'll share our honest impressions of each restaurant, including Manfredi's and the World Cafe, w...
We're sharing our firsthand experience aboard Viking Ocean to show you how these 930-passenger ships deliver that unique blend of river cruise options with ocean cruise amenities – and whether they live up to the Viking brand you might already know and love from river cruising. You'll discover the significant upgrades in dining quality and variety compared to river cruises, with multiple restaurants serving elevated cuisine that surprised us. We'll walk you through the onboard entertainment...
Step inside MSC's exclusive Yacht Club with us! We’re revealing how this "ship-within-a-ship" creates an intimate 320-guest experience on a large vessel and whether the investment is worth it for your cruise style. You'll discover the game-changing benefits of priority embarkation and debarkation that eliminate stress, explore the Top Sail Lounge that becomes your private social hub, and learn about the elevated dining options with flexible menus that go beyond the main dining room.&nbs...
We’re redefining everything you thought you knew about cruise food as we take you into the incredible world of small ship cruise dining – we’ll show you that cruise food goes way beyond buffets! You'll learn about the completely different culinary experiences waiting for you across river cruises, yacht cruises, expedition cruises, and barge cruises – from the elevated presentations and multiple dining venues on river ships to the hearty, fuel-for-adventure style meals on expeditions and the t...
We're answering all your most-asked questions about Christmas market river cruises so you can plan the perfect holiday trip with confidence. Be sure to check out Part 1 & Part 2 of our Christmas Markets River Cruise Planning Guide. Discover practical advice and answers to burning questions, like: How to choose between the Danube & Rhine rivers?When is the ideal time to go?Do market vendors accept credit card payments? What foods can you look forward to at the markets? Do you...
We're taking you inside Celebrity Cruises’ exclusive luxury suites class, The Retreat, to show you how this "ship-within-a-ship" concept delivers an intimate small ship experience while giving you access to all the amenities of a large resort at sea. You'll discover whether The Retreat's premium perks – from priority boarding and private pool deck to the standout Luminae restaurant and spa access – are worth the splurge for your cruise style. We'll share our firsthand experience a...
It's a monumental first for Life Well Cruised! Ilana, Frank, and Ethan went on a river cruise! Is this a sign of things to come for the pre-eminent content creators of mega ocean cruising? Find out this and more as we discuss their shocking river cruise revelations coming from the ocean cruise ship world, sailing on AmaMagna with AmaWaterways. They also share tips and advice from this particular trip, including a wild airplane delay story that's certainly one we've never heard before! J...
We're sharing the five game-changing items that separate seasoned river cruisers from frustrated first-timers. Once you know what they are, you'll wonder how you ever traveled without them! (These are items we also pack for barge & expedition cruises, too.) These items will save you money, keep you connected, protect your belongings, and make you infinitely more comfortable on every trip. Learn how to eliminate expensive international roaming charges while staying connected in 135+ ...
Continue our excursions journey with us, starting mid-cruise, from Day 4 of our Riches of the Mekong River cruise with AmaWaterways (Charms of the Mekong in reverse) to the vibrant Ho Chi Minh City. We are sharing exactly what to expect from this cultural journey through Cambodia and Vietnam - if you haven’t listened to Part 1 yet, you don’t want to miss it! Additionally, our episode about our onboard river cruise experience on the AmaDara along the Mekong River will enhance your knowledge.&n...
We're taking you through the incredible shore excursions from our Riches of the Mekong River cruise with AmaWaterways (Charms of the Mekong in reverse), sharing exactly what to expect from this cultural journey through Cambodia and Vietnam. You'll discover the magic of exploring nearly 1,000 temples at Angkor Wat (including how to maximize your “golden ticket” for independent exploration), experience authentic village life in Angkor Ban where locals welcome you into their homes, and lea...
Speaking with 🌲 Alaska expert Valerie Stimac completely opened our eyes to insights we had never considered or heard of, even though we had cruised to Alaska ourselves on multiple occasions. Having grown up in Alaska and worked in the cruise industry there, and now a frequent visitor, you'll find Valerie's advice and expertise at AlaskanCruisers.com and ValerieValise.com — and today, on our podcast! Don't miss this episode to understand: What months are absolutely terrible to cruise to ...
We're taking you aboard AmaWaterways' unique AmaMagna vessel with us to share exactly what makes this double-wide river cruise ship such a game-changer on the Danube River. You'll discover how the extra space translates into multiple restaurants, larger staterooms, and amenities you won't find on traditional river ships – including a pickleball court, full-size gym with spin bikes, and even a pool with a hot tub. We'll walk you through our honest pros and cons, from the spacious d...
Adding a Disney twist, we’re exploring a whole new world of river cruising with Disney Cruise Line experts Brian & Sam, the DCL Duo. Taking you inside Adventures by Disney (ABD) River Cruises, we’re discussing what makes this river cruise experience extra magical. You'll discover luxurious white-glove services that set Disney apart, plus unique excursions like salt mines and equestrian shows, and learn how Disney sprinkles extra pixie dust on experiences. We'll answer questions like...
We're taking you down the Mekong River aboard AmaWaterways' AmaDara, sharing everything you need to know about this incredible “Riches of the Mekong” journey through 🇰🇭 Cambodia and 🇻🇳 Vietnam. (“Charms of the Mekong” sails the reverse.) Uncover the rich cultural experiences awaiting you at iconic destinations like Angkor Wat and Phnom Penh, plus get our practical tips for planning your river cruise from visa requirements to packing essentials. We'll also give you an inside look at AmaD...
We're continuing our 🌺 UnCruise Hawaii adventure! Let's island hop from untouched Moloka'i to bustling Big Island, with pristine Lana'i in between. Discover what makes each destination unique, savor Hawaiian cultural & culinary highlights with us, and experience those magical moments, such as green flash sunsets, that make small ship cruising so special. We'll also share our essential packing and budgeting tips to help you plan your adventure. Whether you're considering UnCruise or ...
Aloha! 🌺 If you've ever wanted to island-hop Hawaii by boat, but weren't sure how without finding yourself in "tourist traps" or one of thousands, our small ship cruise vacation in Hawaii is the answer. In Part 1 of this two-part series, we're taking you on an incredible UnCruise adventure through Hawaii's untouched beauty, describing exactly what makes UnCruise's Hawaiian Seascapes itinerary so magical on a small ship with 36 passengers & all-American crew. Uncover how to experience unto...
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