Small Ship Cruise Talk: River Cruises, Yacht, Barge and Expedition Cruising Tips & Travel Planning Advice

CruiseTipsTV’s Sheri Griffiths joins Mikkel for a full recap of Oceania Regatta’s 12-night “Gold Rush Trails” sailing from Los Angeles to Vancouver—with standout Pacific Coast stops, early-season Alaska weather, and a small-ship experience that surprised Sheri and her family in the best ways. We are breaking down the itinerary (San Francisco, Astoria, Sitka, Hubbard Glacier, Icy Strait Point, June...

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” t...

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 fo...

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...

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),...

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 culi...

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...

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 soci...

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 multip...

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...

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...

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 partic...

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...

Continue our excursion 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 onbo...

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 exploratio...

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, o...

We're taking you aboard AmaWaterways' unique AmaMagna vessel to share exactly what makes this double-wide river cruise ship a game-changer on the Danube River. Discover how the extra space translates into multiple restaurants, larger staterooms, & amenities you won't find on traditional river ships – including a pickleball court, full-size gym with spin bikes, & even a pool...

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 s...

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...

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 sh...

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&apo...

We're joined by multimedia storyteller Noël Burgess to completely transform how you think about river cruises – especially if you're part of the younger generation who might have written them off as something for your grandparents.  You'll hear Noël's candid journey from skeptic to convert as he discovered the unique charm and surprising accessibility that river cruises offer y...

Step aboard American Jazz with us to cruise the spectacular Columbia and Snake Rivers! Uncover vital info you need to know to make the most of this incredible Pacific Northwest adventure.  You'll discover what makes this ship special, how to prepare for the stunning landscapes you'll encounter, and the fascinating cultural and historical insights that will enrich your journey from Native...

Ever wonder about U.S. river cruises? We're taking you inside American Cruise Lines (ACL) to help you decide if this domestic cruise experience is right for your next adventure.  You'll discover their unique offerings and various types of vessels you can cruise on. Discover their interesting itineraries and where they cruise, along with what the onboard amenities are like. Is the food ta...

Let’s dive into the magical world of 🎄 Christmas market river cruising in Europe! We are sharing exactly how you can make the most of this enchanting holiday experience.  In part 1 of our 2-part series (you'll find Part 2 here) , you'll learn our insider tips for: Timing your cruise perfectly Choosing the right itinerary for you Discovering the incredible culinary delights that await yo...