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

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...

We're taking you on a complete journey through Christmas market river cruising in Europe in two parts (you'll find Part 1 here ), sharing everything we've learned to help you create the most magical holiday cruise experience possible.  In part 2 of our 2-part series, you'll discover: Our pertinent booking strategies Essential packing tips Advice on what type of stateroom locati...

We explore the luxurious experience offered by Riverside Luxury Cruises aboard the Riverside Debussy, with insights into the Riverside Mozart as well, diving into what makes this cruise line stand out in the competitive river cruise market.  We discuss the unique features that set Riverside apart from other river cruise lines, including the impressive flexibility of their itineraries and exception...

In this exclusive sit-down with Jennifer Halboth, CEO of Riverside Luxury Cruises, we are bringing you info about this luxury, relatively new cruise line that's taking the rivers by storm!  Jen shares how Riverside's definition of luxury goes beyond premium amenities: it's rooted in personalized service and meticulous attention to detail, highlighted by their remarkable one-to-one c...

Should you extend your cruise in Reykjavik, Iceland? Discover if it’s the right move for you as we cover practical logistics, must-see attractions, insider tips, culinary experiences, cruise port locations, and more. We’ll fill you in on the importance of planning ahead, especially to coordinate with your cruise embarkation, and share our personal experiences to enhance your vacation to this vibra...

Our unforgettable experience cruising around Iceland with Windstar on the yacht named Star Pride is one for the books! Tune in to learn the unique advantages of small ship cruising in this outstandingly gorgeous Nordic country, including direct access to ports, personalized service, and immersive experiences.  Learn exactly what ports we visited and why they were special, about the breathtaking la...

We are exploring the world of luxury cruising with expert Dana Freeman ! She shares her journey, inspired by her grandmother's love of cruising , so you can understand what makes different cruise lines unique in the niche. Learn about Galapagos with Ecoventura , Riverside Luxury Cruises , Seabourn and Emerald cruises, plus the intimate nature of small ship cruising for varied adventures. Dana...

If you've heard anything about river cruise lines, the names "Viking" and "AmaWaterways" likely sound familiar. We break down the key differences between and similarities between these two leading river cruise lines. Join us as we discuss ship design, dining experiences, excursion options, pricing, and the target audience for each option.  With firsthand experiences, we pr...

Considering cruising in Alaska and wondering what you get with a big ship vs. a small ship or vice versa? Join us as we explore the differences between the two for Alaskan cruises, focusing on the Inside Passage. We discuss ship sizes, itineraries, cultural immersion, pricing, and personal preferences, providing insights to help you choose the right cruise for your dream vacation in The Last Front...

Come along as we explore the charming city of Sitka, Alaska! Find out why it has a unique character, including its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural beauty. We’ll also discuss practical travel tips for your vacation planning, must-see wildlife experiences, and local dining recommendations. Consider this a comprehensive guide to enjoying Sitka.  You’ll also discover the hidden treasur...

Let’s explore Ketchikan, Alaska! We share our experience visiting multiple times, including overnight stays in this southern Alaskan city, often called the gateway to Alaska. From local dining (do not miss our #1 recommendation for where to dine), cultural experiences, and outdoor activities, by the end of the episode, you’ll have a plethora of valuable insights and a comprehensive guide to Ketchi...

As part of our All About Alaska series, we share our experiences with Alaskan Dream Cruises, focusing on the unique aspects of small ship cruising in the 49th state. We discuss the authentic Alaskan experience, the Baranof Dream ship, daily life onboard, wildlife watching, pricing, dining options, entertainment, itinerary highlights, packing tips, and the benefits of extending your stay in Alaska....

We explore what makes tulip season river cruises so special, including why Amsterdam is the ideal embarkation point, what to expect during spring in The Netherlands & Belgium, and where to see the famous fields in bloom. We also answer the question: Can you see lots of tulips in Amsterdam? Spoiler alert: The answer will surprise you! We also share helpful travel logistics, pre- and post-cruise...

We take a closer look at Keukenhof gardens—one of the most famous gardens in the world and the most world-renowned tulip garden. We discuss the range of destinations often included on tulip river cruise itineraries, from medieval towns like Bruges and Ghent to the charm of Delft to modern cities like Rotterdam.  We also discuss how far in advance to book, starting prices and inclusions.  We share...

Seatrade Global is the world's leading annual business-to-business event for the global cruise industry, taking place in Miami, Florida. We just returned from this premier industry event, which invites media to attend its tradeshow, keynote addresses, panels, and press conferences.  Learn about the nine revelations that impact small ship cruising for the year ahead and that will influence you...

Vacations cost money and we want to help you plan for your dream small ship cruises! Join us to explore the world of small ship cruising from a cost and budgeting lens. Find out what to save for an investment in a river or barge cruise, expedition, luxury yacht, or sailing trip. And guess what? They're not the prices you would think! We provide insights into travel costs and inclusions, along...

In Part 2 of this two-parter on river cruising, we expand your knowledge about what it's like to river cruise.  Whether it's your first, fifth, or tenth river cruise, you'll enjoy listening to our conversation as we reminisce about river cruise trips and planning - from why it's essential to get travel insurance (like that time we missed our first evening in Lyon) to why it&apo...

Maybe it's your first time on a river cruise, second or sixth. Whether you're new to this form of small ship cruising and want to learn more about what it's like to cruise on this type of vessel, or a seasoned pro who wants to reminisce and laugh along with us, Dan and Mikkel, as we recall recent river cruise trip, we invite you to join us as we discuss the Top Things to Know about...