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Published by Dan and Mikkel Woodruff | River Cruises, Expedition, Yacht and Barge Cruising
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. Instagram, Threads, & Pinterest: @sometimessailing
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The coastal drive we planned before and after our Maine Windjammer Cruise was worth the trip! We're breaking down our full pre- and post-cruise road trip, from flying into Portland (including the vital tip about booking travel that could make or break your flights) to the small towns, slow drives, great food, and memorable museums along the coast. We're covering the full pre- and post-cruise itinerary, including the convenient and delightful hotels where we stayed along the coast and what slow travel in Maine actually looks like, from what to pack to where to eat along the way. This one's built for planning: we'll walk through how much drive time to budget between towns, rental car tips, and the easy-to-miss logistics like return-time cutoffs and why a buffer day on each end of your cruise makes the whole trip less stressful. Join us as we take you through: Flying into Portland, Maine and renting a car (and the one VERY important thing to keep in mind when booking flights and a tip for your car rental) Staying in Lincolnville and visiting Camden and Belfast, Maine Exploring Rockland before and after our Maine Windjammer Cruise Enjoying time at Higgins Beach in Scarborough Hotels we stayed in: Inn at Ocean’s Edge: https://www.innatoceansedge.com/ 250 Main: https://www.250mainhotel.com/ Higgins Beach Inn: https://www.higginsbeachinn.com/ More helpful info from this episode: The mosquitoes are out in Maine during summer! Prepare by buying a Bug Bite Thing https://amzn.to/4tzFG9M or Mikkel’s favorite electronic mosquito bite zapper to fight those pesky bugs https://amzn.to/4sSp4u2 Helpful things to know about Maine during summer: https://sometimeshome.com/planning-trip-to-maine-in-summer-things-to-know/ Maine Windjammer Packing List: https://sometimessailing.com/printable-maine-windjammer-packing-list/ (includes a video) Foods to eat in Maine: https://sometimeshome.com/food-maine-is-known-for/ Travel watercolors set: https://link.amazon/B0imP44Ht Sea Bags: https://sometimessailing.com/sea-bags-sustainable-bags-from-sails/ Acadia Guide Along: https://sometimessailing.com/pnoq Find out more about our Maine Windjammer Cruise experience on Grace Bailey: https://pod.link/1802110861/episode/QnV6enNwcm91dC0xOTQ2NjI5NA Send us Fan Mail Support the show 👉🏻 Press that FOLLOW button so you never miss an episode , released every other Wednesday. Need help planning your trip? Check out our RESOURCES, whether you're looking to understand what cruise to book, which travel insurance is best, or how to organize your luggage with our packing lists: https://sometimessailing.com/resources/ ▶️ Subscribe to our YouTube channel: @sometimes-sailing 📩 Sign up for our newsletter . 🌏 SometimesSailing.com has even more planning tips, firsthand experiences, & advice. 📱 Have questions or topic suggestions? Contact us . ©2026 Small Ship Cruise Talk. All rights reserved. May contain affiliate links. Some trips and experiences have been hosted. As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases. All opinions are our own.
We spent three nights aboard Grace Bailey, a historic schooner in the Maine Windjammer fleet, and we're breaking down everything you need to know for consideration before booking your trip. From the small cabin to the beach lobster bake (s'mores included), we share what daily life actually looks like on a 19th-century sailing ship with no Wi-Fi, no fixed itinerary, and the ship's cat, named Fiji, who steals the show. Join us to learn about the accommodations, food, and the realities of sleeping below deck crew traffic — plus what to pack, how the honor-system doors work, and why carabiners became our best friend on board. We also get into the cost, from the per-person price to the Maine resident discount, and explain why Grace Bailey's "Captain's Choice" itinerary means no two cruises look the same. If you've never considered a Maine Windjammer cruise, or didn't know they existed, this episode will help you decide if slow, unplugged sailing is for you. Helpful resources from this episode: Maine Windjammer Packing List: https://sometimessailing.com/printable-maine-windjammer-packing-list/ Bug Bite Thing (doesn’t require batteries): https://amzn.to/4byBC2Z Insect Bite Healer (this little gadget is amazing - we use this one the most to deal with bug bites): https://amzn.to/4gvhkuH All About Stonington Maine (a port town on many Maine Windjammer cruises): https://sometimessailing.com/things-to-do-in-stonington-maine/ Foods Maine is Known For (blueberries, lobster, hot dogs, & more): https://sometimeshome.com/food-maine-is-known-for/ Listen to our additional Maine Windjammer Cruise episodes: Part 1: Sailing Cruises on Historic Maine Windjammer Ships: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2448059/episodes/18500617 Part 2: Maine Island Hopping on a Windjammer Sailing Cruise: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2448059/episodes/18537898 Send us Fan Mail Support the show 👉🏻 Press that FOLLOW button so you never miss an episode , released every other Wednesday. Need help planning your trip? Check out our RESOURCES, whether you're looking to understand what cruise to book, which travel insurance is best, or how to organize your luggage with our packing lists: https://sometimessailing.com/resources/ ▶️ Subscribe to our YouTube channel: @sometimes-sailing 📩 Sign up for our newsletter . 🌏 SometimesSailing.com has even more planning tips, firsthand experiences, & advice. 📱 Have questions or topic suggestions? Contact us . ©2026 Small Ship Cruise Talk. All rights reserved. May contain affiliate links. Some trips and experiences have been hosted. As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases. All opinions are our own.
Join us for a lively recap of the 🇺🇸 July 4th celebrations in New York City, as seen from Governors Island and at home, focusing on the historic maritime events, the Parade of Sail, and the significance of waterway traditions. Discover how media coverage, Native American acknowledgment, and sustainability narratives intertwined in this special episode. Related listening: Sail4th 250 in NYC - Once-in-a-Lifetime Flotilla featuring Two Historic Maine Windjammer Cruise Ships: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2448059/episodes/19344675 Part 1: Sailing Cruises on Historic Maine Windjammer Ships: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2448059/episodes/18500617 Part 2: Maine Island Hopping on a Windjammer Sailing Cruise: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2448059/episodes/18537898 Send us Fan Mail Support the show 👉🏻 Press that FOLLOW button so you never miss an episode , released every other Wednesday. Need help planning your trip? Check out our RESOURCES, whether you're looking to understand what cruise to book, which travel insurance is best, or how to organize your luggage with our packing lists: https://sometimessailing.com/resources/ ▶️ Subscribe to our YouTube channel: @sometimes-sailing 📩 Sign up for our newsletter . 🌏 SometimesSailing.com has even more planning tips, firsthand experiences, & advice. 📱 Have questions or topic suggestions? Contact us . ©2026 Small Ship Cruise Talk. All rights reserved. May contain affiliate links. Some trips and experiences have been hosted. As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases. All opinions are our own.
⚓️ Dreaming of a cruise but not sure how to make it happen financially? 💭 That dream cruise doesn't have to stay a dream. We sit down with Danielle Desir Corbett of The Thought Card to break down a realistic, stress-free system for saving for your dream cruise in a year or less — from building your travel fund to finding money you didn't know you had, and how to stay the course when life gets in the way. Find & Follow Danielle: • Danielle's website: https://thoughtcard.com/ • The Thought Card podcast: https://thoughtcard.com/podcast/ • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedaniellecorbett • Threads: https://www.threads.com/@thedaniellecorbett 📖 Get Danielle's Books: We Are Financially Savvy Travelers: https://amzn.to/4b0Ob6Y Affording Travel: https://amzn.to/4vMAjp4 💰Helpful money apps and programs to help make your cruise wishes come true, mentioned during the episode: Monarch : get 50% off using our signup link: https://sometimessailing.com/monarch Rakuten : sign up with our link, get $50 – https://sometimessailing.com/rakuten Fetch : https://fetch.com/ – use INVITE CODE: TMEK67 (**must be used when you sign up, before you snap your first receipt**) Travel insurance : https://sometimessailing.com/tr-insure Send us Fan Mail Support the show 👉🏻 Press that FOLLOW button so you never miss an episode , released every other Wednesday. Need help planning your trip? Check out our RESOURCES, whether you're looking to understand what cruise to book, which travel insurance is best, or how to organize your luggage with our packing lists: https://sometimessailing.com/resources/ ▶️ Subscribe to our YouTube channel: @sometimes-sailing 📩 Sign up for our newsletter . 🌏 SometimesSailing.com has even more planning tips, firsthand experiences, & advice. 📱 Have questions or topic suggestions? Contact us . ©2026 Small Ship Cruise Talk. All rights reserved. May contain affiliate links. Some trips and experiences have been hosted. As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases. All opinions are our own.
We're taking you aboard American Cruise Lines' Southeast Sea Islands itinerary — a nine-day, eight-night coastal cruise through the Intracoastal Waterway on a brand-new coastal catamaran, the American Liberty. If you've only thought of ACL as a river cruise line, this one might surprise you. We cover the ship (what makes a coastal catamaran different and how it compares to ACL's river vessels), the ports, when to go, and how to get there — including a practical tip about open-jaw itineraries that fellow passengers clued us in on. The ports — Amelia Island, Jekyll Island, Savannah, Hilton Head, Beaufort, and Charleston — each brought something different, and the scenery sailing through the Low Country marshes was stunning. We also get into the excursions worth booking and wrap up with honest thoughts on who this cruise is really ideal for and whether the price is worth it. Links from this episode: 🍽️ See everything we ate during this cruise on our YouTube channel (don’t forget to subscribe!): https://youtu.be/IZKbztkTJOg 👀 These are the best binoculars for your travels: https://sometimessailing.com/best-binoculars-for-alaska-antarctica-cruise-leupold-bx-2-alpine-hd-review/ For more episodes about American Cruise Lines: Listen to our Tennessee River Cruise episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2448059/episodes/18904212 All About USA River Cruises with American Cruise Lines : https://www.buzzsprout.com/2448059/episodes/17477271 Send us Fan Mail Support the show 👉🏻 Press that FOLLOW button so you never miss an episode , released every other Wednesday. Need help planning your trip? Check out our RESOURCES, whether you're looking to understand what cruise to book, which travel insurance is best, or how to organize your luggage with our packing lists: https://sometimessailing.com/resources/ ▶️ Subscribe to our YouTube channel: @sometimes-sailing 📩 Sign up for our newsletter . 🌏 SometimesSailing.com has even more planning tips, firsthand experiences, & advice. 📱 Have questions or topic suggestions? Contact us . ©2026 Small Ship Cruise Talk. All rights reserved. May contain affiliate links. Some trips and experiences have been hosted. As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases. All opinions are our own.
🇺🇸 America turns 250 this July 4th, and New York Harbor is throwing the biggest nautical celebration in a generation. We're breaking down everything you need to know about Sail4th 250 — the historic Parade of Sails for the USA's semiquincentennial, happening on July Fourth in the Hudson River next to Manhattan, including events from July 3rd to 6th, 2026. We sat down with William Armstrong, Communications Director for Sail4th 250, and Captain Tyler of American Eagle — one of two Maine Windjammer schooners sailing in the Parade alongside Angelique. We cover what makes this event so rare, how 5 years of international coordination made it happen, and why a ship from India is sailing over 12,000 miles just to be there. Whether you're heading to New York in person or watching on NBC, we've got you covered: where to watch from shore, how to bring your own boat into the harbor, which ships to look for, and how to track every tall ship in real time using the Aqua Map app. We also share what it means to us personally, including why Mikkel has been dreaming about this moment since childhood, as she looks at a 1976 flotilla poster on her parents' wall. 🦅 Find out what it's like to sail on American Eagle: Part 1: Sailing Cruises on Historic Maine Windjammer Ships: https://sometimessailing.com/gczo Part 2: Maine Island Hopping on a Windjammer Sailing Cruise: https://sometimessailing.com/8xhm Maine Windjammer firsthand accounts, our website, with photos: https://sometimessailing.com/category/cruise-lines/maine-windjammer/ 🔗 Links mentioned in this episode: Sail4th 250 event https://sail4th.org/ & the Tall Ships "encyclopedia" https://sail4th.org/tall-ships Aqua Map app for iPhone - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/aqua-map-boating/id919552329 — or Android — https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gec.MarineApp.WorldViewerLite&hl=en_US 🇺🇸 Subscribe and follow! We'll be back after July 4th with a live recap episode. Send us Fan Mail Support the show 👉🏻 Press that FOLLOW button so you never miss an episode , released every other Wednesday. Need help planning your trip? Check out our RESOURCES, whether you're looking to understand what cruise to book, which travel insurance is best, or how to organize your luggage with our packing lists: https://sometimessailing.com/resources/ ▶️ Subscribe to our YouTube channel: @sometimes-sailing 📩 Sign up for our newsletter . 🌏 SometimesSailing.com has even more planning tips, firsthand experiences, & advice. 📱 Have questions or topic suggestions? Contact us . ©2026 Small Ship Cruise Talk. All rights reserved. May contain affiliate links. Some trips and experiences have been hosted. As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases. All opinions are our own.
Celebrity River Cruises is making waves before launching, and we're breaking down the four excursion categories that make up their new Destination Discovery program to see if it lives up to the hype. We cover the: Storyteller Series - locally-led experiences with cultural insiders Skillmaster Series - hands-on time with local makers and artisans Keys to the City - a self-guided digital platform with stationed local hosts. A hotspot and battery pack are likely essential for this type of experience. Our favorite battery pack is this: https://amzn.to/4uiKG2C – and our essential hotspot is explained here: https://sometimessailing.com/6nm8 Celebrity Takeover Series - one private, exclusive event per sailing We share our honest take on whether this is a genuine shift toward immersive river cruising or clever marketing, and where we think the real operational challenges lie. We also touch on what's included in the base fare, how gratuities work, pre- and post-cruise stay options in Prague, Budapest, and Amsterdam, and what details we're still waiting on before the 2027 debut. If you're watching Celebrity River Cruises — whether you've already booked or you're on the fence — this episode is your update. Helpful links from this episode include : Celebrity River Cruises: Early Insights & Expectations podcast episode Audio version: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2448059/episodes/18599836 YouTube version: https://youtu.be/oP_tGXG7ixI Utilize Mikkel's Travel Planning services : https://sometimessailing.com/au63 See renderings of the Celebrity River Cruise ships on our website : https://sometimessailing.com/celebrity-cruises-makes-waves-ocean-cruise-line-enters-the-river-cruise-market/ Book tickets for a private concert in Vienna : https://sometimessailing.com/dhhs Send us Fan Mail Support the show 👉🏻 Press that FOLLOW button so you never miss an episode , released every other Wednesday. Need help planning your trip? Check out our RESOURCES, whether you're looking to understand what cruise to book, which travel insurance is best, or how to organize your luggage with our packing lists: https://sometimessailing.com/resources/ ▶️ Subscribe to our YouTube channel: @sometimes-sailing 📩 Sign up for our newsletter . 🌏 SometimesSailing.com has even more planning tips, firsthand experiences, & advice. 📱 Have questions or topic suggestions? Contact us . ©2026 Small Ship Cruise Talk. All rights reserved. May contain affiliate links. Some trips and experiences have been hosted. As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases. All opinions are our own.
Curious about Road Scholar travel programs, but not sure if it's right for you? This episode gives you everything you need to know about the cruise trips (called “Afloat” programs) with Road Scholar, a prestigious non-profit travel company. We hear directly from Zoe Fox-Mailer, Director of Programming at Road Scholar, on exactly how the Adventure Afloat program works — how trips are structured, what a typical day looks like, how the floating campus model creates a real learning experience without feeling like a classroom, and how solo travelers are set up to actually connect with people. If you've ever wondered what separates a Road Scholar cruise from just booking any small ship sailing, this conversation answers that. Then Wendy Baldwin — a Road Scholar veteran with 22+ programs completed — shares what it's actually like to be on these trips as a solo traveler . She's cruised to Holland, Greenland, Scotland, Antarctica, and Norway with Road Scholar, and she's headed to Patagonia next! More importantly, she was skeptical of group travel before her first program. If you are too, you'll want to hear what changed her mind. By the end of this episode, you'll know whether Road Scholar is the right fit for the way you want to travel. Check out the Road Scholar Facebook groups: https://sometimessailing.com/RS-FB Send us Fan Mail Support the show 👉🏻 Press that FOLLOW button so you never miss an episode , released every other Wednesday. Need help planning your trip? Check out our RESOURCES, whether you're looking to understand what cruise to book, which travel insurance is best, or how to organize your luggage with our packing lists: https://sometimessailing.com/resources/ ▶️ Subscribe to our YouTube channel: @sometimes-sailing 📩 Sign up for our newsletter . 🌏 SometimesSailing.com has even more planning tips, firsthand experiences, & advice. 📱 Have questions or topic suggestions? Contact us . ©2026 Small Ship Cruise Talk. All rights reserved. May contain affiliate links. Some trips and experiences have been hosted. As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases. All opinions are our own.
Ever had that pull to go back to a cruise you loved? We're breaking down exactly what to consider before you rebook, from choosing the same cruise line vs. switching it up, to how time of year, ports, and even a different version of yourself can make the same river feel brand new. Plus, we share our own experience returning to AmaWaterways' Colors of Provence and what's making us excited to see it through fresh eyes. We cover: Cruising on the same line vs. a new one When ports aren't the same twice Seasonal timing Themed departures Managing expectations of yourself, family and friends Visa and logistics traps to avoid And practical tips to consider before you book Download our free worksheet to decide if repeating a cruise itinerary is right for you: https://sometimes-sailing.myflodesk.com/i0ol4p9hg9 Send us Fan Mail Support the show 👉🏻 Press that FOLLOW button so you never miss an episode , released every other Wednesday. Need help planning your trip? Check out our RESOURCES, whether you're looking to understand what cruise to book, which travel insurance is best, or how to organize your luggage with our packing lists: https://sometimessailing.com/resources/ ▶️ Subscribe to our YouTube channel: @sometimes-sailing 📩 Sign up for our newsletter . 🌏 SometimesSailing.com has even more planning tips, firsthand experiences, & advice. 📱 Have questions or topic suggestions? Contact us . ©2026 Small Ship Cruise Talk. All rights reserved. May contain affiliate links. Some trips and experiences have been hosted. As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases. All opinions are our own.
The future of cruising is looking bright, and we have the inside scoop straight from Seatrade Miami, the cruise industry's leading global event. In this episode, we share our six biggest takeaways, from the explosive growth of river cruising and the rising appeal of expedition and yacht cruises, to why small ships are winning over first-time travelers in a big way. We also get into what's new in onboard drinks (including gluten-free beer, sake, and rosé spritzes) and cocktails, featuring standout spirits and beverage innovations from Seatrade Miami's F&B at Sea event that we think you'll start seeing on cruise ships very soon. (Just when you think juices can't get more interesting, we share what we learned about innovation in a glass, as we saw with Jucify!) Learn more about cruise lines like Century Cruises, AmaWaterways, Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Atlas Ocean Voyages, and HX Expeditions. Whether you're a seasoned cruiser or still on the fence, this episode will open your eyes to how much the industry is evolving, and why now is a great time to get on board. Send us Fan Mail Support the show 👉🏻 Press that FOLLOW button so you never miss an episode , released every other Wednesday. Need help planning your trip? Check out our RESOURCES, whether you're looking to understand what cruise to book, which travel insurance is best, or how to organize your luggage with our packing lists: https://sometimessailing.com/resources/ ▶️ Subscribe to our YouTube channel: @sometimes-sailing 📩 Sign up for our newsletter . 🌏 SometimesSailing.com has even more planning tips, firsthand experiences, & advice. 📱 Have questions or topic suggestions? Contact us . ©2026 Small Ship Cruise Talk. All rights reserved. May contain affiliate links. Some trips and experiences have been hosted. As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases. All opinions are our own.
Ever struggle to hear your tour guide on a shore excursion, or find that uncomfortable single-use earpiece driving you crazy? We're breaking down everything you need to know about the #1 listening device for cruise tours, called a Quietvox—the small audio device you'll find in your stateroom on most small ship cruises. We’re explaining how it works to deliver your guide's commentary directly to your ear and tips you’ll want to remember about them for your cruise. We also share the simple hack we use to ditch that awkward earpiece entirely (the AirFly by Twelve South, linked below) so you can use your own wireless headphones or AirPods instead. We cover the differences between the AirFly SE and AirFly Pro, the cost, tips for hearing aid users, and why setting it up before you leave home is a must. Whether you're a Quietvox veteran or have never heard of one, this episode will help you hear more, stress less, and look a little less like a tourist as you explore your next port. Please consider using our affiliate links to purchase an AirFly: AirFly Pro 2 —connects two pairs of headphones to one device: https://amzn.to/3OamYGS AirFly SE : https://amzn.to/4e2phWY AirFly case : https://amzn.to/4edjQo2 Thank you for supporting our podcast! Send us Fan Mail Support the show 👉🏻 Press that FOLLOW button so you never miss an episode , released every other Wednesday. Need help planning your trip? Check out our RESOURCES, whether you're looking to understand what cruise to book, which travel insurance is best, or how to organize your luggage with our packing lists: https://sometimessailing.com/resources/ ▶️ Subscribe to our YouTube channel: @sometimes-sailing 📩 Sign up for our newsletter . 🌏 SometimesSailing.com has even more planning tips, firsthand experiences, & advice. 📱 Have questions or topic suggestions? Contact us . ©2026 Small Ship Cruise Talk. All rights reserved. May contain affiliate links. Some trips and experiences have been hosted. As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases. All opinions are our own.
Is it dumb to take a boating excursion during a vacation when you’re already on a cruise? Today, we answer this question with the pros, cons, and things you may not have thought of! Ultimately, we’re going to help you decide if your answer is yes or no. We’re also sharing what kinds of boating excursions are out there, from sunset sails to dolphin spotting, whale watching, SCUBA and snorkeling, alligator adventures, catamaran cruises, deep sea fishing, and more. Lastly, we’ll let you know what to bring along with you if you decide to sign up for one (like motion sickness medicine, just in case, and sun-blocking essentials). During this episode, we mention: Motion sickness remedies : https://sometimessailing.com/anti-nausea-medication-cruise-sea-sickness-solutions/ Mikkel’s favorite electronic mosquito bite zapper to fight those pesky bugs: https://amzn.to/4sSp4u2 Or use the Bug Bite Thing : https://amzn.to/4tzFG9M Our favorite excursions in Ketchikan : https://sometimessailing.com/ketchikan-top-activities-things-to-do-with-useful-area-info-map/ Send us Fan Mail Support the show 👉🏻 Press that FOLLOW button so you never miss an episode , released every other Wednesday. Need help planning your trip? Check out our RESOURCES, whether you're looking to understand what cruise to book, which travel insurance is best, or how to organize your luggage with our packing lists: https://sometimessailing.com/resources/ ▶️ Subscribe to our YouTube channel: @sometimes-sailing 📩 Sign up for our newsletter . 🌏 SometimesSailing.com has even more planning tips, firsthand experiences, & advice. 📱 Have questions or topic suggestions? Contact us . ©2026 Small Ship Cruise Talk. All rights reserved. May contain affiliate links. Some trips and experiences have been hosted. As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases. All opinions are our own.
We’re back with Part 2 of our Tennessee Rivers cruise with American Cruise Lines (ACL)—diving into the ports, excursions, and what surprised us most along the way as we sailed on the Tennessee, Cumberland, and Ohio Rivers. From Chattanooga to Nashville, we share the excursion options along the way, including scenic sailing, small-town gems, Civil War history, and unique stops like the U.S. Space & Rocket Center and Paducah’s Quilt Museum, which we experienced firsthand. We also cover tips for excursions, what to expect in these quieter destinations, and how to extend your trip before or after your cruise in Chattanooga, Nashville, or Franklin, TN. In Part 1 ( https://www.buzzsprout.com/2448059/episodes/18904212 ), we talked about the overall experience of river cruising on the Tennessee River, what the ship is like, and who this type of cruise is best for. Here are helpful links to go along with this episode, which include photos : American Cruise Lines: Tennessee River Cruise Review from Chattanooga to Nashville : https://sometimessailing.com/american-cruise-lines-tennessee-river-cruise-review-from-chattanooga-to-nashville/ Is the Grand Ole Opry Backstage Tour Worth it? https://sometimeshome.com/is-the-grand-ole-opry-backstage-tour-worth-it-in-nashville/ 26 Date Ideas in Franklin, Tennessee : https://sometimeshome.com/date-ideas-in-franklin-tn-for-couples/ The Harpeth Hotel Review : https://sometimeshome.com/the-harpeth-hotel-review-in-downtown-franklin-tennessee/ Send us Fan Mail Support the show 👉🏻 Press that FOLLOW button so you never miss an episode , released every other Wednesday. Need help planning your trip? Check out our RESOURCES, whether you're looking to understand what cruise to book, which travel insurance is best, or how to organize your luggage with our packing lists: https://sometimessailing.com/resources/ ▶️ Subscribe to our YouTube channel: @sometimes-sailing 📩 Sign up for our newsletter . 🌏 SometimesSailing.com has even more planning tips, firsthand experiences, & advice. 📱 Have questions or topic suggestions? Contact us . ©2026 Small Ship Cruise Talk. All rights reserved. May contain affiliate links. Some trips and experiences have been hosted. As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases. All opinions are our own.
You’re going to love this two-part series about our Tennessee River cruise with American Cruise Lines from Chattanooga to Nashville! We’re talking about the big picture of the experience in Part 1: What a Tennessee River cruise is like (including sailing on the Ohio River and Cumberland River), who this cruise is best for, what the American river cruise ship experience is like, and what surprised us about cruising through the American South, including insights into the food. The evening musical entertainment wowed us and is a reason enough to go on this cruise! We tell you all about it, including the Country Music Hall of Famer who came on board American Serenade. Next week in Part 2, we’ll walk through the full itinerary day by day so you can hear what each stop along the river was like and what the experience looks like once you’re actually on the cruise. For photos of the experience and more information, read our article: https://sometimessailing.com/american-cruise-lines-tennessee-river-cruise-review-from-chattanooga-to-nashville/ Additionally, tune into our episode that extensively covers American Cruise Lines’ food : https://www.buzzsprout.com/2448059/episodes/18327277 Need an overview of American Cruise Lines ? Check this out: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2448059/episodes/17477271 Send us Fan Mail Support the show 👉🏻 Press that FOLLOW button so you never miss an episode , released every other Wednesday. Need help planning your trip? Check out our RESOURCES, whether you're looking to understand what cruise to book, which travel insurance is best, or how to organize your luggage with our packing lists: https://sometimessailing.com/resources/ ▶️ Subscribe to our YouTube channel: @sometimes-sailing 📩 Sign up for our newsletter . 🌏 SometimesSailing.com has even more planning tips, firsthand experiences, & advice. 📱 Have questions or topic suggestions? Contact us . ©2026 Small Ship Cruise Talk. All rights reserved. May contain affiliate links. Some trips and experiences have been hosted. As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases. All opinions are our own.
We sit down with travel journalist Joel Balsam to explore what sustainability really looks like in cruising today. From Norway’s electric-first mindset to Havila’s hybrid ships powered by biogas and massive battery systems, we unpack how innovation is reshaping the industry. We share how this directly impacts your experience—quieter, near-silent sailing through pristine landscapes, more intentional dining that reduces waste, and protecting the wildlife and destinations you came to see. We also get honest about the pros, limits, and future of greener travel. If you want to cruise more consciously without sacrificing the experience, this episode shows why it matters—for your trip now and the future of travel. Follow Joel’s travels and read his fantastic articles on Instagram and his website: Joel’s website: https://joelbalsam.com/ Instagram @joelbalsam: https://www.instagram.com/joelbalsam/ Send us Fan Mail Support the show 👉🏻 Press that FOLLOW button so you never miss an episode , released every other Wednesday. Need help planning your trip? Check out our RESOURCES, whether you're looking to understand what cruise to book, which travel insurance is best, or how to organize your luggage with our packing lists: https://sometimessailing.com/resources/ ▶️ Subscribe to our YouTube channel: @sometimes-sailing 📩 Sign up for our newsletter . 🌏 SometimesSailing.com has even more planning tips, firsthand experiences, & advice. 📱 Have questions or topic suggestions? Contact us . ©2026 Small Ship Cruise Talk. All rights reserved. May contain affiliate links. Some trips and experiences have been hosted. As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases. All opinions are our own.
What do you do when you need clean clothes on a cruise? In this episode, we break down the three ways to handle laundry while sailing: self-serve washers and dryers, onboard send-away laundry service, and simple DIY options, like handwashing. We also share cruise line differences you should check before packing, why some ships don’t offer laundry at all while others unexpectedly do, and a few travel items that make washing clothes while on vacation much easier. If you’ve ever wondered how to pack less and the best way to stay fresh while traveling, we’ve got you covered. Here are vital items that we’ve personally used to help us launder our clothes so we’re fresh and clean while traveling: Hegs clothespins (the most amazing clothespins that help you hang more with fewer pins - great for travel): https://amzn.to/4biuA1k Laundry travel kit , including Tide packs: https://amzn.to/4cGPw4I Refillable containers (refill one with laundry detergent, and be sure to properly label it): https://amzn.to/40qc16w Laundry detergent sheets (eliminates the risk of liquid detergent leaking in your luggage): https://amzn.to/3PuY057 Send us Fan Mail Support the show 👉🏻 Press that FOLLOW button so you never miss an episode , released every other Wednesday. Need help planning your trip? Check out our RESOURCES, whether you're looking to understand what cruise to book, which travel insurance is best, or how to organize your luggage with our packing lists: https://sometimessailing.com/resources/ ▶️ Subscribe to our YouTube channel: @sometimes-sailing 📩 Sign up for our newsletter . 🌏 SometimesSailing.com has even more planning tips, firsthand experiences, & advice. 📱 Have questions or topic suggestions? Contact us . ©2026 Small Ship Cruise Talk. All rights reserved. May contain affiliate links. Some trips and experiences have been hosted. As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases. All opinions are our own.
River cruising sounds simple—but first-timers are often surprised once they step onboard. We’re sharing five common mistakes we see again and again , from choosing the wrong cruise line to packing the wrong items, plus a few myths that stop travelers from booking in the first place. You’ll learn how to compare top lines like Viking, AmaWaterways, Avalon, Uniworld, Emerald Cruises, and Riverside Luxury Cruises, why seasickness fears are usually unfounded, what not to pack, how river levels can impact itineraries, and why these sailings are far more port-focused than ocean cruises. If you want realistic expectations, smarter planning, to avoid cruise mishaps or cruise mistakes, and a smoother first river cruise experience, this one’s for you. Here are some helpful articles and episodes to tune into if you’re planning your river cruise: Motion Sickness Remedies (for bus rides, if you’re prone to motion sickness) Packing Tips: Our 5 River Cruise Must-Pack Essentials River cruise category on Sometimes Sailing Top things to know your first time river cruising (Part 1 of 2) Viking vs. AmaWaterways: Who wins? All About American River Cruises with American Cruise Lines Christmas Markets River Cruise Planning Guide (Part 1 of 2) Send us Fan Mail Support the show 👉🏻 Press that FOLLOW button so you never miss an episode , released every other Wednesday. Need help planning your trip? Check out our RESOURCES, whether you're looking to understand what cruise to book, which travel insurance is best, or how to organize your luggage with our packing lists: https://sometimessailing.com/resources/ ▶️ Subscribe to our YouTube channel: @sometimes-sailing 📩 Sign up for our newsletter . 🌏 SometimesSailing.com has even more planning tips, firsthand experiences, & advice. 📱 Have questions or topic suggestions? Contact us . ©2026 Small Ship Cruise Talk. All rights reserved. May contain affiliate links. Some trips and experiences have been hosted. As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases. All opinions are our own.
Come along to delve further into a “tale of two cruises” as we chat with travel expert and small-ship cruise enthusiast Tamara Gruber about her barge cruises through France’s small waterways and a Maine Windjammer cruise aboard schooner Heritage, sailing along the coast of Maine. We compare how these intimate experiences are similar and how they’re completely different, from daily life onboard to who the ideal passenger is for each. We also dive into the food: from gourmet French cheeses and wine on the barge to classic lobster bakes and fresh coastal fare in Maine. If you’re curious about slow travel, immersive itineraries, and unforgettable culinary moments, this conversation will help you decide which small-ship cruise is right for you. Follow Tamara: Website: https://yourtimetofly.com Instagram : @yourtimetofly Facebook: https://facebook.com/yourtimetofly Download Tamara’s free guide to Boutique Hotels in Europe ! Send us Fan Mail Support the show 👉🏻 Press that FOLLOW button so you never miss an episode , released every other Wednesday. Need help planning your trip? Check out our RESOURCES, whether you're looking to understand what cruise to book, which travel insurance is best, or how to organize your luggage with our packing lists: https://sometimessailing.com/resources/ ▶️ Subscribe to our YouTube channel: @sometimes-sailing 📩 Sign up for our newsletter . 🌏 SometimesSailing.com has even more planning tips, firsthand experiences, & advice. 📱 Have questions or topic suggestions? Contact us . ©2026 Small Ship Cruise Talk. All rights reserved. May contain affiliate links. Some trips and experiences have been hosted. As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases. All opinions are our own.
Travel should feel freeing, not stressful. With that in mind, to best prepare you for your travels and smooth sailing, we are sharing four common travel scams that can happen on cruise itineraries on land or purely during your land vacation, and the simple habits that stop them. You’ll learn why these scams work and what to do instead so you have peace of mind. During this episode, we reference the following items that help us travel smartly and cautiously to avoid being travel scam targets, including: AirFly device for a quietvox to make it cordless. The Keeper App allows you to securely store and access your passport photo from a computer, your phone, or a tablet. We recommend storing your iPhone or Apple Watch IMEI number as well, in case of emergency. Use these carabiners to more securely close your day bag zipper. Travel with AirTags to track your belongings if you’re an Apple device user, or Tiles for Android. Have a travel mishap you want to share so others can learn from your experience? Contact us via Instagram or through our website, SometimesSailing.com Send us Fan Mail Support the show 👉🏻 Press that FOLLOW button so you never miss an episode , released every other Wednesday. Need help planning your trip? Check out our RESOURCES, whether you're looking to understand what cruise to book, which travel insurance is best, or how to organize your luggage with our packing lists: https://sometimessailing.com/resources/ ▶️ Subscribe to our YouTube channel: @sometimes-sailing 📩 Sign up for our newsletter . 🌏 SometimesSailing.com has even more planning tips, firsthand experiences, & advice. 📱 Have questions or topic suggestions? Contact us . ©2026 Small Ship Cruise Talk. All rights reserved. May contain affiliate links. Some trips and experiences have been hosted. As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases. All opinions are our own.
We’re sharing an exclusive first look at Windstar’s Star Seeker after attending her christening and touring the ship in Miami. We'll give you a "guided tour" so you can decide if this new-build ship is right for your next cruise. Star Seeker carries just 224 guests, blending small-ship intimacy with elevated design. We talk through first impressions—from the welcoming lobby and leather-lined hallways to suites with verandas or floor-to-ceiling infinity windows. The vibe? Relaxed luxury that feels fresh, intentional, and distinctly Windstar yet nicely different from its previous ships. We also cover dining (including the new Basil + Bamboo concept and how reservations work), 24-hour room service perks, standout lounges like The Yacht Club, pool deck spaces, and our honest take on the spa. Plus, we break down where she’s sailing—Alaska, the Caribbean, Asia, and beyond—and why her size opens doors to smaller, more interesting ports. If you’re Windstar-curious or comparing ships in the Star Class, this episode helps you picture the experience before you book. Check out our other Windstar content : Windstar’s “All-Inclusive” Explained: Drinks, WiFi, Dining & More Windstar in Costa Rica & Panama with Guest Keryn Means Puffins, Fjords, & Luxury: Our Unforgettable Windstar Cruise Around Iceland Send us Fan Mail Support the show 👉🏻 Press that FOLLOW button so you never miss an episode , released every other Wednesday. Need help planning your trip? Check out our RESOURCES, whether you're looking to understand what cruise to book, which travel insurance is best, or how to organize your luggage with our packing lists: https://sometimessailing.com/resources/ ▶️ Subscribe to our YouTube channel: @sometimes-sailing 📩 Sign up for our newsletter . 🌏 SometimesSailing.com has even more planning tips, firsthand experiences, & advice. 📱 Have questions or topic suggestions? Contact us . ©2026 Small Ship Cruise Talk. All rights reserved. May contain affiliate links. Some trips and experiences have been hosted. As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases. All opinions are our own.
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