Small Ship Cruise Talk

Dan and Mikkel Woodruff
  • 5.0 (12)
  • PLACES & TRAVEL
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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

  1. 12H AGO

    Star Seeker Unveiled: Touring Windstar’s 7th Ship

    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 & MoreWindstar in Costa Rica & Panama with Guest Keryn MeansPuffins, Fjords, & Luxury: Our Unforgettable Windstar Cruise Around IcelandSend a text Support the show 👉🏻 Subscribe so you never miss an episode, released every Wednesday. ✈️ Use our preferred travel advisors to book your cruise. 💙 Join our Small Ship Cruise Talk community on Facebook. 💻 Follow us on Instagram, Threads, & Pinterest. 📩 Sign up for our newsletter. 🌏 SometimesSailing.com has even more planning tips, firsthand experiences, & advice. 📱 Have questions or topic suggestions? Contact us. ©2025 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.

    25 min

  2. FEB 4

    Celebrity River Cruises: Early Insights & Expectations

    means for river cruising. Find out the biggest announcements so far, including early demand, booking timelines, and Celebrity’s long-term commitment to building a sizable river fleet. Our companion article (with photos) can be found here: https://sometimessailing.com/celebrity-river-cruises  We walk through what’s confirmed for 2027 and 2028, which region these ships will sail in, and which iconic rivers and seasonal itineraries are part of the launch plans. We also talk through what we know about the ships themselves, from overall design direction and onboard spaces to how Celebrity is adapting familiar ocean concepts for river cruising. We discuss pricing ranges, what’s still unclear about inclusions, and how Celebrity River Cruises may compare to established river cruise lines. Finally, we break down who these cruises are best suited for—whether you’re a Celebrity loyalist, new to river cruising, or deciding if it’s better to book early or wait. If you’ve ever wondered whether Celebrity River Cruises is worth the hype, this episode gives you the big-picture context you need. If you are new to river cruising, also listen to our episodes about the Top Things to Know Your First Time River Cruising: Part 1 and Part 2 Also, be sure to listen to our Packing Tips: Our 5 River Cruise Must-Pack Essentials episode. Send us a text Support the show 👉🏻 Subscribe so you never miss an episode, released every Wednesday. ✈️ Use our preferred travel advisors to book your cruise. 💙 Join our Small Ship Cruise Talk community on Facebook. 💻 Follow us on Instagram, Threads, & Pinterest. 📩 Sign up for our newsletter. 🌏 SometimesSailing.com has even more planning tips, firsthand experiences, & advice. 📱 Have questions or topic suggestions? Contact us. ©2025 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.

    26 min

  3. JAN 28

    Windstar in Costa Rica & Panama with Guest Keryn Means

    Join us with travel creator Keryn Means of Twist Travel Mag and Twist Cocktail Recipes as we talk about cruising on Windstar’s yacht, Star Pride, in Costa Rica and Panama over Christmas, with her husband and two teenage boys along for the adventure. We dig into the Costa Rica and Panama itinerary, including a full Panama Canal transit, plus what it’s really like to travel on a small ship as a family without a kids club. Keryn shares which Windstar excursions worked especially well for teens, what tendering and Zodiac landings were like, and why the beach BBQ was a standout day. We also talk about onboard life on Star Pride, from suite-style cabins and room service to spa time, Wi-Fi strength, and holiday touches like Christmas dinner and Hanukkah celebrations.  If you’re curious whether a holiday cruise with Windstar can be relaxing, flexible, and genuinely fun with teenagers, this episode will give you a clear picture of what to expect. Follow Keryn’s adventures in travel and cocktails:  Twist Travel Mag: @twisttravelmagTwist Cocktail Recipes: @twistcocktailrecipesFor more Windstar info, listen to our episode about Windstar in Iceland. Send us a text Support the show 👉🏻 Subscribe so you never miss an episode, released every Wednesday. ✈️ Use our preferred travel advisors to book your cruise. 💙 Join our Small Ship Cruise Talk community on Facebook. 💻 Follow us on Instagram, Threads, & Pinterest. 📩 Sign up for our newsletter. 🌏 SometimesSailing.com has even more planning tips, firsthand experiences, & advice. 📱 Have questions or topic suggestions? Contact us. ©2025 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.

    36 min

  4. JAN 21

    Part 2: Maine Island Hopping on a Windjammer Sailing Cruise

    We continue our Maine Windjammer sailing cruise series by diving into what life is really like on board, from morning to night. We share how daily itineraries work when they’re guided by wind and weather, what shore landings by rowboat feel like, and how time is split between island exploring and slow, intentional moments on deck. (Listen to Part 1, too.) You’ll get a clear sense of the onboard vibe, the communal nature of sailing, and why this style of cruising is all about being present, unplugged, and deeply connected to the Maine coastline. We also break down the food experience (including the iconic lobster bake), on board beverages, dress code, and exactly what to pack—plus what we wish we had brought the first time.  We cover specialty and themed cruises, pricing and value, what’s included, and why extending your time in Maine before or after sailing is absolutely worth it. If you’re curious whether a Maine Windjammer cruise is a good fit for you, this gives you the practical details and honest perspective to decide. Helpful links from this episode include:  Maine Windjammer packing list Our Maine Windjammer trip report, with plenty of photos.Must-pack binoculars (read why we love them) Learn about our 7-day Maine Road Trip itinerary, including our favorite B&BWe recommend Travel Insurance Masters to insure your tripSend us a text Support the show 👉🏻 Subscribe so you never miss an episode, released every Wednesday. ✈️ Use our preferred travel advisors to book your cruise. 💙 Join our Small Ship Cruise Talk community on Facebook. 💻 Follow us on Instagram, Threads, & Pinterest. 📩 Sign up for our newsletter. 🌏 SometimesSailing.com has even more planning tips, firsthand experiences, & advice. 📱 Have questions or topic suggestions? Contact us. ©2025 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.

    29 min

  5. JAN 14

    Part 1: Sailing Cruises on Historic Maine Windjammer Ships

    Join us to learn about the wonderful and unique world of Maine Windjammer cruising and why it’s nothing like traditional cruises. This is part one of a two-part series designed to help you understand what these overnight schooner vacations are really like. For photos, visit our Maine Windjammer trip report. We explain what a windjammer cruise is, where these historic sailing ships travel along Maine’s rugged coastline, and how the Maine Windjammer Fleet operates. We touch on its nine different ships, including American Eagle, Angelique, Grace Bailey, Ladona, and more to discuss who this style of cruising is best suited for. We also set expectations around the cabins, Maine’s summer weather, cruise lengths, and getting to Camden or Rockland for embarkation. Island hopping, historic ships, cold ocean air, and lobster dinners: if you’re curious about unplugging, hands-on sailing, and experiencing Maine from the water, this is an idyllic escape. Part two covers life onboard, food, packing, pricing, and extending your trip in Maine. Send us a text Support the show 👉🏻 Subscribe so you never miss an episode, released every Wednesday. ✈️ Use our preferred travel advisors to book your cruise. 💙 Join our Small Ship Cruise Talk community on Facebook. 💻 Follow us on Instagram, Threads, & Pinterest. 📩 Sign up for our newsletter. 🌏 SometimesSailing.com has even more planning tips, firsthand experiences, & advice. 📱 Have questions or topic suggestions? Contact us. ©2025 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.

    29 min

  6. JAN 7

    Cruising into 2026: What to Watch & Our Bucket List Dreams

    In this episode, we’re looking ahead to 2026 and sharing what has us excited in the world of small ship cruising—from milestone celebrations and industry developments to the trips we personally can’t stop thinking about. If you love river cruising, expedition-style adventures, or classic sailing, listen to this episode to discover what’s on the horizon. Instead of an industry deep dive forecast, this is our personal take as expert small-ship cruisers who love watching cruising evolve and dreaming up trips. We talk about why this is a meaningful year for U.S. cruising with America’s 250th anniversary, and also touch on what’s ahead globally, from growing river cruise momentum to expanding yacht itineraries. We wrap up by sharing what’s on our own 2026 cruise radar, from returning to Maine on a windjammer sailboat to dreaming about rivers in France and Colombia, Japan, Norway, and bucket list destinations like Antarctica and Egypt. If you’re planning ahead or just love travel inspiration, join us to look forward and dream big for your future vacations. Send us a text Support the show 👉🏻 Subscribe so you never miss an episode, released every Wednesday. ✈️ Use our preferred travel advisors to book your cruise. 💙 Join our Small Ship Cruise Talk community on Facebook. 💻 Follow us on Instagram, Threads, & Pinterest. 📩 Sign up for our newsletter. 🌏 SometimesSailing.com has even more planning tips, firsthand experiences, & advice. 📱 Have questions or topic suggestions? Contact us. ©2025 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.

    26 min

  7. 12/31/2025

    How Chioggia Surprised Us (& How to Get There from Venice)

    We’re heading to Chioggia, often called “Little Venice,” to share why this small city is a great alternative to the crowds of Venice. We talk about what makes Chioggia special, from peaceful canals and local food to easy walking and a more authentic, everyday Italian feel. We also outline the logistics of getting from Venice to Chioggia, including the public bus options, costs, luggage considerations, and where to get off if you’re heading to the port. If you’re embarking on a cruise or planning a short land visit, this episode will help you decide if Chioggia belongs in your itinerary and how to get there with confidence. For more details on how to get from downtown Venice to Chioggia by bus, or alternative options such as booking a private car, read this article on our website.View our inspiring photos and info about Chioggia, which will help you decide what to do there. Send us a text Support the show 👉🏻 Subscribe so you never miss an episode, released every Wednesday. ✈️ Use our preferred travel advisors to book your cruise. 💙 Join our Small Ship Cruise Talk community on Facebook. 💻 Follow us on Instagram, Threads, & Pinterest. 📩 Sign up for our newsletter. 🌏 SometimesSailing.com has even more planning tips, firsthand experiences, & advice. 📱 Have questions or topic suggestions? Contact us. ©2025 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.

    21 min

  8. 12/24/2025

    From the Port of Piraeus to Athens: Your Cruise Day Game Plan

    When your cruise itinerary says “Athens,” it really means Piraeus. And that distinction can shape your entire port day! We are sharing practical tips to help you plan a smooth, stress-free stop, whether you head into Athens or stay closer to the port. Find out the most efficient way to get from Piraeus into the city, including taxis, Uber, metro, buses, and cruise line shuttles, along with realistic timing to help you avoid surprises. We also highlight the top sights to prioritize if time is limited. Discover food and drinks, including coffee culture there and if you can easily dine in Piraeus, and the best restaurant view in Athens. If you choose to stay in Piraeus, we share things doing near the port, including museums, churches, beaches, cafes, and easy shopping. Helpful links from this episode:  PHOTOS: See the Port of Piraeus Things to Do & what to expect, visually Don’t forget to pack your AirFlySend us a text Support the show 👉🏻 Subscribe so you never miss an episode, released every Wednesday. ✈️ Use our preferred travel advisors to book your cruise. 💙 Join our Small Ship Cruise Talk community on Facebook. 💻 Follow us on Instagram, Threads, & Pinterest. 📩 Sign up for our newsletter. 🌏 SometimesSailing.com has even more planning tips, firsthand experiences, & advice. 📱 Have questions or topic suggestions? Contact us. ©2025 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.

    22 min
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Trailer

5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

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

Information

  • Creator
    Dan and Mikkel Woodruff
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    54
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Small Ship Cruise Talk
  • Show Website
    Small Ship Cruise Talk

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