Small Ship Cruise Talk

Dan and Mikkel Woodruff
  • 5.0 (11)
  • 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. 22H AGO

    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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 12/17/2025

    Oceania Regatta Cruise to Alaska with CruiseTipsTV

    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, Juneau, Ketchikan), and discussing Sheri’s most memorable excursions—including a Sitka WaveRunner tour that turned into a truly special experience. You’ll also hear what Concierge Level Veranda really gets you, how Oceania’s dining compares to mass-market cruising, what entertainment to expect on the 670-passenger ship, and why the onboard library is a must-visit. Follow Sheri’s adventures: Read more about Sheri's Oceania Regatta experienceCruiseTipsTV on YouTube (check out her Oceania Regatta Video) Facebook: www.facebook.com/cruisetipstvInstagram: @cruisetipstvSend 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.

    40 min

  7. 12/10/2025

    American Cruise Lines Food Review & Dining Guide

    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 excursions), evening sundaes and popcorn, plus the anytime snack stations that keep you fueled throughout the day. You’ll hear what to expect from the included beer, wine, and spirits, what’s realistic for mocktails and dietary needs, and how the included pre-cruise hotel meals compare. If you’re ACL-curious and want to know whether their relaxed, unfancy style fits you, this episode will help you picture yourself on board.  Eat with your eyes? See the photos in this article on our website, Sometimes Sailing.  For more American Cruise Lines listening, check out our episode aboard American Serenade on the Columbia and Snake Rivers. 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.

    28 min

  8. 12/03/2025

    Planning the Perfect Douro River Cruise

    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-heavy and low-key than many people expect.  We also talk about how wine-focused it truly is, what surprised us about the scenery in November, and why we’d add extra nights in Porto next time but we’re glad we stayed extra nights beforehand in Lisbon this time. You’ll come away knowing who this cruise is best for (and who might be happier elsewhere), what to expect with excursions, buses, ports, and ship size, and how to set realistic expectations so your Douro cruise feels magical, not mismatched.  We also mention our Douro River Cruise article with lots of photos and our episode, “Packing Tips: Our 5 River Cruise Must-Pack Essentials,” if you’re in planning mode. We stayed at The Ivens hotel in the heart of historic Lisbon and signed up for a Sintra and Cascais day tour with The Tour Guy and a fabulous food tour with Devour pre-cruise.  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.

    34 min
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Trailer

5
out of 5
11 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
    51
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Small Ship Cruise Talk
  • Show Website
    Small Ship Cruise Talk

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