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. 20H AGO

    Part 1: Tennessee River Cruise: What to Expect with ACL

    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 👉🏻 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.

    24 min

  2. MAR 18

    How Cruise Sustainability Affects Your Vacation with Joel Balsam

    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 👉🏻 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.

    30 min

  3. MAR 11

    Cruise Packing Hack & Tips: What to Know About Ship Laundry

    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/4biuA1kLaundry travel kit, including Tide packs: https://amzn.to/4cGPw4IRefillable containers (refill one with laundry detergent, and be sure to properly label it): https://amzn.to/40qc16wLaundry detergent sheets (eliminates the risk of liquid detergent leaking in your luggage): https://amzn.to/3PuY057Send us Fan Mail 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.

    12 min

  4. MAR 4

    5 Biggest River Cruise Mistakes to Avoid

    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 EssentialsRiver cruise category on Sometimes SailingTop 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 LinesChristmas Markets River Cruise Planning Guide (Part 1 of 2)Send us Fan Mail 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. FEB 25

    Tale of Two Small Cruises: Luxury Barges & Rustic Windjammers with Tamara Gruber

    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.comInstagram: @yourtimetoflyFacebook: https://facebook.com/yourtimetofly Download Tamara’s free guide to Boutique Hotels in Europe! Send us Fan Mail 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.

    33 min

  6. FEB 18

    Costly Travel Scams & How to Avoid Them as a Tourist

    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 👉🏻 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.

    24 min

  7. FEB 11

    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 us Fan Mail 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

  8. 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 Fan Mail 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
See All (60)

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
    60
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Small Ship Cruise Talk
  • Show Website
    Small Ship Cruise Talk

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