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. 4H AGO

    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, 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 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

  2. 6D AGO

    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 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.

    33 min

  3. 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 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.

    24 min

  4. 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 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

  5. 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 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

  6. 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 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

  7. 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 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

  8. 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 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
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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
    57
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Small Ship Cruise Talk
  • Show Website
    Small Ship Cruise Talk

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