The Ship Less Travelled

The Ship Less Travelled
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We're Dave (a travel agent based in Canada) and Lorraine (a travel agent in the UK), two friends brought together by a shared passion for one very special kind of adventure: small ship cruising. From polar expeditions to island-hopping escapes, river cruises to repositioning, we've both fallen head over heels for this unique style of travel—and we're here to help you discover why. Dave can be reached at www.destinationwhatever.com. He covers North America from his base in Newfoundland. Lorraine can be reached at www.bespokecruiseholidays.co.uk. She covers the UK from her base in Berkshire.

  1. 31m ago

    Episode 209: Oh Canada! Happy Canada Day... Canada by Sea & Rail, We Cover It All

    🇨🇦 Happy Canada Day! 🍁In this special Canada Day edition of The Ship Less Travelled, we're setting sail across the world's second largest country, from the Atlantic to the Pacific, the Arctic to the Prairies, celebrating the landscapes, moments, culture, and traditions that make Canada such an extraordinary place to explore.This week, Lorraine looks back on her first visit to Canada and shares her thoughts on surviving (and enjoying!) Canada's famous four seasons.Dave dives into Newfoundland and Labrador's remarkable transatlantic history, while also talking about one of the province's greatest summer spectacles: iceberg season. Cruise ships are arriving in increasing numbers, making now the perfect time to discover Canada's eastern edge.Speaking of Atlantic Canada, we chat about the growing popularity of cruises through the Maritimes. If your ship calls in Halifax, there is one important travel tip: find an ice cream shop! Ever tried the legendary Moon Mist ice cream? You may be surprised by this uniquely Maritime favourite. Lorraine also reminisces about a Nova Scotia comfort food she still misses today.From there, we head across the country to Québec before dreaming big. Dave shares his bucket list ambition of sailing the legendary Northwest Passage, while Lorraine is already picturing herself aboard the Rocky Mountaineer, relaxing at the iconic Banff Springs Hotel, and perhaps continuing west to Alaska. Or... why leave Canada at all? Dave makes the case for exploring the spectacular Haida Gwaii, one of Canada's most fascinating destinations, renowned for its breathtaking scenery, incredible wildlife, and rich Indigenous heritage.Yes, we even find wonderful reasons to visit Saskatchewan and Manitoba! We truly leave no province or territory behind, which probably explains why this episode ended up being a little longer than usual.Finally, stay with us until the very end as Lorraine tackles one of Canada's greatest culinary debates: poutine. Its undeniably Canadian but if it were to be British would you find it up North or down South? Stay until the end to hear us weigh in. Grab your favourite Canadian snack, settle in, and come celebrate this remarkable country with us.🍁 Happy Canada Day!If you enjoy the episode, please:👍 Like💬 Leave us a comment and tell us your favourite place in Canada📺 Subscribe for more travel conversations, cruise inspiration, and destination discoveries from around the world.#CanadaDay #Canada #Newfoundland #AtlanticCanada #CruiseCanada #Cruising #Halifax #NovaScotia #Quebec #RockyMountaineer #Banff #HaidaGwaii #NorthwestPassage #Icebergs #TravelCanada #DestinationWhatever #TheShipLessTravelled

    21 min

  2. Jun 21

    Episode 208 London Theatre at Sea on Cunard's QM2

    After years of talking about it, Dave has finally completed his first QM2 crossing. "Welcome to the club," says Lorraine. 🚢Dave's back from the London Theatre at Sea Transatlantic Crossing aboard the legendary Queen Mary 2, and he's ready to give his verdict.Did this theatre-themed voyage deserve its own Olivier Award? 🏆 Or was it more Rotten Tomatoes? 🍅In true theatrical fashion, Dave dishes all. And spoiler alert: this special sailing was a triumphant way to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Olivier Awards. With an incredible lineup of West End performers, dazzling productions, lectures, workshops, interviews, and enough enrichment to fill an entire playbill, it's easy to see why Dave keeps describing it as a smorgasbord of theatre.But was it good value? Who actually books a theatre-themed crossing? And what kind of fascinating people will you meet while sailing across the Atlantic surrounded by theatre lovers? This podcast answers it all, darling. Whether you're already a Transatlantic devotee or simply curious about life at sea between continents, this episode takes you behind the curtain on one of Cunard's most unique event voyages.🎙️ Listen now and join the conversation.

    17 min

  3. Feb 14

    The Ship Less Travelled: Our Valentine's Day Episode. Small Ship Cruising is Made for Lovely Moments

    🌹 Roses are nice.🍫 Chocolates are fine.🚢 But have you ever thought a cruisemight be the ultimate Valentine?Welcome to our Valentine’s Day episode of The Ship Less Travelled, where love is in the air, the sea is calling, and we’re talking all things cruising with heart.In this episode, we share when we each fell in love with cruises and spoiler alert, it didn’t happen at the same time. Lorraine was a quick convert and was smitten early on. Dave, on the other hand, needed to work through a few long-held misconceptions about the cruise industry before the romance really took hold.We talk about cruise lines we genuinely love, we dish a few names, and we get honest about why cruising really is like a box of chocolates. There truly is something out there for everyone. Big ships, small ships, expedition ships, river cruises, and those intimate small ships that just hit differently.Of course, we couldn’t do a Valentine’s episode without asking the important questions. Have we ever experienced a romantic tingle on board? A quiet, lovely moment at sea? A memory that still makes us smile? We dish it all, because cruising has a way of creating moments you don’t expect and never forget.What we know for sure is this. Small ships offer endless ways to experience connection, romance, and love. Love for travel. Love for adventure. Love for the people you share it with. And sometimes, love for the journey itself.So whether you’re cruising with a partner, dreaming of a future voyage, or just a little bit in love with travel, this episode is for you.Happy Valentine’s Day from The Ship Less Travelled.Now go ahead… book the cruise 💕

    20 min

  4. Feb 3

    The Ship Less Travelled: Why We Love Balconies on Small Ship Cruises.

    Balcony people, this episode is for you.In this episode of The Ship Less Travelled, we’re talking about balconies and why, for some of us, they’ve crossed the line from “nice to have” to absolute must.There’s just something about stepping out onto your own private slice of sea. Watching the ship glide into port. Standing still while the world slowly arrives around you. Listening to the rhythm of the ocean. Catching sunrise in your pajamas. Moonlight dancing on the water long after dinner is done.We talk polar cruising and why a balcony in the Arctic or Antarctica is not just about luxury but about access to the moment. Wildlife sightings. Ice. Light. Silence. It hits differently when you can experience it privately, in real time.We also dig into balconies on Transatlantic crossings, where sea days stretch long and wide and that personal outdoor space becomes part of your daily ritual.And then there’s river cruising. Lorraine makes a compelling case for French balconies. Even though you can’t step outside, she explains why they offer something truly special. Light. Connection to the river. A front row seat to villages, vineyards, and daily life gliding past your window. It's a vibe you want on your river cruise experience. She makes such a strong case that she actually convinces Dave.Balconies on a small ship cruise? We agree they’re a bit like flying business class. Once you’ve experienced the difference, it’s very hard to go back. Fair warning. It may spoil you forever.If you’ve ever debated whether a balcony is worth it, this episode might settle it.Subscribe for more honest conversations about cruises, small ships, and thoughtful travel. And let us know in the comments. Are you team balcony, or still on the fence?

    21 min

  5. Jan 20

    The Ship Less Travelled: Just How Bad Is the Drake Passage? Take it from someone who's done it.

    The Ship Less Travelled | Antarctica Recap Part 2 ❄️🚢Antarctica, continued.In Part 2 of his Antarctica recap, Dave's unpacking the questions everyone really asks after a trip to the bottom of the world. Would he do it again? What was the polar plunge actually like? And what is the Drake Passage really like when you’re crossing it for real? He would know, he's been across it going there and coming back. We also talk about what embarkation looks like on the way to Antarctica, how seriously biosecurity is handled before you ever set foot on the White Continent, and why protecting Antarctica is non-negotiable. This place is raw, powerful, and unlike anywhere else on Earth, and it deserves our respect.Plus:• Why Lorraine will never be doing a polar plunge (the only splash in the ocean she’s interested in is Bermuda)• Whether there are any words that truly do Antarctica justice• What makes this destination so important to keep pristine• And the secret ingredient Lorraine adds to her hot cocoa for a little extra kick ☕😉If you’ve ever wondered what an expedition to Antarctica is really like, or if it’s worth the journey across the Drake, this episode is for you.👇 Drop your questions in the comments, and let me know if Antarctica is on your bucket list.Subscribe for more episodes of The Ship Less Travelled, where we talk small ships, expedition travel, and journeys that are anything but ordinary.

    18 min

  6. Jan 14

    The Ship Less Travelled: Was Antarctica Really Worth It? Dave's Honest Take After Going There

    So… was Antarctica really worth it?In our very first episode of 2026, Dave is freshly back from the bottom of the world and finally spilling the tea on Antarctica.This episode of The Ship Less Travelled tackles the big questions people actually ask about Antarctica travel. Was it mind blowing or wildly overrated? What were the true highlights and were there any lowlights? What do you actually do down there? Are there ports of call, people, or is it just penguins and ice as far as the eye can see?Dave shares what surprised him most, what challenged him, and what moments genuinely stopped him in his tracks. From unforgettable excursions to the realities of daily life on a small expedition ship, this is an honest look at what Antarctica is really like, not the brochure version.And yes, there was a hottest moment in Antarctica. No spoilers here, but it involved sailing somewhere very few travellers ever see. You will want to hear this one.Whether Antarctica is on your bucket list, your maybe list, or your never list, this episode will give you a clearer sense of whether it is actually worth the journey.🎧 Tune in, subscribe, and join us as we explore the ships, stories, and destinations less travelled.📍 Hosted by Dave of DestinationWhatever.com and Loraine of bespokecruiseholidays.co.uk🚢 The Ship Less Travelled podcast

    16 min

  7. 12/23/2025

    The Ship Less Travelled: We Weren't Expecting This Sort of Question About River Cruising

    Ask us anything… seriously, anything.On this episode of The Ship Less Travelled, we tackle questions we never expected to hear, and have a little fun along the way. Lorraine shares a recent moment where someone genuinely had no idea what a river cruise even was. How did she respond? How can river cruising be misunderstood? And what might people still not know about this style of travel? We also get personal: Lorraine reflects on how being a travel agent in Nova Scotia compares to working in the UK, sharing stories that are equal parts insight and nostalgia.Speaking of nostalgia, since it’s the holiday season, we divulge our favourite festive cocktails (cheers!) and make some cheeky commentary on the sadly declining quality of a box of Quality Street.Grab a drink, settle in, and join us for laughter, travel truths, and a few surprises along the way. We have a passion to share with you for small ship cruising!

    12 min

  8. 12/16/2025

    The Ship Less Travelled: Is the Ice Queen Ready for Antarctica? The truth before Dave goes.

    Dave is heading to ANTARCTICA… and Lorraine wants ALL the details.Season 2 continues with a very personal pre-departure chat as Dave gets ready to go south to the White Continent. How does our resident Ice Queen prepare for a once-in-a-lifetime expedition? What’s he packing, is he nervous about anything, and yes… what exactly is the underwear and moisturizer strategy for surviving the driest, coldest place on Earth? Lorraine asks him all the questions you need to know. In fact, Lorraine is in full tabloid-interviewer mode and absolutely refuses to hold back. As per usual of course! • Will Dave freeze… or flourish?• Is Lorraine’s time living in Canada the closest she’ll ever get to Antarctica?• What’s Dave hoping to learn down there?• And what philosophy does he want to share with listeners before he disappears into the ice?Stay tuned to the end for Dave’s heartfelt message about adventure, intention, and stepping into the unknown.The Ship Less Travelled is back with honest conversations, questionable questions, and the kind of candour only two travel agents on opposite sides of the Atlantic could bring.Subscribe, settle in, and come along for the journey before Dave goes off-grid at the bottom of the world.

    17 min
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About

We're Dave (a travel agent based in Canada) and Lorraine (a travel agent in the UK), two friends brought together by a shared passion for one very special kind of adventure: small ship cruising. From polar expeditions to island-hopping escapes, river cruises to repositioning, we've both fallen head over heels for this unique style of travel—and we're here to help you discover why. Dave can be reached at www.destinationwhatever.com. He covers North America from his base in Newfoundland. Lorraine can be reached at www.bespokecruiseholidays.co.uk. She covers the UK from her base in Berkshire.

Information

  • Creator
    The Ship Less Travelled
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    26
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © The Ship Less Travelled
  • Show Website
    The Ship Less Travelled