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.
Viking Ocean vs. River Cruise: Same or Totally Different?
Episode 39
Wednesday, November 5, 2025 • Duration 34:10
We're sharing our firsthand experience aboard Viking Ocean to show you how these 930-passenger ships deliver that unique blend of river cruise options with ocean cruise amenities – and whether they live up to the Viking brand you might already know and love from river cruising.
You'll discover the significant upgrades in dining quality and variety compared to river cruises, with multiple restaurants serving elevated cuisine that surprised us. We'll walk you through the onboard entertainment options, from elaborate shows and guest lecturers to live music. Plus, explore the extensive spa and wellness amenities that go far beyond what you'll find on river ships with us.
You'll also learn about the relaxed, casino-free atmosphere, how excursions work with the larger passenger capacity (including priority booking benefits for higher category staterooms), and what makes the ship's design and cultural resources, like the onboard library, so special.
Whether you're a Viking River veteran curious about making the jump to ocean cruising, someone seeking a mid-sized ship experience that's neither too big nor too small, or just exploring your ocean cruise options, you'll understand exactly what Viking Ocean offers and who will love this distinctive approach to cruising.
During this episode, we mention utilizing My Viking Journey and our AirFly devices, which we take on every cruise. We also talk about motion sickness (and whether or not it's an issue) so if you're prone to it, you'll want to learn about our sea sickness remedies.
320 Guests vs. 5,600: Inside MSC Yacht Club's Exclusive World
Episode 38
Wednesday, October 29, 2025 • Duration 29:55
Step inside MSC's exclusive Yacht Club with us! We’re revealing how this "ship-within-a-ship" creates an intimate 320-guest experience on a large vessel and whether the investment is worth it for your cruise style.
You'll discover the game-changing benefits of priority embarkation and debarkation that eliminate stress, explore the Top Sail Lounge that becomes your private social hub, and learn about the elevated dining options with flexible menus that go beyond the main dining room.
We'll walk you through the spacious, luxuriously appointed suites with attentive butler service, plus the included perks like premium Wi-Fi and beverage packages that add serious value to your investment.
Whether you're comparing MSC's Yacht Club to other luxury cruise enclaves like Celebrity's The Retreat, trying to decide if the upgrade is worth the cost, or seeking that small ship feel while still having access to large ship amenities, you'll understand exactly who thrives in the Yacht Club and why this exclusive experience might be the perfect fit for your next cruise adventure.
🍕During this episode, we mention not to miss the pizza, which is complimentary for MSC Yacht Club guests! You eat with your eyes first: Check out the MSC pizza delivery (& follow us on Instagram @sometimessailing while you’re there!)
We reference our favorite hotspot in this post, which you’ll find reviewed on our site in depth here or to purchase on Amazon here.
AmaMagna: AmaWaterways' Double-Wide Ship First Impressions
Episode 29
Wednesday, August 27, 2025 • Duration 19:00
We're taking you aboard AmaWaterways' unique AmaMagna vessel to share exactly what makes this double-wide river cruise ship a game-changer on the Danube River.
Discover how the extra space translates into multiple restaurants, larger staterooms, & amenities you won't find on traditional river ships – including a pickleball court, full-size gym with spin bikes, & even a pool with a hot tub.
We'll walk you through our honest pros and cons, from the spacious dance floor and guest laundry facilities (the laundry sheets we discuss are here) to the limited itinerary options due to the ship's size.
Whether you're an ocean cruiser considering your first river cruise or a river cruise veteran curious about this innovative design, you'll understand exactly who this ship works best for and how it compares to traditional single-wide vessels.
We recorded this episode right from our stateroom on our final day of the cruise, giving you our unfiltered impressions of why bigger might—or might not—be better for your river cruise style.
Adventures By Disney River Cruise Insights with DCL Duo
Episode 28
Wednesday, August 20, 2025 • Duration 43:50
Adding a Disney twist, we’re exploring a whole new world of river cruising with Disney Cruise Line experts Brian & Sam, the DCL Duo. Taking you inside Adventures by Disney (ABD) River Cruises, we’re discussing what makes this river cruise experience extra magical.
You'll discover luxurious white-glove services that set Disney apart, plus unique excursions like salt mines and equestrian shows, and learn how Disney sprinkles extra pixie dust on experiences. We'll answer questions like how:
How “Disney-fied” are the ships?
What kid-friendly cuisine is on the menus?
What is an ideal age for an ABD river cruise?
What itineraries are available?
How family-friendly is the atmosphere?
Plus, learn about unforgettable Christmas markets that made Brian & Sam’s experience sparkle!
Whether you're a Disney fan who is curious about ABD river cruise offerings or a family traveler looking for your next premium adventure, you'll understand why Brian and Sam are already planning their next ABD river cruise before this episode ends.
Want to know more about Christmas Markets cruises? Read here (with photos!) or listen to Part 1 and of our podcast episodes on the Xmas markets.
Mekong River Cultural Journey: Cruising Cambodia to Vietnam
Episode 27
Wednesday, August 13, 2025 • Duration 30:16
We're taking you down the Mekong River aboard AmaWaterways' AmaDara, sharing everything you need to know about this incredible “Riches of the Mekong” journey through 🇰🇭 Cambodia and 🇻🇳 Vietnam. (“Charms of the Mekong” sails the reverse.)
Uncover the rich cultural experiences awaiting you at iconic destinations like Angkor Wat and Phnom Penh, plus get our practical tips for planning your river cruise from visa requirements to packing essentials. We'll also give you an inside look at AmaDara's amenities (hint: spa!) and exceptional cuisine so you know exactly what to expect onboard.
Whether you're curious about this Southeast Asian river cruise or it’s a confirmed adventure on your bucket list, we'll show you why the Mekong offers such unforgettable charm and how to make the most of this historical and cultural once-in-a-lifetime vacation.
Part 2: UnCruise Small Ship Experience & Cost in Hawaii
Episode 26
Wednesday, August 6, 2025 • Duration 38:36
We're continuing our 🌺 UnCruise Hawaii adventure! Let's island hop from untouched Moloka'i to bustling Big Island, with pristine Lana'i in between. Discover what makes each destination unique, savor Hawaiian cultural & culinary highlights with us, and experience those magical moments, such as green flash sunsets, that make small ship cruising so special. We'll also share our essential packing and budgeting tips to help you plan your adventure.
Whether you're considering UnCruise or dreaming of island life, this episode gives you the insider perspective needed to continue dreaming but, more importantly, to start planning.
From this episode:
We're obsessed with our binoculars, which we always travel with. We also packed our telephoto lens, for awesome whale photos.
Guide Along App transformed our experience touring the Big Island. Buy the Big Island bundle—it’s like having the best private guide at a fraction of the cost. (They have other Hawaii bundle tours as well.)
Part 1: Discovering True Hawaii on an UnCruise Adventure
Episode 25
Wednesday, July 30, 2025 • Duration 28:16
Aloha! 🌺 If you've ever wanted to island-hop Hawaii by boat, but weren't sure how without finding yourself in "tourist traps" or one of thousands, our small ship cruise vacation in Hawaii is the answer.
In Part 1 of this two-part series, we're taking you on an incredible UnCruise adventure through Hawaii's untouched beauty, describing exactly what makes UnCruise's Hawaiian Seascapes itinerary so magical on a small ship with 36 passengers & all-American crew.
Uncover how to experience untouched Hawaii and its serene landscapes alongside us, day by day. Discover what it's like to snorkel with sea turtles, encounter playful spinner dolphins, and the thrill of navigating the breathtaking Humpback Whale Sanctuary near Maui as the ship's "captain."
We begin on Moloka'i and conclude on the Big Island, offering an intimate glimpse of the breathtaking sights & unique experiences that showcase Hawaii's true essence, far from the crowds of traditional cruising.
Here are additional resources that we touch on during this episode:
Young Travelers are Missing Out On Small Cruises w/ Noël Burgess
Episode 24
Wednesday, July 23, 2025 • Duration 35:13
We're joined by multimedia storyteller Noël Burgess to completely transform how you think about river cruises – especially if you're part of the younger generation who might have written them off as something for your grandparents.
You'll hear Noël's candid journey from skeptic to convert as he discovered the unique charm and surprising accessibility that river cruises offer younger travelers like millennials and Gen Z. We'll show you how these intimate, customizable experiences let you explore multiple destinations in ways that align perfectly with how younger travelers want to see the world.
Whether you're in your 20s, 30s, or 40s and curious about river cruising, or if you want to understand how the small ship cruise industry is evolving to attract a new generation of explorers, this conversation will open your eyes to possibilities you might never have considered.
👉🏻 Subscribe so you never miss an episode, released every other Wednesday.
Peek into USA River Cruising: Columbia & Snake Rivers
Episode 23
Wednesday, July 16, 2025 • Duration 23:27
Step aboard American Jazz with us to cruise the spectacular Columbia and Snake Rivers! Uncover vital info you need to know to make the most of this incredible Pacific Northwest adventure.
You'll discover what makes this ship special, how to prepare for the stunning landscapes you'll encounter, and the fascinating cultural and historical insights that will enrich your journey from Native Americans to the expedition of Lewis and Clark.
We'll walk you through our highlights, exploring Astoria to hiking Beacon Rock and experiencing Mount St. Helens – plus give you our best packing tips and practical advice for this route.
If you're considering American Cruise Lines for their accessibility and comfort, or if you're curious about Columbia River cruising, this episode will help you understand exactly what to expect and how to maximize your experience.
All-American Cruise Lines Sailing USA Rivers & Coasts
Episode 22
Wednesday, July 9, 2025 • Duration 25:55
Ever wonder about U.S. river cruises? We're taking you inside American Cruise Lines (ACL) to help you decide if this domestic cruise experience is right for your next adventure.
You'll discover their unique offerings and various types of vessels you can cruise on. Discover their interesting itineraries and where they cruise, along with what the onboard amenities are like. Is the food tasty? What do they offer for onboard entertainment and enrichment?
Also, find out about ACL’s Eagle Society loyalty program and how it can enhance your cruising. We'll also share the impressive accessibility features these ships offer and help you understand exactly who thrives on American Cruise Lines cruises.
If you're considering the convenience of domestic cruise travel without sacrificing enriching experiences, you do not want to miss this episode!
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