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Small Ship Cruise Talk
Dan and Mikkel Woodruff
49 episodes
3 days ago
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 drea...
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All content for Small Ship Cruise Talk is the property of Dan and Mikkel Woodruff and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
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 drea...
Show more...
Places & Travel
Society & Culture
Episodes (20/49)
Small Ship Cruise Talk
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 drea...
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2 days ago
25 minutes

Small Ship Cruise Talk
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 plann...
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1 week ago
21 minutes

Small Ship Cruise Talk
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 ...
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2 weeks ago
22 minutes

Small Ship Cruise Talk
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 tou...
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3 weeks ago
40 minutes

Small Ship Cruise Talk
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 excursi...
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1 month ago
27 minutes

Small Ship Cruise Talk
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...
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1 month ago
34 minutes

Small Ship Cruise Talk
The Retreat on Celebrity Xcel: First Look & Inside Scoop
Step inside The Retreat on Celebrity Xcel, the newest ship in Celebrity Cruises’ Edge-class, as we take you through the suite-only experience during the ship’s exclusive preview sailing. This episode gives you a clear look at what sets Xcel’s version of The Retreat apart, from refreshed spaces to thoughtful service touches. You’ll hear impressions of The Retreat Lounge, the subtle layout changes from earlier Edge-class ships, and why it becomes the perfect small-ship-within-a-big-ship home ba...
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1 month ago
18 minutes

Small Ship Cruise Talk
Viking Mediterranean Cruise: Venice to Athens Deep Dive
Discover what to do during a pre-cruise stay in Venice (and why getting around isn't as easy as you'd think) and how to get to Chioggia to embark on your cruise. We'll share hidden gems you might not know about, like Piran, and experience the breathtaking views and cultural treasures of iconic ports like Dubrovnik, Kotor, Corfu, Santorini (you’ll never guess what happened that day), Olympia, and Athens. We'll walk you through our favorite excursions at each stop, including third-party tour op...
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1 month ago
51 minutes

Small Ship Cruise Talk
Inside Viking Ocean Cruises Food & Beverages Experience
We're taking you through what meals are like aboard a Viking Ocean ship to show you exactly what makes the onboard dining experience so exceptional. You'll discover the impressive variety of dining venues, from the high-quality breakfast buffet and traditional Norwegian dishes at Mamsen's to the special Chef's Table experience and hands-on cooking classes that elevate your culinary journey. We'll share our honest impressions of each restaurant, including Manfredi's and the World Cafe, w...
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1 month ago
24 minutes

Small Ship Cruise Talk
Viking Ocean vs. River Cruise: Same or Totally Different?
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...
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2 months ago
34 minutes

Small Ship Cruise Talk
320 Guests vs. 5,600: Inside MSC Yacht Club's Exclusive World
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.&nbs...
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2 months ago
30 minutes

Small Ship Cruise Talk
Cruise Myth-Busting: Small Ships That Go Beyond a Buffet
We’re redefining everything you thought you knew about cruise food as we take you into the incredible world of small ship cruise dining – we’ll show you that cruise food goes way beyond buffets! You'll learn about the completely different culinary experiences waiting for you across river cruises, yacht cruises, expedition cruises, and barge cruises – from the elevated presentations and multiple dining venues on river ships to the hearty, fuel-for-adventure style meals on expeditions and the t...
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2 months ago
40 minutes

Small Ship Cruise Talk
Christmas Market River Cruises: Your Questions Answered
We're answering all your most-asked questions about Christmas market river cruises so you can plan the perfect holiday trip with confidence. Be sure to check out Part 1 & Part 2 of our Christmas Markets River Cruise Planning Guide. Discover practical advice and answers to burning questions, like: How to choose between the Danube & Rhine rivers?When is the ideal time to go?Do market vendors accept credit card payments? What foods can you look forward to at the markets? Do you...
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2 months ago
45 minutes

Small Ship Cruise Talk
Inside Celebrity Cruises' The Retreat Suites-Only Experience
We're taking you inside Celebrity Cruises’ exclusive luxury suites class, The Retreat, to show you how this "ship-within-a-ship" concept delivers an intimate small ship experience while giving you access to all the amenities of a large resort at sea. You'll discover whether The Retreat's premium perks – from priority boarding and private pool deck to the standout Luminae restaurant and spa access – are worth the splurge for your cruise style. We'll share our firsthand experience a...
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3 months ago
26 minutes

Small Ship Cruise Talk
Ocean Ship Experts Try River Cruising: Life Well Cruised Tips
It's a monumental first for Life Well Cruised! Ilana, Frank, and Ethan went on a river cruise! Is this a sign of things to come for the pre-eminent content creators of mega ocean cruising? Find out this and more as we discuss their shocking river cruise revelations coming from the ocean cruise ship world, sailing on AmaMagna with AmaWaterways. They also share tips and advice from this particular trip, including a wild airplane delay story that's certainly one we've never heard before! J...
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3 months ago
49 minutes

Small Ship Cruise Talk
Packing Tips: 5 Essentials We Always Take on River Cruises
We're sharing the five game-changing items that separate seasoned river cruisers from frustrated first-timers. Once you know what they are, you'll wonder how you ever traveled without them! (These are items we also pack for barge & expedition cruises, too.) These items will save you money, keep you connected, protect your belongings, and make you infinitely more comfortable on every trip. Learn how to eliminate expensive international roaming charges while staying connected in 135+ ...
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3 months ago
20 minutes

Small Ship Cruise Talk
Part 2: Mekong River Cruise Excursions in Cambodia & Vietnam We Loved
Continue our excursions journey with us, starting mid-cruise, from Day 4 of our Riches of the Mekong River cruise with AmaWaterways (Charms of the Mekong in reverse) to the vibrant Ho Chi Minh City. We are sharing exactly what to expect from this cultural journey through Cambodia and Vietnam - if you haven’t listened to Part 1 yet, you don’t want to miss it! Additionally, our episode about our onboard river cruise experience on the AmaDara along the Mekong River will enhance your knowledge.&n...
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3 months ago
24 minutes

Small Ship Cruise Talk
Part 1: Riches of the Mekong River Cruise Excursions We Loved
We're taking you through the incredible shore excursions from our Riches of the Mekong River cruise with AmaWaterways (Charms of the Mekong in reverse), sharing exactly what to expect from this cultural journey through Cambodia and Vietnam. You'll discover the magic of exploring nearly 1,000 temples at Angkor Wat (including how to maximize your “golden ticket” for independent exploration), experience authentic village life in Angkor Ban where locals welcome you into their homes, and lea...
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4 months ago
26 minutes

Small Ship Cruise Talk
All About Alaska: Cruise-Altering Insights with Expert Valerie Stimac
Speaking with 🌲 Alaska expert Valerie Stimac completely opened our eyes to insights we had never considered or heard of, even though we had cruised to Alaska ourselves on multiple occasions. Having grown up in Alaska and worked in the cruise industry there, and now a frequent visitor, you'll find Valerie's advice and expertise at AlaskanCruisers.com and ValerieValise.com — and today, on our podcast! Don't miss this episode to understand: What months are absolutely terrible to cruise to ...
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4 months ago
42 minutes

Small Ship Cruise Talk
AmaMagna: AmaWaterways' Double-Wide Ship First Impressions
We're taking you aboard AmaWaterways' unique AmaMagna vessel with us to share exactly what makes this double-wide river cruise ship such a game-changer on the Danube River. You'll discover how the extra space translates into multiple restaurants, larger staterooms, and amenities you won't find on traditional river ships – including a pickleball court, full-size gym with spin bikes, and even a pool with a hot tub. We'll walk you through our honest pros and cons, from the spacious d...
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4 months ago
18 minutes

Small Ship Cruise Talk
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 drea...