Tune in as we share our unforgettable experience cruising around Iceland with Windstar on the yacht named Star Pride. You'll learn the unique advantages of small ship cruising in this outstandingly gorgeous country, including direct access to ports, personalized service, and immersive experiences.

Learn exactly what ports we visited and why they were special, about the breathtaking landscapes, wildlife encounters, and onboard education that enriched the journey. We'll also share our practical travel tips for visiting Iceland, including what documents you need and the costs of the cruise compared to other cruise lines, making this episode a comprehensive guide for potential travelers.

Here are additional awesome resources for you to accompany this episode:

• View photos from our Windstar Around Iceland cruise.
• Learn more about the ins and outs of Windstar's "All-In" package, with WiFi and alcohol included.
• If we're going to a destination with great wildlife spotting, like Iceland, we never leave home without our favorite binoculars.
• Find out about the Celebrity Cruises The Retreat class if you're considering a cruise with them.
• We never travel abroad without our Solis hotspot. Here's why we love it.
• Find out more about Three Flavors of Small Ship Cruises in a previous podcast episode, including river, yacht, and barge cruises.

Send us a text

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Love the show? Please give us a 5-star ⭐️ rating (we'll read it on the air)!

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If you find value in our premium cruise insights, support Small Ship Cruise Talk to help us continue to deliver expert guidance for your extraordinary voyages.

SometimesSailing.com has even more planning tips, firsthand experiences, & advice. 🌏 Use our preferred travel advisors to book your cruise.

Have questions or topic suggestions? Contact us.

©2025 Small Ship Cruise Talk. All rights reserved. May contain affiliate links. Some trips have been hosted. All opinions are our own.

We are exploring the world of luxury cruising with expert Dana Freeman! She shares her journey, inspired by her grandmother's love of cruising, so you can understand what makes different cruise lines unique in the niche.

Learn about Galapagos with Ecoventura, Riverside Luxury Cruises, Seabourn and Emerald cruises, plus the intimate nature of small ship cruising for varied adventures. Dana shares luxurious experiences highlighting special culinary offerings, unique amenities, and adventurous excursions - from cooking with a Duchess in Sicily to a helicopter ride from a luxury yacht ship that pushed her comfort zone.

Follow Dana & read some of her articles here:

• IG: @danahfreeman
• Threads: @danahfreeman
• Visit Dana's website for more of her amazing small ship cruise adventures
• Crystal Symphony Ship Review on Fodor’s
• Ponant Bougainville Ship Review on Fodor’s
• Windstar Star Breeze Ship Review on Fodor’s
• Seabourn Ovation Ship Review on Fodor’s
• Small Ship Big Thrills, including sections about Emerald Azzurra, Seabourn Ovation, & Ponant Bougainville
• Bon Voyage, Provence on a small ship during lavender time

Send us a text

Want to grab our complimentary Essential River Cruise Budgeting Guide? Head over to Small Ship Cruise Talk, scroll halfway down the page to a blue box where you'll find the signup form, and claim your copy!

Support the show

Subscribe so you never miss an episode, released every Wednesday.

Love the show? Please give us a 5-star ⭐️ rating (we'll read it on the air)!

➜ Join our Small Ship Cruise Talk community on Facebook.

Follow us on Instagram, Threads, & Pinterest.

📩 Sign up for our newsletter.

If you find value in our premium cruise insights, support Small Ship Cruise Talk to help us continue to deliver expert guidance for your extraordinary voyages.

SometimesSailing.com has even more planning tips, firsthand experiences, & advice. 🌏 Use our preferred travel advisors to book your cruise.

Have questions or topic suggestions? Contact us.

©2025 Small Ship Cruise Talk. All rights reserved. May contain affiliate links. Some trips have been hosted. All opinions are our own.

If you've heard anything about river cruise lines, the names "Viking" and "AmaWaterways" likely sound familiar. We break down the key differences between and similarities between these two leading river cruise lines. Join us as we discuss ship design, dining experiences, excursion options, pricing, and the target audience for each option.

With firsthand experiences, we provide insights to help you choose the right river cruise for your needs. Spoiler alert: the best cruise option of the two for you may not be what you initially thought!

Here are some helpful resources for you that go along with this episode:

VIKING:

• Bordeaux River Cruise Review on Viking Forseti
• Our Experience on a Viking Douro River Cruise (In-Depth Review)
• My Viking Journey: What to Expect After Booking a Cruise (Before You Sail)
• Viking Christmas River Cruise with Dazzling Markets Along the Danube

AMAWATERWAYS:

• AmaWaterways Mekong River Cruise Review: 30 Unexpected Surprises
• Rhone River Cruise Review: AmaWaterways Colors of Provence
• AmaWaterways Colors of Provence Excursions during a Rhone River Cruise
• AmaWaterways Food Review (with Drinks) on AmaKristina

Send us a text

Want to grab our complimentary Essential River Cruise Budgeting Guide? Head over to Small Ship Cruise Talk, scroll halfway down the page to a blue box where you'll find the signup form, and claim your copy!

Support the show

Subscribe so you never miss an episode, released every Wednesday.

Love the show? Please give us a 5-star ⭐️ rating (we'll read it on the air)!

➜ Join our Small Ship Cruise Talk community on Facebook.

Follow us on Instagram, Threads, & Pinterest.

📩 Sign up for our newsletter.

If you find value in our premium cruise insights, support Small Ship Cruise Talk to help us continue to deliver expert guidance for your extraordinary voyages.

SometimesSailing.com has even more planning tips, firsthand experiences, & advice. 🌏 Use our preferred travel advisors to book your cruise.

Have questions or topic suggestions? Contact us.

©2025 Small Ship Cruise Talk. All rights reserved. May contain affiliate links. Some trips have been hosted. All opinions are our own.

Considering cruising in Alaska and wondering what you get with a big ship vs. a small ship or vice versa? Join us as we explore the differences between the two for Alaskan cruises, focusing on the Inside Passage. We discuss ship sizes, itineraries, cultural immersion, pricing, and personal preferences, providing insights to help you choose the right cruise for your dream vacation in The Last Frontier.

Here are some helpful links from our conversation:

• These are the most amazing binoculars that we ALWAYS bring to Alaska.
• Celebrity Edge was the big ship we explored the Inside Passage on. See photos from our experience with additional info about the Dawes Glacier itinerary, and read more about the different suite classes with Celebrity.
• We visited Sitka to start our Alaskan Dream Cruises Inside Passage Sojourn (see how close the ship was to the waterfall we discuss!). Also, check out Mikkel modeling the waterproof paints and jacket we mention!
• For additional reading, learn more about luxury cruise options in Alaska and compare large and small ships. (Tune into a future episode when we deep dive into this topic!)
• You’ll find the binoculars and other must-pack items in our easy-to-access

Send us a text

Want to grab our complimentary Essential River Cruise Budgeting Guide? Head over to Small Ship Cruise Talk, scroll halfway down the page to a blue box where you'll find the signup form, and claim your copy!

Support the show

Subscribe so you never miss an episode, released every Wednesday.

Love the show? Please give us a 5-star ⭐️ rating (we'll read it on the air)!

➜ Join our Small Ship Cruise Talk community on Facebook.

Follow us on Instagram, Threads, & Pinterest.

📩 Sign up for our newsletter.

If you find value in our premium cruise insights, support Small Ship Cruise Talk to help us continue to deliver expert guidance for your extraordinary voyages.

SometimesSailing.com has even more planning tips, firsthand experiences, & advice. 🌏 Use our preferred travel advisors to book your cruise.

Have questions or topic suggestions? Contact us.

©2025 Small Ship Cruise Talk. All rights reserved. May contain affiliate links. Some trips have been hosted. All opinions are our own.

Come along as we explore the charming city of Sitka, Alaska! Find out why it has a unique character, including its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural beauty. We’ll also discuss practical travel tips for your vacation planning, must-see wildlife experiences, and local dining recommendations. Consider this a comprehensive guide to enjoying Sitka.

You’ll also discover the hidden treasures that make Sitka a standout destination in Alaska and what’s essential to book early.

Here are some helpful links that come up during our conversation:

• These are the most amazing binoculars that we ALWAYS bring to Alaska.
• You’ll find the binoculars and other must-pack items in our easy-to-access Alaska Packing List on Amazon, including the right clothing, rain gear, and camera lenses.
• Find out more about our unforgettable experiences in Sitka, including our Bumble Expeditions adventure, The Salty Sitkan activity (and the link to book), the Fortress of the Bear, the Alaska Raptor Center, Harrigan Centennial Hall, Sitka National Historical Park, where we dined, and more.
• The dream resort that you must book if you are staying in Sitka beyond your cruise! We had an amazing experience at Twin Islands Retreat.
• We visited Sitka to start our Alaskan Dream Cruises Inside Passage Sojourn.
• For additional reading, learn more about

Send us a text

Want to grab our complimentary Essential River Cruise Budgeting Guide? Head over to Small Ship Cruise Talk, scroll halfway down the page to a blue box where you'll find the signup form, and claim your copy!

Support the show

Subscribe so you never miss an episode, released every Wednesday.

Love the show? Please give us a 5-star ⭐️ rating (we'll read it on the air)!

➜ Join our Small Ship Cruise Talk community on Facebook.

Follow us on Instagram, Threads, & Pinterest.

📩 Sign up for our newsletter.

If you find value in our premium cruise insights, support Small Ship Cruise Talk to help us continue to deliver expert guidance for your extraordinary voyages.

SometimesSailing.com has even more planning tips, firsthand experiences, & advice. 🌏 Use our preferred travel advisors to book your cruise.

Have questions or topic suggestions? Contact us.

©2025 Small Ship Cruise Talk. All rights reserved. May contain affiliate links. Some trips have been hosted. All opinions are our own.

Let’s explore Ketchikan, Alaska! We share our experience visiting multiple times, including overnight stays in this southern Alaskan city, often called the gateway to Alaska. From local dining (do not miss our #1 recommendation for where to dine), cultural experiences, and outdoor activities, by the end of the episode, you’ll have a plethora of valuable insights and a comprehensive guide to Ketchikan's attractions and local spots.

Helpful articles:

• Top Activities in Ketchikan with a Useful Area Info & Map, which includes where we ate, drank, and our hotel. Where the Eagle Walks tours and more can be found here.
• Celebrity Edge in Alaska: 12 Vital Things to Know for a Dawes Glacier Cruise.
• Our Experience on Alaskan Dream Cruises Inside Passage Sojourn.
• We share insights into some luxury cruise options in Alaska and compare large and small ships. (Stay tuned for another episode when we deep dive into this topic!)
• The most amazing binoculars, which we would ALWAYS bring to Alaska.
• You’ll find the binoculars and other must-pack items in our easy-to-access

Book one of the Top Things to Do in Ketchikan that we recommend here:

• 🧊 Visit our Viator shop to see a curated list of our Alaska excursion recommendatio

Send us a text

Want to grab our complimentary Essential River Cruise Budgeting Guide? Head over to Small Ship Cruise Talk, scroll halfway down the page to a blue box where you'll find the signup form, and claim your copy!

Support the show

Subscribe so you never miss an episode, released every Wednesday.

Love the show? Please give us a 5-star ⭐️ rating (we'll read it on the air)!

➜ Join our Small Ship Cruise Talk community on Facebook.

Follow us on Instagram, Threads, & Pinterest.

📩 Sign up for our newsletter.

If you find value in our premium cruise insights, support Small Ship Cruise Talk to help us continue to deliver expert guidance for your extraordinary voyages.

SometimesSailing.com has even more planning tips, firsthand experiences, & advice. 🌏 Use our preferred travel advisors to book your cruise.

Have questions or topic suggestions? Contact us.

©2025 Small Ship Cruise Talk. All rights reserved. May contain affiliate links. Some trips have been hosted. All opinions are our own.

As part of our All About Alaska series, we share our experiences with Alaskan Dream Cruises, focusing on the unique aspects of small ship cruising in the 49th state. We discuss the authentic Alaskan experience, the Baranof Dream ship, daily life onboard, wildlife watching, pricing, dining options, entertainment, itinerary highlights, packing tips, and the benefits of extending your stay in Alaska.

During this episode, we reference:

• Photos of the Alaskan Dream Cruises ship and the Inside Passage Sojourn itinerary.
• Amazon Alaska Packing List (including the essentials you need to stay warm, even during summer).
• You'll want to bring your own pair of high-quality binoculars.
• Be sure to travel with anti-nausea solutions, just in case you get seasick (better to have and not need than need and not have).
• Bring a telephoto camera lens. Buy the one we suggest in our Amazon Alaska packing list (a fantastic, well-priced lens) and rent a lens from KEH for your trip. If you rent a lens, be sure to select the most coverage for rental insurance for the duration of your expedition cruise.

Send us a text

Want to grab our complimentary Essential River Cruise Budgeting Guide? Head over to Small Ship Cruise Talk, scroll halfway down the page to a blue box where you'll find the signup form, and claim your copy!

Support the show

Subscribe so you never miss an episode, released every Wednesday.

Love the show? Please give us a 5-star ⭐️ rating (we'll read it on the air)!

➜ Join our Small Ship Cruise Talk community on Facebook.

Follow us on Instagram, Threads, & Pinterest.

📩 Sign up for our newsletter.

If you find value in our premium cruise insights, support Small Ship Cruise Talk to help us continue to deliver expert guidance for your extraordinary voyages.

SometimesSailing.com has even more planning tips, firsthand experiences, & advice. 🌏 Use our preferred travel advisors to book your cruise.

Have questions or topic suggestions? Contact us.

©2025 Small Ship Cruise Talk. All rights reserved. May contain affiliate links. Some trips have been hosted. All opinions are our own.

We take a closer look at Keukenhof gardens—one of the most famous gardens in the world and the most world-renowned tulip garden. We discuss the range of destinations often included on tulip river cruise itineraries, from medieval towns like Bruges and Ghent to the charm of Delft to modern cities like Rotterdam.

We also discuss how far in advance to book, starting prices and inclusions.

We share our insider knowledge about the annual Flower Parade and where and how to see it, essential packing tips for spring weather in the area, and what kinds of souvenirs you can bring home.

Some additional helpful links & info we mention in Parts 1 & 2:

• Willet-Holthuysen Museum
• Annemieke's Pluktuin
• Tulip Experience
• Extensive information about visiting Keukenhof

Don't miss our incredible Netherlands articles on our websites, Sometimes Home, here, including information about Dutch foods to try, the best train and bus trips from Amsterdam, and details on visiting De Beemster, a fantastic city near the Bollenstreek area.

🌷 Interested in a tulips river cruise for 2026? Our preferred travel agents are hosting a Tulip Time Cruise starting April 3, 2026. Contact

Send us a text

Want to grab our complimentary Essential River Cruise Budgeting Guide? Head over to Small Ship Cruise Talk, scroll halfway down the page to a blue box where you'll find the signup form, and claim your copy!

Support the show

Subscribe so you never miss an episode, released every Wednesday.

Love the show? Please give us a 5-star ⭐️ rating (we'll read it on the air)!

➜ Join our Small Ship Cruise Talk community on Facebook.

Follow us on Instagram, Threads, & Pinterest.

📩 Sign up for our newsletter.

If you find value in our premium cruise insights, support Small Ship Cruise Talk to help us continue to deliver expert guidance for your extraordinary voyages.

SometimesSailing.com has even more planning tips, firsthand experiences, & advice. 🌏 Use our preferred travel advisors to book your cruise.

Have questions or topic suggestions? Contact us.

©2025 Small Ship Cruise Talk. All rights reserved. May contain affiliate links. Some trips have been hosted. All opinions are our own.