Small Ship Cruise Talk

All About Road Scholar Afloat: A Unique Cruise Travel Program

Curious about Road Scholar travel programs, but not sure if it's right for you? This episode gives you everything you need to know about the cruise trips (called “Afloat” programs) with Road Scholar, a prestigious non-profit travel company. We hear directly from Zoe Fox-Mailer, Director of Programming at Road Scholar, on exactly how the Adventure Afloat program works — how trips are structured, what a typical day looks like, how the floating campus model creates a real learning experience without feeling like a classroom, and how solo travelers are set up to actually connect with people.  If you've ever wondered what separates a Road Scholar cruise from just booking any small ship sailing, this conversation answers that. Then Wendy Baldwin — a Road Scholar veteran with 22+ programs completed — shares what it's actually like to be on these trips as a solo traveler. She's cruised to Holland, Greenland, Scotland, Antarctica, and Norway with Road Scholar, and she's headed to Patagonia next!  More importantly, she was skeptical of group travel before her first program. If you are too, you'll want to hear what changed her mind. By the end of this episode, you'll know whether Road Scholar is the right fit for the way you want to travel. Check out the Road Scholar Facebook groups: https://sometimessailing.com/RS-FB Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2448059/fan_mail/new] 🚨Programming announcement: We are publishing bi-weekly podcast episodes, so we can bring you more video content on our YouTube channel, @sometimes-sailing [https://youtube.com/@sometimessailing]! Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2448059/support] 👉🏻 Subscribe so you never miss an episode, released every other Wednesday.  ✈️ Use our preferred travel advisors [https://sometimessailing.com/preferred-travel-advisors/] to book your cruise.  ▶️ Subscribe to our YouTube channel: @sometimes-sailing [https://youtube.com/@sometimes-sailing] 💙 Join our Small Ship Cruise Talk community on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/groups/657100830339693]. 💻 Follow us on Instagram [https://instagram.com/sometimessailing], Threads [https://www.threads.net/@sometimessailing], & Pinterest [https://pinterest.com/sometimessailing]. 📩 Sign up for our newsletter [https://sometimessailing.com/small-ship-cruise-talk-podcast/]. 🌏 SometimesSailing.com [https://sometimessailing.com/] has even more planning tips, firsthand experiences, & advice.   📱 Have questions or topic suggestions? Contact us [http://sometimessailing.com/contact]. ©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.

Repeating the Same Cruise Itinerary: How to Do It Right

Ever had that pull to go back to a cruise you loved?  We're breaking down exactly what to consider before you rebook, from choosing the same cruise line vs. switching it up, to how time of year, ports, and even a different version of yourself can make the same river feel brand new.  Plus, we share our own experience returning to AmaWaterways' Colors of Provence and what's making us excited to see it through fresh eyes. We cover: * Cruising on the same line vs. a new one * When ports aren't the same twice * Seasonal timing * Themed departures * Managing expectations of yourself, family and friends * Visa and logistics traps to avoid * And practical tips to consider before you book Download our free worksheet [https://sometimes-sailing.myflodesk.com/i0ol4p9hg9] to decide if repeating a cruise itinerary is right for you: https://sometimes-sailing.myflodesk.com/i0ol4p9hg9 Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2448059/fan_mail/new] 🚨Programming announcement: We are publishing bi-weekly podcast episodes, so we can bring you more video content on our YouTube channel, @sometimes-sailing [https://youtube.com/@sometimessailing]! Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2448059/support] 👉🏻 Subscribe so you never miss an episode, released every other Wednesday.  ✈️ Use our preferred travel advisors [https://sometimessailing.com/preferred-travel-advisors/] to book your cruise.  ▶️ Subscribe to our YouTube channel: @sometimes-sailing [https://youtube.com/@sometimes-sailing] 💙 Join our Small Ship Cruise Talk community on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/groups/657100830339693]. 💻 Follow us on Instagram [https://instagram.com/sometimessailing], Threads [https://www.threads.net/@sometimessailing], & Pinterest [https://pinterest.com/sometimessailing]. 📩 Sign up for our newsletter [https://sometimessailing.com/small-ship-cruise-talk-podcast/]. 🌏 SometimesSailing.com [https://sometimessailing.com/] has even more planning tips, firsthand experiences, & advice.   📱 Have questions or topic suggestions? Contact us [http://sometimessailing.com/contact]. ©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.

Future of River Cruises, Expedition & Yacht Cruising from Seatrade Global Leading Cruise Industry Event

The future of cruising is looking bright, and we have the inside scoop straight from Seatrade Miami, the cruise industry's leading global event. In this episode, we share our six biggest takeaways, from the explosive growth of river cruising and the rising appeal of expedition and yacht cruises, to why small ships are winning over first-time travelers in a big way. We also get into what's new in onboard drinks (including gluten-free beer, sake, and rosé spritzes) and cocktails, featuring standout spirits and beverage innovations from Seatrade Miami's F&B at Sea event that we think you'll start seeing on cruise ships very soon. (Just when you think juices can't get more interesting, we share what we learned about innovation in a glass, as we saw with Jucify!) Learn more about cruise lines like Century Cruises, AmaWaterways, Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Atlas Ocean Voyages, and HX Expeditions.  Whether you're a seasoned cruiser or still on the fence, this episode will open your eyes to how much the industry is evolving, and why now is a great time to get on board. Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2448059/fan_mail/new] 🚨Programming announcement: We are publishing bi-weekly podcast episodes, so we can bring you more video content on our YouTube channel, @sometimes-sailing [https://youtube.com/@sometimessailing]! Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2448059/support] 👉🏻 Subscribe so you never miss an episode, released every other Wednesday.  ✈️ Use our preferred travel advisors [https://sometimessailing.com/preferred-travel-advisors/] to book your cruise.  ▶️ Subscribe to our YouTube channel: @sometimes-sailing [https://youtube.com/@sometimes-sailing] 💙 Join our Small Ship Cruise Talk community on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/groups/657100830339693]. 💻 Follow us on Instagram [https://instagram.com/sometimessailing], Threads [https://www.threads.net/@sometimessailing], & Pinterest [https://pinterest.com/sometimessailing]. 📩 Sign up for our newsletter [https://sometimessailing.com/small-ship-cruise-talk-podcast/]. 🌏 SometimesSailing.com [https://sometimessailing.com/] has even more planning tips, firsthand experiences, & advice.   📱 Have questions or topic suggestions? Contact us [http://sometimessailing.com/contact]. ©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.

Cruise Tours Audio: How We Uplevel with One Simple Tool

Ever struggle to hear your tour guide on a shore excursion, or find that uncomfortable single-use earpiece driving you crazy?  We're breaking down everything you need to know about the #1 listening device for cruise tours, called a Quietvox—the small audio device you'll find in your stateroom on most small ship cruises. We’re explaining how it works to deliver your guide's commentary directly to your ear and tips you’ll want to remember about them for your cruise. We also share the simple hack we use to ditch that awkward earpiece entirely (the AirFly by Twelve South, linked below) so you can use your own wireless headphones or AirPods instead.  We cover the differences between the AirFly SE and AirFly Pro, the cost, tips for hearing aid users, and why setting it up before you leave home is a must. Whether you're a Quietvox veteran or have never heard of one, this episode will help you hear more, stress less, and look a little less like a tourist as you explore your next port. Please consider using our affiliate links to purchase an AirFly:  * AirFly Pro 2 —connects two pairs of headphones to one device: https://amzn.to/3OamYGS [https://amzn.to/3OamYGS]  * AirFly SE: https://amzn.to/4e2phWY [https://amzn.to/4e2phWY]   * AirFly case: https://amzn.to/4edjQo2 [https://amzn.to/4edjQo2] Thank you for supporting our podcast! Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2448059/fan_mail/new] 🚨Programming announcement: We are publishing bi-weekly podcast episodes, so we can bring you more video content on our YouTube channel, @sometimes-sailing [https://youtube.com/@sometimessailing]! Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2448059/support] 👉🏻 Subscribe so you never miss an episode, released every other Wednesday.  ✈️ Use our preferred travel advisors [https://sometimessailing.com/preferred-travel-advisors/] to book your cruise.  ▶️ Subscribe to our YouTube channel: @sometimes-sailing [https://youtube.com/@sometimes-sailing] 💙 Join our Small Ship Cruise Talk community on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/groups/657100830339693]. 💻 Follow us on Instagram [https://instagram.com/sometimessailing], Threads [https://www.threads.net/@sometimessailing], & Pinterest [https://pinterest.com/sometimessailing]. 📩 Sign up for our newsletter [https://sometimessailing.com/small-ship-cruise-talk-podcast/]. 🌏 SometimesSailing.com [https://sometimessailing.com/] has even more planning tips, firsthand experiences, & advice.   📱 Have questions or topic suggestions? Contact us [http://sometimessailing.com/contact]. ©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.

Is it Dumb to Take a Boat Excursion During Your Cruise? Pros, Cons & Tips

Is it dumb to take a boating excursion during a vacation when you’re already on a cruise? Today, we answer this question with the pros, cons, and things you may not have thought of! Ultimately, we’re going to help you decide if your answer is yes or no.  We’re also sharing what kinds of boating excursions are out there, from sunset sails to dolphin spotting, whale watching, SCUBA and snorkeling, alligator adventures, catamaran cruises, deep sea fishing, and more. Lastly, we’ll let you know what to bring along with you if you decide to sign up for one (like motion sickness medicine, just in case, and sun-blocking essentials).  During this episode, we mention:  * Motion sickness remedies: https://sometimessailing.com/anti-nausea-medication-cruise-sea-sickness-solutions/ * Mikkel’s favorite electronic mosquito bite zapper to fight those pesky bugs: https://amzn.to/4sSp4u2 * Or use the Bug Bite Thing:  https://amzn.to/4tzFG9M * Our favorite excursions in Ketchikan: https://sometimessailing.com/ketchikan-top-activities-things-to-do-with-useful-area-info-map/ Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2448059/fan_mail/new] 🚨Programming announcement: We are publishing bi-weekly podcast episodes, so we can bring you more video content on our YouTube channel, @sometimes-sailing [https://youtube.com/@sometimessailing]! Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2448059/support] 👉🏻 Subscribe so you never miss an episode, released every other Wednesday.  ✈️ Use our preferred travel advisors [https://sometimessailing.com/preferred-travel-advisors/] to book your cruise.  ▶️ Subscribe to our YouTube channel: @sometimes-sailing [https://youtube.com/@sometimes-sailing] 💙 Join our Small Ship Cruise Talk community on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/groups/657100830339693]. 💻 Follow us on Instagram [https://instagram.com/sometimessailing], Threads [https://www.threads.net/@sometimessailing], & Pinterest [https://pinterest.com/sometimessailing]. 📩 Sign up for our newsletter [https://sometimessailing.com/small-ship-cruise-talk-podcast/]. 🌏 SometimesSailing.com [https://sometimessailing.com/] has even more planning tips, firsthand experiences, & advice.   📱 Have questions or topic suggestions? Contact us [http://sometimessailing.com/contact]. ©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.