Some itineraries pick you—and Ireland did just that. After years on the big mainstream lines, Mo joined her parents for a 10-day loop of the Emerald Isle on Azamara Quest, embarking and disembarking in Dublin with daily ports and zero sea-day boredom. A last-minute upgrade placed her in a balcony stateroom with generous storage and a surprisingly spacious bath—setting the tone for a week and a half where quality and convenience defined luxury.

We talk about small-ship service that feels like summer camp for grown-ups (in the best way), inclusive daily moments—trivia, name-that-tune, live band sets—as well as signature evenings like White Night. Mo shares why the crew (and even the officers) made the experience feel personal, how nightly snacks magically appeared when the dance floor heated up, and why the chef’s table and specialty venues (Aqualina for seafood; Prime C for steak) were worth planning around.

On shore, Mo sampled ship-sponsored excursions—from Quiet Man Country near Galway to the dramatic Cliffs of Moher—led by local guides who sprinkled film lore, culture, and everyday Irish life into the ride. She also highlights inclusive onboard meetups (solo traveler social, LGBTQ+ “Friends of…” gatherings, Friends of Bill W.) that helped guests of all ages feel seen.

Mo closes with her definition of luxury—“quality and convenience”—and teases her next trip: a 14-day Mediterranean circuit with Greece, Turkey, Egypt (pyramids!), Malta, and Italy. Consider her officially converted.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why itinerary matters: A 10-day, full circuit of Ireland (roundtrip Dublin) with new ports daily
• Small-ship vibe: Staff who know your name, officers at events, and a community that forms fast
• Spaces that work: Balcony stateroom, real storage, easy ship layout (food on 9, pool on 10, quiet vs. lively ends)
• Entertainment nightly: Trivia, karaoke, live music, and ship-wide theme nights (hello, White Night)
• Dining highlights: Buffet breakfasts with omelet stations, proper pastries, late-night bites, plus Aqualina & Prime C (Mo’s pick: French onion soup) and a quick, actually-great room-service pizza
• Excursions done right: Local-led stories in Quiet Man Country; logistics-made-easy day at the Cliffs of Moher
• Inclusive community: Solo traveler socials, LGBTQ+ meetups, Friends of Bill W.—clear signals that everyone belongs
• Safety & care: Accountability when re-boarding and a crew that double-checks guests are back on
   

About the Guest

Mo is a Chicago-based traveler and first-time luxury cruiser who sailed Azamara Quest with her parents on a 10-day loop of Ireland. A longtime mainstream-line fan, she’s now team small-ship—and already booked for a 14-day Mediterranean adventure featuring Greece, Turkey, Egypt, Malta, and Italy.

About the Host

Dr. Krystal Sodaitis is a pediatrician, executive, and life coach for neurodiverse physicians—and the passionate host behind Luxury Cruising. She brings expert insight and honest excitement to every interview, helping curious travelers elevate their adventures at sea.

📍 Website: luxurycruising.net
📧 Email: [email protected] 
🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/krystalsodaitis

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