Star of the Seas is the world’s largest cruise ship and one of Royal Caribbean’s most talked-about launches. But what’s it really like to sail on an inaugural preview voyage—and how can you make it feel luxurious without booking top-tier suites?

In this episode, host Dr. Krystal Sodaitis recounts her family’s four-day sailing on the newest Icon Class ship, revealing how they maximized space, comfort, and indulgence along the way.

Highlights include:

• Smart stateroom strategy: Why two connecting balcony cabins worked better than a suite for a family of four
• Preview perks: Sailing at just 70% capacity meant shorter lines—even for the waterslides
• Embarkation brunch tradition: An unforgettable seafood spread only offered during a ship’s inaugural year
• Thermal suite access: Affordable pampering options, including chromotherapy showers and unique saunas
• Perfect day at CocoCay: Floating mats, warm waters, and pure relaxation
• Luxury by design: How you can add indulgence without overspending on suite access

From savoring sushi with caviar to enjoying stress-free stateroom logistics, Krystal shows that luxury isn’t always about the price tag—it’s about the details that make your cruise unforgettable.

• Luxury doesn’t always require a suite—sometimes connecting balcony cabins deliver more comfort and flexibility.
• Preview sailings offer unique advantages, like reduced capacity and exclusive inaugural traditions.
• The seafood embarkation brunch is an indulgent must-try if you can catch a ship in its inaugural year.
• Thermal suites can add affordable spa-like luxury—even if you skip suite access.
• Perfect Day at CocoCay continues to shine as a relaxing, customizable beach experience.

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

📝 Looking for the perfect luxury cruise: Take our quiz

👥 Want to be a guest? Fill out this form to connect. 

Looking for the perfect spa experience: Spa table

Matt Hochberg is known as one of the OGs in the cruise podcast world, dedicated to all things Royal Caribbean. But what happens when he trades in mega-ships and FlowRiders for a smaller, all-inclusive luxury cruise line like Silversea?

In this conversation, Matt pulls back the curtain on his first luxury cruise and gives us the real talk on how it stacked up against his usual adventures at sea. 

We cover:

• Status matching perks: What translated from Royal to Silversea—and what didn’t
• The vibe onboard: Fewer crowds, more personal touches, and a completely different pace
• Butler vs. Royal Genie service—what really sets them apart
• Food and excursions: Locally sourced ingredients, cooking labs, and smaller-group tours
• Value of luxury cruising: Why it may not be as out-of-reach as you think

From fresh Norwegian strawberries handpicked by the captain to gourmet sushi lunches and impeccable service where everyone knew his name, Matt shares why this sailing opened his eyes to a new level of cruising. If you’ve ever wondered whether luxury is worth the leap, this episode will give you an insider’s perspective from one of the most trusted voices in cruising.

Matt Hochberg is one of the most recognized voices in the cruise community. He is the founder of two trusted cruise resources, Royal Caribbean Blog and Cruise.blog, and has built a loyal following through his podcasting, articles, and in-depth cruise coverage. When he’s not writing or recording, Matt shares ship reviews, port guides, and insider tips on his popular YouTube channel, helping travelers make the most of their time at sea.

📌 RoyalCaribbeanBlog.com 
📌 Cruise.blog
📌 YouTube: Royal Caribbean Blog

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

📝 Looking for the perfect luxury cruise: Take our quiz

👥 Want to be a guest? Fill out this form to connect. 

Looking for the perfect spa experience: Spa table

• Luxury cruising is less about gold finishes, more about personalized service and a slower pace.
• Smaller ships open doors to ports and experienced mega-ships can’t access.
• The Butler experience is different from a Royal Genie—but equally memorable.
• Luxury cruising isn’t always wildly more expensive, especially compared to high-tier suites on mainstream lines.
• Details like fresh, locally sourced food and smaller excursion groups elevate the entire trip.

Viking River Cruises may have a reputation for being slow-paced and tailored to an older crowd, but Julia Wilcox has a different story to tell. At just 25, she hopped aboard the Viking Forseti for a weeklong adventure through Bordeaux—and came back convinced river cruising is the ultimate way to see Europe in your 20s.

In this candid conversation, Julia shares everything:

• How her trip compared to past Viking ocean cruises
• The perks of a smaller ship (three decks, all-balcony staterooms, and zero seasickness!)
• Overnight port stays that let you really explore the towns
• A few surprises—like last-minute itinerary changes, snack shortages, and “wedding banquet” dinners
• Why she’d do it all over again

From hidden relics in small French churches to impromptu wine tastings, Julia paints a picture of river cruising that’s more authentic, more connected, and way less “grandparent vacation” than you might think.

Julia Wilcox is a 25-year-old social media strategist and avid traveler who proves Viking River Cruises aren’t just for retirees. Trading in the typical party cruise scene for Bordeaux wine tastings, charming French villages, and overnight stays in storybook ports, Julia shares her firsthand take on why river cruising might be the best-kept secret for 20-somethings.

With a background in social media, Julia brings a fresh, behind-the-scenes perspective to luxury travel, documenting her adventures and offering honest tips for younger travelers looking to explore the world in comfort and style. Whether she’s sipping wine in Blaye, marveling at ancient relics in Libourne, or comparing ocean and river cruising, Julia’s insights make luxury cruising approachable and inspiring.

📸 Instagram: @jules_wilcox 

🎥 TikTok: @julesvalentina2

Curious for a different take on the same ship? Don’t miss Episode 21: “Viking Forseti Through Bordeaux”, where a Florida chef shares his moments of luxury, cultural immersion, and Viking’s heartfelt service when things go off-script.

▶ Listen now: Episode 21 – Viking Forseti Through Bordeaux

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

📝 Looking for the perfect luxury cruise: Take our quiz

👥 Want to be a guest? Fill out this form to connect. 

Looking for the perfect spa experience: Spa table

• River cruising offers an intimate, stress-free way to see Europe without repacking or long drives.
• Younger travelers can still love Viking—especially if you’re a foodie, wine lover, or curious explorer.
• Expect fewer onboard amenities but richer experiences ashore.
• Excursions and local connections can make a luxury trip unforgettable.
• Flexibility is key: river levels and timing can change everything.

There’s something undeniably electric about stepping aboard a brand-new cruise ship, where every corridor still smells like fresh paint and every suite is waiting to make its first memories.

In this episode of Luxury Cruising, host Dr. Krystal Sodaitis talks with Kim Urig, a travel writer and experienced travel advisor who has been lucky enough to attend multiple inaugural sailings—from Emerald’s twin christenings on the Danube to Royal Caribbean’s jaw-dropping launches of Icon of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas.

Kim shares:

• The fascinating origins of ship christenings (spoiler: they weren’t always so bubbly 🍾)
• What really happens on inaugural sailings—balloon drops, Broadway shows, celebrity godparents, and exclusive behind-the-scenes access
• Why inaugural cruises feel more like a movie premiere than a standard sailing
• The special perks, from tasting every specialty restaurant to touring suites you’ve only ever dreamed of booking
• The unforgettable vibe of being among the first to experience a game-changing ship

From Lionel Messi and Meghan Trainor to champagne splashes and secret scavenger hunts through luxury staterooms, Kim paints a vivid picture of the magic that comes with being part of cruising history.

Kim Urig is a travel writer turned travel advisor with a passion for exploring the world’s most memorable voyages. She has attended multiple inaugural sailings, from Emerald’s twin christenings on the Danube to Royal Caribbean’s headline-making launches of Icon of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas.

Kim shares her adventures, cruise reviews, and travel tips at loveourworldtravel.com, where you can read some of her most popular articles:

• Five Things That Surprised Me About Icon of the Seas — from AI-powered elevators to Rover the ship dog, and even a gym that rivals land-based facilities.
• Utopia of the Seas – Preview Cruise Review — covering Meghan Trainor’s christening, immersive dining at Utopia Station, and how the ship positions itself as a weekend alternative to Orlando vacations.

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimurig
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Fms9wNroG/

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

📝 Looking for the perfect luxury cruise: Take our quiz

👥 Want to be a guest? Fill out this form to connect. 

Looking for the perfect spa experience: Spa table

• Ship christenings trace back to ancient myths of calming the seas.
• Inaugural cruises often include exclusive perks not found on regular sailings.
• These events feel like red carpet experiences—complete with celebrity godparents and live concerts.
• Travel advisors and guests can access private tours of suites, dining, and entertainment before the public.
• Sailing an inaugural voyage lets you experience cruise history in the making.

Luxury doesn’t just mean marble bathrooms and champagne on arrival. Sometimes, it means not getting nickel-and-dimed.

In this episode of Luxury Cruising, Dr. Krystal Sodaitis unpacks what you actually get for your money across three levels of cruising: contemporary, premium, and entry-level luxury. She compares inside cabins, balcony rooms, junior suites, and top-tier accommodations across Carnival, Royal Caribbean, MSC, Oceania, and Silversea—down to the drink packages, Wi-Fi, bath products, and butler service.

With detailed cost breakdowns and personal insight, Krystal makes the case that luxury cruising might offer more value than you think. Whether you’re eyeing an upgrade or trying to justify the splurge, this is your ultimate cost-vs-value cruise guide.

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

📝 Looking for the perfect luxury cruise: Take our quiz

👥 Want to be a guest? Fill out this form to connect. 

Looking for the perfect spa experience: Spa table

• Luxury isn’t just about price—it’s about what’s included.
• An “affordable” cruise can add up fast when you include drinks, Wi-Fi, and extras.
• Entry-level luxury may rival premium suites in cost, but exceed them in experience.
• Personal service (like butlers and turn-down twice a day) is the game changer.
• Sometimes, the real value lies in what you don’t have to think about.

2025 is a landmark year in luxury cruising, with 11 new ships launching across a mix of ocean liners, boutique yachts, and coastal cruisers.

In this episode, Dr. Krystal Sodaitis shares a curated walkthrough of the most exciting new ships across all types of cruise lines—from Virgin’s cheeky “Brilliant Lady” to Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas” and Ritz-Carlton’s ultra-luxury “Luminar.” Learn which ships have wraparound balconies, a slide and karaoke room, in-room saunas, and floating sea pools. ,  With wellness-forward designs and innovations that reflect a broader shift in how we define luxury at sea.

You’ll also hear how new launches often mean deals on older ships—insider tip alert!

Whether you're a cruise connoisseur or looking for your first high-end voyage, this episode offers a front-row view of what’s next in maritime luxury.

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

📝 Looking for the perfect luxury cruise: Take our quiz

👥 Want to be a guest? Fill out this form to connect. 

Looking for the perfect spa experience: Spa table

• Luxury is evolving – From spa sanctuaries to immersive culinary experiences, ships are blending tech and tranquility.
• Bigger isn’t always better – Ultra-luxury lines are downsizing to maximize exclusivity and service.
• The best deals aren’t always on the newest ships – Use new launches to find value in established fleets.
• Suites are the new destination – Think saunas, private libraries, and three-story townhouses at sea.

When we think of cruising, we imagine ocean views, endless buffets, and maybe a massage if we’re feeling fancy. But today’s luxury cruise spas are changing the game—turning wellness into a full-body, full-ship experience.

In this immersive episode, Dr. Krystal Sodaitis takes you on a tour of the most iconic cruise ship spas across major lines—from Seabourn’s earth-grounding massages and Regent’s amber quartz beds to Celebrity’s rainfall therapy rooms and Uniworld’s wine-infused facials.

She also dives into spa-specific staterooms, thermal suite hacks, embarkation-day deals, and how cruise lines are weaving wellness into every aspect of the journey—from plant-based menus to non-alcoholic botanical cocktails.

If you’ve ever dreamed of a floating sanctuary, this episode will help you book it, build it, or DIY it—no port stop needed.

To explore some of the cruise lines and experiences mentioned in this episode, check out:

• Episode #4: The Haven to France and Italy

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

📝 Looking for the perfect luxury cruise: Take our quiz

Looking for the perfect spa experience: Spa table

👥 Want to be a guest? Fill out this form to connect. 

• Spa Access Isn’t Automatic – Book early! Cruise spas fill up quickly, especially on sea days.
• Thermal Suite Passes = Big Value – These often cost less than a single massage and offer unlimited access.
• Wellness Is Woven In – From detox menus to sound bath classes, wellness now permeates ship life.
• Suite Perks Matter – Spa suites offer proximity, privacy, aromatherapy, and even in-room treatments.

You know how sometimes you look back and realize a single trip changed everything?

That’s what my first cruise did for me. It was 2001, just after 9/11, and my mom and I decided to take advantage of a last-minute deal. I had no idea that cruise would plant a seed—a love for vacationing on the open sea, rest, and yes, a little bit of luxury—that would grow into a whole new chapter of my life.

In this episode, I join Dr. Rob Beck on The Interesting MD to talk about how cruising became more than just a vacation. We explore how medicine trains us to live in constant “systole”—always on, always contracting—and how stepping onto a ship helped me rediscover “diastole.” Space. Stillness. Joy.

We also get into the nuts and bolts: how to pick your first cruise, what makes a sailing “luxury,” and why travel agents still matter. Rob and I had so much fun recording this episode, and I hope it gives you permission to dream a little—whether that’s a river cruise through Europe or just a new way to reclaim your time.

Interesting MD goes beyond the white coat to uncover the stories, quirks, and unexpected passions that make physicians—well, interesting. Hosted by Dr. Rob Beck, this podcast dives into the lives of doctors who challenge stereotypes, explore unconventional paths, and live out their full humanity alongside their medical careers. From art to advocacy, business ventures to personal reinventions, each episode reveals the rich inner world of a doctor you thought you knew. Because behind every MD is a story worth telling.

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

👥 Want to be a guest? Fill out this form to connect. 

Find your perfect cruise quiz here. 

1. Cruising isn’t one-size-fits-all—there’s a ship and style for everyone.
2. Physicians need rest that actually restores us. For me, cruising does that.
3. Luxury isn’t always about money—it’s about thoughtfulness, intention, and ease.
4. The right vacation can be a catalyst for real life change.
5. It’s okay to admit you want something more.

Luxury river cruising doesn’t stop at Viking. In fact, some of the most refined, immersive, and delightful experiences can be found aboard ships on river cruise lines you may not have heard of—yet.

In this solo episode, Dr. Krystal Sodaitis takes listeners on a guided tour of six distinctive river cruise lines: Uniworld, Tauck, Riverside Luxury Cruises, Avalon Waterways, CroisiEurope, and American Cruise Lines. Whether it’s the French flair of CroisiEurope or the ultra-personalized service of Riverside, each offers a different version of what “luxury” means—without the crowds or clichés.

Krystal covers everything from Michelin-star dining and pillow menus to paddle wheelers and fall foliage. If you're dreaming about a river cruise but unsure which line matches your travel style, this roundup delivers an insightful (and indulgent) overview of your options.

P.S we are working on something to help listeners decide which cruise line best matches their needs. 

To dive deeper into some of the cruise lines mentioned, revisit this past episode:

• Episode #9: Luxury Cruise Lines
• Episode #19: Amawaterways European Cruises
• Episode #22: Tauck MS Grace Rhine River Cruise

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

👥 Want to be a guest? Fill out this form to connect. 

1. Uniworld’s Artistic Elegance – Ships designed like floating art galleries with custom fabrics, antique furnishings, and culturally rich excursions.
2. Tauck's Legacy of Detail – All-inclusive, high-touch travel with private palace dinners and seamless service.
3. Riverside Redefines Ultra-Luxury – Think butler service, pillow menus, and even in-room spa treatments aboard Europe’s widest river ship.
4. Avalon Puts the View First – Wall-to-wall windows and beds facing the river make every morning a postcard moment.
5. CroisiEurope Blends French Flair with Value – Europe’s largest river cruise operator offers refined charm without the mega-price tag.
6. American Cruise Lines Feels Like Home – For U.S.-based travelers, this line delivers intimacy, charm, and a slice of Americana—from the Mississippi to Maine.

River cruising often conjures images of quiet mornings, clinking wine glasses, and retired couples taking in castle views. But for Heidi Rosenstrouch and her family, Tauck’s Rhine River itinerary from Basel to Amsterdam proved that luxury and family-friendly can go hand in hand.

In this heartwarming episode, host Dr. Krystal Sodaitis chats with longtime friend Heidi about why Tauck’s all-inclusive, detail-driven style turned out to be the perfect reset after the stress of the pandemic. From personalized service (yes, someone hunted down a Rummikub set mid-cruise!) to  friendships forged on deck, Heidi reflects on how Tauck made luxury feel personal—not performative.

Whether you’re curious about river cruising with teens or wondering if smaller ships can still wow, Heidi’s story offers something rare: luxury that feels like home.

Heidi Rosenstock lives in Houston, Texas, and is a self-proclaimed “non-cruiser”—except when it comes to thoughtfully crafted experiences like her family’s Tauck river cruise aboard the MS Grace. She and her husband took their two high schoolers on a summer trip through the Rhine, and the result was a mix of laughter, comfort, and adventure.

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

👥 Want to be a guest? Fill out this form to connect. 

1. Tauck Makes It Easy – No hidden fees, no tipping stress, and no overthinking—just seamless, high-touch luxury.
2. River Cruising with Teens? Totally Doable – With the right itinerary, high schoolers can enjoy hiking, biking, and bonding, too.
3. It’s the Little Things – From refillable sparkling water bottles to beds that face castle views, the details really matter.
4. The Crew That Listens – When Heidi’s group wanted to play Rummikub, staff sourced the game overnight. That’s next-level care.
5. Service is the Real Luxury – Whether arranging alternate transport for mobility issues or customizing excursions, Tauck’s team went above and beyond.
6. Family + Friends = Magic – Heidi’s family bonded not only with their travel companions, but with unexpected fellow teen travelers, making evenings unforgettable.
7. Intimate Feels Intentional – With fewer than 100 people on board, the ship felt like a floating boutique hotel, not a megacruiser.
8. Luxury = Anticipation – Heidi defines luxury as knowing what you need before you ask. Tauck nailed it.