What if the ultimate luxury in travel isn’t space, but time?

Dr. Krystal Sodaitis sits down with travel advisor and experienced cruiser Cindy Pirtle to explore the appeal of transatlantic cruising. With nearly 100 cruises completed, Cindy shares insights from her recent 40-day journey, including two transatlantic crossings and time exploring Europe.

They discuss how these longer voyages often offer better value, with lower per-day costs, fewer crowds, and a more relaxed pace than traditional cruises. With multiple sea days, travelers can enjoy enrichment activities, establish routines, and experience true rest away from busy itineraries.

The episode highlights how transatlantic cruises encourage deeper social connections and create opportunities to meet like-minded travelers. Ultimately, the conversation reframes luxury as time, time to slow down, reflect, and pursue meaningful experiences, making transatlantic cruising a powerful and fulfilling way to travel.

Listeners will walk away with a new perspective on luxury, not as excess, but as the freedom to slow down, explore deeply, and reconnect with what matters most.

Episode Highlights:

About the Guest:

Cindy Pirtle currently serves as a Travel Advisor with Expedia Cruises in Spring, Texas; specializing in ocean and river cruises.  She has recently completed her 95th cruise and 31st country.  Cruising affords her the ability to see the world one port at a time and in doing so allows her the opportunity to determine which countries call her to explore for extended land tours.  This extended personal travel allows her firsthand knowledge in assisting her travel clients with fantastic itineraries. 

Prior to her life planning travel for others, she retired from two separate exciting careers.  For many years, she practiced law focusing on litigation in the areas of oil and gas, pipeline regulation, constitutional law, employment law and finally health care law in both Houston and Galveston.  She then attended Fuller Seminary and worked as the Director of Adult Education and Church Life at Windwood Presbyterian Church in Houston, teaching Bible studies and other areas of Christian education.  After two full careers, Cindy learned that though she was talented in many areas, retirement was not one of them.

Website: https://www.expediacruises.com

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/cindy.pirtle

Phone: (832) 529-1300 

Office Address: off 99/Grand Parkway exit Kuykendahl Rd in Grand Parkway Market Place adjacent to Toasted Yolk, Chipotle Mexican Grill, facing the Grand Parkway and near Target.

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

📝 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

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In this episode of Luxury Cruising, Dr. Krystal Sodaitis, takes a deep dive into Royal Caribbean’s most extravagant accommodations, which is the Ultimate Family Suites, Townhouses, and the newly announced Treehouse concept.

She walks listeners through the full evolution of these one-of-a-kind accommodations, starting with the original two-story Ultimate Family Suite on Harmony of the Seas, designed as a colorful, activity-filled space for families. From there, she explores how these suites expanded across different ship classes, incorporating larger layouts, enhanced entertainment features, and more refined design elements.

Dr. Krystal also breaks down what comes with Royal Caribbean’s Star Class experience, including Royal Genie service, dining inclusions, and priority access, while noting where even these ultra-premium experiences still come with extra costs.

Finally, she tackles the big question: price. With some suites reaching $100,000 to $200,000 per sailing, she offers a realistic look at what travelers are paying and who these experiences are truly designed for.

This episode is a fun, honest exploration of cruise ship luxury at its most extreme, and a guide to deciding whether these “mini homes at sea” are worth the splurge.

Episode Highlights:

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

📝 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

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Dr. Krystal Sodaitis sits down with Michelle McSorley of Nova Luxury Travels to explore the vibrant world of river cruising through the lens of the 2026 ASTA River Cruise Expo in Amsterdam. Michelle was lucky enough to attend the festive christening of AmaWaterways’ newest vessel, the AmaSofia, and shares the celebratory energy, speeches, drone show, and heartfelt quote from the godmother.

The conversation dives deep into what makes river cruising special,  smooth sailing, beautiful scenery, smaller ships, and outstanding service,  while highlighting standout experiences aboard AmaWaterways and the lesser-known but impressive German line VIVA Cruises. Michelle details her stay on the VIVA Enjoy, including its airy design, all-inclusive offerings, delicious dining, and warm international crew. She also discusses exciting new developments, such as Celebrity River Cruises launching in 2027 and VIVA’s upcoming boutique ship.

Listeners will walk away inspired by the variety of options in river cruising, practical insights for choosing the right line, and Michelle’s personal definition of luxury as effortless, worry-free travel.

Episode Highlights:

About the Guest:

Michelle McSorley is a Concierge Travel Advisor and Certified Travel Associate (CTA) who, alongside her husband Kevin, owns NoVA Luxury Travels, a Favorite Grampy Travels affiliate. A lifelong traveler who explored Europe and Australia as a child, Michelle is passionate about crafting personalized experiences for her clients — from land adventures to sea. Cruising holds a special place in her heart: she has sailed to Alaska, Hawaii, and the Caribbean with her family, and Mediterranean, Iceland, and British Isles voyages are on the horizon. She and Kevin are already counting down to a Christmas markets cruise on the Danube following the 2027 launch of Celebrity's river cruise line. 

NoVA Luxury Travels, An Affiliate of Favorite Grampy Travels

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (703) 966-3587⁣

Website: https://NoVALuxuryTravels.com

FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/MichelleKevFGLT

FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/CruiseFoodAndDrinksSociety 

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

📝 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

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What do you actually get when you book a suite on P&O Cruises, and is it worth the upgrade?

Dr. Krystal Sodaitis sits down with returning guest Bradley to give listeners a comprehensive P&O Cruises primer; from its rich British heritage as the Peninsula & Oriental Line to how it compares with Princess Cruises.

Bradley shares his personal experiences sailing two very different ships and two very different suites: the legendary two-storey Penthouse Suites (Piano and Library) on the classic, adult-oriented Aurora versus a spacious modern suite on the family-friendly megaship Iona. The conversation covers the evolving vibe of P&O ships, the huge differences between classic and contemporary vessels, and a candid look at suite benefits, including butler service, priority boarding, specialty breakfast, and where the experience falls short compared to other lines’ ship-within-a-ship offerings.

Listeners will hear Bradley’s balanced take on P&O’s strengths, alongside honest feedback on inclusions like no free Wi-Fi, no drinks package, no exclusive dining for dinner, and limited priority services, even in the top suites. The episode also touches on P&O’s dress code, British cultural immersion, and why loyal fans keep returning despite the gaps.

Episode Highlights:

About the Guest:

Bradley, creator of Explore with Bradley, is a lifelong cruiser from South Wales, UK. Having sailed on nearly 60 cruises across every major and luxury line, he brings candid, firsthand insights to his growing online community. His content is known for being open, honest, and authentically self-funded—showing what travel really looks like beyond the brochure.

Previous Episodes:

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

📝 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

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What happens when Haven-loving luxury travelers take a chance on Carnival’s Excel Suite on the Mardi Gras with two babies in tow?

Dr. Krystal Sodaitis sits down with Rebekah and Ben Guillow of Lux Travel for Families to discuss their bold decision to try Carnival’s brand-new Mardi Gras in an Excel Suite shortly after cruising resumed post-COVID. As longtime Norwegian Haven fans, they share why they chose this massive ship for their young children (then 9 months and 4 years old), what the Forward Excel Corner Suite actually delivered, and how Loft 19 compared to The Haven.

The conversation covers the ship’s neighborhood design, the surprisingly elegant and muted-tone suite with a separate bedroom and living room, massive wrap balcony, “car wash” shower, and excellent room steward service. Rebekah and Ben highlight standout perks like priority dining reservations, food delivery to Loft 19, the exclusive family pool, and the outstanding cabana service that included daily sparkling wine, snacks, and personalized touches for their daughter.

Listeners get a grounded, family-focused perspective on whether Carnival’s Excel Suites offer real luxury value, especially for parents who want both excitement and relaxation.

Episode Highlights:

About the Guest:

Benjamin and Rebekah  Guillow met on vacation in Mexico, so travel has been part of their story from the very beginning. Before having kids, they explored the world extensively, and when they became parents, they were told that kind of travel would have to slow down. Instead, they chose to bring their kids along for the journey. Along the way, they discovered that families are not only welcomed but truly embraced, even in the most luxurious destinations. 

That passion led us to become travel agents with a Forbes-rated agency in 2023, where they now help others create unforgettable experiences. they  book everything from weekend getaways to bucket-list adventures, specializing in luxury travel for families, couples, and individuals. For them, travel isn’t just what they do, it’s who they are, and they’re always excited to see where it takes them next.

Connect with Benjamin and Rebekah:

Email: [email protected] 

Website: Ben & Rebekah Guillow | Travel Advisor

Youtube: @luxtravelforfamilies

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luxtravelforfamilies

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

📝 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

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Dr. Krystal Sodaitis sits down with Sonal  to explore every detail of a 5-night Caribbean cruise aboard The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s Evrima. Sonal and her husband celebrated their anniversary with a last-minute suite upgrade, experiencing the ship’s modern luxury vibe, thoughtful butler service, and personalized touches that made them feel genuinely cared for.

They dive into the ship’s intimate scale (only 150–298 guests), the mix of modern decor with high-end details, spacious suites with private dining areas and large balconies, and standout dining including the reservations-required S.E.A. Sonal shares honest insights on the relaxed dress code, diverse passenger demographic, personalized excursions, evening entertainment, and the constant flow of champagne and attentive service without nickel-and-diming.

The conversation also touches on how Ritz-Carlton yachts aim to blend superyacht intimacy with cruise convenience, and how the experience stacks up against Sonal’s definition of luxury. 

Listeners will get a grounded, joyful look at whether this ultra-luxury yacht offering delivers the “pinnacle” experience many travelers dream about.

Episode Highlights:

About the Guest:

Sonal  is an integrative psychiatrist based in Illinois with a passion for luxurious travel. She and her husband are avid luxury travelers who enjoy spontaneous high-end experiences, including the Orient Express, a night at Versailles, Antarctica, and the Galápagos. 

 Instagram:  @eye.want.candy 

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

📝 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

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this solo episode of Luxury Cruising, Dr.Krystal Sodaitis spotlights six underrated perks of luxury cruising that don't always make the brochures but deliver outsized joy and practicality. From the game-changing convenience of included laundry, to the simple pleasure of a plush bathrobe after the pool or hot tub, she breaks down why these features matter, especially on longer voyages or in variable weather. She dives into in-room coffee/tea setups for relaxed balcony moments, the surprising versatility of butler service (beyond unpacking), the perfectly timed afternoon canapés that hit just right, and the sanity-saving perks of priority tendering and debarkation. 

Listeners will walk away appreciating how these "little things" turn a great cruise into an effortlessly luxurious one, and why they keep her and many others coming back to luxury lines. She invites listeners to share their own surprise perks via email or comments.

Episode Highlights:

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

📝 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

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dr. Krystal Sodaitis sits down with returning guest Sylvia Hanna, owner of Luxe for Less Travel, for a candid debrief of her latest voyage: an 11-night Paul Gauguin cruise around French Polynesia with a group of 33 (more than 10% of the entire ship!).

Sylvia breaks down the full experience from business-class flights and pre-cruise overwater bungalows at the InterContinental Tahiti and St. Regis Bora Bora, to life onboard the older, smaller Paul Gauguin. She shares exactly what exceeded expectations (Polynesian crew hospitality, turtle sea-scooter excursions, intimate dining views) and what fell short: dated 1990s décor, tiny rocking cabins, no thermal spa, identical food in all three restaurants, zero pre-cruise group dining reservations, lack of shade on deck, and almost no activities on sea days.

Listeners get the real talk on why Paul Gauguin feels more “refined premium” than true luxury today, how Silversea, Seabourn, and Regent now do it better, plus Sylvia’s pro tip: rent a car on the islands and skip the bus tours. She also answers a listener question about dress codes and shares her personal definition of luxury.

Episode Highlights:

About the Guest

Sylvia Hanna is the owner and operator of Luxe for Less Travel and a luxury traveler with more than 40 cruises across nearly every major cruise line. She just returned from leading a group of 33 clients on the Paul Gauguin in French Polynesia, her third visit to the islands, and brings her trademark honest, no-hype perspective on what actually delivers, and what doesn’t at this price point.

Email: [email protected]

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

📝 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

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Host Dr. Krystal Sodaitis chats with returning guest Kim about Hosted Cruises, a lesser-known perk offered through travel consortia that enhances sailings on select premium and luxury lines without any added cost. Kim breaks down what a consortia is, why you should always ask your travel advisor about theirs, and how hosted sailings work. A dedicated host provides concierge-like service, from answering port questions to organizing private events, all while keeping your itinerary fully independent. 

They discuss differences from group cruises, included amenities like onboard credits and private tours via vetted local experts, and why it's ideal for first-timers or solo travelers. Kim shares her upcoming hosted sailing on Explora Journeys through Greece and Turkey, and tips on booking through consortia like Signature for maximum value.

Listeners will gain insider advice on elevating their next cruise with hidden perks, comparing hosted experiences across lines like Oceania, Seabourn, and river cruises, and understanding why these aren't available through big-box retailers like Costco.

Episode Highlights:

Episode 44: A Honeymoon Aboard Explora Journeys : Megan recounts her idyllic honeymoon cruise through Greece and Turkey, visiting Athens, Santorini, Crete, Marmaris, and Istanbul. She highlights luxurious ocean terrace suites, top-notch amenities, and exceptional service that made the journey unforgettable.

Episode 46: Explore Journeys Explorer 1 Review: Is This the New Standard in Luxury Cruising? : Bradley breakdown Explorer 1, MSC's six-star yacht-style cruise ship, sharing honest insights on design, dining, entertainment, and value. With 60 cruises' experience, he reveals how Explorer is redefining luxury cruising with surprising elegance.

About the Guest:

Kim is a home-based travel advisor and member of the Signature Travel Network, specializing in cruises and luxury travel. With extensive experience in hosted sailings and consortia-negotiated perks, she brings practical insights to help travelers maximize value and enjoy personalized experiences at sea.Kim shares her adventures, cruise reviews, and travel tips at loveourworldtravel.com, where you can read all about her travel adventures. 

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimurig

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

📝 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

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Host Dr. Krystal Sodaitis welcomes Melanie to dive into her recent short cruise on Norwegian Joy, focusing on the Haven’s ship-within-a-ship perks that turned a quick trip into pure relaxation.

Melanie recounts her seamless embarkation at bustling Port Canaveral, the joys of a spacious aft suite with ocean-view tub, and the standout Haven restaurant where staff anticipated every need. They discuss butler and concierge services, private pools and hot tubs, priority access to shows and go-karts, and the exclusive Silver Cove enclave on Great Stirrup Cay, complete with air-conditioned cabanas, infinity pools, and private buffets. Melanie compares it to Disney’s concierge, highlighting Norwegian’s edge in dedicated dining and value.

The episode explores why the Haven suits families seeking quiet luxury, how it enhances short cruises from Orlando, perfect for pairing with theme parks, and honest insights on tendering, inclusions, and what makes this refined premium cruising worth the splurge. 

Listeners will gain a clear picture of who the Haven is ideal for, especially on Norwegian’s Breakaway and class ships like Joy and Encore.

Episode Highlights:

About the Guest:

Melanie is a mom and avid cruiser from Pennsylvania with experience on multiple lines, including Disney and Norwegian. A Disney Vacation Club member and boating enthusiast, she loves pairing cruises with theme park visits and seeks out relaxed, luxurious getaways with her teenage son.

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

📝 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

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.