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.

About the Guest

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

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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Key Takeaways

• 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.