It's a monumental first for Life Well Cruised! Ilana, Frank, and Ethan went on a river cruise! Is this a sign of things to come for the pre-eminent content creators of mega ocean cruising? Find out this and more as we discuss their shocking river cruise revelations coming from the ocean cruise ship world, sailing on AmaMagna with AmaWaterways. 

They also share tips and advice from this particular trip, including a wild airplane delay story that's certainly one we've never heard before!

Join us to learn what you can expect if you're considering a river cruise after cruising on big ocean ships, and hear what the experts thought firsthand. 

Find & follow Life Well Cruised: 

• On all socials: @lifewellcruised (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and especially YouTube)
• Head over to their website, LifeWellCruised.com, for articles and packing lists, amongst other great content

Curious to learn more about AmaMagna? We have a podcast episode about that! 

Additionally, listen here if you're interested in knowing more about what small ship cruises cost after listening to our episode with Life Well Cruised.

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Thank you to our sponsor, Riverside Luxury Cruises. Find out more about our experience with this outstanding river cruise line, providing guests with the luxury of choice.

Support the show

👉🏻 Subscribe so you never miss an episode, released every Wednesday.

✈️ Use our preferred travel advisors to book your cruise.

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🌏 SometimesSailing.com has even more planning tips, firsthand experiences, & advice.

📱 Have questions or topic suggestions? Contact us.

©2025 Small Ship Cruise Talk. All rights reserved. May contain affiliate links. Some trips have been hosted. All opinions are our own.

We're sharing the five game-changing items that separate seasoned river cruisers from frustrated first-timers. Once you know what they are, you'll wonder how you ever traveled without them! (These are items we also pack for barge & expedition cruises, too.) 

These items will save you money, keep you connected, protect your belongings, and make you infinitely more comfortable on every trip.

• Learn how to eliminate expensive international roaming charges while staying connected in 135+ countries with our can’t-travel-without hotspot
• Discover the secret to ditching those awful corded headphones on excursions without looking like an obvious tourist target with this Bluetooth device
• Find out how to track your luggage and valuables with pinpoint accuracy wherever you travel with these popular trackers
• We'll also show you how to choose footwear that won't leave you hobbling after 20,000 steps on cobblestones
• And provide info about why the right compact weather protection beats anything the cruise lines provide

➡️SHOP THE ITEMS 🛒

These are the five essentials that we refuse to leave home without after years of river cruising, and – trust us – once you start packing these five essentials, you'll never go back to traveling the old way! 

For additional info, check out these episodes & info: 

• Top Things to Know About River Cruising, Part 1 & Part 2
• The Travel Hotspot We Love (& Why)

Send us a text

Thank you to our sponsor, Riverside Luxury Cruises. Find out more about our experience with this outstanding river cruise line, providing guests with the luxury of choice.

Support the show

👉🏻 Subscribe so you never miss an episode, released every Wednesday.

✈️ Use our preferred travel advisors to book your cruise.

⭐️ Love the show? Please give us a 5-star rating (we'll read it on the air)!

💙 Join our Small Ship Cruise Talk community on Facebook.

💻 Follow us on Instagram, Threads, & Pinterest.

📩 Sign up for our newsletter.

👍🏻 If you find value in our premium cruise insights, support Small Ship Cruise Talk to help us continue to deliver expert guidance for your extraordinary voyages.

🌏 SometimesSailing.com has even more planning tips, firsthand experiences, & advice.

📱 Have questions or topic suggestions? Contact us.

©2025 Small Ship Cruise Talk. All rights reserved. May contain affiliate links. Some trips have been hosted. All opinions are our own.

Continue our excursions journey with us, starting mid-cruise, from Day 4 of our Riches of the Mekong River cruise with AmaWaterways (Charms of the Mekong in reverse) to the vibrant Ho Chi Minh City. We are sharing exactly what to expect from this cultural journey through Cambodia and Vietnam - if you haven’t listened to Part 1 yet, you don’t want to miss it! Additionally, our episode about our onboard river cruise experience on the AmaDara along the Mekong River will enhance your knowledge. 

We explore the rich cultural tapestry of Southeast Asia, from the bustling streets of Phnom Penh to the serene landscapes of Vietnam. Discover the unique experiences that make this cruise unforgettable, including the breathtaking views from Oudong Hilltop and a wet market where you won’t believe the live proteins for sale. Don't miss the end, when we share a life-changing visit with APOPO HeroRats in Siem Reap that left a lasting impact on us and why.

• For additional information about this cruise, read our AmaWaterways Mekong River Cruise Review: 30 Unexpected Surprises.
• Pack a handheld rechargeable fan for your excursions! It’s hot and you’ll be grateful you have one. Our favorite fan is in our Mekong River Cruise packing list on Amazon.
• We stayed at The Courtyard Marriott in Siem Reap & Le Meridien in Ho Chi Minh City.
• Book this full-day, private tour in Siem Reap. You won't regret it!

Send us a text

Thank you to our sponsor, Riverside Luxury Cruises. Find out more about our experience with this outstanding river cruise line, providing guests with the luxury of choice.

Support the show

👉🏻 Subscribe so you never miss an episode, released every Wednesday.

✈️ Use our preferred travel advisors to book your cruise.

⭐️ Love the show? Please give us a 5-star rating (we'll read it on the air)!

💙 Join our Small Ship Cruise Talk community on Facebook.

💻 Follow us on Instagram, Threads, & Pinterest.

📩 Sign up for our newsletter.

👍🏻 If you find value in our premium cruise insights, support Small Ship Cruise Talk to help us continue to deliver expert guidance for your extraordinary voyages.

🌏 SometimesSailing.com has even more planning tips, firsthand experiences, & advice.

📱 Have questions or topic suggestions? Contact us.

©2025 Small Ship Cruise Talk. All rights reserved. May contain affiliate links. Some trips have been hosted. All opinions are our own.

We're taking you through the incredible shore excursions from our Riches of the Mekong River cruise with AmaWaterways (Charms of the Mekong in reverse), sharing exactly what to expect from this cultural journey through Cambodia and Vietnam. 

You'll discover the magic of exploring nearly 1,000 temples at Angkor Wat (including how to maximize your “golden ticket” for independent exploration), experience authentic village life in Angkor Ban where locals welcome you into their homes, and learn about Cambodia's complex history through visits to the Royal Palace and difficult but important sites like the Killing Fields. 

We'll share practical tips for navigating the bus transfers, how to prepare for the heat and cultural sites, and how AmaWaterways' Giving Back Asia program lets you make a difference during your visit. 

Whether you're already booked on a Mekong cruise or considering this bucket-list adventure, you'll understand what makes these excursions so transformative and how they connect you with the warmth and resilience of the Cambodian people. This is part one of our two-part series covering days 1-4, with part two continuing our journey into Vietnam.

Be sure to listen to our onboard river cruise experience on the AmaDara along the Mekong River.

For stunning photos and additional information about cruising this spectacular river in Southeast Asia, read our AmaWaterways Mekong River Cruise Review: 30 Unexpected Surprises.

We were grateful we had handheld rechargeable fans for our excursions! Find it in our Mekong River Cruise packing list on Amazon. 

AmaWaterways’ Giving Back Asia program is fabulous. Don’t forget to bring items to donate. (A list

Send us a text

Thank you to our sponsor, Riverside Luxury Cruises. Find out more about our experience with this outstanding river cruise line, providing guests with the luxury of choice.

Support the show

👉🏻 Subscribe so you never miss an episode, released every Wednesday.

✈️ Use our preferred travel advisors to book your cruise.

⭐️ Love the show? Please give us a 5-star rating (we'll read it on the air)!

💙 Join our Small Ship Cruise Talk community on Facebook.

💻 Follow us on Instagram, Threads, & Pinterest.

📩 Sign up for our newsletter.

👍🏻 If you find value in our premium cruise insights, support Small Ship Cruise Talk to help us continue to deliver expert guidance for your extraordinary voyages.

🌏 SometimesSailing.com has even more planning tips, firsthand experiences, & advice.

📱 Have questions or topic suggestions? Contact us.

©2025 Small Ship Cruise Talk. All rights reserved. May contain affiliate links. Some trips have been hosted. All opinions are our own.

Speaking with 🌲 Alaska expert Valerie Stimac completely opened our eyes to insights we had never considered or heard of, even though we had cruised to Alaska ourselves on multiple occasions. 

Having grown up in Alaska and worked in the cruise industry there, and now a frequent visitor, you'll find Valerie's advice and expertise at AlaskanCruisers.com and ValerieValise.com — and today, on our podcast!

Don't miss this episode to understand:

• What months are absolutely terrible to cruise to Alaska (the reason why is  logical yet jaw-dropping)
• The wonder that is "flightseeing"
• The ONE thing is you must do in Alaska (were you even there if you don't?) 
• Valerie's recommendation is for the best cruise itinerary and the reason why 

We especially love Valerie's Guides to Alaska, and her extensive “Alaska” resource category, which you'll find on the menu at the top of her website. 

Follow Valerie on all socials: @valerievalise

For further listening to help you plan your Alaska cruise, listen to our "All About Alaska" episodes:

• All About Alaska: Discovering the Inside Passage with Alaskan Dream Cruises
• All About Alaska: Ketchikan's Must-Do Experiences: Excursions, Food, Drinks & Top Hotel Choice
• All About Alaska: Sitka's Hidden Treasures
• All About Alaska: Inside Passage Cruises Two Ways – Small Cruise vs. Big Ship Experience

Send us a text

Thank you to our sponsor, Riverside Luxury Cruises. Find out more about our experience with this outstanding river cruise line, providing guests with the luxury of choice.

Support the show

👉🏻 Subscribe so you never miss an episode, released every Wednesday.

✈️ Use our preferred travel advisors to book your cruise.

⭐️ Love the show? Please give us a 5-star rating (we'll read it on the air)!

💙 Join our Small Ship Cruise Talk community on Facebook.

💻 Follow us on Instagram, Threads, & Pinterest.

📩 Sign up for our newsletter.

👍🏻 If you find value in our premium cruise insights, support Small Ship Cruise Talk to help us continue to deliver expert guidance for your extraordinary voyages.

🌏 SometimesSailing.com has even more planning tips, firsthand experiences, & advice.

📱 Have questions or topic suggestions? Contact us.

©2025 Small Ship Cruise Talk. All rights reserved. May contain affiliate links. Some trips have been hosted. All opinions are our own.

We're taking you aboard AmaWaterways' unique AmaMagna vessel with us to share exactly what makes this double-wide river cruise ship such a game-changer on the Danube River. 

You'll discover how the extra space translates into multiple restaurants, larger staterooms, and amenities you won't find on traditional river ships – including a pickleball court, full-size gym with spin bikes, and even a pool with a hot tub. 

We'll walk you through our honest pros and cons, from the spacious dance floor and guest laundry facilities to the limited itinerary options due to the ship's size. 

Whether you're an ocean cruiser considering your first river cruise or a river cruise veteran curious about this innovative design, you'll understand exactly who this ship works best for and how it compares to traditional single-wide vessels. 

We recorded this episode right from our stateroom on our final day of the cruise, giving you our unfiltered impressions of why bigger might – or might not – be better for your river cruise style.

For more AmaWaterways episodes, check out: 

• Top River Cruise Line Showdown: Viking vs. AmaWaterways
• Our AmaWaterways AmaDara Experience on the Mekong River 

Be sure to read more about AmaWaterways (with tons of photos) on our website, including articles about our AmaKristina Colors of Provence cruise, all about the food onboard, and more. 

Interested in the travel laundry sheets we discussed in this episode? You’ll find them

Send us a text

Thank you to our sponsor, Riverside Luxury Cruises. Find out more about our experience with this outstanding river cruise line, providing guests with the luxury of choice.

Support the show

👉🏻 Subscribe so you never miss an episode, released every Wednesday.

✈️ Use our preferred travel advisors to book your cruise.

⭐️ Love the show? Please give us a 5-star rating (we'll read it on the air)!

💙 Join our Small Ship Cruise Talk community on Facebook.

💻 Follow us on Instagram, Threads, & Pinterest.

📩 Sign up for our newsletter.

👍🏻 If you find value in our premium cruise insights, support Small Ship Cruise Talk to help us continue to deliver expert guidance for your extraordinary voyages.

🌏 SometimesSailing.com has even more planning tips, firsthand experiences, & advice.

📱 Have questions or topic suggestions? Contact us.

©2025 Small Ship Cruise Talk. All rights reserved. May contain affiliate links. Some trips have been hosted. All opinions are our own.

Adding a Disney twist, we’re exploring a whole new world of river cruising with Disney Cruise Line experts Brian & Sam, the DCL Duo. Taking you inside Adventures by Disney (ABD) River Cruises, we’re discussing what makes this river cruise experience extra magical. 

You'll discover luxurious white-glove services that set Disney apart, plus unique excursions like salt mines and equestrian shows, and learn how Disney sprinkles extra pixie dust on experiences. We'll answer questions like how:

• How “Disney-fied” are the ships?
• What kid-friendly cuisine is on the menus?
• What is an ideal age for an ABD river cruise? 
• What itineraries are available?
• How family-friendly is the atmosphere? 

Plus, learn about unforgettable Christmas markets that made Brian & Sam’s experience sparkle! 

Whether you're a Disney fan who is curious about ABD river cruise offerings or a family traveler looking for your next premium adventure, you'll understand why Brian and Sam are already planning their next ABD river cruise before this episode ends.

• Find DCL Duo online
• Follow Brian & Sam on Instagram @dcl_duo
• Their audio podcast is available anywhere you listen. Be sure to subscribe to their YouTube channel.

For further info associated with this episode: 

• Here is your guide to Adventures by Disney river cruises, with photos.
• Want to know more about Christmas Markets cruises? Read here (with photos!) or listen to Part 1 and Part 2 of our podcast episodes on the Xmas markets.

Send us a text

Thank you to our sponsor, Riverside Luxury Cruises. Find out more about our experience with this outstanding river cruise line, providing guests with the luxury of choice.

Support the show

👉🏻 Subscribe so you never miss an episode, released every Wednesday.

✈️ Use our preferred travel advisors to book your cruise.

⭐️ Love the show? Please give us a 5-star rating (we'll read it on the air)!

💙 Join our Small Ship Cruise Talk community on Facebook.

💻 Follow us on Instagram, Threads, & Pinterest.

📩 Sign up for our newsletter.

👍🏻 If you find value in our premium cruise insights, support Small Ship Cruise Talk to help us continue to deliver expert guidance for your extraordinary voyages.

🌏 SometimesSailing.com has even more planning tips, firsthand experiences, & advice.

📱 Have questions or topic suggestions? Contact us.

©2025 Small Ship Cruise Talk. All rights reserved. May contain affiliate links. Some trips have been hosted. All opinions are our own.

We're taking you down the Mekong River aboard AmaWaterways' AmaDara, sharing everything you need to know about this incredible “Riches of the Mekong” journey through 🇰🇭 Cambodia and 🇻🇳 Vietnam. (“Charms of the Mekong” sails the reverse.) 

Uncover the rich cultural experiences awaiting you at iconic destinations like Angkor Wat and Phnom Penh, plus get our practical tips for planning your river cruise from visa requirements to packing essentials. We'll also give you an inside look at AmaDara's amenities (hint: spa!) and exceptional cuisine so you know exactly what to expect onboard. 

Whether you're curious about this Southeast Asian river cruise or it’s a confirmed adventure on your bucket list, we'll show you why the Mekong offers such unforgettable charm and how to make the most of this historical and cultural once-in-a-lifetime vacation.

• Shop our Amazon packing list with vital suggestions for what to pack.
• See photos from our cruise and learn about the unexpected cultural and travel surprises that will help you with planning. 
• Find out more about general Mekong River cruise info on our site.

Send us a text

Thank you to our sponsor, Riverside Luxury Cruises. Find out more about our experience with this outstanding river cruise line, providing guests with the luxury of choice.

Support the show

👉🏻 Subscribe so you never miss an episode, released every Wednesday.

✈️ Use our preferred travel advisors to book your cruise.

⭐️ Love the show? Please give us a 5-star rating (we'll read it on the air)!

💙 Join our Small Ship Cruise Talk community on Facebook.

💻 Follow us on Instagram, Threads, & Pinterest.

📩 Sign up for our newsletter.

👍🏻 If you find value in our premium cruise insights, support Small Ship Cruise Talk to help us continue to deliver expert guidance for your extraordinary voyages.

🌏 SometimesSailing.com has even more planning tips, firsthand experiences, & advice.

📱 Have questions or topic suggestions? Contact us.

©2025 Small Ship Cruise Talk. All rights reserved. May contain affiliate links. Some trips have been hosted. All opinions are our own.

We're continuing our 🌺 UnCruise Hawaii adventure! Let's island hop from untouched Moloka'i to bustling Big Island, with pristine Lana'i in between. Discover what makes each destination unique, savor Hawaiian cultural & culinary highlights with us, and experience those magical moments, such as green flash sunsets, that make small ship cruising so special. We'll also share our essential packing and budgeting tips to help you plan your adventure. 

Whether you're considering UnCruise or dreaming of island life, this episode gives you the insider perspective needed to continue dreaming but, more importantly, to start planning. 

From this episode: 

• We're obsessed with our binoculars, which we always travel with. We also packed our telephoto lens, for awesome whale photos.
• Guide Along App transformed our experience touring the Big Island. Buy the Big Island bundle—it’s like having the best private guide at a fraction of the cost. (They have other Hawaii bundle tours as well.)
• We discuss what this trip costs & the website specials. Check out episode 6 of our podcast, where we discuss What Small Ship Cruises Actually Cost with budgeting tips! 
• Book a Manta Ray tour, which we touch on during this episode and in Part 1 too.

Send us a text

Thank you to our sponsor, Riverside Luxury Cruises. Find out more about our experience with this outstanding river cruise line, providing guests with the luxury of choice.

Support the show

👉🏻 Subscribe so you never miss an episode, released every Wednesday.

✈️ Use our preferred travel advisors to book your cruise.

⭐️ Love the show? Please give us a 5-star rating (we'll read it on the air)!

💙 Join our Small Ship Cruise Talk community on Facebook.

💻 Follow us on Instagram, Threads, & Pinterest.

📩 Sign up for our newsletter.

👍🏻 If you find value in our premium cruise insights, support Small Ship Cruise Talk to help us continue to deliver expert guidance for your extraordinary voyages.

🌏 SometimesSailing.com has even more planning tips, firsthand experiences, & advice.

📱 Have questions or topic suggestions? Contact us.

©2025 Small Ship Cruise Talk. All rights reserved. May contain affiliate links. Some trips have been hosted. All opinions are our own.

Aloha! 🌺 If you've ever wanted to island-hop Hawaii by boat, but weren't sure how without finding yourself in "tourist traps" or one of thousands, our small ship cruise vacation in Hawaii is the answer.

In Part 1 of this two-part series, we're taking you on an incredible UnCruise adventure through Hawaii's untouched beauty, describing exactly what makes UnCruise's Hawaiian Seascapes itinerary so magical on a small ship with 36 passengers & all-American crew.

Uncover how to experience untouched Hawaii and its serene landscapes alongside us, day by day. Discover what it's like to snorkel with sea turtles, encounter playful spinner dolphins, and the thrill of navigating the breathtaking Humpback Whale Sanctuary near Maui as the ship's "captain." 

We begin on Moloka'i and conclude on the Big Island, offering an intimate glimpse of the breathtaking sights & unique experiences that showcase Hawaii's true essence, far from the crowds of traditional cruising.

Here are additional resources that we touch on during this episode: 

• See the incredible views from Deck 3 during happy hour on our last day onboard.
• This is the bathing suit dryer on deck 3.
• See “Shark Fin,” a snorkeling location, on the UnCruise Hawaii Seascapes map.
• We never leave home for a trip spotting wildlife without our incredible binoculars.
• The Whale Entanglement Organization does vital work to save whales.
• Book a Manta Ray tour, which we touch on during this episode.

Send us a text

Thank you to our sponsor, Riverside Luxury Cruises. Find out more about our experience with this outstanding river cruise line, providing guests with the luxury of choice.

Support the show

👉🏻 Subscribe so you never miss an episode, released every Wednesday.

✈️ Use our preferred travel advisors to book your cruise.

⭐️ Love the show? Please give us a 5-star rating (we'll read it on the air)!

💙 Join our Small Ship Cruise Talk community on Facebook.

💻 Follow us on Instagram, Threads, & Pinterest.

📩 Sign up for our newsletter.

👍🏻 If you find value in our premium cruise insights, support Small Ship Cruise Talk to help us continue to deliver expert guidance for your extraordinary voyages.

🌏 SometimesSailing.com has even more planning tips, firsthand experiences, & advice.

📱 Have questions or topic suggestions? Contact us.

©2025 Small Ship Cruise Talk. All rights reserved. May contain affiliate links. Some trips have been hosted. All opinions are our own.