The future of cruising is looking bright, and we have the inside scoop straight from Seatrade Miami, the cruise industry's leading global event. In this episode, we share our six biggest takeaways, from the explosive growth of river cruising and the rising appeal of expedition and yacht cruises, to why small ships are winning over first-time travelers in a big way.

We also get into what's new in onboard drinks (including gluten-free beer, sake, and rosé spritzes) and cocktails, featuring standout spirits and beverage innovations from Seatrade Miami's F&B at Sea event that we think you'll start seeing on cruise ships very soon. (Just when you think juices can't get more interesting, we share what we learned about innovation in a glass, as we saw with Jucify!)

Learn more about cruise lines like Century Cruises, AmaWaterways, Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Atlas Ocean Voyages, and HX Expeditions. 

Whether you're a seasoned cruiser or still on the fence, this episode will open your eyes to how much the industry is evolving, and why now is a great time to get on board.

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©2025 Small Ship Cruise Talk. All rights reserved. May contain affiliate links. Some trips and experiences have been hosted. As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases. All opinions are our own. 

Ever struggle to hear your tour guide on a shore excursion, or find that uncomfortable single-use earpiece driving you crazy? 

We're breaking down everything you need to know about the #1 listening device for cruise tours, called a Quietvox—the small audio device you'll find in your stateroom on most small ship cruises. We’re explaining how it works to deliver your guide's commentary directly to your ear and tips you’ll want to remember about them for your cruise.

We also share the simple hack we use to ditch that awkward earpiece entirely (the AirFly by Twelve South, linked below) so you can use your own wireless headphones or AirPods instead. 

We cover the differences between the AirFly SE and AirFly Pro, the cost, tips for hearing aid users, and why setting it up before you leave home is a must.

Whether you're a Quietvox veteran or have never heard of one, this episode will help you hear more, stress less, and look a little less like a tourist as you explore your next port.

Please consider using our affiliate links to purchase an AirFly: 

• AirFly Pro 2 —connects two pairs of headphones to one device: https://amzn.to/3OamYGS 
• AirFly SE: https://amzn.to/4e2phWY  
• AirFly case: https://amzn.to/4edjQo2

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

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©2025 Small Ship Cruise Talk. All rights reserved. May contain affiliate links. Some trips and experiences have been hosted. As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases. All opinions are our own. 

Is it dumb to take a boating excursion during a vacation when you’re already on a cruise? Today, we answer this question with the pros, cons, and things you may not have thought of! Ultimately, we’re going to help you decide if your answer is yes or no. 

We’re also sharing what kinds of boating excursions are out there, from sunset sails to dolphin spotting, whale watching, SCUBA and snorkeling, alligator adventures, catamaran cruises, deep sea fishing, and more. Lastly, we’ll let you know what to bring along with you if you decide to sign up for one (like motion sickness medicine, just in case, and sun-blocking essentials). 

During this episode, we mention: 

• Motion sickness remedies: https://sometimessailing.com/anti-nausea-medication-cruise-sea-sickness-solutions/
• Mikkel’s favorite electronic mosquito bite zapper to fight those pesky bugs: https://amzn.to/4sSp4u2
• Or use the Bug Bite Thing:  https://amzn.to/4tzFG9M
• Our favorite excursions in Ketchikan: https://sometimessailing.com/ketchikan-top-activities-things-to-do-with-useful-area-info-map/

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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 and experiences have been hosted. As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases. All opinions are our own. 

We’re back with Part 2 of our Tennessee Rivers cruise with American Cruise Lines (ACL)—diving into the ports, excursions, and what surprised us most along the way as we sailed on the Tennessee, Cumberland, and Ohio Rivers. 

From Chattanooga to Nashville, we share the excursion options along the way, including scenic sailing, small-town gems, Civil War history, and unique stops like the U.S. Space & Rocket Center and Paducah’s Quilt Museum, which we experienced firsthand.

We also cover tips for excursions, what to expect in these quieter destinations, and how to extend your trip before or after your cruise in Chattanooga, Nashville, or Franklin, TN.

In Part 1 (https://www.buzzsprout.com/2448059/episodes/18904212), we talked about the overall experience of river cruising on the Tennessee River, what the ship is like, and who this type of cruise is best for.

Here are helpful links to go along with this episode, which include photos: 

• American Cruise Lines: Tennessee River Cruise Review from Chattanooga to Nashville: https://sometimessailing.com/american-cruise-lines-tennessee-river-cruise-review-from-chattanooga-to-nashville/ 
• Is the Grand Ole Opry Backstage Tour Worth it? https://sometimeshome.com/is-the-grand-ole-opry-backstage-tour-worth-it-in-nashville/
• 26 Date Ideas in Franklin, Tennessee: https://sometimeshome.com/date-ideas-in-franklin-tn-for-couples/
• The Harpeth Hotel Review: https://sometimeshome.com/the-harpeth-hotel-review-in-downtown-franklin-tennessee/ 

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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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💻 Follow us on Instagram, Threads, & Pinterest.

📩 Sign up for our newsletter.

🌏 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 and experiences have been hosted. As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases. All opinions are our own. 

You’re going to love this two-part series about our Tennessee River cruise with American Cruise Lines from Chattanooga to Nashville!

We’re talking about the big picture of the experience in Part 1: What a Tennessee River cruise is like (including sailing on the Ohio River and Cumberland River), who this cruise is best for, what the American river cruise ship experience is like, and what surprised us about cruising through the American South, including insights into the food. 

The evening musical entertainment wowed us and is a reason enough to go on this cruise! We tell you all about it, including the Country Music Hall of Famer who came on board American Serenade. 

Next week in Part 2, we’ll walk through the full itinerary day by day so you can hear what each stop along the river was like and what the experience looks like once you’re actually on the cruise.

For photos of the experience and more information, read our article: https://sometimessailing.com/american-cruise-lines-tennessee-river-cruise-review-from-chattanooga-to-nashville/ 

Additionally, tune into our episode that extensively covers American Cruise Lines’ food: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2448059/episodes/18327277

Need an overview of American Cruise Lines? Check this out: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2448059/episodes/17477271

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

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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 and experiences have been hosted. As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases. All opinions are our own. 

We sit down with travel journalist Joel Balsam to explore what sustainability really looks like in cruising today. From Norway’s electric-first mindset to Havila’s hybrid ships powered by biogas and massive battery systems, we unpack how innovation is reshaping the industry.

We share how this directly impacts your experience—quieter, near-silent sailing through pristine landscapes, more intentional dining that reduces waste, and protecting the wildlife and destinations you came to see.

We also get honest about the pros, limits, and future of greener travel. If you want to cruise more consciously without sacrificing the experience, this episode shows why it matters—for your trip now and the future of travel.

Follow Joel’s travels and read his fantastic articles on Instagram and his website: 

• Joel’s website: https://joelbalsam.com/
• Instagram @joelbalsam: https://www.instagram.com/joelbalsam/ 

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Support the show

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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 and experiences have been hosted. As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases. All opinions are our own. 

What do you do when you need clean clothes on a cruise? In this episode, we break down the three ways to handle laundry while sailing: self-serve washers and dryers, onboard send-away laundry service, and simple DIY options, like handwashing. 

We also share cruise line differences you should check before packing, why some ships don’t offer laundry at all while others unexpectedly do, and a few travel items that make washing clothes while on vacation much easier. If you’ve ever wondered how to pack less and the best way to stay fresh while traveling, we’ve got you covered.

Here are vital items that we’ve personally used to help us launder our clothes so we’re fresh and clean while traveling:

• Hegs clothespins (the most amazing clothespins that help you hang more with fewer pins - great for travel): https://amzn.to/4biuA1k
• Laundry travel kit, including Tide packs: https://amzn.to/4cGPw4I
• Refillable containers (refill one with laundry detergent, and be sure to properly label it): https://amzn.to/40qc16w
• Laundry detergent sheets (eliminates the risk of liquid detergent leaking in your luggage): https://amzn.to/3PuY057

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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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💻 Follow us on Instagram, Threads, & Pinterest.

📩 Sign up for our newsletter.

🌏 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 and experiences have been hosted. As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases. All opinions are our own. 

River cruising sounds simple—but first-timers are often surprised once they step onboard. We’re sharing five common mistakes we see again and again, from choosing the wrong cruise line to packing the wrong items, plus a few myths that stop travelers from booking in the first place.

You’ll learn how to compare top lines like Viking, AmaWaterways, Avalon, Uniworld, Emerald Cruises, and Riverside Luxury Cruises, why seasickness fears are usually unfounded, what not to pack, how river levels can impact itineraries, and why these sailings are far more port-focused than ocean cruises.

If you want realistic expectations, smarter planning, to avoid cruise mishaps or cruise mistakes, and a smoother first river cruise experience, this one’s for you.

Here are some helpful articles and episodes to tune into if you’re planning your river cruise: 

• Motion Sickness Remedies (for bus rides, if you’re prone to motion sickness) 
• Packing Tips: Our 5 River Cruise Must-Pack Essentials
• River cruise category on Sometimes Sailing
• Top things to know your first time river cruising (Part 1 of 2)
• Viking vs. AmaWaterways: Who wins? 
• All About American River Cruises with American Cruise Lines
• Christmas Markets River Cruise Planning Guide (Part 1 of 2)

Send us Fan Mail

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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💻 Follow us on Instagram, Threads, & Pinterest.

📩 Sign up for our newsletter.

🌏 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 and experiences have been hosted. As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases. All opinions are our own. 

Come along to delve further into a “tale of two cruises” as we chat with travel expert and small-ship cruise enthusiast Tamara Gruber about her barge cruises through France’s small waterways and a Maine Windjammer cruise aboard schooner Heritage, sailing along the coast of Maine.

We compare how these intimate experiences are similar and how they’re completely different, from daily life onboard to who the ideal passenger is for each. We also dive into the food: from gourmet French cheeses and wine on the barge to classic lobster bakes and fresh coastal fare in Maine.

If you’re curious about slow travel, immersive itineraries, and unforgettable culinary moments, this conversation will help you decide which small-ship cruise is right for you.

Follow Tamara: 

• Website: https://yourtimetofly.com
• Instagram: @yourtimetofly
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/yourtimetofly

Download Tamara’s free guide to Boutique Hotels in Europe!

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

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

✈️ Use our preferred travel advisors to book your cruise. 

💙 Join our Small Ship Cruise Talk community on Facebook.

💻 Follow us on Instagram, Threads, & Pinterest.

📩 Sign up for our newsletter.

🌏 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 and experiences have been hosted. As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases. All opinions are our own. 

Travel should feel freeing, not stressful. With that in mind, to best prepare you for your travels and smooth sailing, we are sharing four common travel scams that can happen on cruise itineraries on land or purely during your land vacation, and the simple habits that stop them. 

You’ll learn why these scams work and what to do instead so you have peace of mind. 

During this episode, we reference the following items that help us travel smartly and cautiously to avoid being travel scam targets, including: 

• AirFly device for a quietvox to make it cordless.
• The Keeper App allows you to securely store and access your passport photo from a computer, your phone, or a tablet. We recommend storing your iPhone or Apple Watch IMEI number as well, in case of emergency.
• Use these carabiners to more securely close your day bag zipper.
• Travel with AirTags to track your belongings if you’re an Apple device user, or Tiles for Android.

Have a travel mishap you want to share so others can learn from your experience? Contact us via Instagram or through our website, SometimesSailing.com 

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

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

✈️ Use our preferred travel advisors to book your cruise. 

💙 Join our Small Ship Cruise Talk community on Facebook.

💻 Follow us on Instagram, Threads, & Pinterest.

📩 Sign up for our newsletter.

🌏 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 and experiences have been hosted. As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases. All opinions are our own.