Step inside MSC's exclusive Yacht Club with us! We’re revealing how this "ship-within-a-ship" creates an intimate 320-guest experience on a large vessel and whether the investment is worth it for your cruise style. 

You'll discover the game-changing benefits of priority embarkation and debarkation that eliminate stress, explore the Top Sail Lounge that becomes your private social hub, and learn about the elevated dining options with flexible menus that go beyond the main dining room. 

We'll walk you through the spacious, luxuriously appointed suites with attentive butler service, plus the included perks like premium Wi-Fi and beverage packages that add serious value to your investment. 

Whether you're comparing MSC's Yacht Club to other luxury cruise enclaves like Celebrity's The Retreat, trying to decide if the upgrade is worth the cost, or seeking that small ship feel while still having access to large ship amenities, you'll understand exactly who thrives in the Yacht Club and why this exclusive experience might be the perfect fit for your next cruise adventure.

For photos & additional info: 

• Complete MSC Yacht Club Review Including Top 5 Perks
• Curious about Celebrity’s The Retreat? Check out this podcast episode & this article.
• 🍕During this episode, we mention not to miss the pizza, which is complimentary for MSC Yacht Club guests! You eat with your eyes first: Check out the MSC pizza delivery (& follow us on Instagram @sometimessailing while you’re there!)  
• We reference our favorite hotspot in this post, which you’ll find reviewed on our site in depth here or to purchase on Amazon

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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.

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

We’re redefining everything you thought you knew about cruise food as we take you into the incredible world of small ship cruise dining – we’ll show you that cruise food goes way beyond buffets!

You'll learn about the completely different culinary experiences waiting for you across river cruises, yacht cruises, expedition cruises, and barge cruises – from the elevated presentations and multiple dining venues on river ships to the hearty, fuel-for-adventure style meals on expeditions and the truly phenomenal, tailored cuisine on intimate barge cruises. 

Hear our personal stories and honest insights about food quality, dining styles, and unique offerings on each type of vessel, including why "buffet" isn't a dirty word in small ship cruising and what "lobster night" really means when it's done right. 

Whether you've been hesitant about cruise food based on big ship experiences or you're curious about how dining differs across small ship options, you'll understand precisely what culinary adventures await you and why the food can be one of the most memorable parts of your small ship journey.

Check out the articles on our site for food photos & more info:

• AmaWaterways Food Review (with Drinks) on AmaKristina
• Windstar’s “All-Inclusive” Explained: Drinks, WiFi, Dining & More 
• Outstanding Emerald Destiny River Cruise Food (with Photos!)
• Extensive Emerald Azzurra Food and Drinks Review
• Cruising with Maine Windjammer Aboard American Eagle

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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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📱 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 answering all your most-asked questions about Christmas market river cruises so you can plan the perfect holiday trip with confidence. Be sure to check out Part 1 & Part 2 of our Christmas Markets River Cruise Planning Guide.

Discover practical advice and answers to burning questions, like:

• How to choose between the Danube & Rhine rivers?
• When is the ideal time to go?
• Do market vendors accept credit card payments? 
• What foods can you look forward to at the markets? 
• Do you really need to add the concert in Vienna? 
• Do you get to see the markets during the day & night? 
• Can you ship your souvenirs home? 
• …and more! 

We'll walk you through what to expect onboard, share our essential winter packing tips for staying warm and comfortable, and explain what excursions look like during the colder months. 

Whether you're deciding if a Christmas market cruise is right for you or you've already booked and want to know what to expect, we're giving you honest answers to help you navigate potential challenges and make the most of this magical holiday experience in Europe.

• For Christmas Markets photos and even more info, check out our Christmas Markets River Cruises: All You Need to Know article. 
• Packing Tips: Our 5 River Cruise Must-Pack Essentials episode highlights our hotspot that keeps us connected at Christmas markets & AirTags—ESSENTIAL for tracking your day pack, luggage, & more. 

We use our ​​Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card at the markets whenever possible. Use our referral link to get bonus rewards for signing up!  

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.

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👍🏻 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 inside Celebrity Cruises’ exclusive luxury suites class, The Retreat, to show you how this "ship-within-a-ship" concept delivers an intimate small ship experience while giving you access to all the amenities of a large resort at sea. 

You'll discover whether The Retreat's premium perks – from priority boarding and private pool deck to the standout Luminae restaurant and spa access – are worth the splurge for your cruise style. 

We'll share our firsthand experience aboard Celebrity Apex, walking you through a multitude of luxurious suite options, exclusive lounge access, personalized butler service, and how The Retreat creates that coveted escape from the crowds while keeping you connected to all the entertainment and dining a big ship offers. 

Whether you're considering upgrading to a suite on your next Celebrity cruise or just curious about how ship-within-a-ship concepts compare to traditional ocean cruising, you'll understand exactly what makes The Retreat special and who it's perfect for.

To enhance your understanding of The Retreat, see photos and gather additional info on our website: 

• Celebrity Cruises The Retreat Review: Is This Ship-Within-a-Ship Worth the Cost?
• Celebrity Cruises Classes Explained: AquaClass vs The Retreat vs Concierge

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.

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.

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.

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👍🏻 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 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

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 (Part 2 is here) 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. 

AmaWa

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.