If you've heard anything about river cruise lines, the names "Viking" and "AmaWaterways" likely sound familiar. We break down the key differences between and similarities between these two leading river cruise lines. Join us as we discuss ship design, dining experiences, excursion options, pricing, and the target audience for each option. 

With firsthand experiences, we provide insights to help you choose the right river cruise for your needs. Spoiler alert: the best cruise option of the two for you may not be what you initially thought! 

Here are some helpful resources for you that go along with this episode: 

VIKING: 

• Bordeaux River Cruise Review on Viking Forseti
• Our Experience on a Viking Douro River Cruise (In-Depth Review)
• My Viking Journey: What to Expect After Booking a Cruise (Before You Sail)
• Viking Christmas River Cruise with Dazzling Markets Along the Danube

AMAWATERWAYS:

• AmaWaterways Mekong River Cruise Review: 30 Unexpected Surprises
• Rhone River Cruise Review: AmaWaterways Colors of Provence
• AmaWaterways Colors of Provence Excursions during a Rhone River Cruise
• AmaWaterways Food Review (with Drinks) on AmaKristina
• AmaKristin

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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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✈️ Use our preferred travel advisors to book your cruise.

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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.

Considering cruising in Alaska and wondering what you get with a big ship vs. a small ship or vice versa? Join us as we explore the differences between the two for Alaskan cruises, focusing on the Inside Passage. We discuss ship sizes, itineraries, cultural immersion, pricing, and personal preferences, providing insights to help you choose the right cruise for your dream vacation in The Last Frontier.

Here are some helpful links from our conversation: 

• These are the most amazing binoculars that we ALWAYS bring to Alaska.
• Celebrity Edge was the big ship we explored the Inside Passage on. See photos from our experience with additional info about the Dawes Glacier itinerary, and read more about the different suite classes with Celebrity. 
• We visited Sitka to start our Alaskan Dream Cruises Inside Passage Sojourn (see how close the ship was to the waterfall we discuss!). Also, check out Mikkel modeling the waterproof paints and jacket we mention!
• For additional reading, learn more about luxury cruise options in Alaska and compare large and small ships. (Tune into a future episode when we deep dive into this topic!)
• You’ll find the binoculars and other must-pack items in our easy-to-access Alaska Packing 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.

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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.

Come along as we explore the charming city of Sitka, Alaska! Find out why it has a unique character, including its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural beauty. We’ll also discuss practical travel tips for your vacation planning, must-see wildlife experiences, and local dining recommendations. Consider this a comprehensive guide to enjoying Sitka. 

You’ll also discover the hidden treasures that make Sitka a standout destination in Alaska and what’s essential to book early.

Here are some helpful links that come up during our conversation: 

• These are the most amazing binoculars that we ALWAYS bring to Alaska.
• You’ll find the binoculars and other must-pack items in our easy-to-access Alaska Packing List on Amazon, including the right clothing, rain gear, and camera lenses.
• Find out more about our unforgettable experiences in Sitka, including our Bumble Expeditions adventure, The Salty Sitkan activity (and the link to book), the Fortress of the Bear, the Alaska Raptor Center, Harrigan Centennial Hall, Sitka National Historical Park, where we dined, and more.  
• The dream resort that you must book if you are staying in Sitka beyond your cruise! We had an amazing experience at Twin Islands Retreat.
• We visited Sitka to start our Alaskan Dream Cruises Inside Passage Sojourn.
• For additional reading, learn more about luxury

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.

Let’s explore Ketchikan, Alaska! We share our experience visiting multiple times, including overnight stays in this southern Alaskan city, often called the gateway to Alaska. From local dining (do not miss our #1 recommendation for where to dine), cultural experiences, and outdoor activities, by the end of the episode, you’ll have a plethora of valuable insights and a comprehensive guide to Ketchikan's attractions and local spots.

Helpful articles:

• Top Activities in Ketchikan with a Useful Area Info & Map, which includes where we ate, drank, and our hotel. Where the Eagle Walks tours and more can be found here.
• Celebrity Edge in Alaska: 12 Vital Things to Know for a Dawes Glacier Cruise.
• Our Experience on Alaskan Dream Cruises Inside Passage Sojourn.
• We share insights into some luxury cruise options in Alaska and compare large and small ships. (Stay tuned for another episode when we deep dive into this topic!) 
• The most amazing binoculars, which we would ALWAYS bring to Alaska.
• You’ll find the binoculars and other must-pack items in our easy-to-access

Book one of the Top Things to Do in Ketchikan that we recommend here:

•  🧊 Visit our Viator shop to see a curated list of our Alaska excursion recommendations, including Snorkel Alaska, the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, Misty Fj

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.

As part of our All About Alaska series, we share our experiences with Alaskan Dream Cruises, focusing on the unique aspects of small ship cruising in the 49th state. We discuss the authentic Alaskan experience, the Baranof Dream ship, daily life onboard, wildlife watching, pricing, dining options, entertainment, itinerary highlights, packing tips, and the benefits of extending your stay in Alaska.

During this episode, we reference: 

• Photos of the Alaskan Dream Cruises ship and the Inside Passage Sojourn itinerary.
• Amazon Alaska Packing List (including the essentials you need to stay warm, even during summer).
• You'll want to bring your own pair of high-quality binoculars.
• Be sure to travel with anti-nausea solutions, just in case you get seasick (better to have and not need than need and not have).
• Bring a telephoto camera lens. Buy the one we suggest in our Amazon Alaska packing list (a fantastic, well-priced lens) and rent a lens from KEH for your trip. If you rent a lens, be sure to select the most coverage for rental insurance for the duration of your expedition cruise.

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 take a closer look at Keukenhof gardens—one of the most famous gardens in the world and the most world-renowned tulip garden. We discuss the range of destinations often included on tulip river cruise itineraries, from medieval towns like Bruges and Ghent to the charm of Delft to modern cities like Rotterdam. 

We also discuss how far in advance to book, starting prices and inclusions. 

We share our insider knowledge about the annual Flower Parade and where and how to see it, essential packing tips for spring weather in the area, and what kinds of souvenirs you can bring home.

Some additional helpful links & info we mention in Parts 1 & 2: 

• Willet-Holthuysen Museum 
• Annemieke's Pluktuin
• Tulip Experience
• Extensive information about visiting Keukenhof

Don't miss our incredible Netherlands articles on our websites, Sometimes Home, here, including information about Dutch foods to try, the best train and bus trips from Amsterdam, and details on visiting De Beemster, a fantastic city near the Bollenstreek area.

🌷 Interested in a tulips river cruise for 2026? Our preferred travel agents are hosting a Tulip Time Cruise starting April 3, 2026. Contact Mikkel to learn more: [email protected] 

Remember to

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 explore what makes tulip season river cruises so special, including why Amsterdam is the ideal embarkation point, what to expect during spring in The Netherlands & Belgium, and where to see the famous fields in bloom. We also answer the question: Can you see lots of tulips in Amsterdam? Spoiler alert: The answer will surprise you!

We also share helpful travel logistics, pre- and post-cruise options, and insider tips for navigating the city during this vibrant season.

Here are some additional helpful links & info we mention in Parts 1 & 2: 

• Willet-Holthuysen Museum 
• Annemieke's Pluktuin
• Tulip Experience
• Extensive information about visiting Keukenhof

Don't miss our incredible Netherlands articles on our website, Sometimes Home, here, including all about Dutch foods to try and the best train and bus trips from Amsterdam. 

🌷 Interested in a tulips river cruise for 2026? Our preferred travel agents are hosting a Tulip Time Cruise starting April 3, 2026. Contact Mikkel to learn more: [email protected] 

Remember to shop our Amazon list for your Netherlands packing items when you continue planning this bucket list vacation filled with vibrant flowers and blossoms!

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.

Seatrade Global is the world's leading annual business-to-business event for the global cruise industry, taking place in Miami, Florida. We just returned from this premier industry event, which invites media to attend its tradeshow, keynote addresses, panels, and press conferences. 

Learn about the nine revelations that impact small ship cruising for the year ahead and that will influence your future travels, understanding how you'll benefit from the news announced there.

We highlight the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States and the unique itineraries offered by American Cruise Lines. Our conversation also covers the increasing demand for cruises, particularly in North America and Europe, and the importance of sustainability in the cruise industry. 

We've said it before and we'll say it again: the value of small-ship cruising is great! Find out why along with how the definition of luxury travel is evolving.

Dive into the 9 Revelations from Seatrade with us, including: 

1) 250th Anniversary of the United States, with U.S. Cruise Options

2) Deepened Desire to Cruise North America

3) The Increase in Seine River Options in France

4) Trends with the Growing Demand for Small Ship Cruises

5) Increased Time on Cruise Ships

6) Incredible Value of Small Ship Cruising

7 & 8) The Ship is the Star and What Is Luxury?

9) Sustainability Remains a Top Priority in Cruising

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.

Vacations cost money and we want to help you plan for your dream small ship cruises! Join us to explore the world of small ship cruising from a cost and budgeting lens. Find out what to save for an investment in a river or barge cruise, expedition, luxury yacht, or sailing trip. And guess what? They're not the prices you would think!

We provide insights into travel costs and inclusions, along with tips for planning your next adventure. We also discuss budgeting strategies and the benefits of working with travel agents.

Learn the answers to these questions & more:

River: What’s the starting price of a river cruise? What is considered peak season? What do you need to factor in that’s additional for your budgeting? What cruise lines are good to avoid a solo supplement (and what is that, anyway?!), and what’s a benefit of cruising during off-peak season? 

Barge: You won’t believe the small capacity of barge cruising! What’s the cost of a barge cruise? And can you pay to get the whole ship to yourself? 

Expedition Cruises:  Why do they so drastically range in price? And what’s included for a high-ticket expedition cruise? What gear do you need to budget for on your own (hint, hint: we recommend binoculars - listen for why that is - and buying or renting a telephoto lens).

Yachts: What are the big names in yacht cruising, and did you know you can use Marriott Bonvoy hotel points to get you on a luxury yacht cruise? Get a free welcome o when you sign up for Amex using our referral link.

Sailing Ships: Who are the popular players in this special arena? Find out and discover which cruise lines have motorized sails as opposed to cruise lines that passengers can help hoist up manual sails. 

We also share additional budget

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.

In Part 2 of this two-parter on river cruising, we expand your knowledge about what it's like to river cruise. 

Whether it's your first, fifth, or tenth river cruise, you'll enjoy listening to our conversation as we reminisce about river cruise trips and planning - from why it's essential to get travel insurance (like that time we missed our first evening in Lyon) to why it's important to arrive in your port of embarkation city a day early. You'll relate to and learn from our experiences. 

Find out what river cruise lines are kid-friendly, about the 90-year-old woman who cruised with her 16-year-old grandson, what the big idea is about navigating river locks, and what happens when you need a visa for your river cruise destination. 

Dive deeper into these helpful resources, which we mentioned in the episode: 

• Read the Things to Know Your First Time on a River Cruise, which complements this episode.  
• Use an Airfly device for Quiet Voxes, which allows you to connect your wireless earbuds (like AirPods) to your excursion listening device. You'll find a link in our Cruise Essentials Packing List in our Amazon Shop. 
• Read more about Adventures by Disney river cruises, which accommodates children nicely. 
• We recommend shopping for travel insurance on Travel Insurance Masters. After you input your vacation information, they give you several plans to compare and choose from. 
• European visa EITAS info you'll need for 2026 & beyond. 

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.