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!

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Need help planning your trip? Check out our RESOURCES, whether you're looking to understand which cruise to book, which travel insurance is best, or how to organize your luggage with our packing lists: https://sometimessailing.com/resources/

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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 

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We’re sharing an exclusive first look at Windstar’s Star Seeker after attending her christening and touring the ship in Miami. We'll give you a "guided tour" so you can decide if this new-build ship is right for your next cruise.

Star Seeker carries just 224 guests, blending small-ship intimacy with elevated design. We talk through first impressions—from the welcoming lobby and leather-lined hallways to suites with verandas or floor-to-ceiling infinity windows. The vibe? Relaxed luxury that feels fresh, intentional, and distinctly Windstar yet nicely different from its previous ships.

We also cover dining (including the new Basil + Bamboo concept and how reservations work), 24-hour room service perks, standout lounges like The Yacht Club, pool deck spaces, and our honest take on the spa.

Plus, we break down where she’s sailing—Alaska, the Caribbean, Asia, and beyond—and why her size opens doors to smaller, more interesting ports.

If you’re Windstar-curious or comparing ships in the Star Class, this episode helps you picture the experience before you book.

Check out our other Windstar content:

• Windstar’s “All-Inclusive” Explained: Drinks, WiFi, Dining & More
• Windstar in Costa Rica & Panama with Guest Keryn Means
• Puffins, Fjords, & Luxury: Our Unforgettable Windstar Cruise Around Iceland

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Need help planning your trip? Check out our RESOURCES, whether you're looking to understand which cruise to book, which travel insurance is best, or how to organize your luggage with our packing lists: https://sometimessailing.com/resources/

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means for river cruising. Find out the biggest announcements so far, including early demand, booking timelines, and Celebrity’s long-term commitment to building a sizable river fleet.

Our companion article (with photos) can be found here: https://sometimessailing.com/celebrity-river-cruises 

We walk through what’s confirmed for 2027 and 2028, which region these ships will sail in, and which iconic rivers and seasonal itineraries are part of the launch plans. We also talk through what we know about the ships themselves, from overall design direction and onboard spaces to how Celebrity is adapting familiar ocean concepts for river cruising.

We discuss pricing ranges, what’s still unclear about inclusions, and how Celebrity River Cruises may compare to established river cruise lines. Finally, we break down who these cruises are best suited for—whether you’re a Celebrity loyalist, new to river cruising, or deciding if it’s better to book early or wait.

If you’ve ever wondered whether Celebrity River Cruises is worth the hype, this episode gives you the big-picture context you need.

If you are new to river cruising, also listen to our episodes about the Top Things to Know Your First Time River Cruising: Part 1 and Part 2

Also, be sure to listen to our Packing Tips: Our 5 River Cruise Must-Pack Essentials episode.

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Need help planning your trip? Check out our RESOURCES, whether you're looking to understand which cruise to book, which travel insurance is best, or how to organize your luggage with our packing lists: https://sometimessailing.com/resources/

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Join us with travel creator Keryn Means of Twist Travel Mag and Twist Cocktail Recipes as we talk about cruising on Windstar’s yacht, Star Pride, in Costa Rica and Panama over Christmas, with her husband and two teenage boys along for the adventure.

We dig into the Costa Rica and Panama itinerary, including a full Panama Canal transit, plus what it’s really like to travel on a small ship as a family without a kids club. Keryn shares which Windstar excursions worked especially well for teens, what tendering and Zodiac landings were like, and why the beach BBQ was a standout day.

We also talk about onboard life on Star Pride, from suite-style cabins and room service to spa time, Wi-Fi strength, and holiday touches like Christmas dinner and Hanukkah celebrations. 

If you’re curious whether a holiday cruise with Windstar can be relaxing, flexible, and genuinely fun with teenagers, this episode will give you a clear picture of what to expect.

Follow Keryn’s adventures in travel and cocktails: 

• Twist Travel Mag: @twisttravelmag
• Twist Cocktail Recipes: @twistcocktailrecipes

For more Windstar info, listen to our episode about Windstar in Iceland.

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👉🏻 Press that FOLLOW button so you never miss an episode, released every other Wednesday. 

Need help planning your trip? Check out our RESOURCES, whether you're looking to understand which cruise to book, which travel insurance is best, or how to organize your luggage with our packing lists: https://sometimessailing.com/resources/

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We continue our Maine Windjammer sailing cruise series by diving into what life is really like on board, from morning to night. We share how daily itineraries work when they’re guided by wind and weather, what shore landings by rowboat feel like, and how time is split between island exploring and slow, intentional moments on deck. (Listen to Part 1, too.)

You’ll get a clear sense of the onboard vibe, the communal nature of sailing, and why this style of cruising is all about being present, unplugged, and deeply connected to the Maine coastline.

We also break down the food experience (including the iconic lobster bake), on board beverages, dress code, and exactly what to pack—plus what we wish we had brought the first time. 

We cover specialty and themed cruises, pricing and value, what’s included, and why extending your time in Maine before or after sailing is absolutely worth it. If you’re curious whether a Maine Windjammer cruise is a good fit for you, this gives you the practical details and honest perspective to decide.

Helpful links from this episode include: 

• Maine Windjammer packing list 
• Our Maine Windjammer trip report, with plenty of photos.
• Must-pack binoculars (read why we love them) 
• Learn about our 7-day Maine Road Trip itinerary, including our favorite B&B
• We recommend Travel Insurance Masters to insure your trip

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Need help planning your trip? Check out our RESOURCES, whether you're looking to understand which cruise to book, which travel insurance is best, or how to organize your luggage with our packing lists: https://sometimessailing.com/resources/

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©2026 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. 

Join us to learn about the wonderful and unique world of Maine Windjammer cruising and why it’s nothing like traditional cruises. This is part one of a two-part series designed to help you understand what these overnight schooner vacations are really like.

For photos, visit our Maine Windjammer trip report.

We explain what a windjammer cruise is, where these historic sailing ships travel along Maine’s rugged coastline, and how the Maine Windjammer Fleet operates. We touch on its nine different ships, including American Eagle, Angelique, Grace Bailey, Ladona, and more to discuss who this style of cruising is best suited for.

We also set expectations around the cabins, Maine’s summer weather, cruise lengths, and getting to Camden or Rockland for embarkation. Island hopping, historic ships, cold ocean air, and lobster dinners: if you’re curious about unplugging, hands-on sailing, and experiencing Maine from the water, this is an idyllic escape. Part two covers life onboard, food, packing, pricing, and extending your trip in Maine.

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👉🏻 Press that FOLLOW button so you never miss an episode, released every other Wednesday. 

Need help planning your trip? Check out our RESOURCES, whether you're looking to understand which cruise to book, which travel insurance is best, or how to organize your luggage with our packing lists: https://sometimessailing.com/resources/

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©2026 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. 

In this episode, we’re looking ahead to 2026 and sharing what has us excited in the world of small ship cruising—from milestone celebrations and industry developments to the trips we personally can’t stop thinking about. If you love river cruising, expedition-style adventures, or classic sailing, listen to this episode to discover what’s on the horizon.

Instead of an industry deep dive forecast, this is our personal take as expert small-ship cruisers who love watching cruising evolve and dreaming up trips.

We talk about why this is a meaningful year for U.S. cruising with America’s 250th anniversary, and also touch on what’s ahead globally, from growing river cruise momentum to expanding yacht itineraries.

We wrap up by sharing what’s on our own 2026 cruise radar, from returning to Maine on a windjammer sailboat to dreaming about rivers in France and Colombia, Japan, Norway, and bucket list destinations like Antarctica and Egypt. If you’re planning ahead or just love travel inspiration, join us to look forward and dream big for your future vacations.

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We’re heading to Chioggia, often called “Little Venice,” to share why this small city is a great alternative to the crowds of Venice. We talk about what makes Chioggia special, from peaceful canals and local food to easy walking and a more authentic, everyday Italian feel.

We also outline the logistics of getting from Venice to Chioggia, including the public bus options, costs, luggage considerations, and where to get off if you’re heading to the port. If you’re embarking on a cruise or planning a short land visit, this episode will help you decide if Chioggia belongs in your itinerary and how to get there with confidence.

• For more details on how to get from downtown Venice to Chioggia by bus, or alternative options such as booking a private car, read this article on our website.
• View our inspiring photos and info about Chioggia, which will help you decide what to do there. 

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👉🏻 Press that FOLLOW button so you never miss an episode, released every other Wednesday. 

Need help planning your trip? Check out our RESOURCES, whether you're looking to understand which cruise to book, which travel insurance is best, or how to organize your luggage with our packing lists: https://sometimessailing.com/resources/

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When your cruise itinerary says “Athens,” it really means Piraeus. And that distinction can shape your entire port day! We are sharing practical tips to help you plan a smooth, stress-free stop, whether you head into Athens or stay closer to the port.

Find out the most efficient way to get from Piraeus into the city, including taxis, Uber, metro, buses, and cruise line shuttles, along with realistic timing to help you avoid surprises. We also highlight the top sights to prioritize if time is limited.

Discover food and drinks, including coffee culture there and if you can easily dine in Piraeus, and the best restaurant view in Athens. If you choose to stay in Piraeus, we share things doing near the port, including museums, churches, beaches, cafes, and easy shopping.

Helpful links from this episode: 

• PHOTOS: See the Port of Piraeus Things to Do & what to expect, visually 
• Don’t forget to pack your AirFly

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👉🏻 Press that FOLLOW button so you never miss an episode, released every other Wednesday. 

Need help planning your trip? Check out our RESOURCES, whether you're looking to understand which cruise to book, which travel insurance is best, or how to organize your luggage with our packing lists: https://sometimessailing.com/resources/

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©2026 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.