🌹 Roses are nice.🍫 Chocolates are fine.🚢 But have you ever thought a cruisemight be the ultimate Valentine?Welcome to our Valentine’s Day episode of The Ship Less Travelled, where love is in the air, the sea is calling, and we’re talking all things cruising with heart.In this episode, we share when we each fell in love with cruises and spoiler alert, it didn’t happen at the same time. Lorraine was a quick convert and was smitten early on. Dave, on the other hand, needed to work through a few long-held misconceptions about the cruise industry before the romance really took hold.We talk about cruise lines we genuinely love, we dish a few names, and we get honest about why cruising really is like a box of chocolates. There truly is something out there for everyone. Big ships, small ships, expedition ships, river cruises, and those intimate small ships that just hit differently.Of course, we couldn’t do a Valentine’s episode without asking the important questions. Have we ever experienced a romantic tingle on board? A quiet, lovely moment at sea? A memory that still makes us smile? We dish it all, because cruising has a way of creating moments you don’t expect and never forget.What we know for sure is this. Small ships offer endless ways to experience connection, romance, and love. Love for travel. Love for adventure. Love for the people you share it with. And sometimes, love for the journey itself.So whether you’re cruising with a partner, dreaming of a future voyage, or just a little bit in love with travel, this episode is for you.Happy Valentine’s Day from The Ship Less Travelled.Now go ahead… book the cruise 💕

Balcony people, this episode is for you.In this episode of The Ship Less Travelled, we’re talking about balconies and why, for some of us, they’ve crossed the line from “nice to have” to absolute must.There’s just something about stepping out onto your own private slice of sea. Watching the ship glide into port. Standing still while the world slowly arrives around you. Listening to the rhythm of the ocean. Catching sunrise in your pajamas. Moonlight dancing on the water long after dinner is done.We talk polar cruising and why a balcony in the Arctic or Antarctica is not just about luxury but about access to the moment. Wildlife sightings. Ice. Light. Silence. It hits differently when you can experience it privately, in real time.We also dig into balconies on Transatlantic crossings, where sea days stretch long and wide and that personal outdoor space becomes part of your daily ritual.And then there’s river cruising. Lorraine makes a compelling case for French balconies. Even though you can’t step outside, she explains why they offer something truly special. Light. Connection to the river. A front row seat to villages, vineyards, and daily life gliding past your window. It's a vibe you want on your river cruise experience. She makes such a strong case that she actually convinces Dave.Balconies on a small ship cruise? We agree they’re a bit like flying business class. Once you’ve experienced the difference, it’s very hard to go back. Fair warning. It may spoil you forever.If you’ve ever debated whether a balcony is worth it, this episode might settle it.Subscribe for more honest conversations about cruises, small ships, and thoughtful travel. And let us know in the comments. Are you team balcony, or still on the fence?

The Ship Less Travelled | Antarctica Recap Part 2 ❄️🚢Antarctica, continued.In Part 2 of his Antarctica recap, Dave's unpacking the questions everyone really asks after a trip to the bottom of the world. Would he do it again? What was the polar plunge actually like? And what is the Drake Passage really like when you’re crossing it for real? He would know, he's been across it going there and coming back. We also talk about what embarkation looks like on the way to Antarctica, how seriously biosecurity is handled before you ever set foot on the White Continent, and why protecting Antarctica is non-negotiable. This place is raw, powerful, and unlike anywhere else on Earth, and it deserves our respect.Plus:• Why Lorraine will never be doing a polar plunge (the only splash in the ocean she’s interested in is Bermuda)• Whether there are any words that truly do Antarctica justice• What makes this destination so important to keep pristine• And the secret ingredient Lorraine adds to her hot cocoa for a little extra kick ☕😉If you’ve ever wondered what an expedition to Antarctica is really like, or if it’s worth the journey across the Drake, this episode is for you.👇 Drop your questions in the comments, and let me know if Antarctica is on your bucket list.Subscribe for more episodes of The Ship Less Travelled, where we talk small ships, expedition travel, and journeys that are anything but ordinary.

So… was Antarctica really worth it?In our very first episode of 2026, Dave is freshly back from the bottom of the world and finally spilling the tea on Antarctica.This episode of The Ship Less Travelled tackles the big questions people actually ask about Antarctica travel. Was it mind blowing or wildly overrated? What were the true highlights and were there any lowlights? What do you actually do down there? Are there ports of call, people, or is it just penguins and ice as far as the eye can see?Dave shares what surprised him most, what challenged him, and what moments genuinely stopped him in his tracks. From unforgettable excursions to the realities of daily life on a small expedition ship, this is an honest look at what Antarctica is really like, not the brochure version.And yes, there was a hottest moment in Antarctica. No spoilers here, but it involved sailing somewhere very few travellers ever see. You will want to hear this one.Whether Antarctica is on your bucket list, your maybe list, or your never list, this episode will give you a clearer sense of whether it is actually worth the journey.🎧 Tune in, subscribe, and join us as we explore the ships, stories, and destinations less travelled.📍 Hosted by Dave of DestinationWhatever.com and Loraine of bespokecruiseholidays.co.uk🚢 The Ship Less Travelled podcast

Ask us anything… seriously, anything.On this episode of The Ship Less Travelled, we tackle questions we never expected to hear, and have a little fun along the way. Lorraine shares a recent moment where someone genuinely had no idea what a river cruise even was. How did she respond? How can river cruising be misunderstood? And what might people still not know about this style of travel? We also get personal: Lorraine reflects on how being a travel agent in Nova Scotia compares to working in the UK, sharing stories that are equal parts insight and nostalgia.Speaking of nostalgia, since it’s the holiday season, we divulge our favourite festive cocktails (cheers!) and make some cheeky commentary on the sadly declining quality of a box of Quality Street.Grab a drink, settle in, and join us for laughter, travel truths, and a few surprises along the way. We have a passion to share with you for small ship cruising!

Dave is heading to ANTARCTICA… and Lorraine wants ALL the details.Season 2 continues with a very personal pre-departure chat as Dave gets ready to go south to the White Continent. How does our resident Ice Queen prepare for a once-in-a-lifetime expedition? What’s he packing, is he nervous about anything, and yes… what exactly is the underwear and moisturizer strategy for surviving the driest, coldest place on Earth? Lorraine asks him all the questions you need to know. In fact, Lorraine is in full tabloid-interviewer mode and absolutely refuses to hold back. As per usual of course! • Will Dave freeze… or flourish?• Is Lorraine’s time living in Canada the closest she’ll ever get to Antarctica?• What’s Dave hoping to learn down there?• And what philosophy does he want to share with listeners before he disappears into the ice?Stay tuned to the end for Dave’s heartfelt message about adventure, intention, and stepping into the unknown.The Ship Less Travelled is back with honest conversations, questionable questions, and the kind of candour only two travel agents on opposite sides of the Atlantic could bring.Subscribe, settle in, and come along for the journey before Dave goes off-grid at the bottom of the world.

Season 2 is HERE — and we're coming in hot. 🔥Welcome back to The Ship Less Travelled, the show where two travel agents (one in the UK, one in Canada) talk small-ship cruising with zero fluff, zero fuss, and absolutely no holds barred. We never set out to be content creators… but look at us now. Season 2, new look, new energy, new direction; the same honest voices with two accents for your listening pleasure!So what have we been up to during our little break?🇬🇧 Lorraine sailed with Azamara and brings all the deep dish on what’s new, what’s fabulous, and what needs talking about.🇨🇦 Dave went full ship-nerd in Dubai and explored the legendary QE2, now reborn as a floating hotel — and yes, he has thoughts.We’re also diving into a big question:Why is Cunard an honorary member of The Ship Less Travelled?(Here’s your spoiler: it’s not as stuffy as you think.)Are any of these cruise brands actually snobby?We’re unpacking the myths, the reputations, and the real-world experience. Conversational, candid, and completely unfiltered.And because nostalgia is a powerful thing… we take a spin back to the 1980s, chatting about what travel was like then, including another icon herself, Concorde.If you’re into small ships, big opinions, and cruising with personality, welcome aboard Season 2. Let’s get going.

Welcome back to our behind-the-scenes series! In this episode of The Ship Less Travelled, we dive deeper into what really goes on when working as a travel agent.Why do we ask so many questions? Why do budget expectations matter so much? And what happens if the trip you’ve imagined isn’t available—or doesn’t quite fit your budget?We’ll walk through real scenarios that travellers face all the time, like:What if the cabin you wanted is already sold out?What if your dream trip runs too long for your schedule?How do we balance honesty, realism, and excitement when planning?We’re also tackling three big questions every travel agent should be able to answer:✅ What do we love to book?✅ What are we willing to book?✅ What are we not looking to book?At the end of the day, travel planning is all about matching styles, expectations, and personalities—making sure the journey feels right for you. Our goal? To help you book with knowledge, confidence, and joy.

✨ Behind the Scenes: A Day in the Life of a Travel Agent ✨Ever wondered what a travel agent does or how travel agents work? In this episode of The Ship Less Travelled, we’re pulling back the curtain to show you exactly what goes into a day in the life of a travel advisor. From serving clients, answering their travel questions, and planning dream vacations—to finding new clients through referrals (and sometimes even while out walking the dog 🐾)—we reveal it all.We’re more than just trip bookers. Think of us as your partners in travel planning, strategy, and inspiration. Whether you’re just starting to explore travel for the first time or looking ahead to bucket-list adventures, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.You’ll learn:✔️ What a travel agent does for clients✔️ The questions you should ask your travel advisor✔️ The questions we like to ask clients ✔️ What information your travel planner needs from you✔️ How referrals, networking, and community connections (yes—even dog walking!) help clients find usIf you’ve ever wondered about the benefits of using a travel agent or wanted an inside look at how travel advisors help people, this is the episode for you. Let’s talk travel, plan smarter, and maybe even spark your next great adventure. 🌍✨This podcast is part 1 of 2, so stay tuned for even more on the topic as we spill the tea most travel agents won't talk about.

This episode might ruffle a few feathers—but it’s a conversation worth having. 🚢✈️Travel agents seem to be popping up on every street corner (or, more accurately, every Facebook feed). Many of them are hobbyists or part-timers dipping their toes into the industry. And while there’s nothing wrong with new people joining the travel world, here’s the question every traveller should ask:👉 Who do you want handling your trip?Someone dabbling on the side, or someone who has invested in training, product certifications, and real-world travel experience? Someone who might vanish when things go wrong, or someone for whom this is a full-time career and passion?We dive into the red flags you should watch out for, the right questions to ask when choosing an agent, and why working with a professional can make all the difference—especially when your money, time, and peace of mind are on the line.Because yes, you can book online. You can cut your own hair, sell your own house, or do your own legal work. But would you really want to? When the stakes are high, you trust the pros.✨ If you’re the kind of traveller who values candid communication, direct advice, and knowledgeable support—you’ve come to the right place.🇨🇦 For Canadian consumers, contact Dave Wentworth at www.destinationwhatever.com. 🇬🇧 For UK consumers, contact Lorraine McCowatt at https://bespokecruiseholidays.com/🔔 Subscribe to The Ship Less Travelled for more honest conversations about travel, cruises, and how to explore smarter.👍 Like this episode if you value working with true professionals.💬 Comment below: What do YOU think about the rise of hobby travel agents?#TravelAgent #CruiseTips #TravelPlanning #TravelAdvisor #TheShipLessTravelled #DestinationWhatever #BookWithAPro #TravelTips #SmallGroupTravel #ExpeditionCruise