In this episode, we're heading Down Under… way down — to the wild, rugged, jaw-droppingly beautiful Kimberley region of Western Australia! 🇦🇺Think ancient Aboriginal rock art (yep, we’re talking 40,000 years of culture), dramatic red cliffs, wandering wallabies, and waterfalls that just won’t quit. It's like the Outback turned the drama dial all the way up!Dave fondly remembers Aussie penpals from his school days, Lorraine’s recalls Aussie soap operas, as Commonwealth nations we've all been exposed to Australia one way or the other. Together we’re diving into what makes Australia such a magnetic destination — even for those who’ve already been.🎒 Never been to Australia? You need to go. But you know that already. 🌄 Already been? You'll want to go again — and do it differently.These small ship expedition cruises take you into the real Australia — wild, remote, and wonderfully weird. Plus, they pair perfectly with iconic rail journeys like The Ghan or city stays in Perth, Sydney, Melbourne, or Queensland.Whether you’re dreaming of Crocodile Dundee adventures or a more glam Priscilla, Queen of the Desert realness, The Kimberley is calling — and it's anything but ordinary.🦘 No worries, no dingoes eating babies. Just unforgettable experiences, curated with care.📩 Trip inquiries:🌎 Canada & USA– Contact Dave Wentworth at DestinationWhatever.com🇬🇧 UK – Contact Lorraine McCowatt at bespokecruiseholidays.com

❄️Who wins the worst winter award—snowbound Canadians or rain-soaked Brits? Honestly, does it matter: a winter escape for all is the only right answer. In this week’s episode, we’re diving into emerging small ship cruise trends for Winter 2026. Whether you're dreaming of palm trees or plotting your next great migration from grey skies, now’s the time to start planning—these itineraries are hot, and availability won’t last.🚢 What’s on deck this episode?➡️ Longstay Cruises (30+ days): cross oceans, see continents, and trade that static apartment view for ever-changing horizons.➡️ Exotic River Cruises: including a brand new river sailing in South America you’ve probably never heard of.➡️ A river journey that comes with a potential White Lotus-inspired twist (just, you know, with fewer scandals).➡️ Lorraine’s latest inspiration—born from a local meal that led to a big travel dream. Can you guess where?✨ Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or simply dreaming of ditching your parka, this episode’s full of ideas to make your winter 2026 way more exciting.🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more cruise inspiration and unexpected travel gems.#SmallShipCruising #Winter2026 #TheShipLessTravelled #LongstayCruises #RiverCruises #TravelTrends #CruiseLife #SlowTravel

🎄✨ Christmas in July? Absolutely. ✨🎄This week on The Ship Less Travelled, we're unwrapping a topic that's merrier than Aunt Mary after a few hot toddies – Christmas Market Cruises.Whether you've been naughty or nice, there’s something for everyone:🛍️ Why settle for one market when you can visit several?Cruising Europe’s rivers lets you hop from village to village, soaking up centuries of tradition. It sure beats fighting for parking at the mall.🍽️ What do we personally love about the holidays?Festive lights, mulled wine, gingerbread hearts, roast chestnuts… and yes, all the food we can handle. Because calories don’t count at Christmas, right?🌊 Where do these cruises go?Think the Danube, the Rhine, the Main, and beyond – each with their own market magic, from Vienna’s elegant stalls to Strasbourg’s storybook charm.📅 When to go?Markets typically run late November to Christmas Eve – book now for the best cabins and flight options.🧳 What about solo travellers?These cruises are perfect if you’re going solo, with festive onboard camaraderie and shore excursions that let you explore at your own pace (and sample ALL the treats).🏠 Want to be away for the holidays?Many cruises run over Christmas itself – for those looking to swap peeling potatoes at home for sipping glühwein under twinkling lights in Europe.Because no matter what brings you to a Christmas Market Cruise, they’re warm, cozy, and comforting – just what we all crave at the holidays.And let’s face it… these markets sure beat sitting around eating disappointing Quality Street chocolates that just aren’t what they used to be. 😏🎁✨🛳️ What are you waiting for – Christmas?

🇫🇷✨ Vive la France! ✨🇫🇷This week on The Ship Less Travelled, we’re raising a glass (of Bordeaux, naturally) to celebrate Bastille Day with a love letter to France. 💙🤍❤️Sunflower fields, lavender fields… what’s not to adore? France is a feast for the senses – from the scent of fresh baguettes wafting out of a boulangerie, to the zing of pungent of roquefort on your tastebuds, to the feeling of Provençal sun warming your skin. And oh la la, the beauty your eyes will drink in.But did you know you can experience France in a whole new way – by river? Lorraine spills some tea – or should we say wine 🍷 – about her Rhône river cruise, and we dive into other waterways you can sail to unlock that famous joie de vivre. From the Seine to the Saône, France’s rivers are calling.🇫🇷 Where should you go beyond the river?🇫🇷 When to go?🇫🇷 And how has the City of Light changed for travellers today?This is the class on France your French teacher never told you about. Tune in and celebrate one of the most glorious nations on earth.🎧 Listen now and fall in love with France all over again. Vive la France, vive la République! 🇫🇷🥐🍷

🇫🇷 Bonjour, Comment Allez-Vous? 🇫🇷

We’re celebrating our 10th episode in style! 🥳⚓Join us as Lorraine shares her incredible experience recently sailing with Star Clippers aboard the Royal Clipper, departing from Cannes and circling the stunning island of Corsica, with a stop in Portofino for a splash of prosecco 🏖️⛵🥂✨

Pardon our French, but it was incroyable! ✨

Discover what it feels like to sail away on this majestic tall ship – imagine the emotional swell of music as the sails rise and your journey begins… it’s pure goosebumps. 💙🎶

Want to know:

What’s a sail away like with Star Clippers?

What are the cabins really like?

What immersive sailing experiences await on board?

Lorraine tells all about life aboard the Royal Clipper as she explored this Millionaire’s Playground and lived out a dreamy small ship adventure.

👉 Listen now and celebrate our tenth episode with us. Because life is better under sail, n'est pas?

#TheShipLessTravelled #SmallShipCruising #StarClippers #RoyalClipper #Corsica #Cannes #TravelPodcast #SailingDreams #Episode10 #Incroyable #SailAway #TravelGoals

Are last-minute bookings on small ship cruises all they’re cracked up to be? 🤔

This week on The Ship Less Travelled, we dive into the reality behind those tempting last-minute deals. 🛳️💸✅ Why smaller ships (including river cruises) often don’t have true last-minute bargains✅ Why being flexible is your biggest asset✅ Why an unsold cabin might not be the hidden gem you think✅ The sweet spot timing for booking: 90 days, 60 days… or much sooner?✅ How solo travellers fit into the last-minute puzzleSometimes you can snag an amazing opportunity, but other times… well, let’s just say it’s good to know what you’re signing up for. 😉As Lorraine says, “We’re here for you, the whole way through.”🎧 Watch or listen to the full episode now and get the inside scoop

🛳️ Ready to take your cruising experience to the next level? In this week’s episode of The Ship Less Travelled, we’re diving into the world of intensive cruising — a lesser-known but totally game-changing way to explore a destination.What is an intensive cruise, you ask? It's a style of cruising that focuses on in-depth exploration of a single country or region, often with more port stops, longer stays, and even overnight calls in iconic cities. This isn’t your typical “touch and go” cruise. It’s about immersing yourself in a place — its culture, cuisine, landscapes, and local life.🌸 In this episode:👉 Lorraine shares her firsthand experience on an intensive cruise through Croatia, hopping along the stunning Dalmatian Coast with overnight stays that allowed for relaxed dinners, sunsets, and deeper local connection.👉 Dave reflects on his trip to Japan and how it might have looked different as an intensive cruise, especially when the voyage is perfectly timed for cherry blossom season.👉 Dave spills the green tea with tips on pre- and post-cruise travel in Japan — don't miss iconic places like Kyoto, Tokyo or Mount Fuji. 👉 Hear where Lorraine is heading next on her upcoming intensive cruise !🌍 Why consider an intensive cruise?-More immersive travel experiences-Deeper connection with a country’s culture and people-Less time at sea, more time exploring-Ideal for travellers who want to go beyond the brochureWhether you're dreaming of Ireland’s rugged coastlines, Italy’s art-filled cities, Greece’s sun-soaked islands, or New Zealand’s natural wonders — there’s likely an intensive cruise that’ll get you closer to the heart of the destination.These are just a few of the destinations on offer. 💡 If you're new to cruising or looking to shake up your travel style, this episode is for you. We break down what makes intensive cruising so special, who it’s for, and how to plan one that fits your travel goals.🎥 WATCH NOW to see if an intensive cruise should be your next great adventure.

 The Ship Less Travelled: Amazon Edition In this week’s wildest episode yet, Dave apes out in the Amazon!  

He went on an epic river cruise—on a small, purpose-built ship with just 28 guests—and he's spilling all the jungle juice.

From skiff rides into the heart of the rainforest to up-close encounters with the creatures (and characters!) that call it home, this is a trip like no other. Find out:

• Why river cruising is the best way to explore the Amazon
• What a skiff is—and why it’s your new favourite word
• How responsible tourism supports riverside communities
• And meet the incredible women of the Amazon—shamans, artists, and guardians of the forest.

And because two heads are better than one, Dave and Lorraine bring their combined cruise wisdom—one Canuck, one Brit—to make sure your next cruise is worth every loonie or pound, every halfpenny and halfpence.  

Listen now—your armchair adventure awaits

!#TheShipLessTravelled #AmazonRiverCruise #ResponsibleTravel #SmallShipBigAdventure #CruiseTips #WomenOfTheAmazon #DaveAndLorraine #JungleVibes

Welcome aboard The Ship Less Travelled, your guide to rare routes, remarkable destinations, and refined adventures by sea. In Episode 6, we're diving deep into one of the cruise industry’s most fascinating—and misunderstood—secrets: Repositioning Cruises.👉 What is a repositioning cruise?👉 Why are they one of the smartest ways to explore places few others ever reach?👉 And how can these seasonal sailings turn into the adventure of a lifetime?In this episode, hosts Dave Wentworth (Canada) and Lorraine McCowatt (UK) explore how repositioning cruises can take you off the tourist track—and into story-worthy, soul-stirring destinations.💡 Real Story: Sable Island, Nova ScotiaDave recounts how a repositioning cruise allowed his clients to step ashore on Sable Island—a windswept crescent in the North Atlantic known for wild horses, shifting sands, and shipwrecks. This remote and protected Canadian national park is almost impossible to reach… unless you know the right kind of cruise.🌍 Fantasy Routes: From Lorraine’s Dream Cruise to Dave’s Obsession with St. HelenaWhat would be the perfect repositioning cruise for Lorraine, our UK-based cruise expert and connoisseur of fine itineraries? Meanwhile, Dave imagines tracing the western coast of Africa—stopping in Dakar, Cape Verde, and of course… St. Helena. (Yes, he’s still obsessed. Yes, it’s contagious.)🎙️ ABOUT THE SHOWThe Ship Less Travelled is a podcast for curious cruisers, seasoned travellers, and anyone craving authentic experiences beyond the typical tourist trail. Each episode explores uncommon cruise routes, expedition adventures, and one-of-a-kind ports of call—with a focus on storytelling, real client experiences, and expert travel planning tips.If you're ready to travel smarter, deeper, and with more intention—especially by sea—you're in the right place.✨ WHO THIS VIDEO IS FOR:Educated and affluent travellers seeking premium or luxury small ship cruisesExpedition cruise fans and adventurersCurious cruisers looking for new travel ideasCanadians and UK travellers eager to discover rare and beautiful destinationsArmchair travellers and trip planners dreaming of their next bucket-list journey🌊 FEATURED DESTINATIONS & INSPIRATION IN THIS EPISODE:Sable Island National Park Reserve, CanadaRepositioning cruises across the Atlantic and PacificWestern Africa coastal cruisesSt. Helena, South Atlantic OceanCape Verde, Canary Islands, DakarHidden gems accessible by small ship and expedition vessel🧭 THINGS YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE:How repositioning cruises work and when to book themWhy these cruises are often more affordable and less crowdedHow to find itineraries that include hard-to-reach destinationsTips for choosing the right small ship cruise lineWhat makes a cruise premium vs. luxury—and why it matters🚢 READY TO PLAN YOUR OWN CRUISE?🔹 In Canada? Work with Dave Wentworth at DestinationWhatever.com, a travel advisor with over 15 years of experience helping travellers explore the world through small group tours, ocean and river cruises, and expedition sailings.🔹 In the UK? Reach out to Lorraine McCowatt, your trusted specialist in luxury and bespoke cruise holidays. Start your journey at BespokeCruiseHolidays.com/luxurycruiseholidays🔔 SUBSCRIBE for more:If you enjoy exploring unusual destinations, remote islands, expedition ships, and off-the-beaten-path travel by sea, be sure to like, comment, and subscribe. New episodes drop regularly!👍 Like this video🗨️ Comment with your dream repositioning cruise🔔 Subscribe and turn on notifications📢 Share this episode with a travel buddy

In this episode, we're setting sail into the wonderful world of European river cruising—a style of travel that's become increasingly popular with curious, culturally-minded travellers from Canada and the UK.Wondering where most first-time river cruisers start? We reveal the two most popular rivers that offer the perfect mix of scenery, history, and ease. (Spoiler: one of them might just rhyme with “man-you.” 😉)🎤 Lorraine takes you along on her river cruise down the Danube, sharing:What life is really like onboard a river shipThe kinds of excursions and activities you can enjoy each dayHer personal highlights and insights about the river cruiseDebunking some myths you might have about river cruising Whether you're a seasoned ocean cruiser curious about smaller ships and slower travel, a repeat river cruiser, or you're completely new to cruising but love immersive cultural experiences, this episode is for YOU.✨ River cruises are a great fit for so many people. If you’ve ever been intrigued by the idea of floating past castles, vineyards, and historic towns—without having to repack your suitcase—this is your sign to explore further.👀 For those who already love river cruises, you know the magic. And for those who are curious… you’re curious for a reason.We’re here to help match you with the perfect river cruise—and it all starts with hearing what’s possible.📌 Subscribe for more episodes about unique cruising experiences, expert tips, and stories from sailings all around the world. 👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and share if this episode inspires your next adventure!#TheShipLessTravelled #RiverCruising #DanubeCruise #TravelPodcast #EuropeanCruise #FirstTimeCruisers #RiverCruiseTips #CruiseCurious #CruiseFromCanada #CruiseFromUK