Welcome to Unpacked Minis, our new Unpacked series. Throughout the year, over the course of four bite-size episodes, we'll dig into the biggest themes in travel. This month, we're tackling cruising, specifically those who are new to cruising—or think it's not for them.

In our inaugural episode, Michelle Baran—Afar’s deputy news editor and resident cruise expert—sits down with host Aislyn Greene, a former cruise skeptic, to unpack the surprising world of modern cruising. Whether you're new to the world or you’re cruise-averse for environmental, cultural, or other reasons, you’ll discover unique cruise experiences that will help you rethink this growing travel industry. 

From cruise recommendations for adventurous travelers to the ways that cruising is adjusting to concerns about sustainability and travel limitations, here's how to dive in.

Should I Go on a Cruise?

In this episode you’ll learn: 

Busting Cruise Stereotypes One-By-One

Don’t miss these memorable moments: 

[01:52] The experience that changed my mind about cruising.

[05:49] What about wind? Sustainability and sailing ships. 

[ 00:00] Destinations you can only reach by water. 

Resources: 

Be sure to subscribe to the show and to sign up for our podcast newsletter, Behind the Mic, where we share upcoming news and behind-the-scenes details of each episode. And explore our second podcast, Travel Tales, which celebrates first-person narratives about the way travel changes us.

** What's one tricky travel topic you want us to unpack? Send us a voice message here, for a chance to weigh in and be featured in an upcoming episode. **

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