Small Ship Cruise Talk

We're taking you aboard American Cruise Lines' Southeast Sea Islands itinerary — a nine-day, eight-night coastal cruise through the Intracoastal Waterway on a brand-new coastal catamaran, the American Liberty. If you've only thought of ACL as a river cruise line, this one might surprise you. We cover the ship (what makes a coastal catamaran different and how it compares to ACL's river vessels), the ports, when to go, and how to get there — including a practical tip about open-jaw itineraries ...

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 sc...

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 ...

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, un...

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 drea...

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 ...

Ever wondered what it’s really like to eat and drink your way through an American Cruise Lines sailing? In this episode, we walk you through a full day of food on board: sit-down breakfasts, light bites in the lounge, and made-to-order favorites at the Back Porch Cafe. We share what lunches and dinners actually look like—menus, portions, shared tables, dress code, and how “American comfort food” the experience really feels. We also talk cocktail hour spreads, cookie time (yes, even on excursi...