In this episode of Checked In with Ryan & Jo, we wrap up our cruising series with the ultimate guide to ocean cruising.

From sun-soaked Caribbean cruises to culture-packed Mediterranean itineraries, scenic Alaska sailings, and breathtaking Norwegian Fjords, we break down everything you need to know about modern ocean cruises and why they remain one of the most popular ways to travel.

We cover:

• What ocean cruising is really like

• Life onboard today’s cruise ships

• Family-friendly vs adults-only cruise options

• Luxury cruise lines vs mainstream cruise ships

• Sea days, entertainment, dining and onboard experiences

• Why cruising offers incredible all-in-one holiday value

• Who ocean cruising is perfect for — couples, families, groups and first-time cruisers

If you’re considering a 2026 cruise holiday, first-time cruise, family cruise, all-inclusive cruise experience, or luxury ocean cruise, this episode gives you practical advice, insider insight and destination inspiration.

🎙️ Checked In with Ryan & Jo is your weekly travel podcast covering cruises, destinations, expert travel tips and behind-the-scenes industry knowledge.

Plus — we tease next week’s special episode where Jo checks in from Thailand and Ryan is joined by Jennifer, GM of arrangeMY Escape, for an insider look at the travel industry.

If ocean cruising is on your radar, this is the episode to listen to.

This week on Checked In with Ryan & Jo, we’re diving into the extraordinary world of expedition cruising — and we’re joined by special guest Kate from AE Expeditions, one of the leaders in small-ship polar and adventure cruises.

If you’ve ever dreamed of visiting Antarctica, the Arctic, Greenland, the Scottish Isles, Costa Rica, or other remote bucket-list destinations, this episode is your ultimate guide to understanding what expedition cruising is really like.

We cover:

• What makes expedition cruises different from traditional ocean cruises

• Why small-ship cruising offers deeper destination immersion

• What a typical day looks like on an Antarctica expedition

• Wildlife encounters including penguins, polar bears and whales

• The difference between Arctic vs Antarctica cruises

• Who expedition cruising is perfect for

• What life is really like onboard AE Expeditions’ ships

• Sustainability, responsible tourism, and conservation at sea

Whether you're researching a luxury expedition cruise, Antarctica cruise 2026, Arctic small-ship adventure, or bucket-list polar holiday, this episode gives you insider insight straight from one of the industry experts.

Perfect for:

• Adventure travellers

• Luxury cruise seekers

• Solo travellers

• Couples planning milestone trips

• Anyone considering their first expedition cruise

🎙️ Checked In with Ryan & Jo is your weekly travel podcast covering cruise advice, destination inspiration, travel tips, industry insights, and real-world holiday planning.

If you’re curious about expedition cruising, polar cruises, small-ship exploration, sustainable cruise travel, or once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences, this episode is not to be missed.

For more information on Expedition Cruises get in touch with us.

Call - 01684 214848

Email malvern@arrangemyescape.com

or visit us in store at 16 Worcester Road, Great Malvern

In this episode of Checked In with Ryan & Jo, we dive into everything you need to know about river cruising — one of the fastest-growing travel trends for 2026 and beyond.

We explore the most popular river cruise destinations around the world, including the Danube, Rhine, Seine, Douro, Rhône, Nile, Mekong, Yangtze and Amazon, and explain what makes each route unique. From sailing through European capitals and vineyard-covered valleys to bucket-list journeys through Egypt and Southeast Asia, this is your ultimate guide to choosing the right river cruise.

We also break down leading river cruise lines including Riviera Travel, Viking River Cruises, AmaWaterways and Uniworld, comparing styles from premium to ultra-luxury.

If you’re considering a European river cruise, Nile cruise, Mekong cruise, all-inclusive river holiday, or luxury small-ship cruising experience, this episode covers who river cruising is best for, what’s included, and why it’s such a stress-free way to travel.

Perfect for:

• First-time cruisers

• Couples and solo travellers

• Luxury travellers

• Food and wine lovers

• Cultural travel enthusiasts

• 2026 cruise planners

🎙️ Checked In with Ryan & Jo — your weekly travel podcast for destination advice, cruise guides, holiday planning tips, and insider travel knowledge.