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.

Thinking about a cruise but not sure where to start? In this episode of Checked In with Ryan & Jo, we break down the three main types of cruising — ocean cruises, river cruises, and expedition cruises — and explain what makes each one unique.

From lively ocean ships packed with entertainment, to relaxed river cruises sailing through the heart of Europe, and adventure-led expedition cruises to some of the world’s most remote destinations, we cover who each style is best for and why cruising could be your next perfect holiday.

Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or looking to try something new, this episode is your ultimate guide to choosing the right cruise experience.

✨ Plus, we tease upcoming episodes where we’ll dive deeper into each cruise style.

In this episode of Checked In with Ryan & Jo, we share our personal travel stories and how our careers in the travel industry shaped the way we travel, plan, and give advice today.

Ryan talks about his time repping for Thomas Cook, sharing behind-the-scenes insight into life living overseas and working within the travel industry.

Jo shares her experience working with Royal Caribbean, discussing cruise life, industry knowledge, and why cruising continues to be such a key part of travel planning.

This episode gives you a deeper understanding of who Ryan and Jo are, our background in travel, and why Checked In with Ryan & Jo is built around honest, real-world travel advice.

Next episode preview: We’re diving into cruising, covering ocean cruises, river cruises, first-time cruise tips, and how to choose the right cruise for your travel style.

In our final 'where to travel when' series we discuss the perfect destinations for October, November and December.

Packed full of our usual chatter, insider tips and a croaky voiced Jo, this is a great episode for those winter break escapes.

October we look at Malta, China and the Maldives. We delve into some of the key tips for the Maldvises when picking an island perfect for you.

November takes us to Thailand, Sri Lanka and the Canary Islands. Heading truly into winter sun season we discuss how accessible both Thailand and Sri Lanka are to explore independently.

Lastly, December we talk about the likely expected destination of Lapland, but how it is not just for the children. We finish up with how Costa Rica, Australia and New Zealand are perfect destinations for the winter season.

If you've missed our earlier episodes where we cover where to travel January - September, head back and have a listen.

Remember to stay 'Checked In' with Ryan and Jo

In this episode of Checked In with Ryan & Jo, we explore the best destinations to visit in July, August and September, helping you make the most of summer and early autumn travel.

We cover July favourites including the Balearic Islands, Kenya and Turkey — from beach escapes to unforgettable safari experiences.

For August, we dive into Brazil, Bali and Aruba, perfect for sunshine, culture and laid-back island vibes.

And in September, we highlight Singapore, Argentina and Portugal, ideal for city breaks, nature and quieter late-summer escapes.

Packed with travel inspiration, seasonal tips and real-world insight, this episode is perfect for anyone planning a summer or early-autumn getaway.

🎧 Tune in and get Checked In with Ryan & Jo.

In this episode of Checked In with Ryan & Jo, we explore the best destinations for spring and early summer. From the beaches of Cyprus, Cape Verde and Seychelles in April, to the vibrant culture of Morocco, Canada and Italy in May, and the sun-soaked coasts of Croatia, Greece and Borneo in June — we cover the highlights, must-see sights, and why these months are perfect for each destination.

Join us for travel inspiration, insider tips, and a few personal stories to help you plan your next adventure!