What happens when a cruise stop turns into one of your favorite resort vacations ever?

In this episode of Explorations All Over, Russ shares how a brief visit to Grand Case, St. Martin during a cruise led to not just one return trip — but several. From lazy mornings at the Grand Case Beach Club to unforgettable meals on a street lined with 40 gourmet restaurants, this story is about more than just palm trees and sunsets. It’s about finding a place that sticks with you long after the suitcase is unpacked.

Plus, a hilarious dinner mishap involving shrimp, finger bowls, and a new phrase you’ll never forget: shrimp dip.

🧭 What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• How a cruise stop first introduced us to Grand Case
• Why we returned — and how we made it our own
• Tips for booking, saving, and getting around the island
• The daily rhythm of a perfect beach vacation
• Favorite restaurants, local gems, and cheese smuggling
• One unforgettable dinner story that still makes us laugh
• A teaser for the upcoming Far Flung Destinations series

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Why We Return to the City of Light Again and Again

In this deeply personal episode, Russ invites you along on a multi-decade love story with the City of Light. From a whirlwind 24-hour first visit in 2006 to slow, immersive returns in 2019, 2021, and 2023, discover how Paris evolved from a stopover into a beloved second home.

Whether you're a first-time traveler or a frequent flyer, you’ll find inspiration in the art, food, and unexpected magic of returning to a place that keeps unfolding its secrets.

You’ll Hear About:

• [00:00] Why land travel can be as enriching as cruising
• [01:30] The first trip to Paris in 2006
• [03:00] Returning in 2019: flights, food, hotel, and private tours
• [08:00] Why private tours can elevate a travel experience
• [10:00] Dinner cruise and the perfect end to a Paris return
• [11:30] Traveling with friends and family in 2021
• [15:00] Splitting up: Versailles vs. Fontainebleau & Vaux-le-Vicomte
• [17:00] Exploring the Loire Valley: Chenonceau & Chambord
• [19:00] Capping the trip with a VIP dinner cruise
• [20:00] A quick return in 2023 and seeing Paris through friends’ eyes
• [22:30] The joy of returning again and again
• [24:00] Final reflections: Why favorite places are worth revisiting

Mentioned in This Episode:

• Hotel Le Bourdonnais – Inwood Hotels
• Le Florimond – TripAdvisor
• Fermin Le Barbier – Official Site
• Babylon Tours – Private Museum Tours
• Normandy Melody – Versailles Day Trips
• La Compagnie – Business-Class Airline

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Ever wondered what makes cruise vacations so magical or why they inspire such passionate loyalty among travelers? Award-winning cruise consultant Kurt Oswald pulls back the curtain on the cruise industry, sharing the insider knowledge you need before booking your first (or next) voyage at sea.

Kurt addresses the most common concerns of first-time cruisers head-on - from fears about seasickness to worries about crowded ships. "The ships are so technology advanced now... you don't hear many people getting seasick at all," he explains, dispelling one of cruising's most persistent myths. Even on massive ships carrying thousands of passengers, Kurt assures listeners that "you're never around crowds - there's always a place to go," whether you're seeking excitement or tranquility.

Choosing the right cruise experience is about understanding your own travel style and expectations. Kurt walks through the matching process he uses with clients, considering everything from family dynamics to dining preferences when recommending specific cruise lines. The wisdom in his advice becomes apparent as he explains how vastly different two cruise experiences can be depending on the ship and itinerary selected. His recommendation to book at least a year in advance might surprise some listeners, but makes perfect sense when he details the benefits of early planning.

The conversation ventures into practical territory with discussions about cabin selection (why that balcony might be worth every penny), the true cost of cruising beyond advertised rates, and the crucial importance of travel insurance. Kurt's passion for creating perfect vacation experiences shines throughout, especially when he shares simple tips for enhancing your onboard experience - like his strategy of greeting cabin stewards with a small tip on day one to ensure exceptional service throughout your voyage.

Ready to explore the world from the comfort of a floating luxury hotel? Email Kurt at koswald@expediacruises.com and discover why so many travelers find themselves returning to the seas year after year.

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