Ever wonder about U.S. river cruises? We're taking you inside American Cruise Lines (ACL) to help you decide if this domestic cruise experience is right for your next adventure.

You'll discover their unique offerings and various types of vessels you can cruise on. Discover their interesting itineraries and where they cruise, along with what the onboard amenities are like. Is the food tasty? What do they offer for onboard entertainment and enrichment?

Also, find out about ACL’s Eagle Society loyalty program and how it can enhance your cruising. We'll also share the impressive accessibility features these ships offer and help you understand exactly who thrives on American Cruise Lines cruises.

If you're considering the convenience of domestic cruise travel without sacrificing enriching experiences, you do not want to miss this episode!

If you're a visual person and you are craving some photos to go along with this audio, check out our Tennessee River Cruise article with lots of imagery! Additionally, we recommend checking out our American River Cruises: Start Here to Plan Your US River Vacation resource.

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Want to grab our complimentary Essential River Cruise Budgeting Guide? Head over to Small Ship Cruise Talk, scroll halfway down the page to a blue box where you'll find the signup form, and claim your copy!

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If you find value in our premium cruise insights, support Small Ship Cruise Talk to help us continue to deliver expert guidance for your extraordinary voyages.

SometimesSailing.com has even more planning tips, firsthand experiences, & advice. 🌏 Use our preferred travel advisors to book your cruise.

Have questions or topic suggestions? Contact us.

©2025 Small Ship Cruise Talk. All rights reserved. May contain affiliate links. Some trips have been hosted. All opinions are our own.

We're taking you on a complete journey through Christmas market river cruising in Europe in two parts (you'll find Part 1 here), sharing everything we've learned to help you create the most magical holiday cruise experience possible.

In part 2 of our 2-part series, you'll discover:

• Our pertinent booking strategies
• Essential packing tips
• Advice on what type of stateroom location and why
• How to manage expectations, including regarding winter water levels and potential itinerary changes, as well as mobility concerns

Importantly, we'll show you how to tap into the incredible sense of community and connection that makes these markets so special – a remarkable aspect of river cruising, especially during the holidays. We wrap up by inviting you to send us your questions about Christmas Markets river cruises.

For additional reading, you’ll find these resources (with photos!) helpful:

• All You Need to Know about the Christmas Markets River Cruises
• Viking Christmas River Cruise with Dazzling Markets along the Danube

Giving someone the gift of a cruise? Check out our surprise cruise reveal ideas!

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Want to grab our complimentary Essential River Cruise Budgeting Guide? Head over to Small Ship Cruise Talk, scroll halfway down the page to a blue box where you'll find the signup form, and claim your copy!

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Subscribe so you never miss an episode, released every Wednesday.

Love the show? Please give us a 5-star ⭐️ rating (we'll read it on the air)!

➜ Join our Small Ship Cruise Talk community on Facebook.

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If you find value in our premium cruise insights, support Small Ship Cruise Talk to help us continue to deliver expert guidance for your extraordinary voyages.

SometimesSailing.com has even more planning tips, firsthand experiences, & advice. 🌏 Use our preferred travel advisors to book your cruise.

Have questions or topic suggestions? Contact us.

©2025 Small Ship Cruise Talk. All rights reserved. May contain affiliate links. Some trips have been hosted. All opinions are our own.

Let’s dive into the magical world of 🎄 Christmas market river cruising in Europe! We are sharing exactly how you can make the most of this enchanting holiday experience.

In part 1 of our 2-part series (you'll find Part 2 here), you'll learn our insider tips for:

• Timing your cruise perfectly
• Choosing the right itinerary for you
• Discovering the incredible culinary delights that await you at each market

We'll also give you practical advice that will help you navigate the markets like a pro and truly soak up that special holiday atmosphere that makes these cruises so unforgettable.

​​For additional reading, you’ll find these resources (with photos!) helpful:

• All You Need to Know about the Christmas Markets River Cruises
• Viking Christmas River Cruise with Dazzling Markets along the Danube

🎁 Giving someone the gift of a cruise? Check out our surprise cruise reveal ideas!

Send us a text

Want to grab our complimentary Essential River Cruise Budgeting Guide? Head over to Small Ship Cruise Talk, scroll halfway down the page to a blue box where you'll find the signup form, and claim your copy!

Support the show

Subscribe so you never miss an episode, released every Wednesday.

Love the show? Please give us a 5-star ⭐️ rating (we'll read it on the air)!

➜ Join our Small Ship Cruise Talk community on Facebook.

Follow us on Instagram, Threads, & Pinterest.

📩 Sign up for our newsletter.

If you find value in our premium cruise insights, support Small Ship Cruise Talk to help us continue to deliver expert guidance for your extraordinary voyages.

SometimesSailing.com has even more planning tips, firsthand experiences, & advice. 🌏 Use our preferred travel advisors to book your cruise.

Have questions or topic suggestions? Contact us.

©2025 Small Ship Cruise Talk. All rights reserved. May contain affiliate links. Some trips have been hosted. All opinions are our own.

We explore the luxurious experience offered by Riverside Luxury Cruises aboard the Riverside Debussy, with insights into the Riverside Mozart as well, diving into what makes this cruise line stand out in the competitive river cruise market.

We discuss the unique features that set Riverside apart from other river cruise lines, including the impressive flexibility of their itineraries and exceptional dining options that cater to discerning food enthusiasts. We dive into Riverside's attention to detail and phenomenal service, examining how they elevate the guest experience beyond typical cruise standards.

We also compare Riverside with other established cruise lines, highlighting the distinctive offerings that give them a competitive edge as this emerging cruise line establishes itself in the market. We explore the future potential of the Riverside brand and its strategic positioning in the rapidly growing river cruise industry.

Be sure to listen to last week's episode, when we sat down with Jennifer Halboth, CEO of the cruise line, for an exclusive interview.

See photos of Riverside Mozart in this piece, showcasing various reasons why Riverside Mozart is an optimal choice for cruising on the Danube River.

Send us a text

Want to grab our complimentary Essential River Cruise Budgeting Guide? Head over to Small Ship Cruise Talk, scroll halfway down the page to a blue box where you'll find the signup form, and claim your copy!

Support the show

Subscribe so you never miss an episode, released every Wednesday.

Love the show? Please give us a 5-star ⭐️ rating (we'll read it on the air)!

➜ Join our Small Ship Cruise Talk community on Facebook.

Follow us on Instagram, Threads, & Pinterest.

📩 Sign up for our newsletter.

If you find value in our premium cruise insights, support Small Ship Cruise Talk to help us continue to deliver expert guidance for your extraordinary voyages.

SometimesSailing.com has even more planning tips, firsthand experiences, & advice. 🌏 Use our preferred travel advisors to book your cruise.

Have questions or topic suggestions? Contact us.

©2025 Small Ship Cruise Talk. All rights reserved. May contain affiliate links. Some trips have been hosted. All opinions are our own.

In this exclusive sit-down with Jennifer Halboth, CEO of Riverside Luxury Cruises, we are bringing you info about this luxury, relatively new cruise line that's taking the rivers by storm!

Jen shares how Riverside's definition of luxury goes beyond premium amenities: it's rooted in personalized service and meticulous attention to detail, highlighted by their remarkable one-to-one crew-to-suite ratio. The ships feel more like boutique hotels than traditional cruise vessels, creating an ambiance that appeals to a younger generation of travelers seeking sophisticated experiences.

We explore how Riverside has positioned itself as a haven for food enthusiasts, with culinary offerings that cater to diverse palates while maintaining exceptional quality. Jen discusses the variety of excursion options, with experiences designed to remain fresh for repeat visitors.

Our conversation reveals Riverside's service philosophy of creating authentic, familial connections with guests, transforming the typical cruise experience into something more personal and memorable, right down to charming touches like a sweet treat in the lounge that may surprise you!

We talked to Jen while on Riverside Debussy, but we previously sailed on Riverside Mozart, an impressive double-wide river cruise ship.

New to river cruising? Also check out:

• Learn the Most Helpful Things to Know Your First Time on a River Cruise
• Listen to the Top Things to Know About River Cruising Part 1 and Part 2.

Send us a text

Want to grab our complimentary Essential River Cruise Budgeting Guide? Head over to Small Ship Cruise Talk, scroll halfway down the page to a blue box where you'll find the signup form, and claim your copy!

Support the show

Subscribe so you never miss an episode, released every Wednesday.

Love the show? Please give us a 5-star ⭐️ rating (we'll read it on the air)!

➜ Join our Small Ship Cruise Talk community on Facebook.

Follow us on Instagram, Threads, & Pinterest.

📩 Sign up for our newsletter.

If you find value in our premium cruise insights, support Small Ship Cruise Talk to help us continue to deliver expert guidance for your extraordinary voyages.

SometimesSailing.com has even more planning tips, firsthand experiences, & advice. 🌏 Use our preferred travel advisors to book your cruise.

Have questions or topic suggestions? Contact us.

©2025 Small Ship Cruise Talk. All rights reserved. May contain affiliate links. Some trips have been hosted. All opinions are our own.

Should you extend your cruise in Reykjavik, Iceland? Discover if it’s the right move for you as we cover practical logistics, must-see attractions, insider tips, culinary experiences, cruise port locations, and more. We’ll fill you in on the importance of planning ahead, especially to coordinate with your cruise embarkation, and share our personal experiences to enhance your vacation to this vibrant, Nordic city.

• See our recommended Iceland excursions on Viator, our preferred booking platform (including a link to the food tour we took):
• Listen to our episode, Puffins, Fjords, & Luxury: Our Unforgettable Windstar Cruise Around Iceland, for more information about cruising around the country.
• Interested in a private tour or self-guided driving tour? Check out Hidden Iceland, the company that showed us the goodness of the Golden Circle.
• We never travel without our WiFi hotspot. We can connect up to 5 devices while abroad – we used it in Iceland and it kept us well connected during excursions.
• Shop our recommended packing list for Iceland, with our must-pack binoculars, clothing layers, telephoto lens, and more.

Send us a text

Want to grab our complimentary Essential River Cruise Budgeting Guide? Head over to Small Ship Cruise Talk, scroll halfway down the page to a blue box where you'll find the signup form, and claim your copy!

Support the show

Subscribe so you never miss an episode, released every Wednesday.

Love the show? Please give us a 5-star ⭐️ rating (we'll read it on the air)!

➜ Join our Small Ship Cruise Talk community on Facebook.

Follow us on Instagram, Threads, & Pinterest.

📩 Sign up for our newsletter.

If you find value in our premium cruise insights, support Small Ship Cruise Talk to help us continue to deliver expert guidance for your extraordinary voyages.

SometimesSailing.com has even more planning tips, firsthand experiences, & advice. 🌏 Use our preferred travel advisors to book your cruise.

Have questions or topic suggestions? Contact us.

©2025 Small Ship Cruise Talk. All rights reserved. May contain affiliate links. Some trips have been hosted. All opinions are our own.

Our unforgettable experience cruising around Iceland with Windstar on the yacht named Star Pride is one for the books! Tune in to learn the unique advantages of small ship cruising in this outstandingly gorgeous Nordic country, including direct access to ports, personalized service, and immersive experiences.

Learn exactly what ports we visited and why they were special, about the breathtaking landscapes, wildlife encounters, and onboard education that enriched the journey. We'll also share our practical travel tips for visiting Iceland, including what documents you need and the costs of the cruise compared to other cruise lines, making this episode a comprehensive guide for potential travelers.

Here are additional awesome resources for you to accompany this episode:

• View photos from our Windstar Around Iceland cruise.
• Learn more about the ins and outs of Windstar's "All-In" package, with WiFi and alcohol included.
• If we're going to a destination with great wildlife spotting, like Iceland, we never leave home without our favorite binoculars.
• Find out about the Celebrity Cruises The Retreat class if you're considering a cruise with them.
• We never travel abroad without our Solis hotspot. Here's why we love it.
• Find out more about Three Flavors of Small Ship Cruises in a previous podcast episode, including river, yacht, and barge cruises.

Please note: The restaurant Basil + Bamboo will replace Cuadro 44 across Windstar's fleet, beginning in 2025.

Send us a text

Support the show

Subscribe so you never miss an episode, released every Wednesday.

Love the show? Please give us a 5-star ⭐️ rating (we'll read it on the air)!

➜ Join our Small Ship Cruise Talk community on Facebook.

Follow us on Instagram, Threads, & Pinterest.

📩 Sign up for our newsletter.

If you find value in our premium cruise insights, support Small Ship Cruise Talk to help us continue to deliver expert guidance for your extraordinary voyages.

SometimesSailing.com has even more planning tips, firsthand experiences, & advice. 🌏 Use our preferred travel advisors to book your cruise.

Have questions or topic suggestions? Contact us.

©2025 Small Ship Cruise Talk. All rights reserved. May contain affiliate links. Some trips have been hosted. All opinions are our own.

We are exploring the world of luxury cruising with expert Dana Freeman! She shares her journey, inspired by her grandmother's love of cruising, so you can understand what makes different cruise lines unique in the niche.

Learn about Galapagos with Ecoventura, Riverside Luxury Cruises, Seabourn and Emerald cruises, plus the intimate nature of small ship cruising for varied adventures. Dana shares luxurious experiences highlighting special culinary offerings, unique amenities, and adventurous excursions - from cooking with a Duchess in Sicily to a helicopter ride from a luxury yacht ship that pushed her comfort zone.

Follow Dana & read some of her articles here:

• IG: @danahfreeman
• Threads: @danahfreeman
• Visit Dana's website for more of her amazing small ship cruise adventures
• Crystal Symphony Ship Review on Fodor’s
• Ponant Bougainville Ship Review on Fodor’s
• Windstar Star Breeze Ship Review on Fodor’s
• Seabourn Ovation Ship Review on Fodor’s
• Small Ship Big Thrills, including sections about Emerald Azzurra, Seabourn Ovation, & Ponant Bougainville
• Bon Voyage, Provence on a small ship during lavender time

Send us a text

Want to grab our complimentary Essential River Cruise Budgeting Guide? Head over to Small Ship Cruise Talk, scroll halfway down the page to a blue box where you'll find the signup form, and claim your copy!

Support the show

Subscribe so you never miss an episode, released every Wednesday.

Love the show? Please give us a 5-star ⭐️ rating (we'll read it on the air)!

➜ Join our Small Ship Cruise Talk community on Facebook.

Follow us on Instagram, Threads, & Pinterest.

📩 Sign up for our newsletter.

If you find value in our premium cruise insights, support Small Ship Cruise Talk to help us continue to deliver expert guidance for your extraordinary voyages.

SometimesSailing.com has even more planning tips, firsthand experiences, & advice. 🌏 Use our preferred travel advisors to book your cruise.

Have questions or topic suggestions? Contact us.

©2025 Small Ship Cruise Talk. All rights reserved. May contain affiliate links. Some trips have been hosted. All opinions are our own.