Luxury Cruising Podcast: Come Explore the World In Style

You know how sometimes you look back and realize a single trip changed everything?

That’s what my first cruise did for me. It was 2001, just after 9/11, and my mom and I decided to take advantage of a last-minute deal. I had no idea that cruise would plant a seed—a love for vacationing on the open sea, rest, and yes, a little bit of luxury—that would grow into a whole new chapter of my life.

In this episode, I join Dr. Rob Beck on The Interesting MD to talk about how cruising became more t...

Luxury river cruising doesn’t stop at Viking. In fact, some of the most refined, immersive, and delightful experiences can be found aboard ships on river cruise lines you may not have heard of—yet.

In this solo episode, Dr. Krystal Sodaitis takes listeners on a guided tour of six distinctive river cruise lines: Uniworld, Tauck, Riverside Luxury Cruises, Avalon Waterways, CroisiEurope, and American Cruise Lines. Whether it’s the French flair of CroisiEurope or the ultra-personalized service of Riverside, each offers a different version of what “luxury” means—without the crowds or clichés.

Krystal cover...

River cruising often conjures images of quiet mornings, clinking wine glasses, and retired couples taking in castle views. But for Heidi Rosenstrouch and her family, Tauck’s Rhine River itinerary from Basel to Amsterdam proved that luxury and family-friendly can go hand in hand.

In this heartwarming episode, host Dr. Krystal Sodaitis chats with longtime friend Heidi about why Tauck’s all-inclusive, detail-driven style turned out to be the perfect reset after the stress of the pandemic. From personalized service (yes, someone hunted down a Rummikub set mid-cruise!) to  friendships forged on deck, Heidi reflects on how Tauck...

Randy is an executive chef from Florida whose job finally gave him the flexibility to explore the world—and his first stop was France. In this candid conversation, he shares the highs (heated bathroom floors, wine straight from the market) and heartfelt moments (a lost-luggage saga that Viking turned into a story of genuine care) from his Viking River Cruise through Bordeaux.

Aboard the Viking Forseti, Randy and his wife swapped late-night buffets and crowded decks for quiet river towns, Michelin-level meals, and morning espressos in the ship’s library. He reflects on what it was like to b...

What happens when you combine gourmet food, curated excursions, and deep professional reflection—all on a river in France? For Dr. Shikha Jain, it was transformative.

In this episode of Luxury Cruising, Dr. Jain shares how her Emerald river cruise became a full-ship healthcare leadership retreat—uniting physicians, allies, and changemakers for a week of rest, reconnection, and real growth. From singing karaoke with strangers-turned-friends to midnight rooftop chats and a surprise Top Chef dinner, the trip was equal parts luxury and liberation.

Dr. Jain peels back the curtain on what it means to feel pamp...

For Jeff, travel wasn’t just a passion—it was the plan. After years of organizing group trips with friends, he stepped into retirement and straight onto an AmaWaterways ship. What followed? Dozens of unforgettable river cruises, birthday celebrations in wine country, and a love affair with small ships and big experiences.

In this episode of Luxury Cruising, Jeff and host Dr. Krystal Sodaitis dive into everything AmaWaterways: from his wife’s suite preferences to wine cruises with personal friends as the winemakers, to Chef’s Table evenings that stretch into four-hour gourmet experiences. Jeff shares the practica...

What started as a casual conversation over dinner became an unforgettable Danube River journey for Michele Wirth, founder of Simply Inspired Travel. In this episode of Luxury Cruising, host Dr. Krystal Sodaitis reconnects with her first-ever guest to explore the refined, relaxed magic of a Viking River Cruise.

Michele shares every detail—from minimalist Scandinavian interiors and glass-wrapped dining spaces to the joy of crowd-free castles and personalized service that feels more like family. With 190 passengers and 53 crew members, this wasn’t just a cruise. It was a seamless glide through Europe, with meaningful conversations, warm pastries, cura...

Not all cruises are created equal—and Dr. Nadeen White knows that better than most.

After a lifetime of ocean cruising, Dr. White stepped aboard an AmaWaterways ship for a Rhône River sailing that changed everything. In this episode of Luxury Cruising, host Dr. Krystal Sodaitis explores how river cruising blends intimacy, cultural immersion, and personalized luxury into one unforgettable experience.

With just 110 guests, wine-themed excursions, and a chef’s table dinner that felt like an art gallery of food, Dr. White’s journey through the French countryside was a far cry from the nickel...

When Matt set sail on Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 with his mother—who once worked aboard Cunard as a nurse in the 1980s—he wasn’t just chasing luxury. 

He was chasing legacy.

In this episode of Luxury Cruising, host Krystal Sodaitis dives into the Queen’s Grill experience, from white-glove butler service and off-menu dinners to full afternoon tea and balcony suites with walk-in wardrobes. Matt shares what sets the Queens Grill Suite experience apart—including eat when you want, no reservation required dinner to the very best traditional afternoon tea. 

The conversation e...

After swearing off cruising for good, Sherri decided to give it one more chance—this time with Seabourn. What followed was a complete redefinition of luxury at sea.

In this episode, Sherri joins host Krystal Sodaitis to recount her seven-night journey through Greece and Turkey aboard a Seabourn small ship. From Black Friday upgrades to rose petals on the bed for her 20th anniversary, Sherri takes us through it all—caviar at midnight, a walk-in closet at sea, and unexpectedly heartwarming moments with fellow travelers (including her first ever “throuple”!!).

They discuss the art of choosing...

Think you've gone off the grid? Try 90 degrees north.

In this episode of Luxury Cruising, host Krystal Sodaitis chats with Dr. Gretchen Green, a retired radiologist and global traveler who recently fulfilled a breathtaking bucket list dream: cruising to the North Pole on Ponant’s icebreaker, Le Commandant Charcot.

Over the course of two weeks (entirely at sea!), Gretchen, her daughter, and her mother journeyed through towering glaciers, endless ice fields, and untouched wilderness to reach the top of the world. Along the way, they encountered polar bears, tasted Arctic snow, attended scientific briefings, and in...

There’s cruising… and then there’s cruising in the Ultimate Family Suite on Royal Caribbean’s newest megaship, Utopia of the Seas.

Samantha Bailey—travel advisor and founder of Endeavor Travel Group—joins Krystal to talk about her family’s unforgettable stay in this two-story, jaw-dropping suite. From matching pajamas waiting on their beds to custom coffee deliveries and full-sized tubs for toddlers, every detail was magic. Add in a Royal Genie who books shows, fetches snacks, and even reserves escape room slots? It's basically a floating five-star fantasy.

With nine people in her suite (plus mo...

With 37 cruises under her belt and an eye for smart luxury, Sylvia Hannah wasn’t sure what to expect from MSC’s Yacht Club. What she found? A hidden gem of European elegance at sea. 💎

In this episode, Sylvia takes us deck-by-deck through her experience on the MSC Seashore, where Italian design meets elevated service. Think: private lounges, gourmet dining, priority boarding, and one of the most beautifully designed ships afloat. Oh, and a dedicated butler who not only stocked her fridge with ginger ale—but escorted her to shows and excursions with VIP flair.

We talk p...

What if your next cruise didn’t feel like a trip—but like slipping into a different version of yourself, one that lives in silk robes and never waits in line?

In this episode of Luxury Cruising, host Dr. Krystal Sodaitis is joined by the ultimate cruise duo: Lisa McWhorter, a frequent Virgin voyager who’s turned her love for cruising into an art form, and Sylvia Hannah, the travel whisperer behind Luxe for Less Travel. Together, they paint a picture of what it really means to go Rockstar on Virgin Voyages  Scarlet Lady.

We’re talkin...

Small luxury cruise lines redefine high-end travel with intimate ships, world-class dining, and unique itineraries. Unlike mega-cruises, these boutique experiences focus on personalized service, immersive destinations, and all-inclusive indulgence. These cruise lines typically have small ships able to get into unique off the beaten path ports that allow for truly unique itineraries. 

Whether it’s Paul Gauguin’s South Pacific magic, Scenic’s ultra-modern yachts, or Ritz-Carlton’s floating five-star hotel, each offers an unforgettable voyage that comes  with Small Ships and Intimacy allowing for a more intimate and personalized experience. Luxury Accommodations with  high-end staterooms and suites, oft...

Small luxury cruise lines redefine high-end travel with intimate ships, world-class dining, and unique itineraries. Unlike mega-cruises, these boutique experiences focus on personalized service, immersive destinations, and all-inclusive indulgence. These cruise lines typically have small ships able to get into unique off the beaten path ports that allow for truly unique itineraries. 

Whether it’s Paul Gauguin’s South Pacific magic, Scenic’s ultra-modern yachts, or Ritz-Carlton’s floating five-star hotel, each offers an unforgettable voyage that comes  with Small Ships and Intimacy allowing for a more intimate and personalized experience. Luxury Accommodations with  high-end staterooms and suites, oft...

This episode is sponsored by: Bev Aron at the Deep Dive Coaching Institute

Experience exclusive, personalized coaching with Bev Aron. Whether you are growing a business, strengthening relationships, or embracing self-acceptance, Bev provides deep, transformative support.

Discover the most luxurious way to up-level your life at https://bevaron.com/

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Luxury cruises aren’t just vacations—they’re floating five-star experiences where the only thing you lift is your champagne glass. In this  episode Krystal provides overviews of some of the more popular luxury lines like Regent, Seabourn, Silver Sea, Crystal, Viking, and Oce...

This episode is sponsored by: Bev Aron at the Deep Dive Coaching Institute

Experience exclusive, personalized coaching with Bev Aron. Whether you are growing a business, strengthening relationships, or embracing self-acceptance, Bev provides deep, transformative support.

Discover the most luxurious way to up-level your life at https://bevaron.com/

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A premium cruise suite isn’t just a place to sleep—it’s an experience that redefines your time at sea. Imagine skipping the long lines, stepping into a private lounge, and being escorted to your suite where a butler greets you by nam...

This episode is sponsored by: Deep Dive Coaching Institute

Experience exclusive, personalized coaching with Bev Aron. Whether you are growing a business, strengthening relationships, or embracing self-acceptance, Bev provides deep, transformative support.

Discover the most luxurious way to up-level your life at https://bevaron.com/

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Dr. Krystal Sodaitis kicks off a new series exploring how different types of cruise lines create luxury experiences, starting with mass market (or contemporary) lines. 

Despite their broad appeal and affordability, cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Carnival, MSC, and Norwegian Cruise Line offer premium t...

This episode is sponsored by: Deep Dive Coaching Institute

Experience exclusive, personalized coaching with Bev Aron. Whether you are growing a business, strengthening relationships, or embracing self-acceptance, Bev provides deep, transformative support.

Discover the most luxurious way to up-level your life at https://bevaron.com/

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What if luxury wasn’t about extravagance, but about ease? In this episode, Bev Aron shares how her kosher cruise on the Emerald Azura delivered a kind of seamless comfort that most trips miss. It wasn’t just about the gleaming yacht, the private beaches, or t...

This episode is sponsored by: Simply Inspired Travel

You’ve spent years caring for others—now it’s time to indulge in a seamless, luxury cruise experience. Simply Inspired Travel crafts curated itineraries with VIP perks and stress-free planning. Book a consultation and receive a complimentary VIP cruise planning guide. Start your journey at travelsimplyinspired.com/luxury-cruising

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In this episode of Luxury Cruising, Dr. Krystal Sodaitis chats with Dr. Jean Armstrong, a family physician, coach, and avid traveler, about her journey aboard the Norwegian Epic. Jean recounts how her 2016 Mediterranean cruise became a buck...

This episode is sponsored by: Simply Inspired Travel

You’ve spent years caring for others—now it’s time to indulge in a seamless, luxury cruise experience. Simply Inspired Travel crafts curated itineraries with VIP perks and stress-free planning. Book a consultation and receive a complimentary VIP cruise planning guide. Start your journey at travelsimplyinspired.com/luxury-cruising

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What if you could board a cruise ship and never lift a finger for an entire week? No fighting for pool chairs, no waiting in line at the buffet, no struggling to get a reservation at the fa...

This episode is sponsored by: Simply Inspired Travel

You’ve spent years caring for others—now it’s time to indulge in a seamless, luxury cruise experience. Simply Inspired Travel crafts curated itineraries with VIP perks and stress-free planning. Book a consultation and receive a complimentary VIP cruise planning guide. Start your journey at travelsimplyinspired.com/luxury-cruising

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In this episode of Luxury Cruising, Dr. Krystal Sodaitis welcomes guest Rebecca who celebrated her 20th wedding anniversary, to explore what it’s like to stay in a Rockstar Suite on Virgin Voyages. Rebecca shares her journey...

This episode is sponsored by: Simply Inspired Travel
You’ve spent years caring for others—now it’s time to indulge in a seamless, luxury cruise experience. Simply Inspired Travel crafts curated itineraries with VIP perks and stress-free planning. Book a consultation and receive a complimentary VIP cruise planning guide. Start your journey at travelsimplyinspired.com/luxury-cruising

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Dr. Krystal Sodaitis interviews her first guest on the podcast, Michele Wirth, and they dive into the world of luxury cruising. Michele shares her personal story of how she went from being unsure about cruising to comple...

This episode is sponsored by: Simply Inspired Travel

You’ve spent years caring for others—now it’s time to indulge in a seamless, luxury cruise experience. Simply Inspired Travel crafts curated itineraries with VIP perks and stress-free planning. Book a consultation and receive a complimentary VIP cruise planning guide. 

Start your journey at travelsimplyinspired.com/luxury-cruising

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Welcome to the inaugural episode of Luxury Cruising! Dr. Krystal Sodaitis shares her love of cruising and the inspiration behind starting this podcast. Dr. Sodaitis recounts her cruising journey, beginning with her first voyage in 2001...

Ever wondered what it’s like to sail the world in first-class comfort? To skip the crowds, dine in exclusive restaurants, and have a crew that knows your name—and your favorite cocktail?

Luxury cruising isn’t just for the ultra-wealthy; it’s for those who know where to find the extraordinary.

Each week, we’ll discuss:
✅ The suite life—how to choose the perfect stateroom and why it matters
✅ The ultimate onboard experiences—from world-class dining to private lounges
✅ Behind-the-scenes luxury perks—what VIP guests enjoy that most never hear about
✅ The best ports...