Luxury Cruising Podcast: Come Explore the World In Style

What does modern luxury look like on the open sea?

When Megan and her husband decided to trade a one-day wedding for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, they booked an Explora Journeys cruise — and never looked back.

In this heartfelt episode, Dr. Krystal Sodaitis chats with Megan about her honeymoon sailing through Greece and Turkey, exploring ports like Athens, Santorini, Crete, Marmaris, and Istanbul. Megan breaks down what made the voyage extraordinary — from spacious ocean terrace suites and Dyson hairdryers to world-class dining, wellness amenities, and genuine hospitality.

With six specialty restaurants, intuitive service, and a fo...

Some trips sparkle a little brighter.

For Joelle Berlat, that moment came when a group of close friends decided to celebrate a milestone birthday somewhere rugged, beautiful, and worthy of a big “why not?”—a cruise to Ireland and Iceland aboard Celebrity Apex. 

In this warm and wonderfully honest conversation, Joelle walks us through what it’s really like to stay in one of Celebrity’s most exclusive suites. With two full bedrooms, panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows, a sprawling deck that juts out from the front of the ship, and a private butler who seems to understand...

What makes a luxury cruise feel truly luxurious?

Dr. Krystal Sodaitis welcomes Pat from Dancing Moon Travel to explore what sets Regent Seven Seas Cruises apart. On her first-ever Regent voyage — an incentive trip for top-performing advisors — Pat sailed from Athens to Istanbul, discovering a brand that redefines elegance through warmth, attentiveness, and effortless sophistication.

Pat explains why Regent’s all-suite, all-inclusive model is the ultimate value in high-end cruising — with fine dining (no upcharges), curated shore excursions, laundry service, and world-class hospitality included. She takes listeners through stunning ports like Santorini, Rhodes, Bodrum, and Kusadasi...

What makes a Christmas market river cruise so magical?

This week, Dr. Krystal Sodaitis welcomes Bonnie Scott, founder of River Cruise Specialists, to unwrap the wonder of holiday cruising through Europe. From the Rhine to the Danube, Bonnie explains why these sailings offer the perfect blend of luxury, culture, and festive spirit — complete with carolers, cocoa, and centuries-old traditions.

She breaks down what to expect from Europe’s most iconic markets, including Budapest, Vienna, and Nuremberg, and reveals the differences between German, Austrian, and Belgian experiences. You’ll also learn when to book, how to pick t...

What does true luxury cruising feel like?

At just 31 years old, Bradley has already sailed on nearly 60 cruises—from P&O to Explora Journeys—but Crystal Serenity stands apart. In this in-depth conversation, he describes what sets six-star cruising apart: smaller ships, personalized service, and the feeling of stepping into a world where every detail is elevated.

He and his mum experienced what he calls “old-world opulence meets modern tech”—a ship that blends timeless elegance with iPad-controlled suites, butler-led unpacking, and Nobu-level dining. From the first glass of champagne to the last night in the Starli...

What happens when a hesitant traveler splurges on a penthouse suite?

Linda joins Dr. Krystal to recount her 7-day Alaska cruise that turned her from cruise skeptic to cruise convert. Traveling with her kids and extended family, she discovered how the right room, attentive service, and thoughtful design make family travel seamless—even on a dated ship.

Key Highlights

For anyone balancing different travel interests with a partner, this episode is a masterclass in compromise, adventure, and connection.

Kim joins Dr. Krystal to discuss her journey from “golf widow” to “cruise queen” — and how Azamara’s partnership with Perry Golf creates the perfect experience for both golfers and non-golfers alike.

Key highlights include:

Expedition cruising isn’t only for the hardy — it’s for those who want to blend awe-inspiring adventure with comfort.

In this episode, Sue brings us aboard the Silversea Endeavor and paints a vivid picture of sailing to Antarctica:

For many, a world cruise isn’t just a vacation—it’s the pinnacle of travel dreams. But what does it actually look like to live at sea for three to four months?

Michele Wirth returns to share her deep expertise in planning and booking world cruises. Together, we explore:

Fred and his wife have been cruising since 2005, raising their daughters on Disney ships before trading in Mickey-shaped waffles for Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class adventures. With their kids now grown, the couple has embraced cruising as their own luxury escape.

On this episode, Fred shares:

Some itineraries pick you—and Ireland did just that. After years on the big mainstream lines, Mo joined her parents for a 10-day loop of the Emerald Isle on Azamara Quest, embarking and disembarking in Dublin with daily ports and zero sea-day boredom. A last-minute upgrade placed her in a balcony stateroom with generous storage and a surprisingly spacious bath—setting the tone for a week and a half where quality and convenience defined luxury.

We talk about small-ship service that feels like summer camp for grown-ups (in the best way), inclusive daily moments—trivia, name-that-tune, live band s...

Some suites are nearly impossible to get, and Royal Caribbean’s Star Class Villa Suite is one of them. Booked two years in advance, Lauren and her family of 12 gathered aboard Harmony of the Seas for a once-in-a-lifetime multi-generational celebration in this sprawling four-bedroom suite.

In this episode, we discuss:

Brandi Thompson Fisher has built her career as a psychotherapist and travel entrepreneur, but her passion for exploration truly comes alive at sea. In this episode, she takes us behind the scenes of her two-and-a-half-week journey on the Celebrity Millennium in Aqua Class, weaving together the shipboard perks and unforgettable ports of call.

We discuss:

Star of the Seas is the world’s largest cruise ship and one of Royal Caribbean’s most talked-about launches. But what’s it really like to sail on an inaugural preview voyage—and how can you make it feel luxurious without booking top-tier suites?

In this episode, host Dr. Krystal Sodaitis recounts her family’s four-day sailing on the newest Icon Class ship, revealing how they maximized space, comfort, and indulgence along the way.

Highlights include:

Matt Hochberg is known as one of the OGs in the cruise podcast world, dedicated to all things Royal Caribbean. But what happens when he trades in mega-ships and FlowRiders for a smaller, all-inclusive luxury cruise line like Silversea?

In this conversation, Matt pulls back the curtain on his first luxury cruise and gives us the real talk on how it stacked up against his usual adventures at sea. 

We cover:

Viking River Cruises may have a reputation for being slow-paced and tailored to an older crowd, but Julia Wilcox has a different story to tell. At just 25, she hopped aboard the Viking Forseti for a weeklong adventure through Bordeaux—and came back convinced river cruising is the ultimate way to see Europe in your 20s.

In this candid conversation, Julia shares everything:

There’s something undeniably electric about stepping aboard a brand-new cruise ship, where every corridor still smells like fresh paint and every suite is waiting to make its first memories.

In this episode of Luxury Cruising, host Dr. Krystal Sodaitis talks with Kim Urig, a travel writer and experienced travel advisor who has been lucky enough to attend multiple inaugural sailings—from Emerald’s twin christenings on the Danube to Royal Caribbean’s jaw-dropping launches of Icon of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas.

Kim shares:

Luxury doesn’t just mean marble bathrooms and champagne on arrival. Sometimes, it means not getting nickel-and-dimed.

In this episode of Luxury Cruising, Dr. Krystal Sodaitis unpacks what you actually get for your money across three levels of cruising: contemporary, premium, and entry-level luxury. She compares inside cabins, balcony rooms, junior suites, and top-tier accommodations across Carnival, Royal Caribbean, MSC, Oceania, and Silversea—down to the drink packages, Wi-Fi, bath products, and butler service.

With detailed cost breakdowns and personal insight, Krystal makes the case that luxury cruising might offer more value than you think. Whet...

2025 is a landmark year in luxury cruising, with 11 new ships launching across a mix of ocean liners, boutique yachts, and coastal cruisers.

In this episode, Dr. Krystal Sodaitis shares a curated walkthrough of the most exciting new ships across all types of cruise lines—from Virgin’s cheeky “Brilliant Lady” to Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas” and Ritz-Carlton’s ultra-luxury “Luminar.” Learn which ships have wraparound balconies, a slide and karaoke room, in-room saunas, and floating sea pools. ,  With wellness-forward designs and innovations that reflect a broader shift in how we define luxury at sea.

You’ll also he...

When we think of cruising, we imagine ocean views, endless buffets, and maybe a massage if we’re feeling fancy. But today’s luxury cruise spas are changing the game—turning wellness into a full-body, full-ship experience.

In this immersive episode, Dr. Krystal Sodaitis takes you on a tour of the most iconic cruise ship spas across major lines—from Seabourn’s earth-grounding massages and Regent’s amber quartz beds to Celebrity’s rainfall therapy rooms and Uniworld’s wine-infused facials.

She also dives into spa-specific staterooms, thermal suite hacks, embarkation-day deals, and how cruise lines are weavin...

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...