Elysa Leonard

Elysa Leonard is a scuba diver who sure knows her tropical fish — she can identify more than 100 kinds. Writing about diving and snorkeling while on a small-ship cruise is her new nirvana.

Our Small Ship Cruise Reviews & Articles

If you can imagine it, we’ve cruised it! With reviews, articles and destination overviews, we’ve got you covered.

12 Top Mississippi River Cruises Offered by American Cruise Lines

12 Top Mississippi River Cruises Offered by American Cruise Lines

By Jackie Sheckler Finch Cruising the mighty Mississippi and its tributaries has been my pleasure since 1976. Someone asked me once if it doesn’t get tiresome watching the river day after day. For me, definitely not. As America’s first highway, the Mississippi River...

Cycling & Europe River Cruising — A Great Combo

Cycling & Europe River Cruising — A Great Combo

Cycling & Europe River Cruising By Ralph Grizzle I am not your typical river cruiser. While no one loves river cruising more than I do, my approach is somewhat different. After more than 50 European river cruises, I’ve seen the sights and done the tours. I’m not...

Island Windjammers Packing Tips & Cruise Insights

Island Windjammers Packing Tips & Cruise Insights

Island Windjammers Packing Tips & Cruise Insights By Sarretta McCaslin My husband and I love to travel, and cruises have become a favored way to do so — we’ve been on over 25 cruises in 33 years of marriage. We appreciate being able to see many different areas or...

Small Ship Norwegian Fjords Cruises — 7 Cruise Lines to Consider

Small Ship Norwegian Fjords Cruises — 7 Cruise Lines to Consider

Small Ship Cruises to the Norwegian Fjords By Ted Scull & Heidi Sarna Updated February 2025 by Jackie Sheckler Finch The coast of Norway is long and beautiful. If you include all the shorelines of the bays, fjords, and myriad of islands — coastal Norway adds up to...

Planning Your Own Shore Excursions — Why It’s A Great Idea

Planning Your Own Shore Excursions — Why It’s A Great Idea

Planning Your Own Shore Excursions May Be Cheaper & More Tailored to Your Interests Than Booking the Cruise Lines' Tours By Judi Cuervo, with Heidi Sarna The dream of a flight with Napa Valley Balloons couldn’t have been better timed. A cruise was on the horizon,...

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