logo
episode-header-image
Jan 2025
34m 6s

Episode 569: To Cruise or Not to Cruise?

Expat, Repat, Travel, Rome, Seattle, Books, Art, Italy, Wonder
About this episode

To cruise or not to cruise?

Most travelers have strong opinions about cruising, and can be easily divided into two factions: the cruise-lovers and the never-cruisers. But what is travel for if not to park your biases and open your mind a little? Is it possible that a never-cruiser could actually (gasp!) enjoy a cruise?

On this episode, Katy describes how she was roped into going on a cruise with her sisters, in order to participate in their annual sisters' trip "Sisterfest," an unmissable event in Katy's year.

And you know what? She didn't hate it.

Despite being someone who savors slow travel, likes to go back to the same places over and over, and aims to get to know a place deeply over the course weeks or months, Katy found something to appreciate in cruise travel.

She talks about the good, the bad, and the hilarious when it comes to cruising, and why—as many veteran cruisers probably know—it's not about where you go, it's about what's going on on the ship.

-------------------------------------

COME TO ROME WITH US: For the third year in a row, we are hosting an intimate group of listeners for a magical and unforgettable week in Rome, this October 2025! Discover the city with us as your guides, seeing a side to Rome tourists almost never see. Find out more here.

ADVERTISE WITH US: Reach expats, future expats, and travelers all over the world. Send us an email to get the conversation started.

BECOME A PATRON: Pledge your monthly support of The Bittersweet Life and receive awesome prizes in return for your generosity! Visit our Patreon site to find out more.

TIP YOUR PODCASTER: Say thanks with a one-time donation to the podcast hosts you know and love. Click here to send financial support via PayPal. (You can also find a Donate button on the desktop version of our website.) The show needs your support to continue.

START PODCASTING: If you are planning to start your own podcast, consider Libsyn for your hosting service! Use this affliliate link to get two months free, or use our promo code SWEET when you sign up.

SUBSCRIBE: Subscribe to the podcast to make sure you never miss an episode. Click here to find us on a variety of podcast apps.

WRITE A REVIEW: Leave us a rating and a written review on iTunes so more listeners can find us.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION: If you have a question or a topic you want us to address, send us an email here. You can also connect to us through Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Tag #thebittersweetlife with your expat story for a chance to be featured!

NEW TO THE SHOW? Don't be afraid to start with Episode 1: OUTSET

BOOK: Want to read Tiffany's book, Midnight in the Piazza? Learn more here or order on Amazon.

TOUR ROME: If you're traveling to Rome, don't miss the chance to tour the city with Tiffany as your guide!

 

Up next
Yesterday
[PATREON PREVIEW] Mom School
School is out in Italy, and the summer is LONG (not to mention, extremely HOT!) and a certain red-headed someone is refusing to go to summer camp. To fill the time (and keep his brain from atrophying), Tiffany has created a daily list of ten things her son Aurelio must do. Can yo ... Show More
5 m
Jul 7
Episode 590: How to Cultivate a Growth Mindset
What is a growth mindset and why would you want one? And perhaps more importantly, how do you cultivate one? To answer these questions, we dive back into Dr. Therese Huston's fascinating book, Sharp: 14 Simple Ways to Improve Your Live with Brain Science. We explore the idea of g ... Show More
43m 15s
Jul 4
[THE BITTERSWEET PAST] Just Across the Border: Austria vs. Italy
Since July is a big month for travel, this month we are re-airing episodes from our archives every Friday that revisit trips we've taken in the past. After her recent two-week trip to Austria, Tiffany reflects on the differences between Italy and Austria. Despite the fact that th ... Show More
36m 51s
Recommended Episodes
Sep 2023
Italy Destination Wedding + Euro Summer Debrief with McKenna Rip
In this episode, Ceara has on her recently married little sister McKenna Rip (R.I.P. to McKenna Kirkpatrick) to talk about her destination wedding in Tuscany, Italy. They also talk about traveling around Europe for three weeks together and their shenanigans around Italy, Czechia, ... Show More
1h 39m
Oct 2024
Shenseea: "You got to chat some Patois real soon"
This week Bobbi goes to Jamaica to sit down with Shenseea in Ocho Rios and talk about music, family, dating, and drinks. Stay tuned for part 2 next week when Shenseea takes Bobbi on a tour to a waterfall and to eat some delicious food. Thanks to this episode's sponsors:• Use code ... Show More
1h 11m
Jul 2023
Enya's psychiatrist Arc
Enya is finally getting her brain examined/studied (thank god). Drew is actually losing it for real this time and thinks the government is controlling the weather… aliens are real? Drew has the proof.  This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Visit https://BetterHelp.com/INTERCOM ... Show More
49m 40s
Aug 2024
Sophia Tamang, Travel Strategist
For this episode today, I have someone who calls herself a global citizen and is an expert in the travel space. Sophia Tamang is a Dubai-based Travel Industry Strategy Consultant with an impressive track record of over a decade. On the podcast today, we’ll talk about culture and ... Show More
23m 23s
Feb 2025
The Truth about Reality TV, Hardships in Marriage, Postpartum & Starting Over ft. Kellie Sweet
Use our code for 10% off your next SeatGeek order*: https://seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/WHATMYSISSAID2025 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount What's up Kavari Krew!! Welcome to What My Sis Said Podcast hosted by sister's Nazanin and Yasmin Kavari ♡ Kellie Sw ... Show More
1h 12m
Sep 2024
Drop the Beat and the Self-Doubt
We’re nearly through our summer reruns and will be back in October with new video episodes and unbelievable guests (for real, not just saying that…) With only a few throwback episodes it’s getting harder to choose, but we think you’ll enjoy this one that dives into some evergreen ... Show More
50m 2s
Sep 2024
How to Travel in Your 20s: Solo, Budgeting and Dating
Episode 279: Nat’s back with a solo episode about her recent travels around Europe! Making weeklong stops in London, Italy, and France, Nat dives into what each week was like and shares some insights and travel tips that she’s picked up along the way. Whether it was solo travel ( ... Show More
34m 40s
Nov 2024
A coach, a rescue and a life change
Catherine visits the villages of Barley and Barkway where she learns about history and hears about sudden life changes.Catherine Carr stops strangers to ask them “Where Are You Going?” and uncovers unexpected stories about people’s lives.---Named 'Podcast of the Year' by Radio Ti ... Show More
13m 42s
Feb 2025
You Might Also Like: The Oprah Podcast
Introducing The 3 Things EVERY Human Wants with Esther Perel | The Oprah Podcast from The Oprah Podcast.Follow the show: The Oprah Podcast In this episode of The Oprah Podcast, presented by Ulta Beauty, world renowned relationship therapist Esther Perel offers her profound insigh ... Show More
51m 54s