What happens when a seasoned cruiser finally tries ultra-luxury for the first time? In this episode of Luxury Cruising, returning guest Michele Wirth shares her experience aboard Seabourn Sojourn on a fall foliage repositioning cruise from Canada to New York City. From intimate ship size and refined service to surprisingly strong entertainment and unforgettable sail-aways, this conversation explores what truly separates ultra-luxury cruising from everything else.
Michele Wirth, owner of Simply Inspired Travel, joins the show to unpack her first ultra-luxury cruise experience aboard Seabourn Sojourn—a small-ship, high-touch voyage through the St. Lawrence River, Atlantic Canada, and New York City.
With just 400 guests onboard, the ship never felt crowded, rushed, or impersonal. Instead, the experience was defined by space, ease, and thoughtful service. Luxury showed up in quiet but consistent ways: freshly squeezed orange juice delivered via room service each morning, perfectly timed ice service every evening, and personalized in-suite touches that made the stateroom feel intentionally cared for.
Michele describes the ship’s classic, refined design, spacious veranda staterooms, and dining experiences that rival fine restaurants on land. From service-led buffet dining and sushi served during card games to daily afternoon tea and a specialty restaurant experience, Seabourn’s all-inclusive model delivered both quality and value.
Entertainment exceeded expectations, with high-caliber guest performers, a talented house band, trivia, enrichment talks from onboard experts, and social spaces that encouraged meaningful connection among guests.
The itinerary—Montreal, Quebec City, Halifax (overnight), and New York City (overnight)—combined river-cruise-style scenery with the sophistication of ocean sailing. A signature caviar and champagne sail-away in New York City served as a defining moment of the voyage.
Ultimately, this episode reframes ultra-luxury cruising not as excess, but as intention, space, service, and ease.
Michele Wirth is the owner of Simply Inspired Travel, based in Tampa, Florida, with advisors across the country. A lifelong cruiser with more than 60 sailings, Michelle specializes in luxury and ultra-luxury travel experiences, helping clients choose cruises that align with their preferences for service, space, enrichment, and overall experience—not just brand recognition.
🌐 Website: https://travelsimplyinspired.com
📧 Email: michele@travelsimplyinspired.com
Dr. Krystal Sodaitis is a pediatrician, executive, and life coach for neurodiverse physicians—and the passionate host behind Luxury Cruising. She brings expert insight and honest excitement to every interview, helping curious travelers elevate their adventures at sea.
📍 Website: luxurycruising.net
📧 Email: luxurycruisingpodcast@gmail.com
🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/krystalsodaitis
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