The luxury of Transatlantic Cruising | Ep 66

What if the ultimate luxury in travel isn’t space, but time? Dr. Krystal Sodaitis sits down with travel advisor and experienced cruiser Cindy Pirtle to explore the appeal of transatlantic cruising. With nearly 100 cruises completed, Cindy shares insights from her recent 40-day journey, including two transatlantic crossings and time exploring Europe. They discuss how these longer voyages often offer better value, with lower per-day costs, fewer crowds, and a more relaxed pace than traditional cruises. With multiple sea days, travelers can enjoy enrichment activities, establish routines, and experience true rest away from busy itineraries. The episode highlights how transatlantic cruises encourage deeper social connections and create opportunities to meet like-minded travelers. Ultimately, the conversation reframes luxury as time, time to slow down, reflect, and pursue meaningful experiences, making transatlantic cruising a powerful and fulfilling way to travel. Listeners will walk away with a new perspective on luxury, not as excess, but as the freedom to slow down, explore deeply, and reconnect with what matters most. Episode Highlights: ⏳ The “luxury of time” and why slow cruising is transformative  🚢 What makes transatlantic cruises more affordable per day  ✈️ Avoiding airfare, jet lag, and airport stress  👥 Building meaningful connections during long sea days  🧶 Finding your people onboard (from knitters to trivia lovers)  🎤 Guest lectures, enrichment programs, and onboard experiences  🌍 Unique ports like the Azores, Gibraltar, and beyond 📅 When transatlantic and transpacific cruises typically sail  🛳️ Differences between cruise lines: family, premium, and luxury  💡 Why cruising can help turn lifelong dreams into reality About the Guest: Cindy Pirtle currently serves as a Travel Advisor with Expedia Cruises in Spring, Texas; specializing in ocean and river cruises.  She has recently completed her 95th cruise and 31st country.  Cruising affords her the ability to see the world one port at a time and in doing so allows her the opportunity to determine which countries call her to explore for extended land tours.  This extended personal travel allows her firsthand knowledge in assisting her travel clients with fantastic itineraries.  Prior to her life planning travel for others, she retired from two separate exciting careers.  For many years, she practiced law focusing on litigation in the areas of oil and gas, pipeline regulation, constitutional law, employment law and finally health care law in both Houston and Galveston.  She then attended Fuller Seminary and worked as the Director of Adult Education and Church Life at Windwood Presbyterian Church in Houston, teaching Bible studies and other areas of Christian education.  After two full careers, Cindy learned that though she was talented in many areas, retirement was not one of them. Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.expediacruises.com Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/cindy.pirtle Phone: (832) 529-1300  Office Address: off 99/Grand Parkway exit Kuykendahl Rd in Grand Parkway Market Place adjacent to Toasted Yolk, Chipotle Mexican Grill, facing the Grand Parkway and near Target. About the Host: 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: [email protected] 🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/krystalsodaitis 📝 Looking for the perfect luxury cruise: Take our quiz 👥 Want to be a guest? Fill out this form to connect.  Looking for the perfect spa experience: Spa table   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.