DCL Duo Podcast: A Disney Cruise Line Fan Podcast

Chris joins us to share highlights from his recent 12-night Mediterranean sailing aboard the Disney Fantasy. From the ruins of Rome to the cliffs of Santorini and the charm of the French Riviera, Chris gives us the full rundown on what it’s like to experience Europe with Disney Cruise Line. We’re diving into port adventures, food, shipboard life, and tips for tackling a longer itinerary. Whether you’re dreaming of a European Disney cruise or planning your own Med getaway, you won’t want to miss this episode.

Listen now and join the conversation!

Book Your Next Disney Cruise Line Vacation:

Head over to our show sponsor My Path Unwinding Travel: https://mypathunwinding.com/dclduo

DCL Magazine – Your Ultimate Guide to Disney Cruise Line Tips & Tricks:

Join the waitlist for DCL Magazine and use promo code DCLDUO for 10% off at the WDW Magazine store: https://dcl-magazine.com

Stay Connected with the DCL Duo:

Website | https://dclduo.com

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/dcl_duo/

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/DCLDuo

Facebook Group | https://www.facebook.com/groups/dclduo

We’re listed alongside some other great Disney podcasts at:

Top 100 Disney Podcasts | Top 20 Cruise Podcasts | Top 30 Disney Cruise Line Podcasts

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are our own and do not reflect the views of the Walt Disney Company, Disney Cruise Line, or any other travel provider discussed or mentioned.

Shelly joins us to share her story of taking her very first Disney cruise—a 3-night sailing aboard the Disney Fantasy—with a group of friends she met through a DVC Facebook group. From her creative approach to managing motion sickness to her relaxing Castaway Cay beach day and unforgettable Palo brunch, Shelly recounts every magical moment.

As a seasoned Disney parks fan and DVC member, Shelly brings a fresh perspective to Disney Cruise Line. We talk about what it’s like to travel without kids, the benefits of cruising with experienced friends, how to plan for rotational dining when you’re a snacker, and her absolute love of the risotto at Palo.

She also shares what it was like boarding with Gold Castaway Club perks (thanks to her stateroom mates), and how her first cruise compared to her expectations. Plus, she teases her upcoming 5-night sailing aboard the Disney Magic with her husband and a post-cruise stay at Vero Beach.

Listen now and join the conversation!

Book Your Next Disney Cruise Line Vacation:

Head over to our show sponsor My Path Unwinding Travel

DCL Magazine – Your Ultimate Guide to Disney Cruise Line Tips & Tricks!

Join the waitlist for DCL Magazine and use promo code DCLDUO for 10% off at the WDW Magazine store!

Stay Connected with the DCL Duo

Website | Instagram | Facebook | Facebook Group

We’re listed alongside some other great Disney podcasts at:

Top 100 Disney Podcasts | Top 20 Cruise Podcasts | Top 30 Disney Cruise Line Podcasts

Disclaimer:

The views expressed in this podcast are our own and do not reflect the views of the Walt Disney Company, Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, or any other travel provider discussed or mentioned.

In this episode, we’re chatting with Beth about her family’s first-ever Disney Cruise aboard the Disney Magic. Beth shares her experience sailing on a 7-night repositioning cruise from Galveston to San Juan, with stops at Castaway Cay, Lookout Cay, and Nassau. Traveling with another family and two young daughters prone to motion sickness, Beth gives us the full scoop on what went well—and what she learned for next time.

We talk about booking excursions as a first-time cruiser, navigating embarkation and debarkation from non-home ports, highlights from the pool deck (including the legendary 11 a.m. soft-serve run), character meets, onboard dining (yes, there were churro waffles), and unexpected favorites like the silent dance party and DCL’s amazing lifeguards.

If you’re new to Disney Cruise Line or just love hearing fresh perspectives, this one’s packed with insight and heart.

Listen now and join the conversation!

Book Your Next Disney Cruise Line Vacation:

My Path Unwinding Travel

DCL Magazine – Your Ultimate Guide to Disney Cruise Line Tips & Tricks:

Join the waitlist and use promo code DCLDUO for 10% off

Stay Connected with the DCL Duo:

Website | Instagram | Facebook | Facebook Group

We’re listed alongside some other great Disney podcasts at:

Top 100 Disney Podcasts | Top 20 Cruise Podcasts | Top 30 Disney Cruise Line Podcasts

Disclaimer:

The views expressed in this podcast are our own and do not reflect the views of the Walt Disney Company, Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, or any other travel provider discussed or mentioned.

We’re back from a 7-night sailing aboard Virgin Voyages with our friends Tracy and Michael—aka the DCL Duo Sr.—and we’re diving into the full experience. It was their first time sailing with Virgin, and our second, so we’re comparing notes, sharing hot takes, and exploring how Virgin stacks up to Disney Cruise Line.

This adults-only voyage took us to Puerto Plata, Grand Turk, and Bimini, and gave us a chance to experience Scarlet Night, drag brunch, elevated dining, and some truly unique entertainment. Was it love at first sail for Tracy and Michael? Did we still love our second go-round? And how does cruising without kids feel for seasoned DCL veterans?

Tune in as we break down the itinerary, the vibe, the pros and cons, and the big question: would we do it again?

Listen now and join the conversation!

Book Your Next Disney Cruise Line Vacation:

Head over to our show sponsor My Path Unwinding Travel: https://mypathunwinding.com/dclduo

DCL Magazine – Your Ultimate Guide to Disney Cruise Line Tips & Tricks!

Join the waitlist and use promo code DCLDUO for 10% off at the WDW Magazine store:

https://dcl-magazine.com

Stay Connected with the DCL Duo:

Website | https://dclduo.com

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/dcl_duo/

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/DCLDuo

Facebook Group | https://www.facebook.com/groups/dclduo

We’re listed alongside some other great Disney podcasts at:

Top 100 Disney Podcasts | Top 20 Cruise Podcasts | Top 30 Disney Cruise Line Podcasts

Disclaimer:

The views expressed in this podcast are our own and do not reflect the views of the Walt Disney Company, Disney Cruise Line, Virgin Voyages, or any other travel provider discussed or mentioned.

Kelly’s back—and this time she’s bringing fireworks, fancy flutes, and a whole lot of family! Sam is solo hosting to welcome returning guest and platinum Disney cruiser Kelly to chat about her 7-night New Year’s sailing aboard the Disney Treasure. This episode is packed with insights for first-timers and Treasure fans alike—from food allergy travel tips to epic excursions in Cozumel, Jamaica, Grand Cayman, and Castaway Cay.

Kelly shares what it’s like wrangling 18 guests across five staterooms, why Palo brunch in a private room might ruin you for life, and which Treasure venues topped her list (spoiler alert: she’s all-in on The Rose, Soul Cat Lounge, and Tale of Moana). Plus, we’re talking fireworks on back-to-back nights, teens storming soft-serve machines, spa days, scavenged conch shells, and those elusive New Year’s Eve Corksicle flutes.

We also get Kelly’s picks for her favorite (and least favorite) restaurants on the Treasure, the onboard Imagineering tour you can’t miss, and her honest take on the Marvel dining experience. If you’re eyeing a holiday cruise or just dreaming of the Treasure’s immersive details, this is a can’t-miss episode!

Listen now and join the conversation!

Book Your Next Disney Cruise Line Vacation:

Visit our show sponsor My Path Unwinding Travel: https://mypathunwinding.com/dclduo

DCL Magazine – Your Ultimate Guide to Disney Cruise Line Tips & Tricks!

Join the waitlist and use code DCLDUO for 10% off at the WDW Magazine store: https://dcl-magazine.com

Stay Connected with the DCL Duo:

Website | Instagram | Facebook | Facebook Group

We’re listed alongside some other great Disney podcasts at:

Top 100 Disney Podcasts | Top 20 Cruise Podcasts | Top 30 Disney Cruise Line Podcasts

Disclaimer:

The views expressed in this podcast are our own and do not reflect the views of the Walt Disney Company, Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, or any other travel provider discussed or mentioned.

From Scotland to the Sea! First-time cruiser Anna joins us from across the pond to share her UK family’s Disney Cruise Line debut aboard the Fantasy! This four-night Bahamian itinerary packed a punch with stops at both Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point and Castaway Cay, plus a whole lot of pixie dust, soft-serve, and one chaotic embarkation parking snafu. 

Anna shares her family’s thoughtful planning process (hello, Iceland stopover and rental car logistics!), the fun and fails of their first embarkation day (shoutout to the Mickey tunnel sprint), their impressions of Disney’s private islands, onboard favorites like the Midship Detective Agency and Aladdin, and how her husband (a boat lover but not a Disney die-hard) ended up falling for cruising. Spoiler: he’s now Team DCL over Disney Parks. 

We also chat about:

• Why Anna skipped the kids clubs for more family time

• Their Royal Gathering triumph (at 4am Scotland time!)

• The real deal on Lookout vs. Castaway

• UK tips on managing motion sickness, tipping culture, and American ice cream 

This one is packed with delightful anecdotes, smart insights, and that dry British humor we love. A must-listen for any first-time cruiser—or anyone thinking about bringing the family across the Atlantic for a magical DCL vacation. 

Listen now and join the conversation!

Book Your Next Disney Cruise Line Vacation:

Head over to our show sponsor My Path Unwinding Travel: https://mypathunwinding.com/dclduo

DCL Magazine – Your Ultimate Guide to Disney Cruise Line Tips & Tricks!

Join the waitlist and use code DCLDUO for 10% off at the WDW Magazine store: https://dcl-magazine.com

Stay Connected with the DCL Duo:

 Website |  Instagram |  Facebook |  Facebook Group

We’re listed alongside some other great Disney podcasts at:

Top 100 Disney Podcasts | Top 20 Cruise Podcasts | Top 30 Disney Cruise Line Podcasts

⚠️ Disclaimer:

The views expressed in this podcast are our own and do not reflect the views of the Walt Disney Company, Disney Cruise Line, or any other travel provider discussed or mentioned.

In this episode of the DCL Duo Podcast, we’re joined by Sheri Griffiths from CruiseTipsTV for a wide-ranging, fun, and insightful chat about all things cruising! Sheri shares the story behind CruiseTipsTV, from a high school graduation sailing aboard Carnival Ecstasy to launching a YouTube empire built on packing tips, cruise education, and Amazon favorites.

We dig into Sheri’s experience across more than 50 sailings on lines like Princess, Carnival, Holland America, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, MSC, Virgin Voyages, Seabourn, and Oceania. She breaks down the “vibe” and ideal demographic for each, offers honest advice for planning (or not overplanning) your first cruise, and delivers some killer tips—like what you actually need to pack for Alaska (spoiler: it involves socks and maybe a scarf).

Sheri also shares her thoughts on the evolution of cruise ships, private islands, and the rise of Virgin Voyages as a boundary-breaking brand. And don’t miss her ultimate picks for first-timers, families, introverts, and the “slightly bougie” among us—plus, where she’d sail tomorrow if she had the chance.

Whether you’re a DCL diehard or just cruise-curious, Sheri’s warmth, humor, and deep knowledge of the cruise industry make this an episode you don’t want to miss.

Listen now and join the conversation!

Check out Sheri’s podcast: CruiseTipsTV Unplugged

️ Book Your Next Disney Cruise Line Vacation:

Head over to our show sponsor My Path Unwinding Travel

DCL Magazine – Your Ultimate Guide to Disney Cruise Line Tips & Tricks!

Join the waitlist for DCL Magazine and use promo code DCLDUO for 10% off at the WDW Magazine store!

Stay Connected with the DCL Duo:

Website | Instagram | Facebook | Facebook Group

We’re listed alongside some other great Disney podcasts at:

Top 100 Disney Podcasts | Top 20 Cruise Podcasts | Top 30 Disney Cruise Line Podcasts

Disclaimer:

The views expressed in this podcast are our own and do not reflect the views of the Walt Disney Company, Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, or any other travel provider discussed or mentioned.

On this episode of the DCL Duo Podcast, we’re welcoming back Erin and Todd to share their family’s first sailing aboard the Disney Treasure—and we’re spilling all the tea (and zero-proof “mocktails”) about this new Wish-class ship. From split Castaway Club status and check-in drama to secret catamaran charters in Tortola, food tours in San Juan, and Serenity Bay for the first time ever, Erin and Todd take us on a journey filled with cruise tips, family strategies, and hot takes.

We’re talking: 

The rare Eastern itinerary that included San Juan, Puerto Rico

A secret private boat to Jost Van Dyke (and an unexpected snorkeling octopus!)

First impressions of the Treasure vs. the Wish

Thoughts on Sage & Coriander (Sam’s current obsession)

Why the Marvel dinner show may not be the ideal first-night vibe

Their deep love for Plaza de Coco and a Paolo “Zero Proof” mix-up

Whether the new entertainment venues are worth the hype (spoiler: get in line early)

We also get candid about crowd levels on Castaway Cay, the missing Midship Detective Agency, awkward karaoke venues, and our collective longing for a Muppets-themed restaurant. Come for the Disney details, stay for the cheeky banter—and maybe a mocktail mistake or two.

Listen now and join the conversation!

Book Your Next Disney Cruise Line Vacation

Head over to our show sponsor My Path Unwinding Travel

DCL Magazine – Your Ultimate Guide to Disney Cruise Line Tips & Tricks!

Join the waitlist at DCL Magazine and use code DCLDUO for 10% off at the WDW Magazine store!

Stay Connected with the DCL Duo

Website | Instagram | Facebook | Facebook Group

We’re listed alongside some other great Disney podcasts at:

Top 100 Disney Podcasts | Top 20 Cruise Podcasts | Top 30 Disney Cruise Line Podcasts

Disclaimer:

The views expressed in this podcast are our own and do not reflect the views of the Walt Disney Company, Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, or any other travel provider discussed or mentioned.

She Did Alaska Right: Emily Sails Disney to Alaska

In this episode of the DCL Duo Podcast, we’re joined by Disney content creator and travel advisor Emily Carlson of We Do Disney Right, fresh off her first sailing to Alaska aboard the Disney Wonder. Emily is now a proud member of the Grand Slam Club, having sailed all six current Disney Cruise Line ships, and she’s sharing all the highlights from this unforgettable adventure to the Last Frontier.

Hosted by Disney Cruise Line for this sailing, Emily takes us through what it’s like to visit Alaska with your whole family—without doing any of the planning yourself. From Glacier Day character lines (including Alaska Donald) to exclusive port excursions like the Lumberjack Show and an unexpected gondola ride, Emily shares a detailed look at DCL’s Alaska itinerary.

We also cover:

• Must-do Alaska excursions vs. what to skip

• Why layering for weather (and snacks) matters

• How the Wonder became Emily’s surprise second-favorite DCL ship

• Whether Disney’s higher Alaska price tag is worth it

• Character strategy, kid-friendliness, and best photo ops

• What makes a Disney Alaska cruise unique from other lines

Plus, we speculate on the future of the Wonder and Magic, Disney’s new “small ship” class, and what we’d love to see in a Muppet-themed venue at sea.

Listen now and join the conversation.

Connect with Emily:

Visit Emily’s website: We Do Disney Right

Follow Emily on Instagram: @wedodisneyright

Book Your Next Disney Cruise Line Vacation

Visit our show sponsor, My Path Unwinding Travel

DCL Magazine – Your Ultimate Guide to Disney Cruise Line Tips & Tricks

Join the waitlist and use promo code DCLDUO for 10% off: DCL Magazine

Stay Connected with the DCL Duo

Website | Instagram | Facebook | Facebook Group

We’re listed alongside other great Disney podcasts at:

Top 100 Disney Podcasts | Top 20 Cruise Podcasts | Top 30 Disney Cruise Line Podcasts

Disclaimer:

The views expressed in this podcast are our own and do not reflect the views of the Walt Disney Company, Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, or any other travel provider discussed or mentioned.

We’re joined by Nathan and Alicea, hosts of the Adventures and Mousecapades podcast, to talk about their first voyage aboard the Disney Treasure! This Disney adult duo shares their full review of the ship—including what lived up to the hype and what didn’t.

They break down everything from staterooms and rotational dining to entertainment, theming, adult lounges, pirate night, and photo ops. And yes, they definitely have thoughts on that Haunted Mansion bar. ️

In this episode:

• Is Moana the Musical the best show on any Disney ship?

• Coco-themed dining—does it hold up?

• Haunted Mansion bar: immersive fun or dimly lit bar with merch?

• AquaMouse vs AquaDuck

• Castaway Cay vs Lookout Cay

• Adult-only spaces, lounges, and food options

• Favorite character moments + Royal Gathering logistics

• Why Treasure felt like a step forward from the Wish—and where it didn’t

From thoughtful critiques to hilarious moments, this episode is full of practical tips, laughs, and real DCL insight from two seasoned Disney adults.

Check out Adventures and Mousecapades: Apple Podcasts | Website

Book Your Next Disney Cruise Line Vacation: My Path Unwinding Travel

DCL Magazine – Your Ultimate Guide to Disney Cruise Line Tips & Tricks!

Join the waitlist and use promo code DCLDUO for 10% off!

Stay Connected with the DCL Duo:

Website | Instagram | Facebook | Facebook Group

We’re listed alongside some other great Disney podcasts at:

Top 100 Disney Podcasts | Top 20 Cruise Podcasts | Top 30 Disney Cruise Line Podcasts

⚠️ Disclaimer:

The views expressed in this podcast are our own and do not reflect the views of the Walt Disney Company, Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, or any other travel provider discussed or mentioned.