It's a brand-new year—and the best cruises of 2026 are already filling up. From ideal sail dates and hot itineraries to new ships everyone's buzzing about, we're breaking down exactly what you should be booking now (and what mistakes to avoid) if a 2026 cruise is on your calendar.

Planning a 2026 Cruise? Here's What to Book (and When)

This week on Rope Drop On Deck, Doug and Michelle kick off the new year with a must-listen planning episode all about booking cruises for 2026. Whether you're a first-time cruiser or a seasoned sailor, timing matters—and 2026 brings unique opportunities, new ships, and a few scheduling wrinkles you'll want to plan around.

We cover the first things you should consider before booking, which months offer the best value, when prices spike, and which itineraries and ships are generating the most excitement. If a cruise is in your future, this episode will help you book smarter and avoid common mistakes.

Welcome & Apple Podcast Review

Thanks to jacobsonFive for the 5-star review!

Word of the Day

Forward — because planning ahead is the key to cruise success.

Cruise News

The latest cruise headlines.

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Stay in the loop for bonus cruise content, updates, and behind-the-scenes fun.

More of Michelle

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If you want to book a cruise reach out to Michelle at [email protected]

🎧 Also check out our sister podcast: Rope Drop Radio – your source for Disney Parks planning tips and reviews!

Thanks for sailing with us—until next time, happy cruising! ⚓🌊

Top 5 Onboard Activities with Junior Reporter Sam McKnight 🔥 What do kids REALLY love most on a cruise ship? Junior Reporter Sam McKnight joins Rope Drop On Deck to share their top five favorite onboard activities — from high-energy fun to can't-miss experiences that make cruising unforgettable for younger sailors (and their families). Episode Summary

This week on Rope Drop On Deck, Doug and Michelle welcome Junior Reporter Sam McKnight for a fun and insightful episode all about cruising from a kid's perspective. Sam breaks down their five favorite onboard activities, explaining what makes each one special and why they're must-dos on any cruise vacation.

If you're cruising with kids — or just want to know which onboard experiences keep younger cruisers coming back for more — this episode delivers firsthand insight you won't get anywhere else.

Word of the day thanks to Back To The Mouse.

📱 Follow Rope Drop On Deck:

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Stay in the loop for bonus cruise content, updates, and behind-the-scenes fun.

More of Michelle

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If you want to book a cruise reach out to Michelle at [email protected]

🎧 Also check out our sister podcast: Rope Drop Radio – your source for Disney Parks planning tips and reviews!

Thanks for sailing with us—until next time, happy cruising! ⚓🌊

RDOD — Cruise Gift Giving & How to Gift a Cruise as a Surprise

Thinking about giving the ultimate gift this year? From unforgettable surprise reveals to stocking stuffers every cruiser will actually use, we're breaking down the best ways to gift a cruise—and the must-have items to wrap up (or secretly pack!) for the big reveal. Whether you're surprising a spouse, a kid, or an entire family, this episode will help you make the moment magical.

Episode Summary

This week on Rope Drop On Deck, Doug and Michelle dive into the art of cruise gift-giving! It's that time of year, and if you're dreaming of surprising someone with a sailing—whether for Christmas, a birthday, an anniversary, or "just because"—we've got your blueprint.

We walk through the best ways to surprise someone with a cruise, how to plan around logistics, and the top stocking stuffers and under-the-tree gifts that every cruiser will appreciate. From passport holders to packing cubes to cruise-ready outfits, we're covering all the fun, practical, and unexpected items to elevate your next adventure at sea.

Word of the day thanks to Back To The Mouse. - Cargo

🎄 Great Cruise Gift Ideas & Stocking Stuffers Practical Gifts

• Passport holder

• Luggage & luggage tags

• Pop-up hamper

• Packing cubes

• Luggage tracking devices

• Chargers & Europe adapters

• Noise-canceling headphones

• Tide-to-Go pens

Comfort + Wellness

• Sea bands

• Pepto / travel meds

• Flip flops

• Sunglasses

Fun & Cruise-Themed Gifts

• Cruise magnets

• Waterproof phone case

• Binoculars

• Lanyards

• Tommy Bahama or Roosevelt shirts/outfits

Perfect for Christmas morning, surprise trips, or any cruise countdown celebration!

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Stay in the loop for bonus cruise content, updates, and behind-the-scenes fun.

More of Michelle

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If you want to book a cruise reach out to Michelle at [email protected]

🎧 Also check out our sister podcast: Rope Drop Radio – your source for Disney Parks planning tips and reviews!

Thanks for sailing with us—until next time, happy cruising! ⚓🌊

We just stepped off the Disney Destiny… and we're ready to tell you everything. From the moment we boarded the maiden voyage to the final walk off in Fort Lauderdale, we're breaking down our full trip report of Disney Cruise Line's newest ship. If you want real experiences, dining reactions, show reviews, and honest impressions—this is the Destiny episode you've been waiting for.

This week on Rope Drop On Deck, Michelle and Doug deliver their complete Disney Destiny maiden voyage trip report! After last week's teaser, we're diving deep into what it's actually like to sail the newest DCL ship. We cover first moments onboard, stateroom impressions, dining, entertainment, characters, lounges, Castaway Cay, and all the surprises the Destiny has to offer.

If you're planning a cruise on the Disney Destiny—or just want to hear what worked, what didn't, and what stood out from the Wish/Treasure class—this episode is packed with details you won't want to miss.

Word of the day thanks to Back To The Mouse.

📱 Follow Rope Drop On Deck:

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Stay in the loop for bonus cruise content, updates, and behind-the-scenes fun.

More of Michelle

More of Doug

If you want to book a cruise reach out to Michelle at [email protected]

🎧 Also check out our sister podcast: Rope Drop Radio – your source for Disney Parks planning tips and reviews!

Thanks for sailing with us—until next time, happy cruising! ⚓🌊

⭐️ We're recording from onboard the brand-new Disney Destiny! Michelle and Doug give you their first reactions from the maiden voyage — and tease everything coming in next week's full deep-dive episode.

Recording From the Disney Destiny! First Impressions Teaser Episode

This week's Rope Drop On Deck is a special mini-episode recorded directly from the Disney Destiny! Michelle and Doug share raw, fresh first impressions of Disney Cruise Line's newest ship as they sail the maiden voyage.

From the Grand Hall to the energy onboard to what instantly surprised us — this quick episode sets the stage for next week's full breakdown, where we'll cover dining, shows, lounges, characters, staterooms, and everything you really want to know about the Destiny.

If you're curious what the ship feels like, what's different from the Wish and Treasure, and what you can look forward to as we review the entire itinerary, this teaser will get you excited for what's coming!

📱 Follow Rope Drop On Deck:

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Stay in the loop for bonus cruise content, updates, and behind-the-scenes fun.

More of Michelle

More of Doug

If you want to book a cruise reach out to Michelle at [email protected]

🎧 Also check out our sister podcast: Rope Drop Radio – your source for Disney Parks planning tips and reviews!

Thanks for sailing with us—until next time, happy cruising! ⚓🌊

⭐️ What happens when Michelle and Emily get a sneak-peek sailing on Disney Cruise Line's newest ship? We're breaking down everything — the Grand Hall, the lounges, the shows, the food, and the surprises — from the exclusive Disney Destiny preview cruise.

The Disney Destiny Is Here! Full Preview Cruise Breakdown

This week on Rope Drop On Deck, Doug and Michelle welcome back friend of the show Emily of Magical Mouse Travel to talk all about the Disney Destiny Preview Cruise. Fresh off the ship, Michelle and Emily share first impressions, insider details, and what makes this Wish-Class ship stand apart from the Wish and Treasure.

We cover everything from the redesigned Grand Hall, themed lounges, dining highlights, and the newest entertainment onboard — plus the jaw-dropping Tower Suite and Hero Suite! If you're planning a future sailing on the Disney Destiny or just love hearing about new Disney Cruise Line ships, this episode is packed with first-hand insight you won't get anywhere else.

Stick around to the end for a rapid-fire virtual muster drill and learn Emily's cruise favorites!

In This Episode News & Updates

• Disney Cruise Line to have 4 ships sailing in 10 days

• Princess adds Celebration Key to select itineraries

• Big NYC terminal overhaul announced

• The Price Is Right to film aboard Royal Caribbean's Utopia

• Icon of the Seas heading to Texas in 2027

Disney Destiny Preview Cruise

• Why Michelle & Emily were invited onboard

• First impressions entering the Grand Hall

• "Is it just the Wish or Treasure with new lipstick?"

📱 Follow Rope Drop On Deck:

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Stay in the loop for bonus cruise content, updates, and behind-the-scenes fun.

More of Michelle

More of Doug

If you want to book a cruise reach out to Michelle at [email protected]

🎧 Also check out our sister podcast: Rope Drop Radio – your source for Disney Parks planning tips and reviews!

Thanks for sailing with us—until next time, happy cruising! ⚓🌊

Ready to get the most out of your next Disney Cruise? 🚢 This week, Doug is joined by Joe from Back to the Mouse to share insider tips and strategies for maximizing every part of your Disney Cruise Line vacation — from embarkation to debarkation and everything in between!

RDOD 123: How to Maximize Your Disney Cruise: Expert Tips from Back to the Mouse: In this episode of Rope Drop On Deck, Doug welcomes cruise pro Joe from Back to the Mouse to break down the best ways to maximize your Disney Cruise Line experience. Whether it's your first sailing or your tenth, these practical, time-saving, and money-saving tips will help you enjoy every wave of Disney magic.

Plus, the team shares the latest cruise news, including:

• 🏷️ Cruise Line's Black Friday deals

• 🏗️ The new Galveston cruise terminal

• 🇯🇲 Carnival's return to Jamaica next week

If you're looking to elevate your next Disney Cruise — or just love insider DCL talk — this episode is packed with practical advice, laughs, and a few surprises from one of the best cruise minds in the business.

📱 Follow Rope Drop On Deck:

• Instagram: @RopeDropOnDeck

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• Threads: @RopeDropOnDeck

• Twitter/X: @RopeDropOnDeck

Stay in the loop for bonus cruise content, updates, and behind-the-scenes fun.

More of Michelle

More of Doug

If you want to book a cruise reach out to Michelle at [email protected]

🎧 Also check out our sister podcast: Rope Drop Radio – your source for Disney Parks planning tips and reviews!

Thanks for sailing with us—until next time, happy cruising! ⚓🌊

Ever wondered what it's really like to stay in a suite on a cruise ship — from private lounges to in-room slides and seven-headed showers? 🚢 This week, Doug and Michelle welcome back Lauren to share her incredible experience living "The Suite Life" onboard Royal Caribbean!

Episode Summary: In this episode of Rope Drop On Deck, Doug and Michelle are joined by Lauren for an inside look at what it's like to cruise in the Ultimate Family Suite and the Royal Loft Suite — two of the most luxurious accommodations at sea. From the jaw-dropping features (like a private slide, glowing sinks, and a movie room) to the perks that make suite guests feel like VIPs, Lauren shares every detail of her "suite" adventure.

💎 You'll hear about:

• ✨ First impressions of walking into these incredible rooms

• 🧱 The Ultimate Family Suite: Lego wall, video games, movie room, and a private slide

• 🌅 The Royal Loft Suite: ocean-view glass shower, glowing bathroom sinks, and even a piano

• 🍸 Exclusive suite perks — dining plans, concierge service, private lounges, and more

• 🛎️ Tips for making the most of the Suite Life — and whether it's really worth it

• 😬 A few unexpected downsides (yes, even luxury comes with quirks!)

Plus, Doug and Michelle share the latest cruise news, including Jamaica's reopening plans, Royal Caribbean's 2027 European deployment, and big changes due to Hurricane Melissa.

Whether you're dreaming of a suite upgrade or just curious how the other half sails, this episode gives you a peek behind the concierge curtain!

Word of the Day: Azipod (thanks to Back To The Mouse).

📱 Follow Rope Drop On Deck:

• Instagram: @RopeDropOnDeck

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• Threads: @RopeDropOnDeck

• Twitter/X: @RopeDropOnDeck

Stay in the loop for bonus cruise content, updates, and behind-the-scenes fun.

More of Michelle

More of Doug

If you want to book a cruise reach out to Michelle at [email protected]

🎧 Also check out our sister podcast: Rope Drop Radio – your source for Disney Parks planning tips and reviews!

Thanks for sailing with us—until next time, happy cruising! ⚓🌊

Ready to explore the best Disney Cruise Line excursions — from Europe to the Caribbean — through the eyes of a teen cruiser? 🌊 This week, Doug is joined by Alden McKnight (@ShotByAlden) to count down his Top 5 Disney Cruise Excursions — and even reveal one that didn't quite make the cut!

Best Disney Cruise Excursions Around the World — Ranked by a Teen!: On this week's Rope Drop On Deck, we're diving into the shore excursions that make Disney Cruise Line adventures unforgettable. Teen cruiser and photographer Alden McKnight joins Doug and Michelle to share his Top 5 Disney Cruise excursions from around the world — including adventures in Italy, Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, Alaska, and beyond.

From climbing Dunn's River Falls to whale watching in Alaska, Alden gives a first-hand look at what makes each port experience fun, unique, and totally worth booking. You'll also hear about his least favorite excursion (and why it missed the mark), plus tips for families planning their next adventure off the ship.

This episode also features the latest cruise news — including Royal Caribbean's Beach Club opening early, Norwegian Cruise Line going paperless, and Disney's new ship, the Destiny, officially delivered!

Whether you're planning your next port day or just love hearing about incredible Disney Cruise destinations, this episode is your guide to making the most of every stop along the way.

Plus, we've got an Apple Podcast review from AMCEOmaha the word of the day "jetsam" (thanks to Back To The Mouse).

VOTE FOR PLATTSMOUTH

📱 Follow Rope Drop On Deck:

• Instagram: @RopeDropOnDeck

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Stay in the loop for bonus cruise content, updates, and behind-the-scenes fun.

More of Michelle

More of Doug

If you want to book a cruise reach out to Michelle at [email protected]

🎧 Also check out our sister podcast: Rope Drop Radio – your source for Disney Parks planning tips and reviews!

Thanks for sailing with us—until next time, happy cruising! ⚓🌊

Ready to sail through the stunning fjords of Norway? 🌄 This week, Doug and Michelle are joined by Touring and Cruises travel expert Steph Miller to share her firsthand experience aboard Disney Cruise Line's magical voyage through the Norwegian Fjords. From breathtaking scenery to charming ports, onboard favorites, and dining highlights — it's a Disney Cruise trip report that will have you dreaming of Northern Europe!

RDOD 120: Disney Cruise to Norway: Steph's Norwegian Fjords Trip Report Welcome aboard Rope Drop On Deck! In this episode, Doug and Michelle sit down with Steph Miller, a travel advisor with Touring and Cruises, to recap her recent Disney Cruise Line adventure to the Norwegian Fjords.

Steph shares her journey from Southampton through stunning Norwegian ports like Olden, Ålesund, and Stavanger — along with candid thoughts on the ship, her stateroom, dining experiences, and can't-miss onboard moments.

You'll hear about:

• 🇳🇴 The magic of cruising through the fjords

• 🍽️ Dining highlights and onboard favorites

• 🚢 What to expect from a European Disney Cruise

• 🧳 Steph's personal tips for travelers heading overseas

• ⚓ Her "Virtual Muster Drill" — a lightning round of cruise favorites!

Plus, Doug and Michelle share the latest cruise news (including Disney heading to Catalina and changes with Norwegian Cruise Line's drink package and room service).

Whether you're planning your first European sailing or just love a good Disney Cruise trip report, this episode will make you want to pack your parka and book your next adventure!

Plus, we've got an Apple Podcast review from aymay9191, the word of the day "Flotsam" (thanks to Back To The Mouse).

VOTE FOR PLATTSMOUTH

📱 Follow Rope Drop On Deck:

• Instagram: @RopeDropOnDeck

• Facebook: Rope Drop On Deck

• Threads: @RopeDropOnDeck

• Twitter/X: @RopeDropOnDeck

Stay in the loop for bonus cruise content, updates, and behind-the-scenes fun.

More of Michelle

More of Doug

If you want to book a cruise reach out to Michelle at [email protected]

🎧 Also check out our sister podcast: Rope Drop Radio – your source for Disney Parks planning tips and reviews!

Thanks for sailing with us—until next time, happy cruising! ⚓🌊