Rope Drop: On Deck - A Cruise News and Planning Podcast

Disney Cruise Line has revealed what's coming aboard the Disney Believe, and there are some exciting new experiences on the way! From the first-ever Encanto stage show to a Moana-inspired Grand Hall and a brand-new Frozen dining experience, Doug and Michelle break down the newest Disney Cruise Line ship and what future cruisers have to look forward to.

RDOD — Disney Believe Revealed! Everything We Know About Disney Cruise Line's Newest Ship

A new Disney Cruise Line ship is on the horizon! This week on Rope Drop On Deck, Doug and Michelle dive into the big reveal of the Disney Believe, which is scheduled to begin sailing on December 18, 2027, from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

The fourth ship in Disney's Wish class promises a mix of brand-new experiences and familiar Disney Cruise Line favorites. We're looking at the entertainment, dining, lounges, themed spaces, and other features that have us excited about this addition to the fleet.

🎧 Listen to Rope Drop On Deck

Ready to start planning your next Disney Cruise?

Contact Michelle at [email protected]

Follow @RopeDropOnDeck on social media and check out RopeDropPod.com for more Disney Parks and cruise content.

Check out Tours on Viator

📱 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]

Check out Back to the Mouse.com for all the latest in Disney Cruising

🎧 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! ⚓🌊

Disney Cruise Line just dropped its Fall 2027 and Spring 2028 itineraries—and New York City is BACK! Doug, Michelle, and Joe from Back to the Mouse break down the biggest announcements, the best-looking itineraries, and why Florida is about to become an even bigger Disney Cruise hub.

RDOD — Disney Cruise Line Fall 2027 & Spring 2028 Itineraries Are HERE!

The wait is over! Disney Cruise Line has released its Fall 2027 and Spring 2028 cruise itineraries, and there is a LOT to talk about.

This week on Rope Drop On Deck, Doug and Michelle are joined by Joe from Back to the Mouse to break down the new Disney Cruise Line schedule and figure out which sailings deserve your attention.

And there's one announcement that immediately caught everyone's attention: Disney Cruise Line is returning to New York City!

The Disney Wish will spend part of Fall 2027 sailing from New York, including voyages to Bermuda, New England and Atlantic Canada.

But New York isn't the only big story.

🗽 Disney Is Back in New York!

We discuss:

• The return of Disney Cruise Line to New York
• The Disney Wish's Bermuda sailings
• New England and Canada itineraries
• Why fall could be an incredible time to cruise from New York
• Whether we'd choose New York over a warm-weather sailing

☀️ Florida Gets Even More Disney Cruise Options

There's plenty happening in Florida too.

The Disney Destiny will homeport at Port Canaveral for the first time, offering three- to seven-night Bahamas and Western Caribbean cruises. The Disney Wish will also return to Port Canaveral after its New York and San Juan seasons.

🌴 San Juan Gets More Disney Love

Disney is also expanding opportunities to sail from San Juan, Puerto Rico, including Southern and Eastern Caribbean itineraries.

We look at whether San Juan could be an underrated option for Disney cruisers looking for something different.

🚢 Panama Canal Adventures

The Disney Magic will take on two 14-night Panama Canal repositioning cruises, including new port calls at Fuerte Amador and Colón.

Could one of these be the ultimate bucket-list Disney cruise?

🌎 And There's More!

Disney's official itinerary announcement includes departures from New York, Vancouver, San Diego, Galveston, San Juan, Fort Lauderdale and Port Canaveral, plus continued Singapore sailings aboard the Disney Adventure.

📅 When Can You Book?

Disney Cruise Line announced that early booking for eligible Castaway Club members begins August 31, 2026, with general booking opening September 8, 2026.

If you're considering one of these new itineraries, this is definitely an episode to listen to before booking day.

🎧 Listen to Rope Drop On Deck

Ready to start planning your next Disney Cruise?

Contact Michelle at [email protected]

Follow @RopeDropOnDeck on social media and check out RopeDropPod.com for more Disney Parks and cruise content.

Check out Tours on Viator

📱 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]

Check out Back to the Mouse.com for all the latest in Disney Cruising

🎧 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! ⚓🌊

Ancient ruins, medieval cities, iconic blue domes, and an unforgettable overnight stay in Istanbul—Part 2 of our Norwegian Viva Mediterranean cruise might have been the highlight of the entire trip. Join us as we share our favorite ports, excursions, and travel tips from the second half of our 10-night adventure.

Episode Summary

This week on Rope Drop On Deck, Doug and Michelle wrap up their 10-night Norwegian Viva Mediterranean cruise trip report by diving into the second half of the itinerary.

From walking the remarkably preserved streets of Ephesus in Turkey to wandering the medieval Old Town of Rhodes, chasing the famous blue domes of Santorini, and spending an unforgettable overnight in Istanbul, this episode is packed with destination highlights, excursion reviews, and practical planning tips.

If you're considering a Mediterranean cruise on Norwegian Cruise Line—or any cruise line sailing this region—these ports deserve a spot on your bucket list.

In This Episode 🇹🇷 Kuşadası, Turkey

• Why we booked a private Ephesus tour
• Skip-the-line admission
• Walking through one of the world's best-preserved ancient cities
• Why a private tour was worth it
• Cruise-friendly timing and guaranteed return to the ship

🏰 Rhodes, Greece

• Walking off the ship and exploring on our own
• Touring the incredible medieval Old Town
• Why we spent $0 in port
• Hidden streets, history, and one of our favorite DIY port days

🇬🇷 Santorini, Greece

• Private Blue Domes Tour with Project Expedition
• Visiting the iconic viewpoints
• Tips for navigating one of the busiest cruise ports
• Why Santorini lives up to the hype

🌉 Istanbul, Türkiye

Our overnight stay allowed us to experience even more of this incredible city.

Highlights included:

• Bosphorus Yacht Cruise
• Visiting both the European and Asian sides of the city
• Historic neighborhoods and incredible views
• Exploring beyond the typical cruise stop
• Our old city tour with Brit and Berat - They also did our Airport Transfer!
• Our guided Old Town experience
• Airport transfer tips
• Staying at the YOTEL inside Istanbul Airport before flying home

Mediterranean Cruise Tips

• Private tours can provide incredible value and flexibility.
• Book popular excursions well before your cruise.
• Some ports, like Rhodes, are perfect for exploring independently.
• Comfortable shoes are essential—you'll walk more than you think!
• Overnight ports give you a completely different perspective of a destination.

Our Final Thoughts on the Ports

This second half of our Norwegian Viva itinerary featured some of the most memorable destinations we've ever visited. Whether you love ancient history, breathtaking scenery, or experiencing different cultures, this itinerary delivered unforgettable moments at every stop.

Check out Tours on Viator

📱 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]

Check out Back to the Mouse.com for all the latest in Disney Cruising

🎧 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 — Our Norwegian Viva Mediterranean Trip Report (Part 1): Venice to Athens 🔥 Teaser (Apple Podcasts Optimized)

From an early morning in St. Mark's Basilica to walking the ancient walls of Dubrovnik and standing atop the Acropolis in Athens, our 10-night Norwegian Viva cruise was filled with unforgettable ports. In Part 1 of our trip report, we're sharing our favorite excursions, travel tips, hotels, and everything you need to know before cruising the Mediterranean.

Episode Summary

This week on Rope Drop On Deck, Doug and Michelle kick off the first installment of their 10-night Norwegian Viva Mediterranean cruise trip report.

This episode focuses on the first half of the vacation, covering the ports, hotels, excursions, and travel logistics before and during the cruise. We discuss spending time in Venice, embarking from Ravenna, walking the famous city walls in Dubrovnik, exploring Stari Bar in Montenegro, and finishing with an unforgettable day in Athens, including an early visit to the Acropolis.

If you're planning a Mediterranean cruise—or just dreaming about one—this episode is full of practical tips and firsthand experiences.

In This Episode ✈️ Pre-Cruise in Venice

• Staying at Hotel Al Sole
• Why we chose Venice before the cruise
• Exploring the canals and city

🏛️ Venice Excursion

• Early entry to St. Mark's Basilica
• Touring Doge's Palace
• Exclusive terrace views over St. Mark's Square
• Why arriving early made all the difference

🚢 Embarkation in Ravenna

• Staying at Hotel Mosaico
• Easy transfer to the cruise port???
• Boarding the Norwegian Viva

🇭🇷 Dubrovnik, Croatia

• Walking the famous city walls
• Admission costs (€40)
• Incredible views of the Adriatic
• Tips for visiting Old Town

🇲🇪 Bar, Montenegro

• Taxi to Stari Barr
• Exploring the historic town
• Relaxing at the beach
• Why this port pleasantly surprised us

🇬🇷 Athens, Greece

• 8:00 a.m. entry to the Acropolis
• Why early tickets are worth it
• Jewelry-making workshop with a local artisan
• Using the Free Now app for transportation
• Favorite moments in one of the world's oldest cities

📖 Word of the Day

Port Of Call— brought to you by Back to the Mouse

📱 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]

Check out Back to the Mouse.com for all the latest in Disney Cruising

🎧 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! ⚓🌊

Was our first 10-night cruise on the Norwegian Viva everything we hoped it would be? 🚢 From sailing out of Ravenna, Italy, to entertainment, incredible dining, and our honest thoughts after 10 nights onboard, we're sharing everything you need to know before booking a Norwegian Viva cruise.

Episode Summary

This week on Rope Drop On Deck, Doug and Michelle are back from an unforgettable 10-night cruise aboard the Norwegian Viva, and we're giving you our complete trip report!

We cover every part of the experience—from flights to Italy and embarking in Ravenna to the cabin, dining, drink package, entertainment, and onboard activities. We also share what surprised us most, what we'd do differently, and whether the Norwegian Viva lives up to the hype.

If you've been considering Norwegian Cruise Line, planning a Mediterranean cruise, or wondering how the Viva compares to Disney Cruise Line or Royal Caribbean, this episode is packed with firsthand tips and honest opinions.

📖 Word of the Day

Jet Lag— brought to you by Back to the Mouse

📱 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]

Check out Back to the Mouse.com for all the latest in Disney Cruising

🎧 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! ⚓🌊

The McKnight girls set sail on the Disney Fantasy for 4 nights! Listen to all their adventures.

📖 Word of the Day

Castaway— brought to you by Back to the Mouse

📱 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]

Check out Back to the Mouse.com for all the latest in Disney Cruising

🎧 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's it like to sail the Greek Islands aboard a National Geographic expedition ship? Lauren Shields from Rope Drop Radio joins us to share her incredible journey through Greece, exploring stunning islands, unique excursions, and a style of cruising that's very different from the mega-ships most of us know.

RDOD – Greek Islands Cruise Trip Report with Lauren Shields

This week on Rope Drop On Deck, Doug and Michelle welcome Lauren Shields from Rope Drop Radio to discuss her recent Greek Islands cruise aboard a National Geographic expedition ship.

From picturesque villages and crystal-clear waters to immersive cultural experiences and small-ship exploration, Lauren shares what made this cruise unlike any other she's taken. We discuss the ship, the ports, the excursions, the food, and whether expedition-style cruising could be the perfect fit for travelers looking for a more intimate and destination-focused experience.

If Greece is on your bucket list—or you're curious about expedition cruising—this episode is packed with firsthand insights and inspiration.

📖 Word of the Day

Archipelago— brought to you by Back to the Mouse

📱 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]

Check out Back to the Mouse.com for all the latest in Disney Cruising

🎧 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! ⚓🌊

Planning an Alaska cruise? Before you pack your bags, make sure you know these essential do's and don'ts! 🐋🏔️ From whale watching and glacier days to packing mistakes and excursion planning, we're sharing the tips that can make or break your Alaska cruise vacation.

Episode Summary

This week on Rope Drop On Deck, Doug and Michelle tackle one of cruising's most popular bucket-list destinations: Alaska.

Whether you're sailing on Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess, or another cruise line, Alaska is unlike any other cruise destination. The scenery is breathtaking, the wildlife is incredible, and the planning can be very different from a Caribbean sailing.

We're sharing our favorite Alaska cruise do's and don'ts to help you make the most of your adventure. From packing and excursions to glacier viewing and wildlife spotting, this episode is packed with practical advice for first-time and returning Alaska cruisers alike.

If Alaska is on your cruise wish list, this is an episode you'll want to save for later.

📖 Word of the Day

Breaching — brought to you by Back to the Mouse

When a whale launches itself out of the water and crashes back into the ocean. One of the most spectacular sights you might witness on an Alaska cruise!

📱 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]

Check out Back to the Mouse.com for all the latest in Disney Cruising

🎧 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! ⚓🌊

This week on Rope Drop On Deck, Doug and Michelle pull back the curtain on their next cruise adventure: a 10-night sailing aboard the Norwegian Viva.

Why Norwegian? Why the Viva? And why a 10-night itinerary instead of a shorter cruise? We break down the decision-making process, what ultimately convinced us to book, and the experiences we're looking forward to most.

From dining and entertainment to the itinerary and unique features onboard, we're discussing what caught our attention and what we're hoping to learn as we branch out and try something new.

Whether you're considering Norwegian Cruise Line for the first time or you're simply curious about the Viva, this episode is a fun look at how experienced cruisers choose their next vacation.

In This Episode 🚢 Why We Chose This Cruise

• What sparked the idea of booking the Norwegian Viva
• Why a 10-night cruise appealed to us
• How it compared to other options we considered

🌎 The Itinerary

• What destinations we'll be visiting
• Why this route stood out
• What we're most excited to see

📱 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]

Check out Back to the Mouse.com for all the latest in Disney Cruising

🎧 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 you combine an adults-only getaway with concierge-level luxury on a Disney Cruise? 🚢✨ Lauren from Rope Drop Radio joins us to share her first-ever concierge experience aboard the Disney Fantasy—and whether it's truly worth the upgrade.

Episode Summary

This week on Rope Drop On Deck, Doug and Michelle welcome Lauren from Rope Drop Radio to talk about her recent 4-night Disney Fantasy cruise—with a twist: this was an adults-only sailing AND her first time staying concierge.

Lauren walks us through the entire experience, from priority boarding and exclusive lounge access to elevated dining, stateroom perks, and what concierge really adds to a Disney Cruise.

We also dive into what it's like sailing Disney without kids, how the Fantasy holds up, and whether concierge is worth the cost for your next cruise.

If you've ever debated upgrading to concierge or taking a kid-free Disney cruise, this episode is packed with real-world insight.

In This Episode 🚢 Why This Cruise?

• Why Lauren chose a 4-night Disney Fantasy sailing
• Adults-only decision and expectations
• First time trying concierge

📱 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! ⚓🌊