RDOD 111: Port Everglades 101: Ships, Flights, and Hotels
Rope Drop: On Deck - A Cruise News and Planning Podcast
Release Date: 08/05/2025
Planning a 2026 Cruise? Hereās What to Book (and When)
Rope Drop: On Deck - A Cruise News and Planning Podcast
Itās a brand-new yearāand the best cruises of 2026 are already filling up. From ideal sail dates and hot itineraries to new ships everyoneās buzzing about, weāre 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? Hereās 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 youāre a first-time cruiser or a seasoned sailor, timing mattersāand 2026 brings unique...
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Top 5 Onboard Cruise Activities with Junior Reporter Sam McKnight
Rope Drop: On Deck - A Cruise News and Planning Podcast
Top 5 Onboard Activities with Junior Reporter Sam McKnight š„ 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 ā from high-energy fun to canāt-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 kidās perspective. Sam breaks down their five favorite onboard activities, explaining what...
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How to Surprise Someone With a Cruise + Best Cruise Gift Ideas!
Rope Drop: On Deck - A Cruise News and Planning Podcast
RDOD ā 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, weāre breaking down the best ways to gift a cruiseāand the must-have items to wrap up (or secretly pack!) for the big reveal. Whether youāre 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! Itās that time of year, and if...
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RDOD 126: Trip Report: Disney Destiny Maiden Voyage
Rope Drop: On Deck - A Cruise News and Planning Podcast
We just stepped off the Disney Destinyā¦ and weāre ready to tell you everything. From the moment we boarded the maiden voyage to the final walk off in Fort Lauderdale, weāre breaking down our full trip report of Disney Cruise Lineās newest ship. If you want real experiences, dining reactions, show reviews, and honest impressionsāthis is the Destiny episode youāve been waiting for. This week on Rope Drop On Deck, Michelle and Doug deliver their complete Disney Destiny maiden voyage trip report! After last weekās teaser, weāre diving deep into what itās actually like to...
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RDOD 125: Recording From the Disney Destiny! First Impressions Teaser Episode
Rope Drop: On Deck - A Cruise News and Planning Podcast
āļø Weāre recording from onboard the brand-new Disney Destiny! Michelle and Doug give you their first reactions from the maiden voyage ā and tease everything coming in next weekās full deep-dive episode. Recording From the Disney Destiny! First Impressions Teaser Episode This weekās 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 Lineās newest ship as they sail the maiden voyage. From the Grand Hall to the energy onboard to what instantly surprised us ā this quick...
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RDOD 124: The Disney Destiny Is Here! Full Preview Cruise Breakdown
Rope Drop: On Deck - A Cruise News and Planning Podcast
āļø What happens when Michelle and Emily get a sneak-peek sailing on Disney Cruise Lineās newest ship? Weāre breaking down everything ā the Grand Hall, the lounges, the shows, the food, and the surprises ā 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 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...
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RDOD 123: How to Maximize Your Disney Cruise: Expert Tips from Back to the Mouse
Rope Drop: On Deck - A Cruise News and Planning Podcast
Ready to get the most out of your next Disney Cruise? š¢ 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 ā 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 to break down the best ways to maximize your Disney Cruise Line experience. Whether itās your first sailing or your tenth, these practical, time-saving, and...
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RDOD 122: Ultimate Family Suite Tour & Review: Royal Caribbeanās Most Over-the-Top Cabin
Rope Drop: On Deck - A Cruise News and Planning Podcast
Ever wondered what itās really like to stay in a suite on a cruise ship ā from private lounges to in-room slides and seven-headed showers? š¢ This week, Doug and Michelle welcome back Lauren to share her incredible experience living āThe Suite Lifeā 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 itās like to cruise in the Ultimate Family Suite and the Royal Loft Suite ā two of the most luxurious accommodations at sea. From the jaw-dropping features (like a private slide, glowing...
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RDOD 121:Best Disney Cruise Excursions Around the World ā Ranked by a Teen!
Rope Drop: On Deck - A Cruise News and Planning Podcast
Ready to explore the best Disney Cruise Line excursions ā from Europe to the Caribbean ā through the eyes of a teen cruiser? š This week, Doug is joined by Alden McKnight (@ShotByAlden) to count down his Top 5 Disney Cruise Excursions ā and even reveal one that didnāt quite make the cut! Best Disney Cruise Excursions Around the World ā Ranked by a Teen!: On this weekās Rope Drop On Deck, weāre 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...
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RDOD 120: Disney Cruise to Norway: Stephās Norwegian Fjords Trip Report
Rope Drop: On Deck - A Cruise News and Planning Podcast
Ready to sail through the stunning fjords of Norway? š This week, Doug and Michelle are joined by Touring and Cruises travel expert Steph Miller to share her firsthand experience aboard Disney Cruise Lineās magical voyage through the Norwegian Fjords. From breathtaking scenery to charming ports, onboard favorites, and dining highlights ā itās a Disney Cruise trip report that will have you dreaming of Northern Europe! RDOD 120: Disney Cruise to Norway: Stephās Norwegian Fjords Trip Report Welcome aboard Rope Drop On Deck! In this episode, Doug and Michelle sit down with Steph Miller,...
info_outlinešļø RDOD 111: Cruising from Port Everglades ā What Every Cruiser Should Know
Set sail with us on Rope Drop On Deck as we break down everything you need to know before cruising out of Port EvergladesāFloridaās third-busiest cruise port and a hidden gem for many travelers. Whether you're a seasoned cruiser or a first-timer sailing from Fort Lauderdale, this episode will help you cruise smarter!
ā This Weekās Highlights:
š± Apple Podcast Review Shoutout ā Thank you to Dr.STKR for the great 5-star review!
šŗļø Word of the Day: Everglades ā What exactly are they and why do they matter here?
Cruise News Update ā Brought to you by BackToTheMouse.com, your source for cruise deals and sailing tips.
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Stay in the loop for bonus cruise content, updates, and behind-the-scenes fun.
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If you want to book a cruise reach out to Michelle at Michelle@TouringandCruises.com
š§ Also check out our sister podcast: Rope Drop Radio ā your source for Disney Parks planning tips and reviews!
Thanks for sailing with usāuntil next time, happy cruising! āš