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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

Release Date: 12/09/2025

Adults Only Cruising — 5 Reasons Why show art Adults Only Cruising — 5 Reasons Why

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

Thinking about leaving the kids at home for your next cruise? 🚢 Sailing without the family doesn’t mean you have to book Virgin — Disney and Royal Caribbean might surprise you. This week we break down five powerful reasons to cruise as adults only, and why it might be the most relaxing vacation you’ve taken in years. Episode Summary This week on Rope Drop On Deck, Doug and Michelle dive into a topic more and more cruisers are curious about — adult-only cruising on family-friendly cruise lines. You don’t have to sail on an adults-only brand to enjoy a peaceful, elevated getaway....

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26 Things To Do on a Disney Cruise in 2026 show art 26 Things To Do on a Disney Cruise in 2026

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

“What is there REALLY to do on a Disney Cruise?” From Broadway-caliber shows and character meet-and-greets to trivia, tastings, water slides, and late-night adult fun, we’re counting down 26 amazing things you can do on a Disney Cruise in 2026—and that’s before you even step off the ship. Episode Summary This week on Rope Drop On Deck, Doug and Michelle answer a listener’s question that comes up all the time: What is there to do on a Disney Cruise? The short answer? A LOT. In this episode, we break down 26 onboard activities and experiences that make Disney Cruise Line such a...

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Disney Destiny Trip Report — Alex Cenac’s Honest Review show art Disney Destiny Trip Report — Alex Cenac’s Honest Review

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

What’s it really like to sail the Disney Destiny? Alex Cenac joins Rope Drop On Deck to share a firsthand trip report from Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, breaking down the staterooms, dining, entertainment, and standout moments that make the Destiny one of the most talked-about cruises right now. Episode Summary This week on Rope Drop On Deck, Doug and Michelle welcome of Touring and Crusies for a full Disney Destiny trip report. Fresh off the ship, Alex walks us through their sailing from embarkation to debarkation, sharing honest impressions, surprises, and tips for future...

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Planning a 2026 Cruise? Here’s What to Book (and When) show art Planning a 2026 Cruise? Here’s What to Book (and When)

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

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...

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Top 5 Onboard Cruise Activities with Junior Reporter Sam McKnight show art 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 🔥 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...

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How to Surprise Someone With a Cruise + Best Cruise Gift Ideas! show art How to Surprise Someone With a Cruise + Best Cruise Gift Ideas!

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

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...

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RDOD 126: Trip Report: Disney Destiny Maiden Voyage show art RDOD 126: Trip Report: Disney Destiny Maiden Voyage

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

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...

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RDOD 125: Recording From the Disney Destiny! First Impressions Teaser Episode show art RDOD 125: Recording From the Disney Destiny! First Impressions Teaser Episode

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

⭐️ 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...

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RDOD 124: The Disney Destiny Is Here! Full Preview Cruise Breakdown show art RDOD 124: The Disney Destiny Is Here! Full Preview Cruise Breakdown

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

⭐️  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 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 show art 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? 🚢 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 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...

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More Episodes

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

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

 

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More of Michelle

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If you want to book a cruise reach out to Michelle at Michelle@TouringandCruises.com


🎧 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! ⚓🌊