The DCL Dude Podcast is a show dedicated to all things Disney Cruise Line! We will talk recent DCL news, share travel tips, interview guests, go over the best and worst (ok, mostly best) that DCL has to offer, share trip reports, and hopefully interact with you, the listener! Follow us on Twitter (@theDCLdude) or like us on Facebook (facebook.com/dcldudepodcast)!
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Episode 182: Disney Destiny Review!
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1:05:49Alyssa and I recently spent 7 nights onboard the Disney Destiny between a preview cruise and the Maiden Voyage! In this week's episode, we are bringing you our thoughts on our experience and our full review of Disney Cruise Line's newest ship, the Disney Destiny. I hope you enjoy! Don't forget to connect with the show on Twitter and Instagram @theD…
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Episode 181: 5 Reasons to be Excited for the Disney Destiny
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23:34
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23:34The time has come! Destiny awaits! Disney Cruise Line's newest ship, the Disney Destiny will make her official debut this week with the Christening ceremony scheduled for Monday evening (11/10) at 6:30PM ET, followed by a three-night christening cruise to the Bahamas. This will will be the first time that photos and videos from INSIDE the ship will…
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Episode 180: "Would You Rather" with Serena from Living By Disney
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53:07Serena from the Living By Disney Podcast joins me in this week's episode to play a fun game of "Would You Rather?" A guaranteed spot in shade on the pool deck or a reserved seat in your favorite lounge? Unlimited AquaMouse with no lines or a skip the line pass to meet your favorite characters? These are the hard hitters were taking on in this week'…
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Episode 179: Trip Recap! Our Recent 4-Night Cruise on the Wish
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56:47In this week's episode, Alyssa and I recapped our recent 4-night Bahamian cruise aboard the Disney Wish (ok, it wasn't that recent)! Here all about our pre-cruise visit to WDW, our day spent at a water park in Nassau, our amazing visit to Castaway Cay, and our relaxing sea day. Hope you enjoy! Don't forget to connect with the show on Twitter and In…
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Episode 178: Sailing the Norwegian Fjords
1:27:49
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1:27:49In this week's episode, we're taking you on an incredible 8-night Norwegian Fjords cruise aboard the Disney Fantasy. Sisters Brittany and Lindsey join me to discuss all the details of their cruise, from pre-cruise hotel accommodations, to onboard activities, to their amazing experiences in port. If you're like me, you may find yourself researching …
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Bonus Episode: DCL Late 2026/Early 2027 Itineraries
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41:09
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41:09In this bonus episode of the DCL Dude Podcast, we discuss the recently-announced Disney Cruise itineraries, which extend the schedule (for most ships) into May 2027. We discuss some of our overall thoughts on the release and dive into some of the more unique itineraries that were announced. Bookings for these new cruises open the week of August 25,…
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Bonus Episode: Aulani Trip Recap (Part 2)
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59:27In this bonus episode of the DCL Dude Podcast, Alyssa and I revisit the rest of our recent trip to Hawaii, which covers: Our private tour with Escape Waikiki Tours; Our visit to the Pearl Harbor Memorial; Our afternoon trip to Oahu's north shore; Our trip to Maui and private tour with Local Maui Tours; Our surf lessons with North Shore Oahu Surf Sc…
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Bonus Episode: Aulani Trip Recap (Part 1)
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54:57We're going off-topic in this bonus episode of the DCL Dude Podcast to discuss our recent trip to Hawaii and our stay at Disney's Aulani! We packed A LOT in to our 9-day vacation, so the episode ran longer than expected. For that reason, I've split it into two parts, so I'm releasing two back-to-back bonus episodes that will give you all the detail…
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Episode 177: Pros and Cons of Back-to-Back Cruises
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49:15More cruising is never a bad thing, but in this week's episode, we're discussing the advantages and disadvantages (can you even call them that?) of doing back-to-back Disney cruises. Joining me for this conversation is Tammy Whiting - author of the Unofficial Guides to Disney Cruise Line. Tammy and I talk a little about the logistics of doing back-…
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Join us for a fun-filled episode as we dive into the magic of Disney Cruise Line with a panel of passionate cruisers from Mickey World Travel! We're handing out superlatives for the ultimate onboard experiences, from the Best Show in the Walt Disney Theater to the Best Dining Experience and the Best Character Experience. My guests share their top p…
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In this week's episode, I go through some of the recent Disney Cruise announcements and also provide some feedback on a few questions I've received recently. I'm planning to do another Q&A sometime in the near future, so if you have questions you'd like me to answer on the show, feel free to submit those anytime! Otherwise, be on the lookout on my …
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Episode 174: Island Showdown: Castaway Cay vs. Lookout Cay
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35:33Join me this week as I dive into a head-to-head comparison of Disney Cruise Line's two private island destinations: Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point! In this episode, I'll break down the differences and similarities across five key categories—location and setting, theming, beaches and recreation, dining and amenities, and overall gu…
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Episode 173: Adults Only on the Disney Wish
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58:41
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58:41Krystyne joins me from Indiana this week to discuss her recent cruise to the Bahamas with her husband aboard the Disney Wish! We talk about her experiences upgrading to Concierge at the port, cruising without her kids, dining in Enchante, and more! I hope you enjoy! Don't forget to connect with the show on Twitter and Instagram @theDCLdude, or on F…
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Episode 172: Marvel Day at Sea on the Disney Dream
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58:53My son and I recently started re-watching the Marvel movies, so I wanted to check-in on the onboard Marvel Day at Sea cruise experience. Rachel joins me this week from the Orlando area and we discuss her family's recent cruise aboard the Disney Dream, complete with character interactions and magical moments. We also talk about cruising with young k…
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Bonus Episode: DCL Summer 2026 Itinerary Announcement
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51:33In this bonus episode, we're going through the new summer 2026 Disney Cruise itineraries that were released earlier this week. Disney Cruise Line will be visiting places like Alaska (with two ships!), the Mediterranean, Norway, the Caribbean, and the British Isles! Lots to unpack and I've invited my friend, CT, to help me sort it all out. New booki…
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Episode 171: A Maiden Voyage on the Disney Treasure
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1:01:28In this week's episode, Landon and Bridget join me to discuss their family's experience on the December 2024 Maiden Voyage of the Disney Treasure. From all the new lounges and main dining restaurants, to the stateroom gifts, we cover all the exciting things about experiencing a new ship for the first time. Hope you enjoy! Don't forget to connect wi…
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Episode 170: Navigating Port Everglades with a Harbor Pilot
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36:22In this week's episode, I had a fascinating chat with a seasoned Port Everglades harbor pilot about the challenges and skills required to safely navigate massive vessels through one of the busiest ports in the U.S. From tight channels to unpredictable weather, hear about what it takes to guide ships in and out of port, ensuring smooth operations an…
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Episode 169: Our Thoughts on the Disney Treasure
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1:02:25We recently had the opportunity to sail on a short preview cruise on the brand-new Disney Treasure. In this episode, we share our experiences, thoughts, and overall opinions of the ship and the new spaces onboard. There is lots to love about the Treasure and we can't wait to go back! Don't forget to connect with the show on Twitter and Instagram @t…
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Episode 168: Back-to-Back Cruise Trip Recap Part II
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50:47In this week's episode, I am recapping our recent 4-night Bahamian cruise with stops at Lookout Cay and Nassau, which was the second of back-to-back cruises! The cruise was a bit different for us, but we still had an amazing time and I hope you enjoy this episode! Don't forget to connect with the show on Twitter and Instagram @theDCLdude, or on Fac…
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Episode 167: Back-to-Back Cruise Trip Recap Part I
1:11:24
1:11:24
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1:11:24Our family returned last week from an amazing nine nights aboard the Disney Dream on back-to-back cruises to the Western Caribbean and the Bahamas! Alyssa joins me in this episode as we discuss the first of our B2B cruises, which was a 5-night itinerary calling on Cozumel and Castaway Cay, with to days at sea. I hope you enjoy! Don't forget to conn…
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Episode 166: Love it or Leave it - Disney Adventure
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1:05:30In my previous episode, we made predictions about what we might see one day aboard the Disney Adventure. Now that the details have been announced, Doug from Rope Drop Radio and Rope Drop On Deck joins me to play "Love it or Leave it" with all the new things we learned about the Adventure. Do you "love" the Disney Adventure or are you in the "leave …
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Episode 165: Predictions for the Disney Adventure
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58:13We learned on Tuesday last week about the Disney Adventure reveal event scheduled for October 16. Prior to hearing about that, my friend, Chris, and I discussed everything we currently know about the Disney Adventure and made a few predictions about what me might one day learn. Lucky for us, it seems we may not have to wait too long to find out how…
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Episode 164: Cruising on the Fantasy and Some Parks Talk
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58:06
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58:06I'm joined this week be Serena from Living By Disney to discuss her recent cruise aboard the Disney Fantasy. Serena talks about what makes a Disney Cruise so special and offers some thoughts about why a cruise should be appealing to parks enthusiasts. We also talk about the recent theme park announcements and the changes to the Lightning Lane syste…
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Episode 163: Our Top-3 Port Adventures
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1:01:14In this week's episode, Alyssa and I discuss the top-three port adventures that we've experienced on our Disney cruises, along with some honorable mentions. We also discuss some of our not-so-favorite adventures and provide a little bit of basic information about booking port adventures. Here are links to some of the port adventures we discuss in t…
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Bonus Episode: Disney Destiny Itineraries
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15:01In this mini bonus episode, I'll take you through this week's Disney Destiny itinerary announcement and give you some of my thoughts on the inaugural season. I'll also go over the special booking policies for the Maiden Voyage, so if you're planning to book that, be sure to tune in! Don't forget to connect with the show on Twitter and Instagram @th…
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Episode 162: A Western Europe Disney Adventure
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53:16My friend, Concierge Chris, is back for another episode after his family's recent two-week vacation around Europe. His family's vacation began with a stay at Disneyland Paris, followed by a 7-night Western Europe cruise, and capped off with an Adventures by Disney ABD Escape. We had lots to cover, so take a trip around Europe with us in this week's…
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Bonus Episode: DCL Announcements from D23
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15:34In case you missed all the exciting Disney Cruise announcements from last week's D23 Expo, I recapped it for you in this week's bonus episode, including some of the audio clips from Disney Experiences Chairman, Josh D'Amaro's presentation. I love hearing the audience reactions to the announcements because it reflected how I was feeling watching fro…
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Episode 161: Attending the Disney Treasure Float Out In Person
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55:14The Disney Treasure was floated out of Hall 6 at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany on Saturday, August 3 marking a major milestone in the ship's construction. My guest on this week's show, Lisa (@seayarealsoon) was there in-person for the ceremonial event and was kind enough to come on and give us all the details of her experience. We …
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In this week's epiosde, I'm (finally) getting you caught up on all the exciting Disney Cruise news we've heard about over the last couple weeks, from the Disney Destiny to the Disney Dream! Don't forget to connect with the show on Twitter and Instagram @theDCLdude, or on Facebook at facebook.com/dcldudepodcast. You can also check out my new blog at…
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Episode 159: Lookout Cay Preview Cruise Trip Recap
1:15:20
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1:15:20Alyssa and I were extremely fortunate to be invited by Disney Cruise Line on the 3-Night Preview Cruise to Lookout Cay aboard the Disney Magic. In this week's episode, we are recapping our entire cruise - start to finish! Tune in to hear about our embarkation day anxieties, Alyssa's experience on Lookout Cay, and a DCL bucket list item I was able t…
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Bonus Episode: Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 Itineraries
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41:37
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41:37For the first time, Disney Cruise Line has released TWO seasons of new itineraries at one time - fall 2025 and spring 2026! My guest on the show, Chris, and I will summarize the new schedules for you and highlight some of my favorite itineraries. We'll also mix in a few predictions. Bookings begin next week (Monday, June 24) and are tiered based on…
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My wife and I had the chance to be among the first to visit Disney Cruise Line's new private destination in the Bahamas, Lookout Cay! We had a fun (but exhausting) day and in this week's episode, I am bringing you my initial thoughts now that I've had some time to digest. It's just me on the show this week, but I'll bring Alyssa on later to get her…
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In this week's episode, my wife, Alyssa, joins me to discuss the top-5 onboard activities on a Disney cruse. We each had 5 unique activities, so you get a bonus 5 out of this episode! Keep in mind that there are LOTS of things to do onboard, most of which do not require reservations in advance. Keep an eye on your Daily Navigator for a list of upco…
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Episode 156: Talking DCL with a Longtime Disney Cruiser
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45:26I'm joined in this week's episode by Tammy, who has sailed more than 50 times with Disney Cruise Line! We discuss her cruising backround, some of her recent travels, and get her thoughts on the future of Disney Cruise Line. This was a really fun discussion and I hope you enjoy it, as well! Tammy on Instagram: @cruisingwithtammy Don't forget to conn…
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Episode 155: A Month on a Disney Cruise
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1:01:38I'm joined this week by my friend, Lisa, who recently sailed back-to-back 15- and 10-night cruises aboard the Disney Wonder! Her journey began in Sydney, Australia and brought her to various ports in the South Pacific on her way to Hawaii. On that cruise, she got to experience a 30-day February and cross the Equator! Once back in Hawaii, she and he…
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Bonus Episode: DCL Summer 2025 Itineraries
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44:04
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44:04In this bonus episode, we're going through the new summer 2025 Disney Cruise itineraries that were released earlier this week. Disney Cruise Line will be visiting places like Alaska, the Mediterranean, Norway, the Caribbean, and the British Isles! There are tons of exiting destinations and I've invited my friend, Chris, to talk about them. New book…
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As we get ready for the summer cruise season and say goodbye to the themed cruises at the beginning part of the year, I wanted to get an update on the the Marvel Day at Sea cruise experience in 2024. Erin joins me me in this episode from Virginia to discuss her recent cruse aboard the Disney Dream from Port Everglades. I hope you enjoy! Don't forge…
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Episode 153: DCL 101 - You Booked a Disney Cruise! Now What?
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32:42Planning a vacation can be stressful and Disney Cruise Line has made the pre-cruise preparation increasingly harder over the years. In this week's episode where I continue the DCL 101 series, I cover all the things you should think about in the weeks and months leading up to your cruise. I hope this is helpful! Don't forget to connect with the show…
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Episode 152: 5 Things to Look Forward to in 2024
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27:08In this week's episode, I'll get you all caught up on recent news from Disney Cruise Line and also give you my top-5 things to be excited about in 2024. If there's something you're excited about that didn't make my list, please reach out to me to let me know! Don't forget to connect with the show on Twitter and Instagram @theDCLdude, or on Facebook…
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In this episode, we're recapping part 2 of our recent 5-night Bahamian cruise with two stops at Castaway Cay aboard the Disney Dream, which departed from Port Everglades. Tune in to hear about our two amazing days spent at Castaway Cay and our thoughts on Disney Cruise Line's New Year's Eve celebration at sea! Don't forget to connect with the show …
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Happy New Year, everyone! We recently returned from a 5-night Bahamian cruise with two stops at Castaway Cay aboard the Disney Dream, which departed from Port Everglades. The cruise departed on December 28 and returned on January 2, so we got to be onboard for New Year's Eve, which was an amazing way to ring in the new year! We're bringing you Part…
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Episode 149: 10 Things Not to Worry About
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45:08I'm joined in this week's episode by Rebecca (@disneycruiselinecommunity on Instagram), who created the Disney Cruise Line Community Facebook group. Rebecca has a lot of DCL experience and we are talking this week about ten things not to worry about as it relates to your Disney cruise! My hope is that this will help take some of the stress and anxi…
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Episode 148: Can't-Miss Experiences on a Very Merrytime Cruise
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32:14Cast member, Mallory, joins me in this episode to discuss her experiences as a cast member with Disney Cruise Line, and also to give us a summary of the can't-miss experiences on a Very Merrytime cruise. I hope this episode helps bring some holiday cheer to your day! Don't forget to connect with the show on Twitter and Instagram @theDCLdude, or on …
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Episode 147: A South Pacific Disney Cruise
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49:54In this week's episode, we're taking another long cruise with Disney Cruise Line - this time to the South Pacific! Listener Tim shares his experience on the inaugural 13-night South Pacific cruise from Honolulu ending in Sydney Australia! Tim gives us the details of the fun activities that were offered onboard and the things that he and his wife, S…
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Episode 146: Sailing to Hawaii with Disney Cruise Line
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56:35
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56:35In this week's episode, we're going to Hawaii! Unfortunately, not literally, but my friend, Lisa, who runs the @seayarealsoon account on Instagram, recently sailed on a 10-night cruise from Vancouver that ended in Honolulu and we discuss all the fun she had while onboard and in the various ports. She also fills us in on all the drydock enhancements…
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Bonus Episode: DCL Early 2025 Itinerary Release
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12:19Disney Cruise Line has released its full slate of new itineraries for early 2025 and there were some exciting cruises that were announced! I'll summarize the new schedules for you and highlight some of my favorite itineraries. Bookings begin next week (Monday, October 30) and are tiered based on Castaway Club status. If you'd like to book one of th…
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Episode 145: Love It or Leave It with the DCL Duo
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59:32In this week's episode, we're playing "Love it or Leave It" - Disney Treasure style - with Brian and Sam from the DCL Duo. We talk about all the recent announcements (except for last week's big announcement about the new Moana stage show) and let you know how we feel about them. This was a really fun episode and I hope you enjoy it, too! You can fi…
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Episode 144: Taking a European Cruise with Younger Kids
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50:41If you've ever thought about taking a European cruise, but thought maybe your kids are too young, this is the show for you! Samantha recently cruised on a 7-night Northern Europe cruise with her husband, 8-year-old daughter, and 2-year-old son. We go through all the details of her family's travels and answer the big question - would you do it again…
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A little late on this one, but in this epiosde, I will share all the details with you related to Disney Cruise Line that were announced at this year's Destination D23 event held at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, FL. I hope you enjoy! If you'd like to book a cruise with me and receive some onboard credit to spend, send me an email at wes@m…
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Episode 143: Cruising from San Diego with Serena from @livingbydisney
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38:14In this week's episode, I'm joined by Serena who runs the Instagram and TicTok accounts @livingbydisney. Serena recently cruise on the Disney Wonder from San Diego and we discuss her thoughts on the Disney Wonder, some of the things she likes to do onboard, and what it's like cruising in the Pacific ocean. We also brifely talk about her recent visi…
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