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

Rope Drop Entertainment
  • 4.7 (156)
  • PLACES & TRAVEL
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Join us On Deck as we cover Cruise News, Planning, Trip Reports, and More. We will sail from Royal to Disney to Norwegian. With Michelle McKnight of Touring and Cruises Travel and Doug McKnight of Rope Drop Radio.

  1. Disney Destiny Trip Report — Alex Cenac's Honest Review

    1D AGO

    Disney Destiny Trip Report — Alex Cenac's Honest Review

    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 Alex Cenac 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 cruisers. From first steps onboard and overall ship vibe to dining experiences, shows, and what sets the Destiny apart from other Disney ships, this episode is packed with real-world insight for anyone considering a Destiny sailing—or just wanting to know if the hype is justified.   Word of the day thanks to 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 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! ⚓🌊

    58 min
  2. Planning a 2026 Cruise? Here's What to Book (and When)

    JAN 6

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

    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.     📱 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 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! ⚓🌊

    31 min
  3. Top 5 Onboard Cruise Activities with Junior Reporter Sam McKnight

    12/16/2025

    Top 5 Onboard Cruise Activities with Junior Reporter Sam McKnight

    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: 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 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! ⚓🌊

    29 min
  4. How to Surprise Someone With a Cruise + Best Cruise Gift Ideas!

    12/09/2025

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

    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!   📱 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 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! ⚓🌊

    36 min
  5. RDOD 126: Trip Report: Disney Destiny Maiden Voyage

    12/02/2025

    RDOD 126: Trip Report: Disney Destiny Maiden Voyage

    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: 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 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! ⚓🌊

    1 hr
  6. RDOD 125: Recording From the Disney Destiny! First Impressions Teaser Episode

    11/24/2025

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

    ⭐️ 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: 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 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! ⚓🌊

    16 min
  7. RDOD 124: The Disney Destiny Is Here! Full Preview Cruise Breakdown

    11/18/2025

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

    ⭐️  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: 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 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! ⚓🌊

    57 min
  8. RDOD 123: How to Maximize Your Disney Cruise: Expert Tips from Back to the Mouse

    11/11/2025

    RDOD 123: How to Maximize Your Disney Cruise: Expert Tips from Back to the Mouse

    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 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 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! ⚓🌊

    51 min
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4.7
out of 5
156 Ratings

About

Join us On Deck as we cover Cruise News, Planning, Trip Reports, and More. We will sail from Royal to Disney to Norwegian. With Michelle McKnight of Touring and Cruises Travel and Doug McKnight of Rope Drop Radio.

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