DCL Duo Podcast: A Disney Cruise Line Fan Podcast

Nicola joins us from the UK to share her family’s first-ever Disney Cruise Line vacation — and why it ended up being the perfect way to experience Disney for the first time. Originally planning a trip to Disneyland Paris, Nicola and her family pivoted to Disney Cruise Line and sailed from Southampton aboard the Disney Fantasy. In this episode, she walks us through what made the cruise work so well for their family, from onboard routines and activities to dining, shows, and character experiences. We discuss: Why Disney Cruise Line can be an ideal first cruise Embarkation and sailing from Southampton Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, character meets, and kids’ activities Broadway-style shows and onboard entertainment Food, dining, and kid-friendly options AquaDuck, Midship Detective Agency, and more Why they’re already booked for another Disney cruise Listen now and join the conversation! Help Support the Show: Book your next Disney Cruise Line vacation with My Path Unwinding Travel Join the waitlist for DCL Magazine and use promo code DCLDUO for 10% off at the WDW Magazine store: https://dcl-magazine.com Stay Connected with the DCL Duo Website | Instagram | Facebook | Facebook Group We’re Ranked as a Top Podcast by Feedspot Top 30 Disney Cruise Line Podcasts (#1) | Top 20 Cruise Podcasts (#2) | Top Disney Podcasts (#4) | Top 20 Disney Cruise Line Influencers (#12) Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are our own and do not reflect the views of the Walt Disney Company, Disney Cruise Line or any other travel provider discussed or mentioned. #DisneyCruiseLine #DCLDuo #DisneyCruisePodcast #FirstDisneyCruise #DisneyFantasy #UKCruise #SouthamptonCruise #FirstTimeCruiser #DisneyCruiseReview #FamilyCruising #CruisingWithKids #DisneyCruising #CruiseLife #UKDisneyFans

Discover the magic of Aulani through a two-week holiday adventure that includes festive insights on Christmas versus New Year's crowds. Dive into pool chair strategies, compare luaus, and relive thrilling experiences like a helicopter tour over Oʻahu. Experience local dining debates over shave ice and malasadas, plus off-property excursions to Pearl Harbor and Kualoa Ranch. Enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at cultural storytelling at the resort, making it a perfect destination for long vacations filled with island charm.

Jillian and Robby Abney, former Disney cast members, share their magical first Disney Cruise with their kids. They discuss preparing young children for cruising and the joy of character interactions, including Robby's touching moment with Captain America. The couple also talks about managing a large multi-generational family trip, navigating kids’ clubs, and enjoying Broadway-style shows together. Their insights into family-friendly activities aboard the Disney Magic make this conversation a delightful guide for parents planning a similar adventure.

Brett joins the DCL Duo to share his first cruise ever, a 7-night sailing aboard the Disney Treasure — and it didn’t take long for him to fall in love with Disney Cruise Line. In this episode, Brett breaks down why the Treasure felt like the perfect choice for a first-time cruiser, from immersive ship design and standout adult spaces to exceptional dining and Broadway-caliber entertainment. We talk about sailing Disney as an adult-only couple, navigating planning as a first-timer, and why food, service, and atmosphere all exceeded expectations. You’ll hear detailed impressions of Coco, 1923, Worlds of Marvel, Enchante, and Palo Brunch, plus thoughts on the Treasure’s entertainment lineup including Beauty and the Beast, Moana, and Indiana Jones: Choose Wisely. Brett also shares smart port-day strategies, spa experiences, and why staying onboard can sometimes be the best move. If you’re cruise-curious or planning your first Disney Cruise Line sailing, this episode is packed with real-world insight and practical advice. Listen now and join the conversation! Help Support the Show: Book your next Disney Cruise Line vacation with My Path Unwinding Travel Join the waitlist for DCL Magazine and use promo code DCLDUO for 10% off at the WDW Magazine store! Stay Connected with the DCL Duo Website | Instagram | Facebook | Facebook Group We’re Ranked as a Top Podcast by Feedspot Top 30 Disney Cruise Line Podcasts (#1) | Top 20 Cruise Podcasts (#2) | Top Disney Podcasts (#4) | Top 20 Disney Cruise Line Influencers (#12). Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are our own and do not reflect the views of the Walt Disney Company, Disney Cruise Line or any other travel provider discussed or mentioned. #DisneyTreasure #DisneyCruiseLine #DCLTreasure #FirstTimeCruiser #AdultDisneyCruise #DisneyCruising #DisneyCruisePodcast #DCLDuo #DisneyCruiseTips #CruiseLife #CruiseReview #DisneyAdults #DisneyFood #DisneyCruiseEntertainment

We’re going LIVE with June to talk about her 5-night Very Merrytime sailing to New Zealand — one of the most unique holiday itineraries offered by Disney Cruise Line In this episode, we cover: What makes a Very Merrytime Cruise special on an international itinerary Holiday décor, entertainment, and seasonal surprises onboard The experience of cruising to New Zealand on Disney Cruise Line How this sailing compares to Caribbean Merrytime cruises Who this kind of itinerary is really perfect for ️ This is a LIVE episode, so expect real-time reactions, audience questions, and lots of cruise chatter. Listen now and join the conversation! Help Support the Show Book your next Disney Cruise Line vacation with My Path Unwinding Travel Join the waitlist for DCL Magazine and use promo code DCLDUO for 10% off at the WDW Magazine store Stay Connected with the DCL Duo Website | Instagram | Facebook | Facebook Group We’re Ranked as a Top Podcast by Feedspot Top 30 Disney Cruise Line Podcasts (#1) | Top 20 Cruise Podcasts (#2) | Top Disney Podcasts (#4) | Top 20 Disney Cruise Line Influencers (#12) Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are our own and do not reflect the views of the Walt Disney Company, Disney Cruise Line or any other travel provider discussed or mentioned. #DisneyCruiseLine #DCLDuo #VeryMerrytimeCruise #DisneyWonder #NewZealandCruise #HolidayCruising #DisneyCruising #CruisePodcast #CruiseLive #DisneyCruiseTips #DisneyCruiseExperience #CruiseCommunity #FestiveCruising

The Southern Caribbean delivers sunshine, standout ports, and unforgettable moments — and Gayle and Kara (the Sailing Sloths) are back to share their full experience sailing aboard the Disney Magic from San Juan, Puerto Rico. In this episode, we break down their long-awaited 7-night Southern Caribbean itinerary, including stops in St. Kitts, Bonaire, Aruba, and Antigua, plus what makes this region so different from more common Caribbean sailings. You’ll hear about: Sailing from San Juan and what to know about hotels, ports, and embarkation A surprisingly smooth boarding process — including Deck 1 embarkation Onboard highlights like Twist ’n’ Spout, pool days, Halloween on the High Seas, and a low-crowd fireworks viewing tip Port adventures ranging from zip-lining and ATVs in St. Kitts to falling in love with Bonaire Why they skipped getting off the ship in Aruba — and didn’t regret it A candid discussion of the worst main dining service they’ve experienced on Disney Cruise Line Why Palo still delivered excellent food and service Rapid-fire favorites: ships, itineraries, ports, and bucket-list cruises If you’re considering a Southern Caribbean Disney Cruise or sailing from San Juan, this episode is full of honest insights, practical advice, and classic Sailing Sloth perspective. Listen now and join the conversation! Help Support the Show Book your next Disney Cruise Line vacation with My Path Unwinding Travel Join the waitlist for DCL Magazine and use promo code DCLDUO for 10% off at the WDW Magazine store! Stay Connected with the DCL Duo  Website | Instagram | Facebook | Facebook Group We’re Ranked as a Top Podcast by Feedspot Top 30 Disney Cruise Line Podcasts (#1) | Top 20 Cruise Podcasts (#2) | Top Disney Podcasts (#4) | Top 20 Disney Cruise Line Influencers (#12) Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are our own and do not reflect the views of the Walt Disney Company, Disney Cruise Line or any other travel provider discussed or mentioned. #DisneyCruiseLine #DCLDuo #DisneyMagic #SouthernCaribbean #SanJuanCruise #DisneyCruisePodcast #CruiseReview #DisneyCruising #CaribbeanCruise #DCLTips #CruiseFromSanJuan #HalloweenOnTheHighSeas #DisneyPorts #CruiseLife #PaloDining

What’s it like to sail from Vancouver to Hawaii on a 10-night Disney Cruise Line itinerary? In this episode, Sam welcomes longtime listener KC to the show to break down his bucket-list sailing aboard the Disney Wonder. KC shares what made this longer cruise so special, from multiple sea days filled with enrichment and Broadway-level entertainment to unforgettable port stops across the Hawaiian Islands. The conversation covers concierge life onboard, Palo Brunch revelations, and why this itinerary attracts a very different crowd than shorter Disney cruises. Topics discussed include: Sailing from Vancouver and staying at the Pan Pacific before embarkation What six consecutive sea days are really like on Disney Cruise Line Special onboard offerings found only on longer sailings Concierge perks aboard the Disney Wonder Palo Brunch highlights (including the legendary chicken parmesan) Shore excursions in Kauai, Maui, and the Big Island Visiting Volcanoes National Park during active volcanic conditions Who this itinerary is best suited for — and who may want to skip it Post-cruise hotel stays in Waikiki vs. Aulani If a long Disney Cruise Line sailing is on your radar, this episode is a must-listen. Help Support the Show: Book your next Disney Cruise Line vacation with My Path Unwinding Travel Join the waitlist for DCL Magazine and use promo code DCLDUO for 10% off at the WDW Magazine store: DCL Magazine Stay Connected with the DCL Duo Website | Instagram | Facebook | Facebook Group We’re Ranked as a Top Podcast by Feedspot Top 30 Disney Cruise Line Podcasts (#1) | Top 20 Cruise Podcasts (#2) | Top Disney Podcasts (#4) | Top 20 Disney Cruise Line Influencers (#12) #DisneyCruiseLine #DCLDuo #DisneyCruise #DisneyWonder #HawaiiCruise #VancouverCruise #LongCruise #CruisePodcast #DisneyCruising #ConciergeCruise #PaloBrunch #DisneyPorts #HawaiiTravel #CruiseReview #BucketListCruise Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are our own and do not reflect the views of the Walt Disney Company, Disney Cruise Line or any other travel provider discussed or mentioned.

What’s it like to sail back-to-back on the Disney Wonder from Alaska to Hawaii? In this episode of the DCL Duo Podcast, we welcome back Carin, a longtime listener and Disney Cruise Line veteran with 37 sailings under her belt, to share her incredible back-to-back adventure from Vancouver to Alaska and onward to Hawaii. Carin walks us through the planning and logistics of back-to-back cruises, including what turnaround day really looks like, how long you’re off the ship, and what to expect if you’re changing staterooms. We talk packing strategies for wildly different climates, laundry routines onboard, and lessons learned from traveling nearly carry-on only. In Alaska, Carin shares highlights like sled dog puppies, bear viewing in Ketchikan, and an unforgettable small-boat whale-watching experience in Juneau. Then we head to Hawaii, where she breaks down rental car strategies, favorite beach stops on Kauai and Maui, sea turtle sightings on the Big Island, and the onboard cultural enrichment that makes these longer Pacific sailings so special. We also cover a near pier-run moment that proves why planning buffer time matters. Finally, we wrap up with updated favorites across Disney Cruise Line — ships, dining, stage shows — and what’s next on Carin’s cruise bucket list. Listen now and join the conversation! Help Support the Show: Book your next Disney Cruise Line vacation with My Path Unwinding Travel Join the waitlist for DCL Magazine and use promo code DCLDUO for 10% off at the WDW Magazine store! Stay Connected with the DCL Duo Website | Instagram | Facebook | Facebook Group We’re Ranked as a Top Podcast by Feedspot Top 30 Disney Cruise Line Podcasts (#1) | Top 20 Cruise Podcasts (#2) | Top Disney Podcasts (#4) | and Top 20 Disney Cruise Line Influencers (#12). Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are our own and do not reflect the views of the Walt Disney Company, Disney Cruise Line or any other travel provider discussed or mentioned. #DisneyCruiseLine #DisneyWonder #BackToBackCruise #AlaskaCruise #HawaiiCruise #DisneyAlaska #DisneyHawaii #DCLTips #CruisePlanning #DisneyCruising #DCLPodcast #CruiseLife #DisneyTravel #CruisePodcast #DCLFans

What does it take to reach Pearl status in Disney Cruise Line’s Castaway Club — and can it be done in just five years? In this episode of the DCL Duo Podcast, we’re joined by Tom, who went from his first-ever cruise to 15 Disney sailings in just three years, and is now intentionally working toward Pearl status (25 cruises) within a five-year window. Tom shares what flipped the switch after reaching Platinum, why his gamer “achievement mindset” fuels his approach, and how spreadsheets, flexibility, and persistence all factor into his strategy. This isn’t about perks alone — it’s about setting a challenge and seeing if it’s possible. In this episode, we cover: How Castaway Club status works — and what Pearl actually requires Why Platinum became the tipping point for chasing Pearl Strategic use of last-minute bookings and GTY staterooms The reality of time, PTO, and cruise frequency Whether Pearl status is worth chasing — or just a personal goal If you’ve ever wondered how far loyalty strategy can really go on Disney Cruise Line, this episode pulls back the curtain. Help Support the Show: Book your next Disney Cruise Line vacation with My Path Unwinding Travel Join the waitlist for DCL Magazine and use promo code DCLDUO for 10% off at the WDW Magazine store! Stay Connected with the DCL Duo Website | Instagram | Facebook | Facebook Group We’re Ranked as a Top Podcast by Feedspot Top 30 Disney Cruise Line Podcasts (#1) | Top 20 Cruise Podcasts (#2) | Top Disney Podcasts (#4) | Top 20 Disney Cruise Line Influencers (#12) Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are our own and do not reflect the views of the Walt Disney Company, Disney Cruise Line or any other travel provider discussed or mentioned. #DCLDuo #DisneyCruiseLine #CastawayClub #PearlStatus #DCLPearl #CruiseLoyalty #DisneyCruising #FrequentCruiser #CruiseStrategy #DCLTips #DisneyCruisePodcast #CruisePlanning #AdultDisney #CruiseGoals

Sonia and Russell join the DCL Duo Podcast to share their experience cruising Alaska aboard Holland America — and how it compared to their multiple prior sailings with Disney Cruise Line. After sailing Disney several times, they decided to step outside the Disney bubble for a port-intensive Alaska itinerary, sailing round-trip from Vancouver aboard the Koningsdam. In this episode, they walk us through what surprised them most, what they missed from Disney, and where Holland America truly shines — especially for an Alaska sailing. We discuss: Why they chose Holland America instead of Disney Cruise Line for Alaska Booking far in advance and pricing differences The “Have It All” package and what it includes Embarkation day in Vancouver and sailing aboard the Koningsdam Ship design, atmosphere, and onboard demographics Food quality, specialty dining, and buffet comparisons Entertainment, Music Walk venues, and onboard enrichment talks Glacier viewing at Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier Ports of call including Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan Whether Disney Cruise Line’s premium pricing is worth it for an Alaska cruise This is a thoughtful, experience-driven comparison from seasoned Disney cruisers who found that Alaska may be the perfect place to try a non-Disney cruise — without giving up an unforgettable vacation. Listen now and join the conversation! Help Support the Show: Book your next Disney Cruise Line vacation with My Path Unwinding Travel Join the waitlist for DCL Magazine and use promo code DCLDUO for 10% off at the WDW Magazine store! Stay Connected with the DCL Duo Website | Instagram | Facebook | Facebook Group We’re Ranked as a Top Podcast by Feedspot Top 30 Disney Cruise Line Podcasts (#1) | Top 20 Cruise Podcasts (#2) | Top Disney Podcasts (#4) | Top 20 Disney Cruise Line Influencers (#12). Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are our own and do not reflect the views of the Walt Disney Company, Disney Cruise Line or any other travel provider discussed or mentioned. #DisneyCruiseLine #HollandAmerica #AlaskaCruise #DisneyVsHolland #AlaskaCruising #CruiseComparison #DCLDuo #CruisePodcast #DisneyCruise #HollandAmericaLine #AlaskaTravel #CruiseLife #CruiseReview #Koningsdam #VancouverCruise #EndicottArm #DawesGlacier #Skagway #Juneau #Ketchikan