

DCL Duo Podcast: A Disney Cruise Line Fan Podcast
Brian & Sam
The DCLDuo Podcast is a Disney Cruise Line focused podcast. We're DCL super fans who love cruising. We love talking about our own Disney Cruise Line Adventures, comparing DCL to other cruise lines, and talking about other Disney adventures, like Adventures by Disney.
We love talking to Disney Cruise Line fans, as well as experts, insiders, authors, bloggers, vloggers, travel agents and cruise lovers! Follow us and our guests on our journeys, and listen-in as we chat about cruising, Disney Cruise Line, and all of our other fabulous Disney adventures!!
We love talking to Disney Cruise Line fans, as well as experts, insiders, authors, bloggers, vloggers, travel agents and cruise lovers! Follow us and our guests on our journeys, and listen-in as we chat about cruising, Disney Cruise Line, and all of our other fabulous Disney adventures!!
Episodes
Mentioned books

16 snips
Aug 1, 2025 • 1h 17min
Ep. 559 Houston, We Have Funnel Vision: Beth's First Cruise on the Disney Magic from Galveston
 Join Beth as she shares her family's maiden voyage on the Disney Magic, revealing the highs and lows of their 7-night cruise from Galveston. Expect laughs over embarkation challenges and the infamous soft-serve run! Discover the joy of onboard character meets, exciting waterslides, and unexpected favorites like silent dance parties. Beth also dives into the nuances of booking excursions and offers tips for handling motion sickness with kids. Get ready for heartfelt memories and planning insights for future Disney adventures! 

Jul 30, 2025 • 1h 47min
Ep. 558 - Live Bonus Show - Caribbean Days and Scarlett Night: The DCL Duo Introduce Another Cruising Couple to Virgin Voyages
 
We’re back from a 7-night sailing aboard Virgin Voyages with our friends Tracy and Michael—aka the DCL Duo Sr.—and we’re diving into the full experience. It was their first time sailing with Virgin, and our second, so we’re comparing notes, sharing hot takes, and exploring how Virgin stacks up to Disney Cruise Line.
This adults-only voyage took us to Puerto Plata, Grand Turk, and Bimini, and gave us a chance to experience Scarlet Night, drag brunch, elevated dining, and some truly unique entertainment. Was it love at first sail for Tracy and Michael? Did we still love our second go-round? And how does cruising without kids feel for seasoned DCL veterans?
Tune in as we break down the itinerary, the vibe, the pros and cons, and the big question: would we do it again?
Listen now and join the conversation!
 
Book Your Next Disney Cruise Line Vacation:
Head over to our show sponsor My Path Unwinding Travel: https://mypathunwinding.com/dclduo
 
DCL Magazine – Your Ultimate Guide to Disney Cruise Line Tips & Tricks!
Join the waitlist and use promo code DCLDUO for 10% off at the WDW Magazine store:
https://dcl-magazine.com
 
Stay Connected with the DCL Duo:
Website | https://dclduo.com
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/dcl_duo/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/DCLDuo
Facebook Group | https://www.facebook.com/groups/dclduo
 
We’re listed alongside some other great Disney podcasts at:
Top 100 Disney Podcasts | Top 20 Cruise Podcasts | Top 30 Disney Cruise Line Podcasts
 
Disclaimer:
The views expressed in this podcast are our own and do not reflect the views of the Walt Disney Company, Disney Cruise Line, Virgin Voyages, or any other travel provider discussed or mentioned. 

11 snips
Jul 25, 2025 • 1h
Ep. 557 - New Year, New Ship, No Chill: Kelly Rings in 2025 on the Disney Treasure
 Join Kelly as she recounts her fantastic New Year’s sailing on the Disney Treasure! Discover tips for navigating food allergies while enjoying exciting culinary adventures. Kelly shares insights on wrangling 18 family members, must-visit venues like The Rose, and unforgettable excursions in Cozumel and Jamaica. Enjoy tales of back-to-back fireworks, elaborate dining experiences, and teen antics at soft-serve stations. This is a treasure trove of tips for anyone dreaming of a Disney cruise holiday! 

Jul 22, 2025 • 1h 18min
Ep. 556 - Driving on the Left, Sailing on the Right: Anna’s First Experience with Disney Cruise Line
 From Scotland to the Sea! First-time cruiser Anna joins us from across the pond to share her UK family’s Disney Cruise Line debut aboard the Fantasy! This four-night Bahamian itinerary packed a punch with stops at both Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point and Castaway Cay, plus a whole lot of pixie dust, soft-serve, and one chaotic embarkation parking snafu. 
Anna shares her family’s thoughtful planning process (hello, Iceland stopover and rental car logistics!), the fun and fails of their first embarkation day (shoutout to the Mickey tunnel sprint), their impressions of Disney’s private islands, onboard favorites like the Midship Detective Agency and Aladdin, and how her husband (a boat lover but not a Disney die-hard) ended up falling for cruising. Spoiler: he’s now Team DCL over Disney Parks. 
We also chat about:
• Why Anna skipped the kids clubs for more family time
• Their Royal Gathering triumph (at 4am Scotland time!)
• The real deal on Lookout vs. Castaway
• UK tips on managing motion sickness, tipping culture, and American ice cream 
This one is packed with delightful anecdotes, smart insights, and that dry British humor we love. A must-listen for any first-time cruiser—or anyone thinking about bringing the family across the Atlantic for a magical DCL vacation. 
 
Listen now and join the conversation!
 
Book Your Next Disney Cruise Line Vacation:
Head over to our show sponsor My Path Unwinding Travel: https://mypathunwinding.com/dclduo
 
DCL Magazine – Your Ultimate Guide to Disney Cruise Line Tips & Tricks!
Join the waitlist and use 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 listed alongside some other great Disney podcasts at:
Top 100 Disney Podcasts | Top 20 Cruise Podcasts | Top 30 Disney Cruise Line Podcasts
 
⚠️ 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. 

Jul 19, 2025 • 1h 12min
Ep. 555 - Bonus Show - Tip Me Baby One More Time: Sheri from CruiseTipsTV Chats with the Duo
 In this episode of the DCL Duo Podcast, we’re joined by Sheri Griffiths from CruiseTipsTV for a wide-ranging, fun, and insightful chat about all things cruising! Sheri shares the story behind CruiseTipsTV, from a high school graduation sailing aboard Carnival Ecstasy to launching a YouTube empire built on packing tips, cruise education, and Amazon favorites.
We dig into Sheri’s experience across more than 50 sailings on lines like Princess, Carnival, Holland America, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, MSC, Virgin Voyages, Seabourn, and Oceania. She breaks down the “vibe” and ideal demographic for each, offers honest advice for planning (or not overplanning) your first cruise, and delivers some killer tips—like what you actually need to pack for Alaska (spoiler: it involves socks and maybe a scarf).
Sheri also shares her thoughts on the evolution of cruise ships, private islands, and the rise of Virgin Voyages as a boundary-breaking brand. And don’t miss her ultimate picks for first-timers, families, introverts, and the “slightly bougie” among us—plus, where she’d sail tomorrow if she had the chance.
Whether you’re a DCL diehard or just cruise-curious, Sheri’s warmth, humor, and deep knowledge of the cruise industry make this an episode you don’t want to miss.
Listen now and join the conversation!
 
 Check out Sheri’s podcast: CruiseTipsTV Unplugged
 
️ Book Your Next Disney Cruise Line Vacation:
Head over to our show sponsor My Path Unwinding Travel
 
 DCL Magazine – Your Ultimate Guide to Disney Cruise Line Tips & Tricks!
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 listed alongside some other great Disney podcasts at:
Top 100 Disney Podcasts | Top 20 Cruise Podcasts | Top 30 Disney Cruise Line Podcasts
 
 Disclaimer:
The views expressed in this podcast are our own and do not reflect the views of the Walt Disney Company, Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, or any other travel provider discussed or mentioned. 

Jul 14, 2025 • 1h 23min
Ep. 554 - Zero-Proof Regrets: Erin and Todd Share Their Review of the Disney Treasure
 
On this episode of the DCL Duo Podcast, we’re welcoming back Erin and Todd to share their family’s first sailing aboard the Disney Treasure—and we’re spilling all the tea (and zero-proof “mocktails”) about this new Wish-class ship. From split Castaway Club status and check-in drama to secret catamaran charters in Tortola, food tours in San Juan, and Serenity Bay for the first time ever, Erin and Todd take us on a journey filled with cruise tips, family strategies, and hot takes.
We’re talking: 
The rare Eastern itinerary that included San Juan, Puerto Rico
A secret private boat to Jost Van Dyke (and an unexpected snorkeling octopus!)
First impressions of the Treasure vs. the Wish
Thoughts on Sage & Coriander (Sam’s current obsession)
Why the Marvel dinner show may not be the ideal first-night vibe
Their deep love for Plaza de Coco and a Paolo “Zero Proof” mix-up
Whether the new entertainment venues are worth the hype (spoiler: get in line early)
We also get candid about crowd levels on Castaway Cay, the missing Midship Detective Agency, awkward karaoke venues, and our collective longing for a Muppets-themed restaurant. Come for the Disney details, stay for the cheeky banter—and maybe a mocktail mistake or two.
 Listen now and join the conversation!
 
Book Your Next Disney Cruise Line Vacation
Head over to our show sponsor My Path Unwinding Travel
 
DCL Magazine – Your Ultimate Guide to Disney Cruise Line Tips & Tricks!
Join the waitlist at DCL Magazine and use code DCLDUO for 10% off at the WDW Magazine store!
 
Stay Connected with the DCL Duo 
Website | Instagram | Facebook | Facebook Group
 
 We’re listed alongside some other great Disney podcasts at:
Top 100 Disney Podcasts | Top 20 Cruise Podcasts | Top 30 Disney Cruise Line Podcasts
 
Disclaimer:
The views expressed in this podcast are our own and do not reflect the views of the Walt Disney Company, Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, or any other travel provider discussed or mentioned. 

Jul 11, 2025 • 1h 13min
Ep. 553 - Live Bonus Show - Glacier-itas and Lumberjacks: Emily Did Alaska Right on Disney Cruise Line
 Emily Carlson, a Disney content creator and travel advisor at We Do Disney Right, shares her enchanting adventure sailing to Alaska on the Disney Wonder. She discusses the excitement of Glacier Day, unique excursions like the Lumberjack Show, and the charm of meeting characters like Alaska Donald. Emily reveals tips for family-friendly fun, including must-do activities and how to navigate character meet-and-greets. Additionally, she explores what sets Disney's Alaska cruise apart from others and speculates on future cruise innovations. 

Jul 7, 2025 • 1h 27min
Ep. 552 - Mousecapades on the High Seas: Nathan and Alicea Review the Disney Treasure
  
We’re joined by Nathan and Alicea, hosts of the Adventures and Mousecapades podcast, to talk about their first voyage aboard the Disney Treasure! This Disney adult duo shares their full review of the ship—including what lived up to the hype and what didn’t.
They break down everything from staterooms and rotational dining to entertainment, theming, adult lounges, pirate night, and photo ops. And yes, they definitely have thoughts on that Haunted Mansion bar. ️
In this episode:
• Is Moana the Musical the best show on any Disney ship?
• Coco-themed dining—does it hold up?
• Haunted Mansion bar: immersive fun or dimly lit bar with merch?
• AquaMouse vs AquaDuck
• Castaway Cay vs Lookout Cay
• Adult-only spaces, lounges, and food options
• Favorite character moments + Royal Gathering logistics
• Why Treasure felt like a step forward from the Wish—and where it didn’t
From thoughtful critiques to hilarious moments, this episode is full of practical tips, laughs, and real DCL insight from two seasoned Disney adults.
 
Check out Adventures and Mousecapades: Apple Podcasts | Website
 
Book Your Next Disney Cruise Line Vacation: My Path Unwinding Travel
 
DCL Magazine – Your Ultimate Guide to Disney Cruise Line Tips & Tricks!
Join the waitlist and use promo code DCLDUO for 10% off!
 
Stay Connected with the DCL Duo:
Website | Instagram | Facebook | Facebook Group
 
We’re listed alongside some other great Disney podcasts at:
Top 100 Disney Podcasts | Top 20 Cruise Podcasts | Top 30 Disney Cruise Line Podcasts
 
⚠️ Disclaimer:
The views expressed in this podcast are our own and do not reflect the views of the Walt Disney Company, Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, or any other travel provider discussed or mentioned. 

Jul 3, 2025 • 1h 6min
Ep. 551 - Live Bonus Show - Checked-in, Again: Cindy’s “Side-to-Side” Sailing on the Disney Dream and Disney Treasure
  Checked-in, Again: Cindy’s “Side-to-Side” Sailing on the Disney Dream and Disney Treasure
In this episode of the DCL Duo Podcast, we’re joined by our friend Cindy, who recently pulled off a rare and ambitious Disney Cruise Line move—a “side-to-side” sailing. Cindy disembarked one Disney ship and checked right back in to board another, going from the Disney Dream to the Disney Treasure without missing a beat.
We chat about what it takes to plan a side-to-side, how it differs from a back-to-back cruise, and what surprised her most about switching ships mid-adventure. Cindy shares her thoughts on embarkation logistics, luggage transfers, comparing ship features, and how it all stacked up across two very different DCL experiences.
If you’ve ever thought about doubling your DCL fun—or just want to hear how to pull it off with minimal stress—this episode is packed with insight, laughs, and just a little cruise envy.
 
Book Your Next Disney Cruise Line Vacation
Head over to our show sponsor My Path Unwinding Travel
 
DCL Magazine – Your Ultimate Guide to Disney Cruise Line Tips & Tricks
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 listed alongside some other great Disney podcasts at:
Top 100 Disney Podcasts | Top 20 Cruise Podcasts | Top 30 Disney Cruise Line Podcasts
 
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. 

Jul 2, 2025 • 1h 18min
Ep. 550 - Princess Who?: Larry Compares the Disney Treasure to His Experience on Princess Cruises
 
From Princess to Treasure: Larry’s Disney Cruise Line Deep Dive
In this episode of the DCL Duo Podcast, we’re joined by Larry, who’s fresh off an Eastern Caribbean sailing aboard the Disney Treasure. Larry shares what it was like to cruise with extended family—including his kids and their grandparents—and how Disney’s latest ship stacked up to other cruise lines he’s sailed, including Princess and the ultra-premium Seabourn.
We cover everything from the kids’ club experience and rotational dining to standout mainstage shows like Moanaand Beauty and the Beast. Larry doesn’t hold back when comparing Princess’s Camp Discovery to Disney’s Oceaneer Club—and he even breaks down what you actually get for the high price tag of the Adventure Tea.
Larry also talks about multi-generational cruising, his favorite (and least favorite) dining venues, and what cruise destinations are still on his bucket list. If you’ve ever wondered how Disney Cruise Line stacks up against the competition, this episode offers a thoughtful and honest perspective from someone who’s done both.
 
Book Your Next Disney Cruise Line Vacation
Head over to our show sponsor My Path Unwinding Travel
 
DCL Magazine – Your Ultimate Guide to Disney Cruise Line Tips & Tricks
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 listed alongside some other great Disney podcasts at:
Top 100 Disney Podcasts | Top 20 Cruise Podcasts | Top 30 Disney Cruise Line Podcasts
 
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. 


