DCL Duo Podcast: A Disney Cruise Line Fan Podcast

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

In this episode of the DCL Duo Podcast, we’re joined by returning guest Shannon to break down her Disney Cruise Line sailing to Norway — an itinerary filled with dramatic scenery, smaller ports, and unforgettable fjord views. Shannon shares what it was like traveling from the Seattle area to London ahead of embarkation, cruising Norway aboard the Disney Fantasy, and visiting ports such as Haugesund and Olden. We talk about excursion choices, why booking through Disney Cruise Line can offer peace of mind, and how Norway’s terrain and walking demands can impact travelers with mobility considerations. We also discuss onboard life during a longer European sailing, dining with new friends, why Shannon gravitates toward smaller ports and curated local experiences, and why — despite the physical demands — she says she would absolutelycruise Norway again. If you’re considering a Disney Cruise Line Norway itinerary or wondering whether it’s right for your travel style, this episode offers an honest, experience-based 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 #DisneyCruise #DisneyFantasy #NorwayCruise #NorwegianFjords #DisneyCruiseEurope #EuropeanCruise #CruisePodcast #DisneyPodcast #CruiseTips #CruiseExcursions #Haugesund #Olden #FjordCruise

Get ready for some holiday magic at sea! In this live episode of the DCL Duo Podcast, we’re joined by Drew and Hayley to talk all about their Very Merrytime Cruise aboard the Disney Fantasy. We dive into what makes Disney Cruise Line’s Merrytime sailings so special, from festive décor and seasonal entertainment to the overall holiday atmosphere onboard. Drew and Hayley share what stood out on their Disney Fantasy sailing, how the ship transforms for the holidays, and whether a Very Merrytime Cruise is worth adding to your Disney Cruise Line bucket list. If you’re considering a holiday cruise with Disney — or just love hearing what makes Disney Cruise Line unique — this episode is full of festive fun and firsthand insights. 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 #DisneyFantasy #VeryMerrytimeCruise #MerrytimeCruise #DisneyCruising #DisneyPodcast #CruisePodcast #HolidayCruise #ChristmasAtSea #DisneyHoliday #DCL #DisneyLive #CruiseLife #DisneyFans #DCLDuo

In this special bonus episode of the DCL Duo Podcast, we sit down with the chef behind Edna À La Mode Sweets, the brand-new dessert destination aboard Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, the Disney Destiny. Edna À La Mode Sweets brings a bold, couture-inspired approach to onboard desserts, blending playful theming with elevated pastry techniques. In this exclusive interview, we talk with the chef responsible for bringing Edna’s vision to life at sea — from creative inspiration and menu development to how storytelling and flavor come together in this all-new sweet shop experience. If you’re excited about the Disney Destiny, passionate about Disney Cruise Line dining, or simply love behind-the-scenes looks at how Disney creates unforgettable food experiences, this episode is a must-listen. 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. #DCLDuo #DisneyCruiseLine #DisneyDestiny #EdnaALaModeSweets #DisneyDining #DisneyFood #DisneyCruise #CruiseFood #DisneyParksFood #DisneyImagineering #DisneyEats #CruisePodcast #DisneyPodcast #BehindTheScenesDisney #DisneyDesserts