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

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

Author: Rope Drop Entertainment January 6, 2026 Duration: 30:39

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.

 

 

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More of Michelle

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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! ⚓🌊


Ever wondered what it's really like to set sail on the latest ships, or how to navigate the overwhelming choices for your next vacation at sea? That's the harbor we set out from each week with Rope Drop: On Deck-A Cruise News and Planning Podcast. Hosted by Michelle McKnight, a travel advisor with Touring and Cruises Travel, and Doug McKnight of Rope Drop Radio, this conversation feels less like a formal broadcast and more like getting expert advice from friends who genuinely love cruising. You'll hear candid trip reports that go beyond the brochure, breaking down everything from onboard dining and entertainment to port excursions and cabin choices. The discussion spans the major lines, including Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line, and Norwegian, offering balanced perspectives whether you're a first-time cruiser or a seasoned voyager. This podcast digs into the practicalities of planning-budgeting, booking strategies, and what to pack-while also keeping you updated on the latest industry news and ship launches. It’s a comprehensive resource for anyone dreaming of a getaway on the water, blending insider knowledge with the relatable excitement of planning a perfect trip. Tune in for a deep dive that makes the vast world of cruising feel accessible, personal, and endlessly fascinating.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Rope Drop: On Deck - A Cruise News and Planning Podcast
Podcast Episodes
RDOD 94: Sheri of Cruise Tips TV [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:54
Welcome aboard! This week Sheri of Cruise Tips TV joins us to talk about all of her adventures with Youtube, podcasting, and cruising! We also venture across the globe to hear her stories about far off cruises. Find her…
RDOD 93: Galveston with Tin Foil Mouse Ears [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:29
Welcome aboard! This week CT of Tin Foil Mouse Ears joins us to talk about the Port of Galveston. He recently sailed out of the great state of Texas over Christmas. Word of the Day - Texas Cruise News - By Back To The Mo…
RDOD 92: Cruising into 2025 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:28
Welcome aboard! This week we talk about all the reasons to set sail in 2025. We cover the new ships for the year too. Word of the Day - Stowaway Cruise News - By Back To The Mouse.com NEWS NO GUNS MEANS CHRISTMAS RUNINED…
RDOD 91: The Treasure with Michelle [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:15
Welcome aboard! This week Michelle takes us on a preview sailing of the Disney Treasure. Word of the Day - Treasure Cruise News - By Back To The Mouse.com NEWS Mexico kicks the can. Details about Royal Beach Club And the…
RDOD 90: You Don't Need That [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:01
Welcome aboard! This week we let you know about what you don't need to pack. Some things are waiting for you on the ship others you just don't need. Word of the Day - Carry On Cruise News - By Back To The Mouse.com NEWS…
RDOD 89: Thankful for Cruising [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:12
Welcome aboard! This week we are Thankful for Cruising! We talk about all the things we are so thankful for. Word of the Day - Repositioning Cruise News - By Back To The Mouse.com NEWS No fun on Carnival meet a duck Trea…
RDOD 88: A Cruisers Christmas Wish List [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:21
Welcome aboard! This week we share what is on a cruisers Christmas Wish List. Don't know what to get your friends and family? This is the show for you. Here is a link to Michelle's favorite sunglasses to lose or break. W…
RDOD 87: Reluctance to Wish [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:06
Welcome aboard! Joe and Nancy of Back To The Mouse join us to chat about what took them so darn long to go on the Disney Wish Word of the Day - Cheepskate Cruise News - By Back To The Mouse.com NEWS Royal sends 5 to Euro…
RDOD 86: The Don'ts of Disney Cruise Line [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:26
Welcome aboard! What are the "Don'ts" of Disney Cruise Line Word of the Day - Over Scheduled Cruise News - By Back To The Mouse.com NEWS Cayman Looks to spend the night. Treasure found early Alaska 2026 opens for Royal C…
RDOD 85: Derek's Fantasy Trip Report [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:56
Welcome aboard! Derek is a guest to discuss his sailing on the Disney Fantasy! Word of the Day - Double Occupancy Cruise News - By Back To The Mouse.com Dates for Disney Royal to build new Juneau port Norwegian puts a ri…