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

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.

Rope Drop: On Deck - A Cruise News and Planning Podcast is a society podcast hosted by Rope Drop Entertainment, with 146 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Rope Drop Entertainment hosts Rope Drop: On Deck - A Cruise News and Planning Podcast, a society show with 146 episodes published.

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

  Santorini, Rhodes & Turkey: Norwegian Viva Trip Report Part 2

  Aug 3, 202657 min

  Ancient ruins, medieval cities, iconic blue domes, and an unforgettable overnight stay in Istanbul—Part 2 of our Norwegian Viva Mediterranean cruise might have been the highlight of the entire trip. Join us as we share our favorite ports, excursions, and travel tips from the second half of our 10-night adventure. Episode Summary This week on Rope Drop On Deck , Doug and Michelle wrap up their 10-night Norwegian Viva Mediterranean cruise trip report by diving into the second half of the itinerary. From walking the remarkably preserved streets of Ephesus in Turkey to wandering the medieval Old Town of Rhodes , chasing the famous blue domes of Santorini , and spending an unforgettable overnight in Istanbul , this episode is packed with destination highlights, excursion reviews, and practical planning tips. If you're considering a Mediterranean cruise on Norwegian Cruise Line—or any cruise line sailing this region—these ports deserve a spot on your bucket list. In This Episode Kuşadası, Turkey Why we booked a private Ephesus tour Skip-the-line admission Walking through one of the world's best-preserved ancient cities Why a private tour was worth it Cruise-friendly timing and guaranteed return to the ship Rhodes, Greece Walking off the ship and exploring on our own Touring the incredible medieval Old Town Why we spent $0 in port Hidden streets, history, and one of our favorite DIY port days Santorini, Greece Private Blue Domes Tour with Project Expedition Visiting the iconic viewpoints Tips for navigating one of the busiest cruise ports Why Santorini lives up to the hype Istanbul, Türkiye Our overnight stay allowed us to experience even more of this incredible city. Highlights included: Bosphorus Yacht Cruise Visiting both the European and Asian sides of the city Historic neighborhoods and incredible views Exploring beyond the typical cruise stop Our old city tour with Brit and Berat - They also did our Airport Transfer! Our guided Old Town experience Airport transfer tips Staying at the YOTEL inside Istanbul Airport before flying home Mediterranean Cruise Tips Private tours can provide incredible value and flexibility. Book popular excursions well before your cruise. Some ports, like Rhodes, are perfect for exploring independently. Comfortable shoes are essential—you'll walk more than you think! Overnight ports give you a completely different perspective of a destination. Our Final Thoughts on the Ports This second half of our Norwegian Viva itinerary featured some of the most memorable destinations we've ever visited. Whether you love ancient history, breathtaking scenery, or experiencing different cultures, this itinerary delivered unforgettable moments at every stop. Check out Tours on Viator 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 Check out Back to the Mouse.com for all the latest in Disney Cruising 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! ⚓

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

  The Ports Trip Report: Venice, Dubrovnik, Montenegro, Athens Greece.

  Jul 27, 202646 min

  RDOD — Our Norwegian Viva Mediterranean Trip Report (Part 1): Venice to Athens Teaser (Apple Podcasts Optimized) From an early morning in St. Mark's Basilica to walking the ancient walls of Dubrovnik and standing atop the Acropolis in Athens, our 10-night Norwegian Viva cruise was filled with unforgettable ports. In Part 1 of our trip report, we're sharing our favorite excursions, travel tips, hotels, and everything you need to know before cruising the Mediterranean. Episode Summary This week on Rope Drop On Deck , Doug and Michelle kick off the first installment of their 10-night Norwegian Viva Mediterranean cruise trip report . This episode focuses on the first half of the vacation, covering the ports, hotels, excursions, and travel logistics before and during the cruise. We discuss spending time in Venice , embarking from Ravenna , walking the famous city walls in Dubrovnik , exploring Stari Bar in Montenegro, and finishing with an unforgettable day in Athens , including an early visit to the Acropolis. If you're planning a Mediterranean cruise—or just dreaming about one—this episode is full of practical tips and firsthand experiences. In This Episode ✈️ Pre-Cruise in Venice Staying at Hotel Al Sole Why we chose Venice before the cruise Exploring the canals and city ️ Venice Excursion Early entry to St. Mark's Basilica Touring Doge's Palace Exclusive terrace views over St. Mark's Square Why arriving early made all the difference Embarkation in Ravenna Staying at Hotel Mosaico Easy transfer to the cruise port??? Boarding the Norwegian Viva Dubrovnik, Croatia Walking the famous city walls Admission costs (€40) Incredible views of the Adriatic Tips for visiting Old Town Bar, Montenegro Taxi to Stari Barr Exploring the historic town Relaxing at the beach Why this port pleasantly surprised us Athens, Greece 8:00 a.m. entry to the Acropolis Why early tickets are worth it Jewelry-making workshop with a local artisan Using the Free Now app for transportation Favorite moments in one of the world's oldest cities Word of the Day Port Of Call — brought to you by 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 Check out Back to the Mouse.com for all the latest in Disney Cruising 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! ⚓

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

  Norwegian Viva Trip Report: Food, Shows, Go Karts & More!

  Jul 20, 20261 hour

  Was our first 10-night cruise on the Norwegian Viva everything we hoped it would be? From sailing out of Ravenna, Italy, to entertainment, incredible dining, and our honest thoughts after 10 nights onboard, we're sharing everything you need to know before booking a Norwegian Viva cruise. Episode Summary This week on Rope Drop On Deck , Doug and Michelle are back from an unforgettable 10-night cruise aboard the Norwegian Viva , and we're giving you our complete trip report! We cover every part of the experience—from flights to Italy and embarking in Ravenna to the cabin, dining, drink package, entertainment, and onboard activities. We also share what surprised us most, what we'd do differently, and whether the Norwegian Viva lives up to the hype. If you've been considering Norwegian Cruise Line, planning a Mediterranean cruise, or wondering how the Viva compares to Disney Cruise Line or Royal Caribbean, this episode is packed with firsthand tips and honest opinions. Word of the Day Jet Lag — brought to you by 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 Check out Back to the Mouse.com for all the latest in Disney Cruising 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! ⚓

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

  Disney Fantasy Girls Trip Report

  Jun 29, 202651 min

  The McKnight girls set sail on the Disney Fantasy for 4 nights! Listen to all their adventures. 📖 Word of the Day Castaway — brought to you by 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 Check out Back to the Mouse.com for all the latest in Disney Cruising 🎧 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! ⚓🌊

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

  Sailing the Greek Islands with National Geographic: Lauren's Adventure

  Jun 22, 202647 min

  What's it like to sail the Greek Islands aboard a National Geographic expedition ship? Lauren Shields from Rope Drop Radio joins us to share her incredible journey through Greece, exploring stunning islands, unique excursions, and a style of cruising that's very different from the mega-ships most of us know. RDOD – Greek Islands Cruise Trip Report with Lauren Shields This week on Rope Drop On Deck, Doug and Michelle welcome Lauren Shields from Rope Drop Radio to discuss her recent Greek Islands cruise aboard a National Geographic expedition ship. From picturesque villages and crystal-clear waters to immersive cultural experiences and small-ship exploration, Lauren shares what made this cruise unlike any other she's taken. We discuss the ship, the ports, the excursions, the food, and whether expedition-style cruising could be the perfect fit for travelers looking for a more intimate and destination-focused experience. If Greece is on your bucket list—or you're curious about expedition cruising—this episode is packed with firsthand insights and inspiration. 📖 Word of the Day Archipelago — brought to you by 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 Check out Back to the Mouse.com for all the latest in Disney Cruising 🎧 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! ⚓🌊

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