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!

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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!

• 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!

Website | Instagram | Facebook | Facebook Group

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