Podfather - The Cruise 2026

Podfather: The Cruise 3 – the Panama Canal

Come join us on the Serenade of the Seas for an amazing journey as we sail through the Panama Canal from Colon, Panama to Los Angeles, California!

“Podfather: The Cruise 3” is yet another once-in-a-lifetime event for gamers around the world! Departing on the Serenade of the Seas from the port of Colon, Panama “Podfather: The Cruise 3” will cross through the Canal and make additional stops in the Puntarenas, Costa Rica; Huatulco, Mexico; and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, before landing in Los Angeles, California.

And as always: Net proceeds from this cruise will go to CHARITY!

A personal note from Stephen Buonocore, The Podfather of Gaming:

“Though I am organizing this trip, I will be paying for my own stateroom, to maximize the charitable donation we make due to the cruise. Also, the net proceeds from this cruise, which include the commission from Royal Caribbean that would be paid to me, will be donated to the Charity of my vetting.

“As I said for the first Podfather: The Cruise, we are going to make this the most fun and interesting trip you can imagine. And in this case, it really is also a ‘cruise of a lifetime’! We’re cruising to a location we've never been plus we’ll be doing great gaming, excursions, and socializing for 10 nights!

“This will be another amazing, inviting, warm social experience for all cruisers.”

We have reserved dedicated gaming space just for our group as we navigate the beautiful scenery and ports shown on the itinerary below.

• Itinerary
• Pricing
• Registration Procedures
• Policy Review
• NEWS Updates

If we've sold out of the cabin category you require, you can fill out this Google Form to be placed on our waiting list.

Itinerary

• Dates: April 25 to May 5, 2026 — 10 nights!
• Ship: Serenade of the Seas
• Departs: Colon, Panama
• Ports: Panama Canal; Puntarenas, Costa Rica; Huatulco, Mexico; and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico; Los Angeles, California

Pricing

We've negotiated group pricing for a variety of cabin types starting as low as $2,779 USD. Prices are 100% inclusive of all taxes, port fees and gratuities. See Pricing & Refunds for full details.

Pricing includes:

• Opening Day reception with food and an open bar
• Closing Day reception with food and an open bar
• Use of the Conference Center on the ship for gaming and socializing
• All gratuities for both stateroom attendants and dining room staff
• Taxes, fees, and port charges

Registration Procedures

Since TableTop.Events (TTE) is not built directly for cruises, and since this may be a completely new system to some of you, some vocabulary is in order:

• "Badges" are how we'll both capture your cruise registration information and limit access to our dedicated gaming space(s) on the ship based on badge-type. Everyone in the cabin needs a badge, as this is how we get you registered with Royal Caribbean.
• "Merch" is where you'll actually pay for your cabin in our group, in two steps - via an initial "deposit" now, and then a "remainder" due a couple of months before we sail. Here you'll also be able to purchase cruise-based add-ons at discounted pricing for our group (internet packages, port transfers, group shore excursions, etc.)

You must follow the process fully. Purchasing a cabin from our inventory is required to be part of our group. Booking outside the group, either directly with RCCL or your own travel agent, is not allowed.

Please read thoroughly - and follow exactly - the process outlined on this page: How to Join Podfather - The Cruise

Policy Review

Part of the registration is acceptance of two (2) sets of Terms and Conditions. Please review these carefully with all individuals in your cabin.

• Code of Conduct
• Additional Policy Terms

NEWS Updates

In the coming months, we will send out News Updates to keep you up to date with announcements and reminders. We recommend verifying that TTE can send you emails (a setting in your TTE account) to ensure you get these important updates, and you can always review them here.

Questions

If you have any questions not answered through any of the links on this site, email us directly at info@qwyx.events.