Bowser Jr's Airship Armada: Sinking the Airships

Ship #1
Jump into the cannon on the ship's bow and launch yourself toward the top of the pole ahead. As you fly toward it, activate the Pull Star above the pull to ensure Mario doesn't fly past.

Shortcut #1Instead of firing to the pole ahead, aim the cannon as far left as you can, and aim for the far pole, next to a Luma salesman. This will allow you to bypass the 2nd ship and go right for the 3rd.

Ship #2
Quickly dash to the ship's bow to avoid the enemies' laser attacks and hop into a second cannon. Launch yourself toward another pole ahead.

Ship #3
The Luma salesman on the left will sell you either a 1-Up mushroom or a Power-up Shroom for 30 Star Bits - we strongly suggest the latter. Here's the kicker: Even if you currently have 0 Star Bits, there are just enough here to enable you to purchase one. Kill the wigglers, bust open the ? block in the rear, activate the Screw near the Luma, then kill the bug on the bridge for 31 Star Bits total. Remember this in case you die, as you'll spawn here.

Once you've powered-up, cross the bridge to the platform and flip the lever with a spin attack to cause the platform to begin moving. Along the way, you'll have to watch out for a series of cannonballs and several spiders. We suggest hanging out on either side of the platform to evade the spiders completely, then leap over the cannonballs.

When the platform comes to a rest, cross the final bridge to a Sling Star, which will fire you off to the boss battle.

Boss: Bowser Jr.

Bowser Jr will attack from the comfort of his own personal airship, but worry not, for although this battle's a two-parter, it's pretty easy.

Throughout the first portion of the battle, Bowser Jr will fire a trio of bullet bills at you. While a simple leap or dodge is enough to evade them, you can also duck down on either of the lower levels to guarantee that they pass over you harmlessly. Also make sure to watch out for a Kamek or two on the main deck.

At any time, grab one of the Koopa roaming the deck and chuck it at any part of Bowser's airship. After three hits, he'll switch tactics and shoot fireballs at you from head-on. Dodge then like the Bullet Bills, then chuck two more Koopa shells at him to deal with him for good.