Cruising Archives - Encompass The World Travel

The Joy of Small Ship Cruising

Small ships offer a unique cruising experience designed to help us connect with destinations and slow down. Here are three reasons why we recommend considering a small ship itinerary for your next vacation. 1. Exclusive Access Small ship cruises often have the ability to explore destinations and ports where larger ships aren’t able to sail. Paired with easy access to small, private tours in-destination, small ships can play a key role in helping travelers avoid large crowds and long lines while experiencing destinations in a more meaningful way. 2. Personal Service Cruising on a small ship also offers personal service. The…
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Trip Talk: ETW Advisor Kathy Sails on Allure of the Seas®

Deciding to join friends on a last-minute cruise with Royal Caribbean® on Allure of the Seas®, Encompass the World advisor Kathy and her husband set sail for the sunshine and blue skies of the Bahamas in September. The 4-night itinerary included stops in Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay, but this Oasis Class ship shines for endless food and fun! Get to Know Allure of the Seas® One of the largest and most amenity-packed ships sailing the world today, Allure of the Seas® is truly a destination. With seven themed neighborhoods, more than twenty dining venues, and world-class entertainment from…
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Alaska Cruise Ports

Alaska is a playlist of nature’s greatest hits. Snow-capped mountain peaks. Stunning glaciers. Impressive wildlife. Blue water stretching to the horizon. For many travelers, it’s the bucket list destination that captures their imaginations. In a previous post, we introduced you to the various scenic cruising destinations in Alaska. In this post, we’ll explore a few of the ports you can explore across the itineraries of several of our preferred suppliers. Sitka An island community nestled between the mountains and the Gulf of Alaska, Sitka embraces its strong ancient native culture and shows off its abundant wildlife. Suggested excursions*: Visit Sitka…
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5 Similarities Between Cruise and Resort Vacations

When it comes to planning your next vacation, are you scrolling the itineraries of your preferred cruise line? Dreaming about the excursions you’ll book for your port days? Considering upgrading to a suite rather than booking your usual balcony stateroom? We know you love cruising. We do too! But if you haven’t tried an all-inclusive resort, you might be missing out on a new favorite vacation. Here are five reasons why you, the avid cruiser, might love booking a vacation at an all-inclusive resort: 1 – Familiarity As with cruising, you will appreciate that your resort package includes meals, daytime…
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5 Tips to Make Your Cruise Smooth Sailing

You’re going on a cruise! No matter the cruise line you’re sailing with, there are some universal tips that will help you make the most of your vacation. #1 – Book and Prepay Book your excursions, specialty dining, and shows ahead of time. Some sell out quickly, so this ensures your spot is secured. It’s best to book your excursions directly through the cruise line in the event it runs long or gets canceled. It also helps to plan out your schedule in advance. Do this even for included activities, like shows on board. Prepay everything you can before you…
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