Some trips give you beautiful photographs. Others give you stories you will tell for the rest of your life. Our back-to-back Bermuda, Greenland, and Canada cruise gave us both.

Over the course of this journey, we went from swimming in brilliant blue water and jumping from cliffs in Bermuda to sailing past enormous icebergs in Greenland. We explored caves, crossed the North Atlantic, zipped above a Canadian mountain, spotted whales, stepped into centuries of history, and experienced just about every kind of weather imaginable.

It was a trip filled with adventure, peaceful sea days, unexpected changes, and moments that left me completely speechless.

Three Days of Adventure in Bermuda

Our journey began with three full days in port in beautiful Bermuda. Having more than one day gave us time to experience so much more than we could have during a typical cruise stop.

We rented a mini car and set out to explore, which was an adventure all by itself! We wandered through dry caves, swam inside a cave, snorkeled, relaxed on the beach, shopped, and enjoyed plenty of delicious food.

One of the biggest thrills was jumping from a cliff into one of Bermuda’s gorgeous blue holes. Phil and I took the leap together, and it became one of those memories that perfectly captures the way we love to travel… side by side, trying something exciting, and laughing about it afterward.

Bermuda offered the perfect combination of relaxation and adventure. Its turquoise water and colorful scenery were beautiful, but some of my favorite memories came from going beyond the most familiar sights and discovering a different side of the island.

Back-to-Back Cruising and a Change in Atmosphere

After Bermuda, we stayed aboard for the second part of our back-to-back cruise: a Carnival Journeys sailing to Greenland and Canada.

One question I am often asked is how a back-to-back cruise works. On turnaround day, most guests leave the ship while those continuing on the next sailing complete a short process and remain onboard. For a little while, it can feel as though you have the entire ship to yourself!

As the guests for the Greenland sailing began to board, the atmosphere changed almost immediately. That is one reason we love Carnival Journeys cruises. These longer itineraries tend to attract travelers who are excited to see the world, enjoy unique destinations, and settle into the slower rhythm of an extended voyage.

We love sea days, so having several in a row as we crossed the North Atlantic was not a hardship for us. Sea days are part of the experience… the time when you can rest, enjoy the ship, watch the water from your balcony, and feel the anticipation build as you get closer to a place you have dreamed of seeing.

This sailing also brought a very special milestone: we officially reached Diamond status with Carnival! We are now Diamond for life and reaching that milestone on a journey to Greenland made it even more memorable.

When Greenland Had Other Plans

Our first scheduled Greenland port was Nanortalik. We had been looking forward to a small-boat iceberg tour and were hopeful that we might even see whales or polar bears.

But travel does not always follow the plan. Rough seas and dense fog made it unsafe for the ship to dock. Through the mist, I managed to capture one photograph of an iceberg and a brief glimpse of land before we turned back toward open water.

It was disappointing, especially after traveling so far. Still, safety must always come first, and weather-related changes are part of cruising to remote destinations. Even the day’s unexpected excitement became a story: an Atlantic puffin found its way onto the ship and was safely caught and released.

With another Greenland port scheduled for the following day, all we could do was hope and pray that the weather would improve.

The Morning Qaqortoq Appeared Through the Fog

The next morning, I woke up and looked outside. The fog was so thick that it reached all the way to our balcony, and I could not see a thing. I was so afraid we were going to miss Greenland again.

Then I noticed the water directly below us was smooth and the ship was no longer moving. I washed my face, came back to the window… and there it was!

Qaqortoq had appeared through the fog! I almost cried!

By the time we went ashore, the fog had lifted and the sun was shining. The steep hills were dotted with the colorful homes Greenland is known for, creating a scene that hardly looked real. Qaqortoq’s compact center includes Greenland’s oldest fountain, and the village’s sloping landscape and vivid houses were every bit as lovely as I had imagined.

We walked all around the hilly village, stopped to see the fountain and the Big Inuit Boot, browsed the shops, and even visited a local grocery store. I always enjoy seeing the everyday side of a destination.

Icebergs Up Close

The experience I had dreamed about most was our Searching for Icebergs tour… and it exceeded every expectation.

There were only eight people in our small group, and we traveled less than ten minutes from the port before the first brilliant white iceberg came into view around a point. The closer we moved toward it, the larger it became. Photographs cannot fully capture the scale of an iceberg when you are sitting beside one in a small boat.

Our guide took us through the channel to see icebergs in different shapes and sizes. At one point, we stopped beside a small piece of ice and were able to reach out and touch it.

We often hear that only about ten percent of an iceberg is visible above the water, but seeing the ice continue far beneath the surface made that fact feel real. Even the piece that appeared small from above was enormous below the waterline.

As we sailed away from Greenland later that day, iceberg after iceberg appeared around us. It felt as though Greenland was giving us one last magnificent farewell.

After the disappointment of missing Nanortalik, our beautiful day in Qaqortoq felt even more precious. It was truly a bucket-list experience.

Newfoundland: Fog, Fjords, and Whales

Our next destination was St. Anthony, Newfoundland. Unfortunately, getting ashore by water shuttle took much longer than expected. By the time we reached land, we had fewer than two hours to explore.

There was not enough time to ride the hop-on, hop-off bus, and the port’s single gift shop was crowded with passengers. We walked to a local grocery store, which also served as the post office and then joined another long line to return to the ship.

It was not the day we had planned, but I was still able to capture beautiful photographs around the port. Fog rolled in and out with amazing speed, completely changing the view from one moment to the next. Sometimes travel asks you to appreciate what a day gives you, even when it is not what you expected.

Corner Brook, Newfoundland, gave us an entirely different experience.

I set my alarm so I could be on our balcony at sunrise as the ship entered the Humber Arm fjord. The morning was incredibly peaceful, and the scenery was breathtaking. Watching the landscape slowly unfold in the early light was one of the most serene moments of the entire trip.

Once ashore, we headed to Marble Mountain for a zip-lining adventure. We have zip-lined at destinations around the world, but the views that day may have topped them all. Flying above that landscape was a literal take-your-breath-away experience.

Afterward, we used the port’s complimentary shuttle to visit downtown and do a little shopping. As we sailed back through the fjord, we enjoyed more beautiful views from the opposite side of our balcony.

Then, just outside Humber Arm, we finally spotted our first whales!

Whales do not always breach or show their tails. Often, the first thing you see is the spray from their blow. After the spray, you may catch a glimpse of the curve of the whale’s back and if it dives deeply, perhaps its tail. We watched for that mist above the water, and there it was: the unmistakable sign of whales swimming nearby.

It was the perfect ending to an already wonderful day.

A Beautiful Final Port in Nova Scotia

Our last port of call was Sydney, Nova Scotia, where I had arranged a private guide for the two of us.

He met us right at the pier and began by showing us historic homes around Sydney. From there, we traveled to Louisbourg to see the lighthouse and visit the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site. It was a perfect, sunny 78-degree day to learn more about Canadian history.

Booking a private guide allowed us to move at our own pace, ask questions, and enjoy a more personal look at the area. It was a relaxed and meaningful way to spend our final port day.

One More Tour Before Going Home

When the cruise ended and Carnival Pride returned to Baltimore, our adventure was not quite over.

I had reserved a private pickup at the cruise port that included a 90-minute historical tour of Baltimore before taking us to the airport. It was such a convenient way to make use of the time between leaving the ship and catching our flight.

Instead of simply sitting at the airport, we saw some of Baltimore’s highlights and learned which places we might want to explore more deeply on a future visit. It was a wonderful finishing touch to the trip and exactly the kind of thoughtful planning that can turn a travel day into another memorable experience.

What This Journey Taught Us

This cruise took us from Bermuda’s warm blue water to Greenland’s towering icebergs and onward through the misty coastlines and welcoming communities of Atlantic Canada.

Not every moment went according to plan. We missed a port. We waited in long lines. Fog sometimes hid the views we had traveled so far to see.

The sun illuminated the icebergs. A whale’s spray rose from the water. We soared above Marble Mountain. We walked through history in Nova Scotia. And somewhere in the middle of it all, we became Carnival Diamond guests for life.

That is travel. It is not only about the itinerary printed on paper. It is about adapting, exploring, and recognizing the extraordinary moments when they appear.

This was not simply a cruise. It was a journey from sunshine to sea ice, filled with experiences we will never forget.

And that is exactly why we keep cantering around the world.

If you’re dreaming of an all-inclusive escape to St. Lucia, you’ve probably already discovered that Sandals has not one, not two, but THREE incredible resorts on the island. And let me tell you, after personally touring all three on my recent familiarization trip, I have so many thoughts! 🌴✨

Each property has its own personality, and picking the right one can make or break your trip. So let’s break it down so you can find your perfect match.

Halcyon Beach: The Laid-Back Beach Lover’s Pick

If your vision of a vacation is sinking your toes into white sand with a cocktail in hand, Halcyon Beach is calling your name. This is Sandals’ most relaxed, beach-forward property on the island… intimate, low-key, and absolutely gorgeous right on the water.

This one is perfect for couples who want a quieter, more laid-back vibe without sacrificing any of that Sandals luxury. Think long beach walks, sunset dinners, and not much else on the agenda (in the best way).

Best for: First-timers to St. Lucia, beach purists, couples wanting a slower pace.

Regency La Toc: The Elegant Golf & Garden Escape

Regency La Toc brings a different energy entirely… lush, manicured grounds, an on-site golf course, and a more refined, resort-style feel. It’s set on its own private peninsula, giving it a secluded, exclusive vibe that’s perfect for couples celebrating something special.

This property tends to attract guests looking for a bit more elegance and space to spread out. The grounds alone are worth the trip.

Best for: Golfers, honeymooners, anniversary trips, anyone wanting a more upscale, resort-campus feel.

Grande St. Lucian: The Showstopper with the Views

And then there’s Grande St. Lucian… and friends, this one is a SHOWSTOPPER. Perched at the edge of the island with jaw-dropping views of the Pitons (St. Lucia’s iconic twin peaks), this resort has the WOW factor in spades. It’s also the most active and amenity-packed of the three, with more dining options and livelier overall energy.

If you want that postcard-worthy view from your balcony every single morning, this is it.

Best for: View-chasers, couples wanting more activity and variety, social media-worthy vacations (no shame, we all do it).

So… Which One Is Right for YOU?

Honestly? It depends on your vacation personality. Are you a beach bum, a golfer, or a view-chaser? Do you want quiet and intimate, elegant and spacious, or lively and scenic?

This is exactly why I don’t just book Sandals! I’ve walked these resorts myself, met with their teams, and can match you to the property that fits how YOU want to vacation. No guessing, no generic recommendations.

Email or call me to start planning your St. Lucia getaway… let’s find your perfect Sandals match!

What’s It Really Like to Stay at an All-Inclusive Resort?🍹☀️

Unlimited food. Bottomless drinks. A gorgeous stretch of sand and entertainment around every corner… it’s no wonder all-inclusive resorts are one of the most popular vacation styles out there! Whether you’re dreaming of Mexico, the Caribbean, or somewhere in Europe, these properties have a way of making you feel like everything has been taken care of. Because, well… it has!😄 From budget-friendly getaways to full-on luxury escapes, there’s truly something for every type of traveler.

Never stayed at an all-inclusive before? Let me break it down for you!

✈️ Getting There

One of the things I love most about all-inclusive travel is that the ease starts before you even set foot on the resort. Most properties offer airport transfers, shared or private, that can be arranged right at the time of booking. As your travel agent, I handle all of that for you so you’re not scrambling for a ride after a long flight. Your driver picks you up, unloads your bags, and gets you where you need to be. And when you arrive? Don’t be surprised if resort staff greet you with a welcome drink or a cool towel. Yes, really. The vacation starts immediately.🥂

🛏️ The Rooms

Here’s where it gets fun… all-inclusive rooms are NOT one-size-fits-all. We’re talking overwater bungalows, swim-out suites, family-friendly layouts, ocean view rooms, jungle view rooms, private plunge pools… the options are incredible depending on the property and your budget. Most rooms also include a mini bar stocked with drinks as part of your package. I help my clients figure out exactly which room category makes sense for their travel style, because the right room can make or break a trip!

🏖️ What Do You Actually DO All Day?

Honestly? Whatever you want… and that’s the whole point! Most people are perfectly happy rotating between the beach, the pool, and the swim-up bar. But all-inclusives offer SO much more than that. Think:

• 🏋️ Fitness classes & sport equipment rentals

• 💆 Spa treatments

• 🎶 Live music & nightly shows

• 🤿 Off-property excursions booked right onsite

Speaking of excursions… I always recommend booking through a reputable operator, and I can help with that!

🍽️ The Food Situation

Okay, let’s talk food because THIS is one of the biggest perks. Everything you eat and drink is covered… buffets, poolside cafes, specialty restaurants, that random 2 AM snack craving… all of it.😄 Most resorts have at least one (often multiple!) buffets for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus dedicated restaurants for different cuisines… Mexican, Japanese, Italian, American, you name it.

Pro tip from your travel agent: some specialty restaurants require reservations in advance! I always give my clients a heads-up on that so they’re not disappointed. It’s one of those little details that makes a big difference.✅

💵 Should You Tip?

All-inclusive doesn’t mean the staff works for free… so yes, tipping is good etiquette even if it’s not required! A general rule of thumb:

• 🚐 Transfers: ~$10

• 🍴 Buffet meals: a few dollars

• 🍷 Specialty restaurants: ~$5

Trust me, a little cash goes a long way toward making you the favorite guest.😉

Ready to book your all-inclusive getaway? Contact me and let’s make it happen! I’ll handle everything so all you have to do is show up and enjoy.🌺✈️

There is a unique kind of magic that happens the moment you step onto a cruise ship for the first time. The scale of the ship, the sparkle of the ocean, and the realization that your only "job" for the next week is to have fun—it’s an unforgettable feeling.

Since I began this travel agent journey last September, I’ve had the joy of sending many first-time cruisers off on their maiden voyages. While every traveler is different, their feedback shares a common thread: adventure, ease, and memories that last a lifetime.

Finding the "Fun" on Deck

For many of my clients, the fun starts long before they reach a port. Whether it’s the high-energy entertainment or the simple joy of a friendly competition, the onboard experience is a world of its own. One of our recent travelers shared:

"This adventure did not disappoint! We had lots of fun playing games—I even won a medal on board! We danced and took so many pictures. Thank you for this wonderful vacation!"

Adventure Beyond the Horizon

A cruise is more than just a floating resort; it’s a gateway to bucket-list experiences. From the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean to the lush jungles of Central America, my clients have been busy crossing items off their lists:

In Grand Cayman: "This was a first for John and I... swimming with the stingrays and going to Starfish Island. How fun just to experience moments like this!"

In Roatán, Honduras: "The trip exceeded our expectations. Some of our favorite parts were the exclusive restaurants and the unforgettable zip-lining adventure!"

Under the Sea: "What can I say? This was the best experience ever—zip-lining, snorkeling, and seeing so many beautiful fish."

The Secret to a Stress-Free Sailing

I know that planning a cruise can feel overwhelming. With so many ships, cabin categories, and shore excursions to choose from, where do you even start? That’s where I come in. My goal is to handle the logistics so you can focus on the packing!

One guest who recently sailed on Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas summed it up perfectly:

"From the very beginning, Tammi handled everything perfectly—from finding the best cabin and pricing to making sure we had all the details before boarding. Planning can feel overwhelming, but she made the whole process easy, stress-free, and honestly exciting."

Ready to Write Your Own Story?

Whether you want to win a medal in a shipboard game, swim with stingrays, or simply enjoy a sunset from your private balcony, I am here to make it happen.

As one happy traveler put it: "If anyone needs to get booked on a cruise and wants to know which one would fit your needs, get with Tammi Collins at Collins Canters Around the World!"

Your first cruise is waiting. Let’s make it legendary!