Kindly note: THIS WEEK'S NEWSLETTER WILL NOT BE POSTED ON SOCIAL MEDIA, GIVEN THE PRIVATE SALES. You are receiving notification of
this private sale as you are on Sheila's Lush Life client email list.
In this week's newsletter, we'll focus on:
1. Private Sale - Oceania Cruises
2. River Cruise Corner - AMA
Waterway's Europe's River & Castles
7. Virtuoso Life - Some Recent Issues & Newsletters
8. Preferred Hotel Programs- Can You VIP Me?
9. Special Offers from Lush Life~ Direct affiliate & Virtuoso partner
Let me know if you'd like to schedule a complimentary consultation!
1. Private Sale - Oceania Cruises
Once a year, we hold an exclusive Private Sale with Oceania Cruises. Quite often a promotion is limited to a handful of sailings - but our Private Sale is your opportunity to save on any Oceania itinerary currently available, with a rare
exception. Don’t miss out on this once-a-year opportunity.
As with all private sales, they are unadvertised, and not available in the general market place. To respect the terms and conditions of the private sale that we have access to, I will not be sharing this newsletter and post on social media channels. I can only share via a closed
client email post, such as this email today.
And, as the unadvertised and not available in the general market place notes about the sale imply - you cannot get this sale through booking directly with Oceania Cruises or another advisor - or even through my Oceania advisor website. If you are interested in any of these private sales, you have to
call me and/or email me about it, and we'll schedule a time to chat.
EXCLUSIVE PRIVATE SALE
Book a Veranda stateroom or higher on a 2024 or beyond voyage by June 30, 2024, and take advantage of our Exclusive 5% Savings. Don't delay, in addition to our sale ending June 30th, Oceania prices increase July 1, 2024.
Exclusive Bonus: Receive Pre-paid onboard Gratuities on a large selection of
voyages.
simply MORE!™
With simply MORE you'll enjoy 2 for 1 Cruise Fares, FREE Roundtrip Airfare*, FREE Airport Transfers, PLUS:
FREE Shore Excursions
FREE Champagne, Wine & More
FREE Gourmet Specialty Dining
FREE Unlimited WiFi
Let your passion be reignited as you explore the world with Oceania Cruises. You'll have the chance to experience the faraway places
that you have always dreamed of and discover new ways of looking at the world. With Oceania Cruises, you can travel to the far corners of the globe where you can delve into the heart of a destination. Connect with the local culture, language, cuisine, fashion, and lifestyle of the places you’re dreaming of to immerse yourself in the world’s great possibilities for adventure.
Inclusive
Amenities:
FREE Room Service 24 Hours a Day
FREE Shuttles from Port to City Center
FREE Fitness Classes
FREE Still & Sparkling Vero Water
FREE Soft Drinks & Specialty Coffees
FREE Launderette
Recommended Oceania Cruises voyages
Be sure to #AskSheila sheila@lushlife.ca for other
destinations and sailing dates.
Panama Canal Adventure -Jan 24, 2025 (16 days) - Los Angeles to Miami -Vista |
Veranda Stateroom (B4)
CAD $10,249 Per Person Incl taxes
PRIVATE SALE BONUS: Book by June 30, 2024 for 5% Savings!
Glide into a sun-kissed world while uncovering favorites of the Caribbean and Pacific, from the thriving reefs of Grand Cayman and the Panama Canal to the UNESCO site of Antigua Guatemala framed by the chic playgrounds of Los Angeles and Miami.
Tropics of the Far East -Feb 14, 2025 (24 days) -Tokyo to Singapore - Riviera | Veranda Stateroom (B4)
CAD $17,149 Per Person Incl
taxes
PRIVATE SALE BONUS: Book by June 30, 2024 for 5% Savings!
Range throughout
the Far East, exploring a striking array of destinations such as dazzling Boracay Island, the enigmatic Sultanate of Brunei and unspoiled Borneo, with indulgent overnight stays in bustling Tokyo and Jakarta as well as exquisite Bali.
Cape Horn Encounter- Mar 06, 2025 (18 days) - Santiago de Chile to Buenos Aires - Marina | Veranda Stateroom (B4)
CAD $11,299 Per Person Incl taxes
PRIVATE SALE
BONUS: Book by June 30, 2024 for 5% Savings!
Cross several items off your bucket list as you wind among the awe-inspiring Chilean Fjords, cruise around far-flung Cape Horn,
visit the Falkland Islands’ tuxedoed penguins and try out the tango in Buenos Aires, where you’ll enjoy an overnight stay.
Outback & Island Pearls
-Jun 23, 2025 (25 days)
Bali to Papeete Regatta | Veranda Stateroom (B2)
CAD $18,649 Per Person Incl taxes
PRIVATE SALE BONUS: Book by June 30, 2024 for 5% Savings!
Marvel at the Southern Hemisphere’s beauty as you journey from the lush jungles of Bali, an overnight stay,
to breathtaking Australia, with an overnight in Darwin. Round out your voyage amid the Pacific’s idyllic isles, including Fiji and Bora Bora.
Divine Pacific Oasis -Jul 17, 2025 (15 days)
Papeete to Honolulu Regatta | Veranda Stateroom (B2)
CAD $11,599 Per Person Incl taxes
PRIVATE SALE BONUS: Book by June 30, 2024 for 5% Savings!
Bask in the unbridled joy of the Pacific’s verdant volcanic islands and
Edenic atolls, which boast translucent lagoons, roaring waterfalls and enthralling Polynesian traditions. In iconic Bora Bora, relish an overnight stay in this heaven on earth.
Blissful
Mediterranean -Aug 08, 2025 (14 days)
Athens to Rome Nautica | Veranda Stateroom (B2)
CAD $11,049 Per Person Incl
taxes
PRIVATE SALE BONUS: Book by June 30, 2024 for 5% Savings!
Indulge in a panorama
of Mediterranean highlights, from the walled cities of Dubrovnik and Valletta to Tunisia’s exhilarating souks and the cultural riches of Florence. You can also savor glamorous Monte Carlo, Portofino and Montenegro.
Please let me know if one of the above sailings interests you, or if you'd like to know about other possible routes and dates.
Kindly note - there is a 4 category upgrade sale now to the end of June also in the market, with sailings that are pulled from the list as they fill. This 4 category upgrade sale on select dates and routes
is not combinable with the private DT savings sale. See https://my.dt.com/sheilagh/en/cruise/14692/Oceania-Cruises-Upgrade-Sale-with-simply-MORE . If we work together on a cruise itinerary and date and the 4-category upgrade promo is the better offer for you, I cannot extend the
additional 5% off, but I can work with Oceania to add a shipboard credit.
2. River Cruise Corner - AMA's Europe's River and Castles - Sheila's Private Sale
Here's a five minute video feature that highlights AmaWaterways Europe's Rivers and Castles itinerary sailing on the Moselle, Rhine, Main and Danube rivers with unique pre packages in Champagne country of France and post packages in Prague. My friend, and business development manager of AMA Waterways, Neil Dudley, put together the video for me to share with you - just to give you a sense of what is possible on this terrific itinerary.
Maybe you should consider taking this 7- Night Cruise.
CRUISE FROM : LUXEMBOURG TO NUREMBERG
A little bit about what you'll see?
From the
meandering Main to the UNESCO-designated Upper Middle Rhine Valley with its multitude of castles dotting its shores to the vineyard-clad hills of the Moselle, enjoy Europe at its most picturesque. Let the storybook villages—Bernkastel, Cochem and Wertheim—captivate you; and Rothenburg, located on the Romantic Road enchant you. Marvel at the world's largest ceiling fresco in the Würzburg Residenz, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Savor the many flavors of Germany with a chance to sample the
world-famous wines of the Rheingau and the hearty smoked beer of Bamberg. All along the way, gain an intimate understanding of the history and culture of the places you visit.
COUNTRIES: GERMANY, LUXEMBOURG, FRANCE
RIVERS: RHINE, MOSELLE, MAIN, MAIN-DANUBE CANAL
What a terrific itinerary that will let you see 3 rivers and the Main-Danube canal. It really is a terrific sailing itinerary for those who want to see castles and vineyards!
For one couple and/or a solo passenger, book this Europe's River & Castles cruise itinerary with me on the date of your choosing, and I have a Sheila's private sale I can extend to you. 5% off the voyage fare(before port fees). (Kindly note, you have to call me to get this private sale. You cannot book on my AMA website or through AMA directly.)
My normal cruise booking and management fees would still apply.
Get in touch with me to get on this cruise and get all of the best prices and promotions.
I had wonderful reactions to my #WhyRiverCruising posts and sharing of my expertise, so I thought I'd do a more condensed series about expedition cruising.
Follow me for the next 15 days to share my experiences and insights into #WhyExpeditionCruising
Set sail for adventure! ⛴ 🏞 ⛰
I'm continuing the series with a post today for 15 days on social media (facebook, instagram, or linked in), about why you should consider taking an expedition cruise.
Expedition cruising typically refers to a type of travel that involves exploring remote or less accessible regions of the world, often with a
focus on adventure, nature, and wildlife. Unlike traditional cruising which often involves larger ships and visits to popular ports of call, expedition cruises are usually undertaken on smaller vessels designed to navigate in more challenging environments such as polar regions, remote islands, or wilderness areas.
These cruises often offer passengers the opportunity to engage in activities like wildlife spotting, hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, and visiting remote communities. Expert guides
and naturalists are often on board to provide educational experiences and enhance passengers’ understanding of the destinations visited.
Expedition cruising offers a more immersive and adventurous way to explore the world’s most remote and pristine areas, providing travelers with unique and unforgettable experiences.
I think it’s safe to say there would be no developed expedition cruising industry were it not for Sven-Olaf Lindblad.
Sven-Olof Lindblad, a true pioneer in adventure travel, has dedicated his life to exploring the world’s most remote regions and promoting environmental conservation. With a rich background in wildlife photography and
documentary filmmaking, Lindblad took the first tourists to Antarctica in 1966, and then went on to found Lindblad Expeditions in 1979, offering marine-focused expeditions aboard small ships.
By forging a strategic alliance with National Geographic in 2004, Lindblad Expeditions has set the standard for environmentally sensitive expedition travel. Through his unwavering commitment to conservation, Lindblad has garnered international recognition and numerous awards for his
contributions to sustainable tourism.
Lindblad’s impact extends beyond the travel industry as he serves on the boards of multiple conservation organizations and is a founding Ocean Elder of Ocean Elders, advocating for the protection of the ocean’s habitat and wildlife. His photography, featured in prestigious publications like Smithsonian and National Geographic, showcases the beauty and importance of our planet’s natural wonders.
A true champion of the environment and global
exploration, Sven-Olof Lindblad’s legacy continues to inspire and educate future generations about the importance of preserving our natural resources.
It’s my honour to have met him at @virtuosoltd at a Travel Week, and to work with he and his team Lesa Bain (pictured here with Sven and I), as well as Jacinta McEvoy, Rachel Woodward, and Cara Matthew.
Arctic means the“land of bears” (derived from astronomy or the Greek word), whereas Antarctica is the opposite (and has no bears).
The Arctic and Antarctica are both polar
regions with distinct characteristics, with some common aspects.
Location and Geography: The Arctic is situated in the Northern Hemisphere, encompassing the Arctic Ocean surrounded by landmasses like Greenland, Canada, Russia, and Scandinavia. Conversely, Antarctica lies in the Southern Hemisphere as a continent surrounded by the Southern Ocean. The Arctic is characterized by an ice-covered ocean interspersed with islands and coastal regions, while Antarctica is a massive ice-covered
landmass with towering ice shelves and mountain ranges.
Ecosystems: Both regions exhibit polar desert environments with minimal vegetation. The Arctic supports a slightly more diverse flora, including mosses, lichens, and shrubs due to its larger land area, while Antarctica’s vegetation is limited to mosses and algae along its coastal areas.
Wildlife: The Arctic is home to iconic species like polar bears, seals, walruses, Arctic foxes, and various migratory birds. In
contrast, Antarctica boasts penguins, seals, seabirds, and krill, forming the base of the marine food chain.
Average Temperatures: Despite their frigid climates, there’s a significant difference in average temperatures. The Arctic experiences milder temperatures due to its proximity to inhabited landmasses, with averages from -10°C to 0°C . In contrast, Antarctica, being more isolated and elevated, endures much colder temperatures, averaging -10°C to -30°C annually.
Countries
and Ownership: The Arctic is governed by the Arctic Council, comprising 8 member countries with Arctic territories. Antarctica, however, is governed by the Antarctic Treaty System, with no single country owning it. Instead, it is designated as a scientific preserve, collectively managed by signatory nations.
Embarking on a polar expedition to the 7th Continent is a rare achievement for few. Crossing the iconic Antarctic Circle marks a milestone that most only dream of.
For many, the highlight of the 14-day itinerary Crossing the Circle: Southern Expedition is navigating south of 66°33' S. Passengers are treated daily to breathtaking views of ice formations, humpback whales, leopard seals, playful penguins,
and majestic petrels above the crackling sea.
Denise, my client, embarked on this unforgettable journey with Quark Expeditions. She described it as the trip of a lifetime. Thank you, Denise, for sharing this amazing photo.
BALANCE IS NOT SOMETHING YOU FIND, IT IS SOMETHING YOU CREATE (Adults Only 18+)
In keeping with the spirit of Austin, Texas, we do things a little differently here. More than a spa resort, health retreat, or luxury hotel, we’re a unique kind of well-being space that puts purpose and people at our core,
serving as a catalyst for changing lives and celebrating individuality. Here, the sky feels bigger, the trees tell stories, and the quiet imparts an inspired perspective.
TRANSFORMATIONAL EXPERIENCES
Our 220 awe-inspiring acres, enveloped by the vast
Balcones Canyonlands Preserve, offer an array of meditation, fitness, outdoor adventure, hiking, yoga, equine, farm activities, culinary experiences, and spa-curated by our specialists and tailored to the tune of Austin. The choices are endless and are always based on your intentions -each one crafted to help you create a life in balance.
CHALLENGE
Challenge the story you've been told about your limits. Challenge your perception of ability. Your story to-date might not be the only one you tell. Craft your own narrative about how far you can go, how deep you can grow and how fully you can thrive.
RENEW
Renew your view and focus on here and now. We care about how you engage with the present moment. We believe in finding the path that works best for you so you can make your own unique connection with yourself. Each moment is yours. We help you show up to it, observe it, and stay present in it.
INDULGE
Beyond pampering. Globally influenced body therapies indulge your senses. Gourmet flavors indulge your palate with farm-fresh ingredients. Unique activities take you out of your comfort zone. Unwind with a glass of wine or a signature cocktail after a day of deep introspection.
BUILT ON A FOUNDATION OF RESPONSIBLY SOURCED, SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS, WE BELIEVE IN COMFORT WITH CONSCIENCE
Modern spa-inspired rooms provide a relaxing hideaway for reflection and respite. Elegance without excess. Comfort with a conscience.
CULINARY
Conscious Cooking is at the core of how we approach food. Relish seasonal menus, cooking demonstrations, and immersive workshops with tips for pleasing the palate, balancing the body, and minimizing food waste.
Sheila did an excellent job arranging a river cruise for my mother and myself. She kept in touch regularly and answered all questions. I would highly recommend her services.
6. Women's River Cruise - Wellness on Water
Imagine a getaway that's all about you! Sheila's Women's Wellness Cruise is not just a trip; it's a radical act of self-care amidst the
beaty of Europe, from Budapest to Prague in October 2024. Dive into a world of luxury, connection, and rejuvenation with award-winning Virtuoso luxury wellness travel advisor, Sheila Gallant-Halloran of Lush Life Travel.
Thanks Candace Sampson and "What She Said" for terrific blog post about my Women's Wellness Cruise. And see https://lushlife.ca/what-she-said/
Check out this ad appearing in PostMedia newspapers across Canada.
And check out this Daytime Ottawa TV appearance. Here's my interview talking with Derek Fage .
Just remember, there are three steps to Embrace “Your Grace”:
STEP 1.) STEP ON UP - savour, sip,
self-care
STEP 2.) STEP ONBOARDyour moving boutique hotel room
STEP 3.) STEP ONSHOREto cities and towns along the Danube River
Let me know if you'd like to secure your spot. (And yes, there are some husbands coming. At least 3 are booked thus far!)
This will be a 7-night Danube River cruise, that sets sail from Budapest on Oct. 4, 2024, and heads to Nuremberg, before finishing its voyage with 2 nights in Prague on Oct. 13, 2024. See all the details : https://tinyulr.com/LushWellCruise
Self-care is not a luxury. It's a necessity!
7. Virtuoso Life Issues
Here are some recent Virtuoso Life issues for you to peruse.
Virtuoso, The Magazine May / June 2024 - The New Adventures
A Dispatch from the Editors: Spring GetawaysOn the Move
8. Preferred Hotel Programs - Can You VIP Me?
Travel advisors, like me, often have access to a range of exclusive perks and amenities when booking luxury hotels. Here are some special perks I may be able to provide when you book your hotel stay through me:
Room Upgrades: I often have relationships with hotel management (particularly luxury hotels), allowing me to secure room upgrades at the time of booking, ensuring a better view, larger room, or added amenities.
Complimentary Breakfast or Credits: I can negotiate special perks like complimentary breakfast, spa credits, dining credits, or
other perks that enhance the overall stay.
Early Check-In and Late Check-Out: Through my connections, I may be able to negotiate early check-in or late check-out times, providing more flexibility with your schedule.
Special Amenities: I may be able to arrange for special
amenities in the room upon arrival, such as welcome gifts, champagne, or personalized touches to make the stay more memorable.
Priority Access and VIP Treatment: I can secure priority access to facilities like spas, restaurants, or events within the hotel, ensuring a more exclusive and VIP-like experience.
Customized
Experiences: I can arrange unique experiences tailored to your interests, such as private tours, exclusive excursions, or special events within the hotel premises.
Concierge Services: I can often offer personalized concierge services, ensuring your preferences are noted and catered to throughout your stay, from restaurant
reservations to special requests.
Flexible Booking and Cancellation Policies: I may be able to negotiate more flexible booking terms or cancellation policies, providing peace of mind in case plans change unexpectedly.
These perks often go beyond what is
available through standard booking channels, adding significant value to the overall luxury hotel experience.
I am a Virtuoso luxury advisor, Four Seasons preferred partner, and member of preferred hotel programs like Belmond Bellini, Rosewood Elite, Accor Luxury Step and Fairmont Famous Agent, Leading
Hotels, etc., etc.
I rarely book hotel only reservations for clients (I specialize in river and expedition cruises, customized trips to Australia and Africa), I have ways to leverage my relationships to benefit my clients. Hotel only bookings are subject to my normal professional fees. https://lushlife.ca/2022-fee-schedule/
See some additional detail on these preferred HOTEL PROGRAMS
Note: There is a stop gap measure if you are planning a last minute trip, and you only need a hotel stay. If you do not require my assistance, or VIP'ing, or add ons like transfers, concierge service, etc., you can self-book luxury properties on my Virtuoso
website. You can now browse and book hotels online https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sheilagallanthalloran/travel/luxury-hotels at your convenience. (If you self-book hotels, I will waive
normal booking and management fees. But if you need additional assistance after the booking, VIP'ing, transfers, concierge assistance, etc., and/or the hotel stay is part of a larger holiday, normal professional fees will apply.)
9. Special Offers from
Lush Life, a Direct affiliate & Virtuoso partner
I run my boutique travel agency, Lush Life Travel, as an affiliate of Direct Travel (formerly called Vision Travel). As Direct is one of the largest Virtuoso luxury travel network partners, I get access to some terrific offers for my clients.
Here are some offers from a few of our favourite travel supplier partners. Let me know if you'd like to book one of these holidays
Ready to go? Explore these offers and trip ideas.
From a free night in Orlando to afternoon tea in Munich, enhance your next getaway with exclusive offers and amenities from exceptional hotels and resorts, all available through your Virtuoso travel advisor.
When you work with Sheila at Lush Life Travel, you get access to our in-depth knowledge, honed over 18 years experience in travel (with another 20 years in financial services). Atop our foundation of financial risk management skills; we have layered the bricks to build a wall of travel knowledge and relationships.
We leverage all of our expertise to help you live your lush life through travel.
So, schedule a consultation - and - don't forget to
complete this Pre-consultation Survey The call can't be confirmed without it.
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