1. Exclusive Cruise Access & My 2025 Virtuoso Cruise Icon Recognition 🚢✨ 

📩 “Congratulations! You’re a 2025 Virtuoso Cruise Icon!”

That’s the message I received from Virtuoso Travel’s Tony Logan, recognizing me—for the second year in a row—as a Virtuoso Cruise Icon, placing me among the top 1% of cruise specialists worldwide.

This distinction isn’t just an accolade; it’s a powerful advantage for you. 

As a top-producing luxury cruise advisor, I receive:
✔️ Priority access to exclusive cruise offers
✔️ VIP perks & behind-the-scenes insights
✔️ Preferred status with the world’s best cruise lines

That means when the best offers, upgrades, and experiences become available, my clients hear about them first.

And speaking of exclusives…

💎 AMA Waterways Private Sale – On Now! 💎

A rare, unpublished sale is happening now—only for my clients.

🚨 What you need to know:
✔️ Exclusive savings on all 2025 & 2026 itineraries (except Portugal & Southern Africa)
✔️ Available on all cabin categories, including suites
✔️ Stackable with other promotions
✔️ Limited-time offer

📩 Didn’t see my Feb. 1st email? Let me know—I’ll resend it.

💎 NEW: Regent Seven Seas Private Sale – Started Feb. 9th 💎

An extraordinary new offer just launched for Regent Seven Seas Cruises, giving my clients access to:
✔️ Special pricing & perks unavailable to the public
✔️ Unparalleled luxury, personalized service, and all-inclusive indulgence
✔️ Once-in-a-lifetime sailings with exclusive benefits

📩 This offer is strictly for insiders—need the details? Just ask!

Why This Matters: The Right Connections Make All the Difference

Luxury cruising isn’t about simply booking a trip—it’s about access, expertise, and impeccable planning. As a Virtuoso Cruise Icon and industry expert, I ensure my clients receive unparalleled service, priority access, and curated experiences not available to the general public.

And because I believe in first-hand knowledge, I’ll be sailing next week aboard Ponant’s luxury icebreaker, experiencing their Quebec City to St. Pierre & Miquelon expedition. Ponant’s recent acquisition of Aqua Expeditions is a game-changer in the luxury expedition space, and I’ll be bringing back insights for those looking to explore the most remote corners of the world in style.

Your Next Step: Luxury Travel, Booked Wisely

📩 Let’s curate your next unforgettable cruise experience:
🔹 Pre-Consultation Survey: https://tinyurl.com/LushLifeConsultSurvey
🔹 Schedule a Consult: https://tinyurl.com/LushLifeConsult

Exceptional journeys require expert planning. Let’s make your next luxury cruise experience truly extraordinary.

Sheila Gallant-Halloran | Lush Life Travel
🌍 www.lushlife.ca | ✉️ sheila@lushlife.ca

2. River Cruise Corner -  Aqua Expeditions – Luxury River Cruising with an Adventurous Twist

As you know, I’ll be attending the ASTA River Cruise Expo in Vienna this March, where I’ll be touring and networking with the top river cruise lines. My goal? To bring back the latest insights and exclusive opportunities for my clients who love river cruising.

This week, I want to spotlight Aqua Expeditions, a boutique luxury river and expedition cruise company that has recently been acquired by Ponant, a leader in small-ship exploration. This acquisition is set to enhance Aqua Expeditions’ already extraordinary offerings—think more expeditions, enriched itineraries, and expanded global reach.

Who is Ponant?

Ponant is a French luxury expedition cruise line known for its intimate, yacht-style ships, cutting-edge sustainability efforts, and off-the-beaten-path itineraries. They operate voyages to some of the most remote and breathtaking destinations in the world, including Antarctica, the Arctic, and the South Pacific.

As a Virtuoso Cruise Icon, I’ll be sailing with Ponant next week aboard their luxury icebreaker, exploring from Quebec City to St. Pierre & Miquelon. This first-hand experience will allow me to share insider insights on what makes Ponant—and now Aqua Expeditions—even more exciting for luxury adventure travelers.

Aqua Expeditions is not your typical river cruise line. They offer immersive adventures along some of the world's most captivating waterways, including the Amazon, Mekong, and Indonesia’s Raja Ampat. Their ships combine ultra-luxury accommodations with a strong focus on sustainability and cultural immersion—perfect for travelers who want intimate, off-the-beaten-path experiences without sacrificing comfort.

As a Virtuoso Cruise Icon and river cruise specialist, I have access to VIP perks, priority reservations, and exclusive experiences for my clients. Whether you’re drawn to a wildlife-rich Amazon expedition or a culturally immersive journey along the Mekong, I can ensure your Aqua Expeditions cruise is seamless and unforgettable.

If this speaks to your adventurous soul, let’s start planning now! Aqua Expeditions offers a rare blend of luxury and adventure, and spots fill up quickly.

📌 Learn more about Aqua Expeditions: Aqua Expeditions x Virtuoso

Let’s make this dream trip a reality!

3.Adventure Travel Corner- The White Lotus Effect – How TV is Shaping Luxury Travel

4. Wellness Travel Corner- Celebrate 30 Years of Wellness with Miraval

Miraval is celebrating 30 years of redefining luxury wellness travel—think of it as an adult summer camp… with cocktails! 🍸

With locations in Austin, Tucson, and the Berkshires—and more properties in development overseas—Miraval is all about creating a life in balance, healing the whole self, and being fully present. Their philosophy recognizes that when life feels off-balance, it often manifests as physical or emotional strain. At Miraval, you’re encouraged to observe, reflect, and invest in yourself through mindfulness, movement, and meaningful experiences.

A Digital Detox for the Soul

Miraval’s device-free environment encourages guests to unplug and truly be in the moment. This intentional approach allows for a deeper, more rewarding experience—so you can focus on your well-being without distractions.

6. Travel with Sheila: 2025 Women's River Cruise to Paris & Normandy

What are you waiting for? 

I’m thrilled to be hosting another incredible group journey, this time on a women-focused river cruise to Paris and Normandy in November 2025. While the spotlight will be on women’s themes, spouses and partners are welcome! They can skip the morning talks and still enjoy the shore excursions, dining, and everything else onboard. (Several husbands are booked too!)

Why Join This Cruise?
✨ Paris: Always enchanting and vibrant.
✨ Normandy: Stunning coastlines, artistic beauty, and rich history. Explore Monet’s Gardens, the charming harbor of Honfleur, Joan of Arc’s legacy, and the D-Day beaches, including a special Remembrance Day tour on November 11th (with tailored visits to Canadian or American beaches).
✨ Château de Bizy: Experience the grandeur of "the Versailles of Normandy."

Blend culture, art, architecture, and the good life as we sail the Seine together.

Cruise Details:
🚢 Line: AMA Waterways, aboard the luxurious AMA Dante
📅 When: November 8, 2025, for 7 nights (option to add a 2-night pre-cruise in Paris)
📍 Itinerary: Roundtrip Paris along the Seine

Special Offers: Reduced solo supplement cabins—grab them before they’re gone!

•  The latest edition of Travel with Sheila -Join Me: 2025 Women's River Cruise to Paris & Normandy

All category E, D, and C are now sold out. I still have some category A, B, and suites. If you've been considering joining me, now is the time to book. Would you like to join me?

For the category B twin balcony or category A twin balcony, let me know if you'd like updated pricing. The pricing promos changed as at Dec.31.24. So let me know if you'd like to book, and if you are solo or double occupancy, as that will impact pricing. 

🗺️ For full details, including itinerary, deck plans, and inclusions (kindly note - the pricing promos have changed as at Dec.31.24 - let me know if you'd like to confirm updated pricing), visit: 2025 Women’s River Cruise Details.

🎥 Watch a recording of my webinar with AMA Waterways BDM Neil Dudley: Cruise Presentation.

And there's also this presentation with Neil and me:

Kindly see https://lush-life-travel.optin.com/newsletter/awlist4876745/MjU0OTcyOTI=/2025-women-s-river-cruise-paris-normandy-from-sheila-of-lush-life-travel.htm 

for details on: Itinerary, Map, Video, Info about AMA , Deck Plan, Inclusions. Pricing. Sheila Promos. Land Package in Paris. Air Promo. 

Ready to join us? Cabins are filling fast! Let me know if you’d like to secure your spot. 🌟

See some additional detail on these preferred HOTEL PROGRAMS

• A&K 100 Club ;  Accor Step & Fairmont ,  Belmond Bellini Club Program ;  
• Couture by Langham;  Dorchester Diamond Club;  
• Four Seasons Preferred, Hilton Impresario;  Hyatt Privé Program; 
• IHG Hotel Program ; Jumeirah’s Passport to Luxury , 
• Kempinski Club 1897; Luminous Hotel Program ,
• Mandarin Oriental Fan Club; Marriott Stars & Luminous , 
• Pearl Partner Oetker;  Peninsula Fan Club , Preferred Hotel Program ; 
• Rocco Forte Knights Program ; Rosewood Elite ; Small Luxury Hotels 

9.  Special Offers from Lush Life Travel, a Direct Travel affiliate & top Virtuoso partner

As the owner of Lush Life Travel, a boutique travel agency affiliated with Direct Travel, I’m delighted to bring you access to exclusive offers through Direct Travel’s status as one of the largest Virtuoso luxury travel network partners.

Here are some fantastic opportunities from a few of our favorite travel supplier partners:  

DESTINATION of the week: 

Galápagos with Metropolitan Touring - https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sheilagallanthalloran/promotions/17903785/set-sail-on-a-galapagos-cruise-unbeatable-benefits-await

SMALL OCEAN CRUISE Partner of the week:

Explora Journeys - https://my.dt.com/sheilagh/en/cruise/14898/A-New-Vision-for-Ocean-Travel-with-Explora-Journeys

RIVER CRUISE Partner of the week:

Viking Grand European - https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sheilagallanthalloran/travel/luxury-cruises/sailings/16911516/grand-european-tour-23apr2026-07may2026

EXPEDITION CRUISE Partner of the week:

Australis Expeditions - Surprise your special someone with a unique experience through the breathtaking landscapes of Tierra del Fuego in Southern Patagonia.Valentine's Day Promo: 10% OFF For sailing during the 25-26 season. https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sheilagallanthalloran/promotions/17901792/valentines-day-promo 

TOUR PARTNER of the Week:

Classic Vacations - Take off to Thailand - Receive a $250 booking credit when you stay 7 nights or longer with one of Classic's preferred partners.

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sheilagallanthalloran/promotions/17906036/takeoff-to-thailand

HOTEL of the week:

St. Regis Bali -Timeless Getaway - USD 300 Resort Credit (Villas Only) https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sheilagallanthalloran/promotions/16918944/timeless-getaway-usd-300-resort-credit-villas-only 

LUXURY experience of the week:

The Art of a Napa Valley Getaway: Four Seasons Napa - Napa Valley Dream Drive - A curated driving experience in exotic cars https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sheilagallanthalloran/promotions/17905624/the-art-of-a-napa-valley-getaway-four-seasons-napa-valley-dream-drive 

Let me know if one of these holidays catches your eye—I’d love to help you plan your next unforgettable journey!