1. More Arctic Adventures Ahead! Ponant’s Le Commandant Charcot

More Arctic Adventures Ahead! ❄️✨

From snow angels in Saguenay to high tea and gala dinners aboard Ponant’s Le Commandant Charcot, this journey has been a breathtaking mix of luxury, adventure, and deep cultural connection. But the adventure doesn’t stop here!

🚢 Next up: Stories from Sept-Îles, Gaspé, the Magdalen Islands, and St. Pierre & Miquelon!

Living the Dream on Ponant’s Le Commandant Charcot

Waking up aboard Le Commandant Charcot, surrounded by the icy wilderness of the North, is the definition of expedition luxury. The days have been filled with incredible experiences—from dining on Michelin-level cuisine to steaming in Ponant’s famous Blue Lagoon, a heated seawater pool nestled in the frozen landscape.

But getting in? That’s part of the adventure! A mad dash from the robe into the steaming water, then straight to the sauna before daring a refreshing plunge in the indoor pool. ❄️🔥🏊‍♀️

Evenings have been just as spectacular. A fabulous Virtuoso Cruise Icon cocktail party, glasses of champagne clinking, sharing stories with great friends from around the world, and just when we thought the night couldn’t get better?

🌌 The Northern Lights stole the show. Right in the middle of dinner, everyone abandoned their plates and rushed outside—because when nature puts on a show like this, you don’t miss it.

Music, Culture & Connection 🎶

One of the most memorable evenings featured a private performance by Canadian duo Lisette and Tyler, bringing the heart and soul of Canadian music to the Arctic. But some of the richest moments have come from deep cultural experiences:

🔹 Sept-Îles & the Innu People – From a horse-drawn wagon ride into town to visiting the Innu Shaputuan cultural center, we learned about thousands of years of Indigenous history. A highlight? Meeting Ann, a residential school survivor, whose powerful story of resilience, loss, and triumph left us all in awe.

🔹 Exploring My Mi’kmaq Roots in Gaspé – Stepping into history at the birthplace of Canada, where Jacques Cartier first landed in 1534. But here, history is more than just the settler’s story—I had the opportunity to experience the Mi’kmaq perspective and honor my own heritage, even if the federal government refuses to recognize it. (Nice try, but you can’t un-Mi’kmaq me! 😉)

🔹 Winter Hiking in Cap-aux-Meules – Climbing snow-covered trails to a lighthouse perched atop the cliffs of the Magdalen Islands, then stumbling upon a local celebration where people dressed up, danced, and embraced the warmth of tradition.

Adventure, Face Plants & Fine Dining

❄️ Snowshoeing in Forillon National Park was a love story—complete with stunning trails, crisp air, and me face-planting straight into the snow (whoops). The perfect recovery? A steaming coffee spiked with local “pudding stone” alcohol, a sauna session back on board, and another Michelin-star-worthy feast.

Because whether it’s face-planting in the snow, dancing to traditional music, or soaking in the Blue Lagoon, this journey is all about embracing the unexpected.

Stay tuned—next week, I’ll share even more stories from this incredible Arctic adventure. Who’s ready for an expedition of their own? ⬇️

#LuxuryCruising #VirtuosoCruiseIcon #Ponant #ExpeditionCruising #ArcticAdventure #NorthernLights #LushLifeTravel

Ready to plan your next trip? 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 -  Sailing into the Future of River Cruising: My Journey at the ASTA River Cruise Expo in Vienna 🚢✨

Sailing into the Future of River Cruising: My Journey at the ASTA River Cruise Expo in Vienna 🚢✨

This March, I’m heading to Vienna for the ASTA River Cruise Expo (March 12-16, 2025)—one of the biggest industry events dedicated to river cruising! I’ll be touring multiple ships, networking with top executives, and dining onboard as many as I can, all to bring back exclusive insights and VIP opportunities for my clients who love river cruising. (Learn More)

Floating in Style: My Viking River Cruise Stay

To kick off the event, I’ll be staying aboard a Viking River Cruise ship, my floating hotel in Vienna. Viking is known for its destination-focused itineraries, serene Scandinavian design, and award-winning service. With over 450 travel accolades, including #1 for River, Ocean & Expedition Cruises by Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure, Viking continues to elevate river cruising. (More on Viking)

Exclusive Industry Events & Ship Visits

I’ll be attending a Virtuoso cocktail party onboard the Uniworld SS Maria Theresa with Uniworld VP Michelle Palma and having dinner with Kristin Karst, co-founder of AmaWaterways, onboard the AMA Bella. These are incredible opportunities to connect with industry leaders, hear the latest updates firsthand, and enhance the river cruise experiences I offer my clients.

Beyond that, I’ll be touring multiple river cruise ships and dining onboard as many as I can—sampling everything from culinary offerings to suite accommodations to compare the experiences across the major river cruise lines, including:

✅ AmaWaterways
✅ Avalon Waterways
✅ Uniworld Boutique River Cruises
✅ Tauck River Cruises
✅ Viking River Cruises
✅ Riverside Luxury Cruises
✅ Riviera River Cruises
✅ Amadeus River Cruises
✅ Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
✅ Emerald Cruises
... and more!

Post-Expo: Avalon Waterways – Vienna to Budapest

After the expo, I’ll set sail with Avalon Waterways from Vienna to Budapest (March 16-21). Avalon is known for its panoramic suites, flexible itinerary options, and immersive local experiences—a perfect choice for travelers who want a more personalized, relaxed approach to river cruising.

Why Does This Matter for You?

🚢 I’ll tour and experience multiple river cruise lines firsthand to bring back real-world insights.
📌 I’ll connect with top executives, gaining access to exclusive offers and VIP perks for my clients.
💎 I’ll personally experience Viking, Uniworld, AmaWaterways, Avalon, Tauck, Riverside, Riviera, Amadeus, Scenic, and Emerald, ensuring I can match each client with the best cruise for them.

If you’re considering a river cruise in Europe, Asia, or beyond, let’s chat! After this in-depth, insider experience, I’ll have expert knowledge to help you choose the perfect one. 🌍💙

#LuxuryRiverCruising #ASTARiverCruiseExpo #VikingCruises #AmaWaterways #Uniworld #AvalonWaterways #Tauck #ScenicCruises #EmeraldCruises #RiversideCruises #RivieraCruises #Amadeus #LushLifeTravel

3.Adventure Travel Corner- Why Adventure Travel Matters – And Why You Should Go With Sheila & B&R

🌍 Why Adventure Travel Matters – And Why You Should Go With Sheila & B&R 🚴‍♀️🏔️

Adventure travel isn’t just about seeing new places—it’s about immersing yourself in the world, pushing your limits, and creating lasting memories. Whether it’s trekking through breathtaking landscapes or cycling scenic routes, these journeys challenge both body and mind, fostering resilience and a deeper connection to the places you visit.

At Lush Life Travel, we specialize in crafting experiences that enrich your soul. That’s why we partner with Butterfield & Robinson (B&R)—the world’s best in active, immersive luxury travel.

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Italian Lakes on Foot
Imagine strolling through the trails of the Italian Lakes District, where every turn offers a stunning lakeside view and charming village. B&R’s Walking the Italian Lakes trip combines active exploration with cultural indulgence, making it the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.

🚴‍♂️ Cycle Through Portugal’s Douro Valley
For those who love to bike, Biking the Douro Valley is a dream come true—pedal past rolling vineyards, enjoy world-class wine tastings, and take in the beauty of Portugal’s countryside.

Women are Leading the Way in Adventure Travel
More women are choosing active adventures than ever before—seeking empowerment, connection, and personal growth through travel. Read more about this growing trend:
🔗 Why Women Are Choosing Active Travel

✨ Why Book With Sheila?
✔️ VIP Perks & Exclusive Access
✔️ A Seamless, Worry-Free Experience
✔️ Personalized Itineraries Designed Just for You

Let’s craft your next adventure! Explore Butterfield & Robinson trips with me here:
🔗 Butterfield & Robinson with Lush Life Travel

#LuxuryTravel #ActiveTravel #AdventureAwaits #Wanderlust #WomenWhoTravel #LushLifeTravel

4. Wellness Travel Corner- Travel Smarter, Stress Less: Creating Pockets of Wellness on Your Journey

Traveling can be exhilarating, but the journey to and from your destination often brings stress. To cultivate moments of wellness during your travels, consider these strategies:

1. Ship Your Luggage Ahead

Eliminate the hassle of carrying heavy bags through airports by utilizing luggage shipping services like Luggage Free. They collect your luggage from your home and deliver it directly to your destination, allowing you to navigate airports unburdened. This service not only lightens your load but also reduces the risk of lost or delayed baggage.

2. Arrive Early and Enjoy Airport Lounges

Transform your airport experience by arriving early and relaxing in premium lounges such as Plaza Premium Lounge. These lounges offer comfortable seating, complimentary refreshments, and a serene environment away from the bustling terminals. Access to such amenities can significantly reduce pre-flight anxiety and set a positive tone for your journey.

3. Embrace a 'No-Bag' Trend

Some travelers are adopting a minimalist approach by traveling without any luggage, carrying only essentials like a passport, phone, and wallet. This trend simplifies the travel experience, eliminating concerns about overhead bin space and baggage claim delays. However, it requires careful planning, such as purchasing necessary items upon arrival or shipping purchases back home.

By implementing these strategies, you can create pockets of wellness during your travels, ensuring a more relaxed and enjoyable journey from start to finish.

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: 

Catalonia -Your guide to the less-traveled Spanish countryside https://e.virtuosoemail.com/your-guide-to-the-less-traveled-spanish-countryside?ecid=ACsprvsLmaVY8KRc26a6uvlPswMUIQ6u0CnM_QcEgqlyC_ZNU1pq7OToXUDurv4kPVhT5wmQGTgC

SMALL OCEAN CRUISE Partner of the week:

Treat Yourself to a Cunard® Voyage + Exclusive Cruise Sale

https://my.dt.com/sheilagh/en/cruise/14480/Treat-Yourself-to-a-Cunard-Voyage-Exclusive-Cruise-Sale/

RIVER CRUISE Partner of the week:

Tauck -Treasures of Spain and Portugal https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sheilagallanthalloran/cruises/67894/treasures-of-spain-and-portugal?search=tauck&mode=Gts

EXPEDITION CRUISE Partner of the week:

Aurora Expeditions - Want to hear something cool? https://e.virtuosoemail.com/want-to-hear-something-cool?ecid=ACsprvuSEBJ767vIfRNj20wc6ACrYdqgMQp5PtmGgpiD7x9sYd-hu1R1hvczy917PX0evKBnzFoq\

TOUR PARTNER of the Week:

10 Day Tour: Southern Australia and Victoria Wine & Wildlife https://my.dt.com/sheilagh/en/vacation/15213/10-Day-Tour-Southern-Australia-and-Victoria-Wine-Wildlife 

HOTEL of the week:

A modern mansion rising in April https://e.virtuosoemail.com/a-modern-mansion-rising-this-april?ecid=ACsprvuamu7hxDYOeL5C12US6SC1F7vGasKF2I2gMvbi9Cq5cCsCfoWC1svbdmtyNnv_mYGosmJR

LUXURY experience of the week:

Four Seasons Yachts Greek Isles- https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sheilagallanthalloran/cruises/sailings/16849318/greek-isles-featuring-santorini-and-mykonos-31may2026-05jun2026

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