Behind the Scenes at the ASTA River Cruise Expo – Bringing You the Best in River Cruising!
Published: Tue, 03/18/25
Updated: Tue, 03/18/25
Winter Hiking & Hidden Joys in Cap-aux-Meules
A winter morning in Cap-aux-Meules is pure magic—crisp air, snow-dusted cliffs, and the thrill of adventure underfoot. With crampons secured and poles in hand, we set off toward the iconic lighthouse, perched high above the icy Gulf of St. Lawrence. The sea stretched endlessly before us, shimmering in the cold light, while red cliffs peeked through their snowy veil—a scene straight out of a winter postcard. But the best moments came after the climb.
Descending from the trail, we stumbled upon a local celebration, a burst of joy in the middle of Lent. Islanders, dressed in colorful costumes,
danced, laughed, and embraced the warmth of tradition—a reminder that even in the depths of winter, the Îles de la Madeleine spirit burns bright. Would you brave the icy trails for a view like this?
#CapAuxMeules #WinterHiking
#IlesDeLaMadeleine #SnowyAdventures #TravelWithLushLife
A Taste of Luxury at Sea
Though I disembarked in St. Pierre, I wanted to share a few last glimpses of the extraordinary journey aboard Ponant’s Le Commandant Charcot. (And for my friends and family in Corner Brook, I hope you caught the Charcot sailing into the Bay of Islands!)
One of the most unforgettable experiences? Watching our executive chef work his magic at Alain Ducasse’s onboard restaurant. Think: seared scallops in butter, nestled with leeks and onions, draped in a silky beurre blanc, and crowned with caviar. A dish so indulgent, saying no to seconds was simply not an option.
Delicious? Absolutely. Decadent? Without a doubt. Would I do it again? In a heartbeat.
A few more snapshots from my engine room tour and a foggy visit to St. Pierre & Miquelon, where the mist only added to the charm. Delays, missed trains, but finally back to Ottawa—safe and sound. #GastronomyAtSea
#LuxuryCruising #Ponant #LeCommandantCharcot #FineDining #CaviarAndScallops @Ponant @Virtuoso Travel @Lush Life Travel @sheila_lushlife
Let me know if you'd like to go(
4. Wellness Travel Corner- Indulge in Wellness: Elevate Your Journey with a Rolex from Explora IDear Lush Life Enthusiasts,
In our pursuit of holistic wellness, we often overlook the therapeutic benefits of indulgent experiences. Retail therapy, when thoughtfully embraced, can significantly enhance our well-being, offering joy and a sense of accomplishment. Imagine combining this with the serenity of a luxury voyage—Explora I by Explora Journeys presents such an opportunity.
The Ultimate Shopping Experience at Sea Explora I redefines luxury travel by introducing the first-ever official Rolex boutique at sea. This exclusive boutique allows guests to explore and acquire iconic timepieces while sailing to some of the world's most coveted destinations. Operated by knowledgeable hosts trained by Rolex, the boutique ensures a curated and personalized shopping experience.
Immediate Gratification One of the unique advantages of purchasing a Rolex aboard Explora I is the immediate possession of your selected timepiece. Unlike traditional avenues where acquiring a Rolex can involve extensive wait times, the onboard boutique offers the convenience of same-day ownership (as long you purchase from the inventory onboard).
Potential Duty-Free Benefits Purchasing luxury items on a cruise ship often comes with duty-free benefits, potentially offering significant savings. However, it's essential to be aware of customs regulations upon returning to your home country. Guests are typically required to declare such purchases and may be subject to duties and taxes.
A Holistic Wellness Experience Integrating retail therapy into your journey aboard Explora I transcends mere shopping. It's about rewarding oneself, celebrating milestones, and embracing the joy that comes with acquiring a timeless piece of craftsmanship. This experience aligns seamlessly with the holistic wellness philosophy, nourishing both the soul and the senses.
As you plan your next voyage, consider the enriching experience that awaits aboard Explora I. Indulge in the luxury of choice, the thrill of immediate ownership, and the satisfaction of a well-considered investment in your well-being.
Embark on a journey where wellness and luxury converge—set sail with Explora Journeys and discover the art of refined living. See https://explorajourneys.com/ca/en/life-on-explora/shopping-experiences/rolex
Lush regards, Sheila
*Note: While onboard purchases may offer duty-free advantages, it's crucial to check with onboard staff regarding any applicable discounts and to understand the customs regulations of your home country to ensure compliance.*
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?
Blend culture, art, architecture, and the good life as we sail the Seine together.
Cruise Details: Special Offers: Reduced solo supplement cabins—grab them before they’re gone!
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:
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
Raffles Singapore There are few hotels in the world whose names have become virtually synonymous with the cities in which they are located – and none more so than the Raffles in Singapore. An all-suite hotel with graceful service that is the city's icon and a well-loved destination. Set amidst charming colonial architecture and surrounded by tropical gardens, it is a social haven that is
complemented with award-winning restaurants and bars, a shopping arcade led by the success of Raffles Boutique, completed with wellness experiences by Raffles Spa. The hotel also placed 17th on the World's 50 Best Hotel list in 2023. Virtuoso travelers receive: For 2025:
Many of these perks and amenities are only available when you book your stay through Sheila, your Virtuoso travel advisor.
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: Switzerland's Graubunden - https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sheilagallanthalloran/current-news/supplier/graubunden-tourism/A-Grand-Journey-Through-Graubundens-Alpine-Wonders
SMALL OCEAN CRUISE Partner of the week: Experience More with Azamara's Wave Offer! https://my.dt.com/sheilagh/en/cruise/15248/Experience-More-with-Azamaras-Wave-Offer/
RIVER CRUISE Partner of the week: AMA Waterways - Complimentary Land Program https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sheilagallanthalloran/promotions/16913050/complimentary-land-package-offer
EXPEDITION CRUISE Partner of the week: Quark Expeditions - Triple Bonus Event: https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sheilagallanthalloran/promotions/16930077/triple-bonus-event
TOUR PARTNER of the Week: Explore the Treasures of Australia with Globus https://my.dt.com/sheilagh/en/vacation/15209/Explore-the-Treasures-of-Australia-with-Globu
HOTEL of the week: Luxurious sanctuaries in Greece https://e.virtuosoemail.com/exclusive-savings-on-your-greece-getaway?ecid=ACsprvt9bxz4Xtfpu8Wfr-dQxW_koR-fakxlvi0DdEwkZZ2zkow-TraFKfRoU-ANeQlI1Snb8iLR
LUXURY experience of the week: TCS World Travel - private jets https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sheilagallanthalloran/travel/luxury-tours/tour-operators/16810276/tcs-world-travel
Let me know if one of these holidays catches your eye—I’d love to help you plan your next unforgettable journey!
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& A Taste of Luxury at Sea 
4. Wellness Travel Corner - Indulge in Wellness: Elevate Your Journey with a Rolex from Explora I
Isn’t she lovely? Isn’t she wonderful? 
Thanks for the photos, Cindy Miller Hopkins ⸻ 
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Toronto Ontario M2J 4R3
CANADA
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