I’m in Newfoundland this week, but I wanted to share more with you about three of the Virtuoso Cruise Award winners I highlighted in a spotlight video from last week. (See above.) ✨ New videos are
up featuring Oceania, Ponant, and Explora Journeys—all recognized at Virtuoso Travel Week as the best in their categories. ✨And because the timing is tight, I’m keeping last week’s offer spotlight in place: 35% off Lindblad Expeditions for Canadian residents,
available until August 31st. If the Galápagos, Antarctica, or another expedition destination is on your list, now’s the moment—let me know if you’d like to go. On the final night of Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas this month, five cruise lines were named the best in the world for 2025: 🏆 Ponant – Best Expedition
🏆 Explora Journeys – Best Ocean Luxury
🏆 Oceania
Cruises – Best Contemporary & Premium
🏆 AmaWaterways – Best River
🏆 Windstar Cruises – Best Niche And here’s the best part: I’ve sailed on all five — and four of them in just the past year. 🧊 Ponant – Canadian Boreal Forest & St. Lawrence to St. Pierre (Feb 2025)
🌊
Explora Journeys – Istanbul to Athens (Sept 2024)
👩👧 Oceania Cruises – A special mother–daughter trip
🚤 AmaWaterways – Danube on AmaMagna (Mar 2024) + Seine on AmaDante (July & this Nov 2025)
🌺 Windstar – Tahiti on Star Breeze (June 2024) As a Virtuoso Cruise Icon—in the top 1% of cruise advisors
worldwide—I bring my clients:
✨ Firsthand experience on award-winning ships
✨ Insider knowledge & executive connections
✨ Exclusive perks, private sales & VIP treatment
✨ Virtuoso Cruise Award Winner Spotlight – Oceania Cruises ✨🏆 Recognized as Best Contemporary & Premium Ocean Cruise Line Why Oceania stands out:
⚓ Intimate ships — just 684 guests on their smaller ships, or
up to ~1,250 on their larger ones, so you never feel lost in a crowd.
🌍 Destination focus — longer port stays and unique itineraries that let you dive deeper into each place. As a Virtuoso Cruise Icon, I can open doors to VIP perks, private sales, and insider upgrades when you sail Oceania. 👩👧 For me, sailing
Oceania wasn’t just about the ship — it was about slowing down, connecting, and creating memories that last forever on a very special mother–daughter trip. 📅 Where could Oceania take you? Europe, Asia, South America — or maybe a family trip of your own? #VirtuosoTravel #CruiseIcon #OceaniaCruises #LuxuryCruise #MotherDaughterTrip #ReturnOnLife
#LushLifeTravel
✨ Virtuoso Cruise Award Winner Spotlight – Ponant Expeditions ✨🏆 Recognized as Top Expedition Cruise Line Why Ponant is truly unmatched:
❄️ Le Commandant Charcot — a world-class luxury icebreaker, sailing where
few ships can, even to the North Pole.
🐧 Wildlife encounters — penguins in Antarctica, polar bears in the Arctic, whales along the way.
🥂 French indulgence onboard — champagne & caviar, foie gras & truffles, warm baguettes.
🌍 Sustainability at heart — hybrid-powered ships designed with respect for fragile ecosystems. Earlier this year, I sailed Le
Commandant Charcot with my niece Sandy from Quebec City to St. Pierre & Miquelon. Imagine:
✨ Champagne & caviar on ice
✨ Dog sledding in Quebec
✨ Snowshoe hiking in Saguenay & the Magdalen Islands
✨ Ice fishing adventures
✨ Mi’kmaq cultural stories
✨ Finishing in France at St. Pierre A true symphony of ice, culture, and French art de vivre. 💙 As a Virtuoso Cruise Icon, I can open doors to exclusive perks, private offers, and insider access when you sail with Ponant. 📍 Tell me — would you choose Arctic, Antarctica, or beyond? #Ponant #VirtuosoTravel #ExpeditionCruise #LuxuryCruise #PolarExploration #VirtuosoCruiseIcon
#LushLifeTravel
✨ Virtuoso Cruise Award Winner Spotlight – Explora Journeys ✨🏆 Recognized as Best Ultra-Luxury Cruise Experience – 2025 Explora Journeys has redefined what ultra-luxury cruising looks like — and Virtuoso agreed, awarding them
Best Ultra-Luxury Cruise Experience. From the intimate, yacht-inspired design to immersive destination experiences and world-class dining, this isn’t just cruising. It’s a journey that connects you deeply to the places you visit — and to yourself. As a Virtuoso Cruise Icon, I can unlock VIP
perks, private sales, and insider upgrades when you sail with Explora. 🌍 Where would you take your Explora journey first? #VirtuosoCruiseIcon #ExploraJourneys #LuxuryCruise #ReturnOnLife #LushLifeTravel
🎥 Twinning is Winning TravelThis past year has
reminded me that travel is always richer when it’s shared. My award-winning voyages have been unforgettable because I’ve shared them with the people I love: 👩👧 Oceania with my Mom – slowing down, connecting, creating memories.
🌊 Explora Journeys with my Cousin Joanie – Istanbul sunsets and Greek island magic.
🧊 Ponant with my Niece Sandy – champagne, icebreaking,
and Mi’kmaq culture. Whether it’s family, friends, or a milestone celebration, these shared experiences are the ones that last a lifetime. Twinning is Winning Travel — and these cruises prove it.
📅 Ready to Plan Your Bucket List Cruise?The five cruise lines recognized at Virtuoso Travel Week are the best of the best. And
I know exactly what makes each of them special, because I’ve sailed on all of them. 📩 Let’s Start Planning Your Bucket List Journey:
🔹 Pre-Consultation Survey
🔹 Schedule a Consult 📺 Subscribe for travel stories & behind-the-scenes footage: YouTube Channel Sheila Gallant-Halloran
Virtuoso Cruise Icon | AmaWaterways Elite Advisor | Luxury Travel Expert
🌐 www.lushlife.ca | ✉️ sheila@lushlife.ca 🌍 This Week’s 4 Travel CornersEach week, we bring you insights from four inspiring corners of the travel world—designed to spark ideas, fuel your wanderlust, and keep you in the loop on what’s possible next: River Cruise Corner – Explore the best of river cruising with itinerary highlights, ship spotlights, and insider tips. Adventure Travel Corner
– From safaris to polar expeditions, get inspired by journeys that push the boundaries of exploration. Wellness Travel Corner – Discover retreats, resorts, and experiences that help you relax, recharge, and reconnect. Come Travel With Me Corner – Join one of my upcoming hosted group trips and experience the world with fellow curious, like-minded travelers—crafted and guided by me. Where will your next
corner of the world be? Let’s find out together. 1. River Cruise Corner - 🎶 Singing Do-Re-Mi in Salzburg! | Sound of Music 60th Anniversary Travel MomentIt’s been 60 years since The Sound of Music first captured hearts—and this year, I had the chance to step into the magic in Salzburg. 🌸 Join me at the Mirabell Gardens, where I stood (and yes—sang!) on the very steps where Maria and the von Trapp children filmed Do-Re-Mi. The joy, the nostalgia, the backdrop… all pure movie magic. ✨ Want to
follow in these footsteps yourself? In 2025, Salzburg is hosting a year-long celebration of the film’s anniversary—and I’m helping travelers combine it with a luxury Danube river cruise with Uniworld. 2. Adventure Travel - Two Continents in One Day | Sailing into Istanbul with Explora JourneysNot every port day lets you wake in Europe and dine in Asia. But when you sail into Istanbul aboard Explora Journeys, you can. From the moment the skyline appears on the horizon to the final sunset over the Bosphorus, this is cruising elevated—history, culture, and luxury all in one unforgettable day. Would you start your journey on the European side or the Asian side?* #ExploraJourneys #LuxuryCruise #Istanbul #TwoContinentsOneDay #TravelInspiration #CruiseLife #ReturnOnLife #LushLifeTravel 3. Wellness -Culinary lessons in RhodesImagine being in Rhodes on an Explora Journeys cruise, and having a culinary lesson about Greek cooking. Today, we were learning to make a proper Greek salad. Thought I'd share it with you to enjoy as well! 4. Come Travel with Me Corner 🌟 Travel With Sheila: AUSTRALIA/ NEW ZEALAND - November- December 2025 Sail
with me on a luxury voyage through two of the world’s most breathtaking destinations—Australia and New Zealand. Sail With Me on Silver Nova: Virtuoso Cruise Icon Celebration This November, I’m deeply honored to be
recognized once again as a Virtuoso Cruise Icon for 2025—a distinction reserved for the top 1% of cruise travel advisors worldwide. To mark this occasion, Silversea and Virtuoso are hosting a special Cruise Icon Celebration aboard the spectacular Silver Nova, and my husband and I will be sailing from November 30 to December 12, 2025. The best part? You’re invited to join us. Together, we’ll depart from Melbourne and cross the Tasman Sea to explore New Zealand’s legendary landscapes and vibrant cities. Along the way, you’ll be immersed in
Silversea’s all-inclusive ultra-luxury experience:
✨ Spacious suites with sweeping ocean views
✨ Exceptional dining and wine experiences
✨ Personalized, intuitive service
✨ A warm, elegant onboard atmosphere This isn’t just a cruise—it’s a chance to celebrate alongside some of the most accomplished Virtuoso
advisors in the world, while exploring one of the planet’s most breathtaking regions. Voyage Highlights: Melbourne’s laneways, galleries & buzzing food scene Scenic
cruising through pristine coastal wonders New Zealand’s charming ports, wine regions & dramatic fjords Exclusive onboard events for the Virtuoso Cruise Icon Celebration With Silver Nova’s
intimate size, every port feels personal, every experience curated, and every moment tailored to you. 📅 View the full itinerary here: Melbourne to Auckland – Silver Nova Itinerary Melbourne to Auckland – Silver Nova Itinerary Space is limited for this rare sailing. Let’s reserve your suite now and make this a once-in-a-lifetime South Pacific
celebration together. 🌟 Travel With Sheila: Quebec & Newfoundland Adventure — Fall 2026🍁 Montreal to Montreal | September 25 – October 9, 2026🛳 14 Nights Aboard Windstar’s Elegant Star Pride Explore Canada’s Wild Atlantic Coast—A Rare Voyage This fall, I’m inviting you on a once-in-a-lifetime journey through Canada’s untamed Atlantic coast—a sailing that Windstar is offering only once. On the
Quebec & Newfoundland Adventure, we’ll journey from cosmopolitan Montreal into towering fjords, colorful fishing villages, and rugged northern coastlines—just as autumn’s golden colors are at their peak. This itinerary is especially meaningful to me—it brings us right to my home province of Newfoundland, where dramatic cliffs meet the endless ocean and every harbor tells a story. And here’s the twist: though the cruise never leaves Atlantic Canada, it does
whisk us to France. With a stop in St. Pierre & Miquelon, you’ll step into a little slice of French culture—without crossing the ocean. (A rare treat, since maritime laws usually require cruises here to include a U.S. port.) Aboard the boutique-style Star Pride, you’ll enjoy:
✨ Small-ship intimacy & personalized service
✨ Destination-inspired gourmet
dining
✨ Open decks perfect for whale watching
✨ A warm, welcoming atmosphere—more like traveling with friends than cruising Itinerary Highlights: Montreal’s vibrant culture & historic Old Port The dramatic fjords of Saguenay Newfoundland’s wild coastlines & fishing villages The French charm of St. Pierre & Miquelon Golden autumn landscapes at every turn 📅 View full itinerary & group pricing here:
Windstar Quebec & Newfoundland Adventure – Details & Booking (If that link gives you trouble, simply copy & paste into your browser. My group receives an exclusive 5% discount on this sailing.) ➡ More details from Windstar here: Quebec & Newfoundland Adventure Itinerary Space is limited, and
demand is high for this one-time voyage. If you’ve ever dreamed of exploring Canada’s Atlantic coast in style, this is the year to make it happen. Let’s reserve your suite and create unforgettable memories together. ✨ Four Directions of Travel InspirationEach edition of our newsletter brings you four curated travel insights to spark your wanderlust and keep you in the know. Here’s what to expect: In the Spotlight - From client journeys to industry features, see how Lush Life Travel is creating memorable adventures—and making headlines along the way. Virtuoso Travel Inspiration –
Handpicked features from Virtuoso Life, Virtuoso Traveler, or Virtuoso Insight—ideas that transport you. Elevate Your Stay – A weekly look at standout hotels from our preferred partner network, plus the VIP perks you receive when booking with Lush Life Travel. Exclusive Offers – Special promotions and insider access available only through Lush Life Travel, a proud affiliate of Direct Travel and top Virtuoso producer. This section is your one-stop compass for ideas, upgrades, and exclusive opportunities—all designed to help you live your lushest travel life.
6. Virtuoso Travel Inspiration
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Enjoy this recent edition of Virtuoso Life, Insider's Guide, and Virtuoso Dispatch—packed with award-winning travel inspiration and insights—all complimentary from me to you. Happy exploring! Swain Destinations invites
your clients to experience South Australia through thoughtfully curated itineraries that highlight the region’s diverse cuisine, landscapes, and wildlife. In Adelaide, they can sip newly released wines and stroll through eucalyptus forests. On Kangaroo Island, they’ll spot sea lions during guided wildlife experiences, and take in the coastal scenery of the Fleurieu Peninsula. With new nonstop flights from the U.S. to Adelaide beginning in December 2025, travel has never been easier. 68251585 Swain Destinations Digital Brochure.pdf
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7.  𝑪𝒉𝒆𝒄𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒐 𝒍𝒖𝒙𝒖𝒓𝒚? 𝑳𝒆𝒕’𝒔 𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒊𝒕 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒃𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓
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Unlock Exclusive Perks for Your Luxury Hotel Stay When you check into one of the world’s finest hotels through me (or via my Virtuoso
self-booking site), you’re stepping into a stay filled with VIP perks like:  Daily breakfast for two Room upgrades (when available) Early check-in / late check-out (when available) A US$100+ food & beverage or spa credit (varies by property)  𝐖𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐤𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐢𝐭 𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐜𝐤 & 𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐲? Just self-bookYou can browse and self-book many of my Virtuoso partner hotels (link in first comment) — booking this way still gets you those amazing perks, with no added fee. Browse & Book Hotels Online.  𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐟𝐚𝐧𝐬, 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐞: If you’re staying at a Four Seasons, let me handle the booking through my Four Seasons Preferred Partner status so you’ll get even more exclusive access and benefits beyond Virtuoso.  𝐖𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐚 𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐦?If you’d like full VIP treatment—think personalized concierge service, curated experiences, and extra-special touches—just hire me to manage the booking. I’ll take care of every detail so you can simply arrive and enjoy. Whether it’s part of a bigger trip I’m planning for you, or just a quick getaway, let’s make every hotel stay unforgettable. (While I specialize in river and expedition cruises, as well as bespoke trips to Africa and Australia, I’m happy to book luxury hotels for my clients. Hotel-only bookings are subject to my professional fees, outlined here: Fee Schedule.)  𝐌𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐕𝐈𝐏 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐲.
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This week, we feature: Mashpi Lodge Exploring the Reserve Perched at 3,116 ft (900 m) above sea level and surrounded by lower montane rainforest and cloud forest, Mashpi Lodge is home to vast flora: ferns, bromeliads, and orchids, many of these newly-discovered. Approximately 500 species of birds –around 36 of which are endemic– inhabit the Mashpi Reserve. It is also home to
monkeys, peccaries, sloths, and even pumas. Naturalist guides lead explorers on treks to various points of interest: the Life Center, Observation Tower, Sky Bikes, and Dragonfly Gondola; traversing gentle streams, refreshing waterfalls, and exciting terrain along the way. A full day at Mashpi allows for two activities (a.m. and p.m.) plus the chance to take part in a guided night walk. Guests can enjoy a massage or treatment in the Spa, a delicious signature cocktail at the bar, or a soothing soak in the outdoor hot tub. Meals are included and feature locally-sourced ingredients and plenty of nutritious options for all types of diets. The Lodge – Modern comfort, where cloud and rainforest meet Virtuoso Amenities For 2025:
Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability - Daily breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, served in the restaurant (already included in property rates)
- $100 USD equivalent Resort or Hotel credit to be utilized during stay (not
combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
- Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
See https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sheilagallanthalloran/hotels/12041661/mashpi-lodge 8. Exclusive Offers 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: The Faroe Islands SMALL OCEAN CRUISE Partner of the week: Seabourn Private Sale –
Celebrate Midsummer: Baltic & Land of the Midnight Sun RIVER CRUISE Partner of the week: AmaWaterways – Vietnam & Riches of the Mekong EXPEDITION CRUISE Partner of the week: Lindblad
Expeditions Galapagos - 35% off for Canadians TOUR PARTNER of the Week: Micato Safaris - Jewels of South Africa HOTEL of the week: The Cormorant at 55 South –
Silversea’s New Gateway to Antarctica LUXURY experience of the week: Private Jet Travel I have some offers and information on all these weekly partners. Click the button to see more.
Unlock Your Lush Life through Travel
At Lush Life Travel, you’re not just booking a trip—you’re unlocking 20 years of travel expertise paired with 20 years in financial services. My focus on detail, risk management, and a network of trusted relationships ensures your journey is seamless, unforgettable, and uniquely yours. Here’s to creating defining moments and living your lush life through travel!
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