Sunday, November 23, 2025 Black Friday Doesn’t Have to Mean Busy — It Can Mean Brilliant Travel Black Friday has arrived, and with it comes a flood of
travel promotions. But here’s the difference with Lush Life Travel:
You don’t have to sift through hundreds of offers. We’ve hand-selected the best ones—the ones that bring joy, discovery, indulgence, and extraordinary value. Black Friday isn’t
just for tech and retail. It’s also one of the smartest times of the year to book travel, with cruise lines and tour companies releasing exclusive promotions you simply won’t see again for months—sometimes all year. Why This Moment Matters• Lower rates on 2025 and 2026 sailings
• Exclusive perks like free upgrades, reduced deposits, onboard
credits, and sometimes complimentary airfare or excursions
• Limited cabins & limited time—the best deals go first
• Longer cancellation windows, making now the most flexible time to plan And you don’t have to search for any of it.
I’ve already done that for
you.
✨ Your Black Friday Travel HubExplore everything in one place, updated as new offers drop:
👉 Main Black Friday Page:
https://my.dt.com/sheilagh/en/black-friday From there, you can browse by travel style:
🌍 For the ExplorersIf you dream of remote landscapes, polar adventures, safari moments, or off-the-beaten-path experiences:
🔗 https://my.dt.com/sheilagh/en/vacation/15564/Black-Friday-Deals-For-the-Explorers
🏛 For the Cultural EnthusiastsThink river cruising, art cities, UNESCO sites, wine regions, and immersive travel:
🔗 https://my.dt.com/sheilagh/en/vacation/15563/Black-Friday-Deals-For-the-Cultural-Enthusiasts
🎉 For the Fun LoversSun, celebrations, entertainment, warm-weather escapes, and lively resort vibes:
🔗 https://my.dt.com/sheilagh/en/vacation/15565/Black-Friday-Deals-For-the-Fun-Lovers
📚 For the StorytellersTravel that leaves you changed—expeditions, history-rich journeys, culinary moments, and soul-stirring experiences:
🔗 https://my.dt.com/sheilagh/en/vacation/15566/Black-Friday-Deals-For-the-Story-Tellers
☀️ For the Sun SeekersWarm beaches, turquoise waters, cocktails with little umbrellas, and winter
escapes:
🔗 https://my.dt.com/sheilagh/en/vacation/15567/Black-Friday-Deals-For-the-Sun-Seekers
✨ Why Book During Black Friday?Booking now lets you:
✔ Lock in lower
fares
✔ Secure limited-time perks
✔ Plan farther ahead on a better budget
✔ Book before the most popular dates and cabin categories disappear
✔ Give yourself (and your future self!) something wonderful to look forward to These offers stretch your travel dollars further—turning “maybe later” into
“let’s make this happen.”
✨ Final ThoughtBlack Friday doesn’t have to be chaotic.
It can be curated, thoughtful, and full of possibility. Whether you’re dreaming of Europe’s rivers, the world’s oceans, a cultural immersion,
or a sun-soaked escape, this is one of the best times of the year to book your next adventure. I’m here to help you navigate the options and match the perfect offer to the journey you want most. Ready to explore?
Just reply. ❤️ Warmly,
Sheila Gallant-Halloran
Virtuoso Cruise Icon | Founder, Lush Life Travel
www.lushlife.ca
If you'd like, I can create
shorter teaser versions for Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn, plus MailerLite buttons styled in your brand colours. 🌍 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 - ✨ Les Chaînes des Rôtisseurs Dinner Onboard the AmaDante ✨One of the highlights of my recent Paris & Normandy sailing with AmaWaterways was a night that felt like pure river-cruise magic: a full Chaîne des Rôtisseurs–inspired
dinner onboard the beautiful AmaDante, shared with my wonderful group as we floated along the Seine. The dining room glowed with candlelight, the river drifted quietly outside the windows, and course after thoughtful course arrived — each one beautifully prepared, elegantly plated, and paired with wines that brought
every flavour to life. It was already a special evening… and then it became unforgettable. After the main course, our exceptional server Alex paused tableside to share the history and traditions of La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, the prestigious international gastronomic society that influences the culinary program
onboard. Hearing how these traditions shape the artistry in each dish — and why AmaWaterways honours those standards — added a layer of meaning that elevated the entire experience. My group loved every moment: the flavours, the laughter, the stories shared over perfectly crafted plates. It was one of those nights when travel feels expansive and intimate all at once — where you’re not just dining, you’re connecting, learning, and
savouring something truly unique. These are the moments that remind me why I love river cruising:
❤️ the culinary excellence
❤️ the conversations that linger long after dessert
❤️ the sense of place — Paris glowing just beyond the glass
❤️ and the joy of sharing these experiences with people who quickly become friends Here’s to Alex, to the AmaDante, and to all the delicious memories still ahead on the rivers of Europe. ❤️ 2. Adventure Travel - 🌊 Myth #5: “Expedition Cruising Is Too Expensive” — The Real TruthThis week, I’m tackling the latest in my
Expedition Cruising Myths series — and it’s one I hear more often than you might think: Myth #5: “Expedition cruising is too expensive.”
Let’s clear this one up. Expedition cruising is a bucket-list experience — Antarctica, the
Galápagos, the Arctic, Patagonia — but it’s also one of the highest-value ways to explore the world. Here’s why: 🌍 Excursions are included
Every Zodiac
landing, guided hike, and wildlife encounter comes with your voyage — no extra charges. 🎓 Daily enrichment programs
Naturalists, historians, marine biologists, photographers… you’re learning from experts every day. 🍷 Premium inclusions
Many lines include wine, spirits, wifi, and gratuities. Some even include charter flights and expedition gear. 🧊 Unscripted, unforgettable moments
Sailing the Lemaire Channel… walking among penguins… watching glaciers calve… These
memories stay with you forever. Yes, it’s an investment — but one that delivers transformation, perspective, and experiences you simply can’t get anywhere else. If Antarctica, the Galápagos, or
the Arctic is on your list, I’d love to help you find the right ship, season, and itinerary for your lush life. ❤️ #ExpeditionCruising #Antarctica #Galapagos #Arctic #AdventureTravel #LindbladExpeditions #ScenicEclipse #VirtuosoCruiseIcon #TravelAdvisor #LiveYourLushLife
And in case you missed the earlier myths in the series, here’s a quick look back: 🌊 Myth #1: “It’s Too Adventurous.”
Think adventure with amenities — not roughing it. You can sip champagne while watching icebergs drift by. 🧊 Myth #2: “It’s Too Dangerous.”
Modern expedition ships are
marvels of safety and technology — often stronger and more stable than traditional cruise ships. 🦭 Myth #3: “It’s Too Rugged.”
From Ponant’s French elegance to Lindblad’s cozy luxury, these journeys redefine exploration — no compromise required. 📚 Myth #4: “It’s Too Educational.” Truth: Expedition cruising isn’t about sitting through lectures — it’s about learning through wonder.
Expedition cruising is not about being extreme. It’s about embracing the extraordinary. If you’ve ever dreamed of standing on Antarctic ice, exploring the Galápagos, or venturing deep into the Arctic fjords, this is your sign. You don’t need to be a scientist or an athlete — you just need curiosity and a sense of wonder. 👉 Let’s find your perfect expedition — with
Lindblad, Ponant, or another leader in luxury adventure travel.
Because the best journeys don’t just show you the world — they change how you see it. ❤️ #ExpeditionCruising #AdventureLuxury #LindbladExpeditions #Ponant #VirtuosoCruiseIcon #LuxuryTravel #ReturnOnLife #LiveYourLushLife 📚 Myth #4: “It’s Too Educational.” Myth #3 - "Expedition Cruising Is Too Rugged" | Busting the Myths of Expedition Travel Myth #2 - "Expedition Cruising Is Too Dangerous" | Busting the Myths of Expedition Travel Myth #1 About Expedition Cruising: “Isn’t It Too Adventurous?” 🚢✨ Expedition Cruising Myths — Busted! If an expedition cruise has been on your list — from the Arctic to Antarctica — now’s the perfect time to reserve it. #ExpeditionCruising #VirtuosoCruiseIcon #AdventureLuxury #ReturnOnLife #LiveYourLushLife 3. Wellness Corner - Why Not Retire to the Sea? The Rise of “Condo-at-Sea” Living with Crescent Seas
Every so often, a travel concept comes along that feels like it was designed
for people who crave more from the next chapter of life — more freedom, more movement, more inspiration. One of the newest ideas making waves (quite literally!) is Crescent Seas, a company creating residential homes at sea: private oceanfront condos that travel the world. Imagine waking up each day to a
fresh horizon, breathing in sea air from your own balcony, and knowing that wellness is built right into your lifestyle — not as an add-on, but as your daily rhythm. Crescent Seas’ forthcoming ship is designed for long-term living, complete with spa and fitness spaces, hydroponic gardens, beautifully curated dining, elegant lounges, Starlink connectivity, and a community of globally minded residents who value curiosity, culture, and learning. And it sparks a question I hear more and more from clients: Why choose a retirement home… when you could retire on a cruise ship instead? It’s not as
far-fetched as it sounds. Travel is profoundly good for us: new surroundings stimulate the brain, movement keeps the body young, and connection prevents isolation. On a ship like this, you have privacy when you want it and community when you need it. You’re surrounded by ocean views, nourishing food, gentle routines, and the joy of seeing the
world without packing and unpacking. Now, this lifestyle isn’t for everyone — and Crescent Seas is still finalizing its long-term build — but the idea is powerful: a wellness-centred life that prioritizes purpose, connection, discovery, and ease. For anyone who dreams of a next chapter defined by living, not just aging, the sea may hold more possibilities than you think. What do you think? Would you ever trade a traditional retirement for a home that travels the world? ❤️ 4. 🌟 Travel With Me: A Journey Home to Newfoundland — Fall 2026⚓ Windstar: Montréal → St. Pierre → Montréal | September 2026Next September, I’ll be hosting a small group with Windstar Cruises on a beautiful round-trip sailing from Montréal to
St. Pierre, exploring Canada’s East Coast before visiting France — yes, St. Pierre-et-Miquelon is technically part of France! 🇫🇷 This itinerary features no U.S. ports — just stunning scenery, local flavours, and Windstar’s signature blend of casual luxury and discovery. 🇨🇦✨ 👉 Learn More About the Sailing:
Windstar Québec–Newfoundland Adventure 🎶 Explore My Hosted Group –
Itinerary, Ship & Pricing Details:
Sheila’s Hosted Windstar Group Page
🛥️ Deck Plan & Suite Pricing Overview📄 View Deck Plan (PDF):
Windstar Breeze / Legend / Pride Deck Plan Below are current indicative fares (in CAD) for double and solo occupancy on this sailing.
Category |
Double
(pp) |
Solo
(pp) | |
|---|
SBS1
Star Balcony Suite | $13,340 | $26,587 | |
BS1
Balcony Suite | $12,986 | $25,879 | |
SBS
Star Balcony Suite | $12,504 | $24,915 | |
BS
Balcony Suite | $12,403 | $24,713 | |
S3
Ocean View Suite | $10,452 | $20,811 | |
S2
Ocean View Suite | $10,313 | $20,533 | |
SS1
Star Ocean View Suite | $10,224 | $20,355 | |
S1
Ocean View Suite | $10,098 | $20,103 | |
S
Ocean View Suite | $ 9,895 | $19,697 | |
SP
Star Porthole Suite | $ 9,338 | $18,583 | |
Prices are in CAD and include taxes, non-commissionable fares, and port charges. Solo pricing
reflects the full fare including the single supplement.
🍽️ Why WindstarWindstar’s boutique yachts carry just 148–342 guests, blending small-ship freedom with world-class culinary experiences and personal service. Discover What Makes Windstar
Unique In Partnership with the James Beard Foundation Culinary Excellence at Sea I don’t often get to invite clients to travel with me to my home province of Newfoundland — but this is that special chance. This itinerary is uniquely
meaningful to me: it takes us along Canada’s Atlantic coast, right to the rugged cliffs and colourful harbours where I grew up. Every stop tells a story, and I’d love to share those stories with you. And here’s the twist: while this cruise stays entirely in Canadian waters, it still whisks us to France. With a
stop in St. Pierre & Miquelon, you’ll step into a slice of French culture without ever crossing the Atlantic. (A rare treat, since maritime laws normally require a U.S. port on Canadian sailings.) We’ll be sailing on Windstar’s boutique-style Star Pride, where the atmosphere feels more like traveling with
friends than traditional cruising. On board, you’ll enjoy:
✨ Small-ship intimacy & personalized service
✨ Destination-inspired gourmet dining
✨ Open decks perfect for whale watching
✨ A warm, welcoming atmosphere 🌊 Itinerary HighlightsMontreal – vibrant culture & historic Old Port Saguenay
– dramatic fjords carved by ice Newfoundland – wild coastlines & fishing villages St. Pierre & Miquelon – authentic French charm right next door Golden autumn landscapes at every turn 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. 5. Spotlight: Early Mornings on the AmaDante ☕✨ There’s something about early mornings on the AmaDante that just hits different. Fresh croissants, warm pastries, espresso, cappuccinos — all waiting at the self-serve coffee bar before the day even begins. It’s these small, quiet rituals that make river cruising feel so effortlessly luxurious… and this one might be my favourite. ❤️ So
tell me — what’s calling your name first: the cappuccino or the pastries? 😍 📩 Let’s Start Planning Your Bucket List Journey: 🔹 Pre-Consultation Survey: 🔹 Schedule a Consult Sheila Gallant-Halloran | www.lushlife.ca | ✉️ sheila@lushlife.ca
6. Virtuoso Travel Inspiration
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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: Le Bristol Paris Le Bristol Paris is an icon of French elegance and art de vivre located at one of the city’s most prestigious addresses on rue
du Faubourg Saint-Honoré. The first of only 31 hotels in France to receive the “Palace” distinction, the hotel is a brief walk from a handful of other iconic palaces, most notably the Élysée, the Grand Palais and the Louvre. Now completely renovated, the 190 rooms and suites — among the largest in Paris — maintain all of their classic sophistication with furnishings from the Louis XV and Louis XVI eras and original artworks, complemented by a bright, contemporary palette of soft hues, sumptuous
woodwork and noble interiors. Views to one side extend over Paris’s rooftops, all the way to the Eiffel Tower and Montmartre. To the other, a lush 13,000 square foot courtyard garden offers a soothing oasis of greenery and calm. Le Bristol is perhaps best known for its outstanding dining tradition that the hotel has engendered for over 20 years.
Epicure, Le Bristol’s premier dining experience for its tasting menu and award-winning wine list, has held 3 Michelin stars since 2009. 114 Faubourg, a classic brasserie-style restaurant, has maintained its Michelin star since 2013. The two restaurants offer a rarefied encounter with regionally sourced ingredients transformed into delicious dishes by expert hands, to be enjoyed with homemade ancient grain bread produced entirely in-house — from mill, to hearth, to plate. Virtuoso Amenities For
2025: - Upgrade at time of booking, subject to availability
- Daily Full breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, served in the restaurant
- $100 USD equivalent Food & Beverage 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
https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sheilagallanthalloran/suppliers/4281/le-bristol-paris-oetker-hotels 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: Australia - Come Say G'Day SMALL OCEAN CRUISE Partner of the week: Black Friday with Azamara RIVER CRUISE Partner of the week: Avalon Waterways Black Friday EXPEDITION CRUISE Partner of the week: Quark Expeditions Black Friday TOUR PARTNER of the Week: Remote Lands Asia
HOTEL of the week: Plush Pads
LUXURY experience of the week: Champagne and caviar on repeat with Cunard 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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