From the Stage to the Sea: Why I Believe in Ponant’s Art of ExplorationThis week, I had the privilege of speaking at the Virtuoso Cruise Mastery Program – Session 3: Visibility & Influence – Getting Social, Seen & Heard, alongside Tony Logan from
Virtuoso’s Cruise Icon Program and Ellen McIlvaine, Vice President of Sales for Ponant. We met with about 80 new (or soon-to-be!) Virtuoso Cruise Icon travel advisors to explore what it really takes to grow an
authentic brand — one that connects, inspires, and converts — without ever losing your voice. 💙 🎥 Watch my short recap here →
🗣️ What We DiscussedWe unpacked
questions like:
• How do you decide what kind of content truly resonates with cruise clients?
• How do you grow your brand without feeling “salesy”?
• Which types of storytelling actually lead to bookings?
• How do you stay authentic while positioning yourself as a luxury expert?
• Which social platforms deliver the strongest return on life? For me, it all comes down to intention — sharing what I genuinely love. Whether that’s river cruising through Europe’s storybook towns or expedition voyages to the farthest reaches of the Earth, my goal is always to spark curiosity, connection, and wonder. And yes — I bring my whole self to it: my
Newfoundland roots, my humour, my family, my actuarial precision, and even my Blue Jays fandom. ⚾🇨🇦 A heartfelt thank-you to Virtuoso and Ponant for inviting me to share my story and for continuing to elevate what’s possible in luxury exploration. 🌍✨
🌊 Ponant: Where Exploration Meets EleganceIf you’ve seen my Expedition
Cruising Myth #3 reel, you already know how much I admire Ponant. They’ve redefined what expedition cruising can be — proving that adventure and elegance are not opposites, but perfect travel partners. (Scroll down to the adventure travel corner to see the video - also here https://youtube.com/shorts/uVVRJssZ_A0?si=SXIfGOGQqe6ZZYVs ). From Le Commandant Charcot, the world’s only luxury icebreaker, to fine dining by Alain Ducasse, champagne & caviar, and even heated floors, Ponant’s fleet blends discovery with French artistry.
Every voyage feels both intrepid and indulgent — the definition of a Lush Life at sea. 💙
🚢 Inside Le Champlain — French Luxury on the Great LakesThis summer I toured Le Champlain, one of Ponant’s sleek Explorers-class expedition ships, currently chartered by Tauck for Great Lakes journeys. ✨ 92 staterooms & suites
✨ Maximum 184 guests
✨ 1 : 1.5 crew-to-guest ratio
✨ Signature Blue Eye Lounge beneath the waterline 🎥 Watch my ship tour → Ponant may be known for its polar fleet, but ships like Le Champlain carry that same spirit of refined exploration to new regions — from North America’s inland waterways to the farthest corners of the globe.
🧊 World-Class Icebreaker, French Elegance, Timeless Adventure🥂 Champagne and caviar in the middle of the Arctic? Absolutely.
That’s Ponant, recently named Top Expedition Cruise Line at the Virtuoso Gala. Here’s what sets them apart:
• 🚢 True polar exploration — from Québec City to St. Pierre & Miquelon and the North Pole.
• 🐧 Wildlife encounters — penguins, polar bears, and whales in their natural habitats.
• 🥂 French indulgence onboard — champagne & caviar, foie gras & truffles, fresh-baked baguettes.
• 🌍 Immersive adventures ashore — dog sledding, snowshoeing in Saguenay, ice fishing on frozen
lakes.
• 🌿 Sustainability at heart — hybrid-powered ships built to protect fragile ecosystems.
• 🪶 Cultural connections — Mi’kmaq traditions and voyages that end in France itself. Ponant’s vision of exploration meets elegance is exactly what I spoke about in my Virtuoso session: purposeful travel that blends meaning, mastery, and
magic.
🌐 Explore Current Ponant OffersPonant’s latest collection includes exclusive savings, early-booking privileges, and solo traveller advantages — all curated to inspire your next journey. 🔗 View current offers → One that isn't out for sale yet that has my heart? ❤️
The Circumnavigation of Antarctica 2027, launching for sale this December — a once-in-a-lifetime voyage that literally circles the White Continent.
It’s a true bucket-list expedition… and I
can help you be among the first to reserve it when it opens.
Let me know if you’d like to go — we’ll craft your dream expedition, complete with Virtuoso perks and my personal insights from sailing aboard Le Commandant Charcot. #VirtuosoCruiseIcon #Ponant
#ExpeditionCruising #LuxuryTravel #ReturnOnLife #LiveYourLushLife 🌍 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 - ⏰✨ Would You Wait 600 Years for a Show Like This? ✨⏰In the heart of Prague’s Old Town Square, crowds still gather every hour to watch one of the world’s oldest performances — the Astronomical Clock coming to life.
🇨🇿 For more than 600 years, this intricate masterpiece has mesmerized travelers with its moving apostles, tolling skeleton, and ringing bells — a timeless reminder that even centuries later, craftsmanship and wonder never go out of style. And that same sense of artistry and attention to detail is exactly what draws me to AmaWaterways. Their ships glide through Europe’s most storied rivers — places like Budapest, Vienna, and Prague — combining comfort, culture, and connection in every moment. If you’ve ever dreamed of standing in front of Prague’s Astronomical Clock, coffee in hand as the bells begin to chime, this is your year to make it happen. Pair that timeless moment with an AmaWaterways Danube cruise — and my exclusive private 2-for-1 offer — for an unforgettable journey through the heart of Europe.
💙 Private 2-for-1 AmaWaterways Offers (Exclusive to Lush Life Travel)Each of the sailings below features my private 2-for-1 pricing, available only through Lush Life Travel — even better than AmaWaterways’ public Anniversary Sale. You can also add a 3-night Prague stay before or after your cruise to make your journey complete. 1️⃣ Melodies of the Danube – Nov 10 2025 (AmaVerde)Budapest → Vilshofen View Itinerary & Dates Published AA rate after anniversary sale:
$7,445 pp Lush Life Private 2-for-1 rate: $4,327.50 pp Optional 3-night Prague post-cruise add-on (+ $1,286 pp) 2️⃣ Melodies of the Danube (Wine Theme) – Nov 12 2025 (AmaSonata)Budapest →
Vilshofen View Itinerary & Dates Published AB rate after anniversary sale: $6,982 pp Lush Life Private 2-for-1 rate: $4,393.50 pp Optional 3-night Prague post-cruise add-on (+ $1,286 pp) 3️⃣ Romantic Danube – Nov 12 2025 (AmaReina)Vilshofen → Budapest View Itinerary & Dates Published AA rate after anniversary sale: $7,246 pp Lush Life Private 2-for-1 rate: $4,525.50 pp Optional 3-night Prague pre-cruise add-on (+ $1,286 pp) 4️⃣ Romantic Danube – Nov 15 2025 (AmaLea)Vilshofen → Budapest View Itinerary & Dates Published AA rate after anniversary sale: $7,714 pp Lush Life Private 2-for-1 rate:
$3,959.50 pp Optional 3-night Prague pre-cruise add-on (+ $1,286 pp)
🏰 Why Add Prague to Your AmaWaterways CruiseYour 3-night Prague extension includes: Breakfast each morning A guided city tour with local experts Your cruise manager continuing as concierge on land A comfortable motorcoach transfer to or from your ship in Vilshofen (≈ 3 hours) It’s the perfect way to blend the magic of the Danube with the timeless
beauty of Prague.
💼 Professional Fee: My cruise booking & management fee of $110 per person + tax applies.
🎥 Watch the full hourly “show” of the Prague Clock — then imagine seeing it in person next November! 👉 Which Danube itinerary speaks to you? Hit reply, and I’ll
personally secure your preferred cabin while space lasts. #Prague #AmaWaterways #RiverCruise #VirtuosoCruiseIcon #LuxuryTravel #ReturnOnLife #LiveYourLushLife 2. Adventure Travel - 🌊 Expedition Cruising Myths – #3: “It’s Too Rugged”Continuing our myth-busting series on expedition
cruising… When people hear “expedition cruising,” they often imagine roughing it — cold cabins, muddy boots, and tents on the ice. The truth? Expedition cruising today is anything but rugged. Modern expedition ships are floating sanctuaries of comfort — designed to take you to the ends of the Earth in style. Picture yourself sailing aboard Ponant’s Le Commandant Charcot, the world’s only luxury icebreaker. One moment, you’re gliding through pack ice near the North
Pole… the next, you’re sipping champagne, savouring caviar and lobster, and dining on menus crafted by Alain Ducasse himself. 🇫🇷🥂🦞 It’s French art de vivre at sea — paired with heated floors, a spa, elegant lounges, and a butler who knows just how you like your café crème. Across the industry, expedition lines like Lindblad Expeditions, Silversea, Seabourn, and Ponant are redefining what “adventure” means — delivering luxury, sustainability, and soul in every voyage. You might hike across black-sand beaches, kayak beside penguins, or witness ice calving in Antarctica — and
return to the comfort of your balcony suite and a perfectly poured glass of wine. Adventure doesn’t mean giving up luxury.
It means discovering the wildest corners of our planet beautifully. Playing Catch Up on the Myth Busting Series? I got you covered. See below.: 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! 🇨🇦 Limited-Time Offer for Canadian Residents — Save 20% by Oct 31 2025Lindblad Expeditions has just announced an exclusive 20% savings for Canadian residents on select 2025 – 2026 voyages
booked by October 31, 2025.
➡️ Full offer details
This is a fantastic
opportunity to experience one of the world’s most respected expedition cruise lines — blending National Geographic-level discovery with refined comfort and meaningful cultural connection. Here are two standout sailings included in the promotion:
🧭 Norway, Sweden & Denmark: Nordic Flavors and Scenic Landscapes📍
Explore Scandinavia’s coastlines, fjords, and culinary traditions aboard National Geographic Resolution
🗓️ 2026 departures
🌐 View itinerary →
🌋 North Atlantic Wonders: Iceland, Scotland & the Faroes📍 Sail between volcanic islands and dramatic cliffs — Iceland’s geysers, the wild Faroes, and the Scottish Isles
🗓️ 2026 departures
🌐 View itinerary →
As a Virtuoso Cruise Icon and top Lindblad partner, I can help you secure the Canadian Resident savings, choose your ideal suite, and coordinate pre- or post-land extensions. If an expedition cruise has been on your list — from the Arctic to Antarctica — now’s the perfect time to reserve it. 👉 Reply to this newsletter or schedule a quick call before Oct 31 so we can lock in your 20% savings. #LindbladExpeditions #ExpeditionCruising
#VirtuosoCruiseIcon #AdventureLuxury #ReturnOnLife #LiveYourLushLife 3. Wellness Corner - Live Longer, Feel Better — The SHA Wellness Experience In a world that moves faster every
year, true luxury is time — time to rest, recharge, and realign your life. Few places help you do that quite like SHA Wellness. Perched above Spain’s Mediterranean coast, SHA Wellness isn’t just a spa or a retreat — it’s one of the world’s leading wellness and longevity clinics, combining cutting-edge medical
science with holistic therapies in a serene, design-forward setting. Here, longevity isn’t about chasing youth — it’s about optimizing your vitality, clarity, and energy so you can live better, longer. ✨ What Makes SHA So TransformativeYour journey begins with personalized diagnostics — from metabolic and hormonal analyses to stress and sleep assessments. Then, an expert team of nutritionists, doctors, and therapists crafts a bespoke wellness program just for you. Days flow naturally between mindful movement, restorative spa
therapies, anti-inflammatory cuisine, and Mediterranean sunsets that remind you how good “well” can feel. SHA’s philosophy is simple but powerful: “Health is not a goal — it’s a way of living.”
🌍 Where Science Meets SerenityWhether you choose the flagship SHA Wellness Clinic in Alicante, Spain, or the new SHA Mexico on the Riviera Nayarit, every detail is designed to nurture both body and spirit — from minimalist architecture and sea views to moments of quiet reflection that inspire lasting change. Guests often describe the experience as life recalibration. They leave not only lighter, but more aligned — armed with daily habits, clarity, and vitality that last long after check-out. 💫 Virtuoso ExclusiveThrough Lush Life Travel, you can enjoy a Transformative Health Journey at
SHA Residences with Virtuoso-exclusive benefits when you book through my link below. 👉 Discover the SHA Wellness Experience If you’ve ever dreamed of taking a trip that truly changes how you feel — not just where you go — SHA Wellness is one of the most meaningful journeys you can make. Because at the end of the
day, wellness travel isn’t about escape — it’s about coming home to yourself. — Sheila 💙 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 (per
person) | Solo (per
person) | Availability |
|---|
SBS1 Star Balcony Suite | $13,340 | $26,587 | 07 left | BS1 Balcony Suite | $12,986 | $25,879 | 12 left | SBS Star Balcony Suite | $12,504 | $24,915 | 01 left | BS Balcony Suite | $12,403 | $24,713 | 04 left | S3 Ocean View
Suite | $10,452 | $20,811 | 04 left | S2 Ocean View Suite | $10,313 | $20,533 | 10 left | SS1 Star Ocean View Suite | $10,224 | $20,355 | 03 left | S1 Ocean View Suite | $10,098 | $20,103 | 06 left | S Ocean View
Suite | $ 9,895 | $19,697 | 01 left | SP Star Porthole Suite | $ 9,338 | $18,583 | 05 left |
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: Newfoundland Wit on “This Hour Has 22 Minutes” Every now and then, a clip comes along that just makes you laugh out loud — and for me, this one hit close to home. Fellow Corner Brook native Trent McClellan from CBC’s
This Hour Has 22 Minutes has gone viral again — and if you need a quick smile, this is it. 😄 🎥 Have a watch and a laugh: “We got a big day lined up for you… probably go to Peggy’s Cove!”
👉 Watch the clip here
It’s pure east-coast humour — sharp, self-aware, and full of that unmistakable Newfoundland warmth. For those of us who grew up there, it’s a reminder that no matter where we travel, homegrown humour keeps us grounded (and giggling). 📺 Catch “This Hour Has 22 Minutes” Tuesdays at 8 PM on CBC. Stream anytime on CBC Gem 💡 Want more laughs? TikTok @thishourhas22minutes , Facebook /22minutes , Instagram @thishourhas22minutes , Subscribe to CBC Comedy → YouTube Sometimes, between planning trips and chasing new
horizons, a little homegrown laughter is exactly the “return on life” we all need. 💙 #NewfoundlandHumour #CornerBrookProud #CBCComedy #22Minutes #ReturnOnLife #LiveYourLushLife
Subscribe to my youtube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@SheilaGallantHalloran 📩 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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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! A Dispatch from the Editors: What’s Next for Travel
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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: Fairmont Mayakoba Soak in the sun, sand, and secluded vibe of Mayakoba at Fairmont Heritage Place – a 401-room-and-suite resort with all the makings for
a dreamy getaway. Enjoy everything from accommodations with private plunge pools and 24-hour concierge service to sea-to-table cuisine, Mayan-inspired spa treatments, and a Greg-Norman-designed golf course that winds through three distinct ecosystems. There’s even a kids’ club for children aged 5 to 11. Perfect for when you need your own time out. Virtuoso AmenitiesFor 2025: - Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- Daily Buffet breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, served in the restaurant
- $150 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/16573590/fairmont-heritage-place-mayakoba 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: Istria SMALL OCEAN CRUISE Partner of the week: Windstar Tahiti RIVER CRUISE Partner of the week: Ama Waterways Upgrades EXPEDITION CRUISE Partner of the week: Ponant TOUR PARTNER of the
Week: Golf Traveller
HOTEL of the week: Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal
LUXURY experience of the week: Orient Express Sailing Yachts 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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