Some meetings are worth flying across an ocean for.
At the ASTA River Cruise Expo in Vienna, I invested four packed days into what I love most: river cruising. I toured 17 ships across all the top brands, dined onboard with cruise executives, and deepened my understanding of what sets each line apart. Why? Because my clients deserve more than good guesses—they deserve perfect matches.
One of the highlights? Reconnecting with AmaWaterways co-founders Kristin Karst and Rudi Schreiner. Sharing dinner with Kristin and being joined by Rudi was a joy—they were warm, insightful, and full of the Ama spirit. Rudi’s “Ask Me Anything” session was a true insider’s experience. I even had the chance to ask him about Ama’s ship draughts vs. competitors—the kind of detailed, nerdy cruise info I love to use when tailoring trips to client needs.
I also dined aboard ships from Avalon, Viking, Uniworld, and AmaWaterways, experiencing firsthand the onboard ambiance, cuisine, and service that make each line unique. During the expo, I toured 3 Ama ships, 2 Viking ships, 3 Avalon ships, and ships from Tauck, Riviera, Amadeus, Riverside, Emerald, and Scenic as well. Avalon wowed with its panoramic suites and active discovery programs.
Viking impressed with sleek design and consistency—I stayed on Viking Rinda and toured Ingvi (identical footprints make it easy to know what you’re getting). Uniworld’s S.S. Maria Theresa felt like stepping into a baroque palace—an experience fit for royalty.
The artistic elegance of AmaLea, inspired by Gustav Klimt and chartered by Adventures by Disney, struck the perfect balance between family-friendly function and luxury. And the private Vienna Boys’ Choir performance (thank you, Viking!)? Unforgettable. Sixteen boys—aged 10 to 14—sang with the poise of professionals. I was blown away by their discipline, heart, and talent.
One moment I’ll never forget? Receiving a public shoutout from Michelle Palma of Uniworld in front of fellow advisors and cruise partners. She recognized my commitment to river cruising and the work I do to match clients with the right product—and hearing that from someone I respect so deeply was incredibly meaningful.
Beyond the ship tours, I dove deep into education. I learned about AmaWaterways’ group strategy from Kristin Karst and Alex Pinelo, and explored Avalon’s differentiators with Tim Statz. Every session gave me more tools to serve you better.
And let’s not forget the magic of Vienna itself: wandering through Michaelerplatz as horse-drawn carriages clip-clopped by, marveling at St. Stephen’s Cathedral, indulging in cake at Demel, and basking in imperial architecture along the Ringstrasse. This city always sweeps me off my feet.
Being the only Canadian advisor in attendance (that I know of) was an honour. I flew across the ocean to advocate for you, to get face-to-face with the decision-makers, and to gather the insights that only come from being there. As a Virtuoso Cruise Icon, owner of Lush Life Travel, and affiliate of Direct Travel, I don’t just book trips—I bring back knowledge and connections that elevate every itinerary I design.
✨ Ready to find your perfect river cruise match? Let’s talk: sheila@lushlife.ca | #AskSheila
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Sheila Gallant-Halloran | Lush Life Travel
🌍 www.lushlife.ca | ✉️ sheila@lushlife.ca