Everyone expects glaciers and wildlife on an expedition cruise. Few realize the extraordinary preparation, teamwork, and expertise that make the experience truly unforgettable.
What Is an Expedition Cruise? An Expert Explains What First-Time Travelers Should Expect Read More »
For many first-time expedition cruisers, the biggest concern isn’t Antarctica or the Arctic—it’s stepping into a Zodiac. The good news? It only takes one simple technique to turn uncertainty into confidence. In this article, I explain the Sailor’s Grip, why it’s taught on every expedition cruise, and how this small but powerful skill becomes your gateway to some of the world’s most extraordinary places—from Antarctica and the Galápagos to Iceland and the Arctic.
The Sailor’s Grip: The Simple Skill That Opens the World of Expedition Cruising Read More »
When most people think about adventure travel, they imagine dramatic landscapes, wildlife encounters, and once-in-a-lifetime destinations. Vigur Island, in Iceland’s remote Westfjords, delivers all three. What I didn’t expect was that one simple stick would become one of the most memorable lessons of the entire journey. As our Zodiac landed on the island during
The Stick That Explained Expedition Cruising Read More »
Before I set foot on a glacier, stood beside a waterfall, crossed a lava field, or watched puffins soaring above Iceland’s rugged coastline, I spent several hours at Perlan’s Wonders of Iceland in Reykjavík. Looking back, it may have been the most important stop of my entire journey through the Westfjords with Aurora Expeditions,
Iceland: A Destination You Don’t Just Visit—You Learn to Understand Read More »
One of the questions I hear most often — and I mean most often — is: “Sheila, which river cruise line is the best?” My honest answer is always the same: it depends. And I know that sounds like a dodge, but stay with me. Let me give you a concrete example.
The river is the same. The experience is anything but. Read More »
One of the things I love most about expedition cruising is what it does to your sense of perspective — quietly, almost without you noticing. Most travel experiences are designed around us. Our schedules. Our preferences. Our timelines. The Galápagos Islands are different. Out there, the wildlife makes the rules. If
The Galápagos Teaches You Something Important Read More »
Everyone asks about the castles, the wine, and the excursions. But after sailing the Rhine, Danube, Rhône, and Seine, Ottawa river cruise expert Sheila Gallant-Halloran says there’s one thing that surprises clients most — and it has nothing to do with the itinerary.
The Part of River Cruising Nobody Talks About — From an Ottawa River Cruise Expert Read More »
Ottawa river cruise specialist Sheila Gallant-Halloran previews AmaWaterways’ new Magdalena River cruise in Colombia — with insider tips, current offers, and why this destination is unlike anything in Europe.
Why Colombia May Be River Cruising’s Most Exciting New Destination Read More »
Today is the last day. AMA has combined several of their strongest offers into one limited-time Memorial Day promotion valid through May 31, 2026. Current offers include: Up to C$3,000 per stateroom savings on select 2026 and 2027 Europe and Colombia sailings Complimentary land packages with up to C$3,249 in value on select itineraries Limited-time C$799 AirPlus economy airfare to Europe on eligible departures Some
AMAWaterways Limited Time Offer Read More »
One of the things I love most about river cruising is how often a first sailing turns into a second… before clients have even unpacked. Peter and his wife were referred to me directly by AmaWaterways when they began researching a Danube river cruise. Like many travellers, they wanted guidance on the differences between
From First River Cruise… to Booking the Next One Before Returning Home Read More »
