A Paris Christmas river cruise offers a different way to experience the City of Light. After sailing Europe’s rivers myself, here’s why Uniworld’s S.S. Joie de Vivre stands out—and why expert planning makes all the difference.
Twenty years as an actuary taught me to read fine print. As a three-time Virtuoso Cruise Icon, I use that same instinct to evaluate river cruise lines — and Uniworld’s Magical Parisian Holiday is one I recommend without hesitation. Here’s why, ship by ship, detail by detail.
Paris at Christmas, By River: Inside Uniworld’s Magical Parisian Holiday Read More »
“Should I sail with Tauck or Viking?” It’s one of the questions I’m asked most. As both a Tauck Certified Advisor and a Viking expert, I recently toured ms Grace and Viking Rolf back to back — and the answer isn’t which line is better. It’s which one fits how you travel.
Tauck or Viking? The Better Question Is… Which One Is Right for You? Read More »
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 »
