OTTAWA — Sheila Gallant-Halloran of Ottawa’s Lush Life Travel, a Direct Travel affiliate, has been recognized as a 2024 Virtuoso Cruise Icon.
The honour is for travel advisors whose sales performance excels within the industry. Gallant-Halloran is one of just 137 travel advisors across eight countries worldwide who have earned the Virtuoso Cruise Icon designation and who collectively represent the top 1% in Virtuoso’s cruise sales.
“We extend our warmest congratulations to Sheila for her well-deserved recognition as a Virtuoso Cruise Icon,” said Virtuoso’s Vice President of Cruise, Melissa Araya. “She has demonstrated resilience, ingenuity and a steadfast commitment to exceeding client expectations while supporting our cruise partners. Sheila’s achievements serve as an inspiration to fellow advisors and a testament to her skill, determination and passion for cruising as a means of delivering unforgettable travel experiences.”
As a Virtuoso Cruise Icon, Gallant-Halloran will have access to various events and networking opportunities, like Virtuoso Travel Week, designed to foster growth and collaboration while sharing and cultivating best practices within the network’s cruise community.
Cruise Icons can also offer exclusive benefits to their clients on over 400 select cruises annually across 13 separate cruise lines via the Virtuoso Voyages program, including a dedicated onboard host and a choice of an additional benefit ranging in value from $500 per couple to several thousand dollars, depending on the sailing.
“I am honoured to have achieved the Cruise Icon status,” said Gallant-Halloran. “Previously as a consulting actuary, I helped clients maximize their return on investments. Now, as a Virtuoso luxury cruise travel advisor, I help clients maximize their return on life. As a ‘happiness actuary,’ in the balance of life, I ensure clients don’t risk their leisure hours as they travel the world. I am privileged that this Icon recognition brings new opportunities for growth, which I will leverage to build clients’ notable memories. Time is not refundable, and it’s truly an honour to work with the Virtuoso, Lush Life and Direct Travel teams to help clients maximize their most precious and perishable asset – their leisure time.”
