Join Karen Loftus & Artist Freiman Stoltzfus
for a creative and highly-inspired Week at Sea!
Mediterranean Cruise
August 14th - 21st, 2026
Cruise Lisbon to Barcelona with Crystal Cruises Aboard the Crystal Serenity
Join Karen Loftus and Freiman Stoltzfus for a Mediterranean Experience with Crystal Cruises
Set sail aboard the Crystal Serenity for a luxurious seven-night, eight-day Mediterranean coed cruise from Lisbon to Barcelona. Tour the Iberian Peninsula on a voyage around the coasts of Portugal and Spain.
Our coed cruise begins in Lisbon, the dynamic Portuguese capital. We relax into life at sea for a day as we cross the Spanish border to Cádiz.
Málaga comes next, another city graced with sandy shores. Learn about its most famous son at the Picasso Museum. In Cartegena, uncover the layers of civilization that stretch back here to 220 BC, including a Roman amphitheater.
In Alicante, tuck into some paella – this is its birthplace – and go in search of a pirate’s lair at Tabarca, Castellon. Finally, we'll conclude our cruise in Barcelona, the invigorating capital of Catalonia.
This journey blends world-class cruising with exclusive, small-group experiences. Guests will gather for private cocktail receptions and sit-down dinners on the opening and closing nights with acclaimed international artist Freiman Stoltzfus and co-host Karen Loftus who is a Travel Advisor with Lofty Traveler as well as WAT's Adventuress in Chief.
Freiman, an acclaimed and prolific artist, will take the stage and share insights and spill the creative tea from an artistic career that spans a decades and has taken him around the world.
This unforgettable experience is for artists, art-lovers, and collectors alike, alongside creative souls simply seeking inspiration. All in attendance will gain artistic insight and inspiration, and revel in the story of Freiman's phenomenal journey that led him from the farm and the fields of Lancaster, Pennsylvania to the canvas and around the world.
This trip offers rare, front-row access and the opportunity to learn directly from a beautifully talented, accomplished and wildly inspired artist in an intimate, unforgettable and inspiring setting at sea. It's a chance to connect, collaborate, and be creatively inspired and recharged among a remarkable circle of brilliant, like-minded, highly spirited and creatively individuals who travel deeply, think boldly, and love art in its many forms.
Don’t miss your seat at this table for this creative feast where you devour art and approach every day creatively from dawn to dusk.
Spaces are extremely limited for this Salon at Sea. Secure your spot today for this joyful, soul-stirring travel experience with the esteemed artist Freiman Stoltzfus.
Best bet is to hop on a call with Karen Loftus, who is also a Travel Advisor with her other brand Lofty Traveler to discuss the details of this trip and to secure your spot. Depending upon the interest in the group, pre and post tours in Lisbon and Barcelona and curated private port tours for our group only will be designed. All details discussed on your call.
Read further below to capture all of the travel and cruise details as well as the daily Artistic workshop information.
PS - See what our clients and travelers at Lofty Traveler have said about us on our Testimonial Page.
This is a peek into how we work with all of our travelers and clients, be it groups or custom travel, here on our Travel Consultant Page
For more information on Karen Loftus, your host, check out our Founders Page
See below for more details!
We can't wait to travel with you!
Come for the Creativity
Adventure Details
About the Trip
Set sail aboard the Crystal Serenity for a luxurious 7-night Mediterranean cruise from Lisbon to Barcelona, visiting Cadiz, Malaga, Cartagena, Alicante nd Castellon before your finish in Barcellona in Spain.
Choose How You Cruise
A Cultural, Creative, Luxe Cruise Curated by Lofty Traveler™
This is not a one-size-fits-all cruise. This is unlike any other travel experience or arrangement, our Supper Club at Sea is a bespoke blend of community and customization — where you choose how you travel, how you connect, and how you cruise.
Hosted by Karen Loftus (aka Lofty) — an accomplished Luxury Travel Advisor, award-winning playwright, international comedian and journalist, and founder of Women’s Adventure Travels™ and Lofty Traveler™ — this experience brings together the best of both of her businesses and both worlds: the camaraderie and connection of group travel, paired with the freedom and flexibility of a private, custom itinerary designed just for you.
Join our inspiring community of travelers for private events and curated experiences including:
🥂 Exclusive cocktail soirées
🍽️ Intimate dinners
💬 Inspiring talk and Q&A with acclaimed artist Freiman Stoltzfus
🌍 Unique group tours and excursions
You’ll experience community, connection and creativity at every turn.
Join WAT's curated tours specifically designed for our group only, explore with Crystal’s excursions on offer, or design your own adventures — or mix and match all of the three above.
You can join in for dining and events only, dive fully into our itinerary and tours, or DIY your own day at port. It's all up to you!
In the consult call and throughout the booking process, Karen Loftus will personally help design your perfect tour and experience - so you can flow seamlessly between curated moments and spontaneous self-discovery, so it fits you and or your group's travel style, pace, and passions.
Bring your friends, family, career colleagues, or special groups onboard or you can sail solo, but not alone with the group— either way(s), you’ll be a part of something extraordinary.
✨ Cabin fares start at $4,800
+ A WAT Travel Planning & Participation Fee
(Discussed in the Discovery Call)
To access the artist Freiman Stoltzfus, Meet & Greet onboard, our private dinners, cocktail parties, and all group-exclusive events, you must book directly with WAT's Karen Loftus, of Lofty Traveler™.
Email - karenlofty@gmail.com
Phone # (917) 576 3110
Trip Basics
Dates: Departs on August 14th, 2026.
Days: 8 Days / 7 Nights
Style: Luxury Cruise, Culture, Culinary, Connection
Fees Starting at $4,800 USD per person + WAT Travel Planning & Participation Fee
Accommodations: Aboard the Crystal Serenity, offering elegant staterooms, world-class dining, and signature Crystal service throughout your Mediterranean journey.
Treats: Opening and Closing Private receptions, exclusive access to artist Freiman Stoltzfus, talk and Q&A, curated tours in destinations with Karen Loftus, and unforgettable stops in Cadiz, Malaga, Cartagena, Alicante & Castellon. If looking to discover more of Spain, this is your opportunity.
Host: Karen "Lofty" Loftus — Women's Adventure Travels, Adventuress in Chief
Founder & Owner of Lofty Traveler™
Member of Virtuoso, Cadence Travel - Host Agency
Member of ATTA, Member of Women Travel Leaders
IATA: 05515171
Extras: Optional trip extensions can be custom designed. Whether you are interested in adding additional days pre/post cruise in Lisbon and Barcelona, or extending your stay elsewhere in Europe, Lofty Traveler is your go-to expert for all travel arrangements.
The Best of Both Join Karen Loftus (aka Lofty) as she blends both of her businesses, Women’s Adventure Travels™ and Lofty Traveler™, creating a bespoke blend of community and customization— where you choose how you travel, connect, and cruise.
It is an extraordinary sailing experience that blends group travel magic with private, custom-curated freedom.
Tours: The private curated tour options will be shared after January 15th. Similar to tours offered by cruise companies, the tours will be offered at a fee (TBD) for each. We will be working with private local tour operators in each port.
Needs: Spots are limited! To be part of this exclusive group and gain access to all private receptions, dinners, and curated events, and private tours, you must book directly with WAT/Karen Loftus.
Space is limited! Call or email today to inquire, discuss further and secure your space.
Come for the Conversation
Come for the Connection
Come for the Workshop
Freiman Stoltzfus: The Art of Becoming an Artist Again
“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.” — Pablo Picasso
For Freiman Stoltzfus, this idea is not a quotation—it is a lifelong calling. A multidisciplinary artist and mentor, Freiman believes that creativity belongs to everyone. “If you have working hands and an open heart,” he believes, “you can create art.” His workshops are built on the simple yet powerful conviction that artistic expression is not reserved for the trained—it is available to anyone willing to be curious, vulnerable, and present.
Over the years, Freiman has led creative workshops in his Lancaster gallery, at Rancho La Puerta in Mexico, and in private and international settings. Again and again, he has witnessed what he calls “creative recovery” in adults—people who once loved making things, but quietly abandoned that part of themselves after being dismissed, corrected, or discouraged early in life.
Many participants arrive carrying an invisible story: a teacher who said “that’s not good,” a parent who meant well but redirected them, a classmate who laughed. Over time, those moments harden into self-doubt. “I’m not creative.” “I’m not artistic.” “I can’t draw.” Freiman’s work gently dismantles those narratives.
He understands that making art is an act of courage, requires vulnerability, and can be frustrating. It can feel uncomfortable before it feels freeing. Yet, through creative practice, participants begin to reconnect with intuition, confidence, and emotional honesty—often rediscovering parts of themselves they didn’t realize they had lost.
On board, Freiman’s daily workshops will be welcoming, lighthearted, and thoughtfully structured. Each session begins with breathwork and visualization, inviting participants to slow down and quiet the inner critic. From there, they move into flowing, abstract ink sketching designed to reconnect mind, heart, and hand.
As the week unfolds, guests will explore playful and tactile techniques, including origami, cut-paper collage, and mixed media, gradually building toward more personal, expressive work. There is no pressure, no competition, and no “right way.” There is only exploration, curiosity, and encouragement.
No previous experience is required. There is no maximum age. There are no prerequisites—only willingness.
In addition to onboard sessions, select sketching excursions in ports of call will invite participants to engage directly with landscape, architecture, and atmosphere, translating travel into visual memory. Toward the end of the journey, the group will curate a celebratory exhibition of their work, culminating in a champagne toast—an elegant, joyful acknowledgment of creative courage and accomplishment.
By week’s end, every participant will leave with something tangible: artwork, yes—but more importantly, renewed confidence, emotional clarity, and the quiet pride that comes from doing something brave.
This is not about becoming “an artist” in the traditional sense. Freiman describes his workshops as lighthearted, philosophical, eye-opening, and deeply human. Participants often describe them as transformative.
Details
Each morning, Freiman will lead a thoughtfully designed artistic workshop on board. On select days, he may also offer intimate pop-up sessions in port. All workshops—both onboard and ashore—are private and exclusively reserved for members of this special traveling group, ensuring a focused, supportive, intimate and inspiring creative environment.
Beyond the Studio
Freiman approaches life itself as an art form. In addition to his formal sessions, guests will experience each destination through his uniquely artistic lens—attuned to local food, fashion, music, art, architecture, and atmosphere. From spontaneous and spirited conversations to shared meals and quiet moments of reflection, creativity will unfold organically and authentically throughout the journey.
This week, expect a feast for the eyes, a meal for the mind, and art for the heart. Your senses will be awakened, your spirit restored, and your artistic soul quietly realigned. By week's end, your soul and senses will be sated.
Come for the Travel
Day to Day Itinerary
Day 1 [August 14th] | Lisbon, Portugal - Departure 9:00PM
Discover the world's last colonial empire, turned bustling cosmopolitan city. Lisbon has dozens of Moorish castles, pastel buildings, and white sand beaches to explore. This Atlantic-coast city perfectly encapsulates Mediterranean charm with its wine, food, and architecture.
It is an easy city to love—and an easy one to travel in. The city is built on hills, so views are everywhere. Regardless, neighborhood choice matters. Príncipe Real is polished and residential with smart boutiques, concept stores, and some of the city’s best restaurants hidden behind discreet façades.
Alfama remains historic and authentic; less manicured, more atmospheric—best explored early, before day-trippers arrive. Belém is open and monumental, ideal for museums and waterfront walks, while Cais do Sodré has matured into a stylish riverfront district with strong dining and cocktail options.
Lisbon’s seafood is exceptional—simply prepared and reliably fresh—paired with increasingly serious Portuguese wines that remain underpriced for their quality.
Plan to arrive on board by 5:00PM, the ship will depart at 9:00PM.
WAT's Opening Cocktail party will take place at Pulse - 6:15 - 7:15. Dinner to follow.
Day 2 [August 15th] | Day at Sea
Today, you can sleep in or catch the stunning sunrise on the terrace; linger over a boozy brunch, then drift between pool and pages, sauna and sea views. You can slip away for a tasting, massage, masterclass or a movie.
4:00 - 5:30 - Whatever you do by day, be sure to meet us in the Hollywood Theater at 4:00 PM for Freiman Stoltzfus' Talk followed by a Q&A.
6:00 - WAT Pop Up Cocktail Party to follow. TBD.
7:00 - After this inspirational event, and spirited cocktail party, Dinner will follow.
Day 3 [August 16th] | Cadiz, Spain - 7:00AM to 7:00PM
Uncover the magic of Cadiz, one of Europe's oldest cities where the sea and heritage come together in perfect harmony. Tracing its roots back to the Phoenicians, this thriving cosmopolitan city seamlessly blends old-world charm with contemporary sophistication. Take a leisurely stroll through its cobbled streets and marvel at the stunning Moorish castles, magnificent ancient ruins, and quaint pastel homes.
Cádiz is a compact, lived-in coastal city set on a narrow peninsula. The historic center is flat and highly walkable, with intact 18th-century architecture, shaded plazas, and a rhythm that favors locals over spectacle. The Mercado Central anchors daily life: pristine seafood, sherry bars, and casual counters serving ultra-fresh fritters, tuna, and shellfish.
Beaches are integrated into daily life, not set apart. Cádiz has no need for nightlife hype—bars are social, conversations spill outdoors, and evenings unfold naturally. You will indulge in the flavors of its renowned Andalusian cuisine, featuring fresh seafood and local wines, as you take in the impressive sea views of this captivating city. What's not to love?
Crystal's fourteen tours at this port offer all from panoramic, walking, flamenco and taps tours to Andalucian culinary classes, exploring the city of Seville, equestrian art and wine tours, and more.
WAT Private Excursions - TBD - Depending upon the group size and interest. Pop Up Cocktail party at 6:30PM onboard. TBD. Dinner to follow. You can make arrangements on your own alone, with your group or with others in our group on the cruise. Inquire if looking for others to dine.
Day 4 [August 17th] | Malaga (Costa del Sol), Spain - 8:00AM to 7:00PM
See the wealth of historical treasures found in the coastal city of Màlaga. Once a major trading port, Màlaga has an eclectic mix of sites influenced by the Phoenicians, the Moors, and the Spanish. The historic center is compact and walkable and layered with Roman ruins, Moorish fortifications, and 19th-century architecture, complemented by contemporary galleries, smart boutiques, and a phenomenal dining scene.
Málaga excels at both ends of the culinary spectrum: beachside espetos grilled over open flames in Pedregalejo and El Palo, and refined Andalusian cooking in the old town and port districts. Seafood is outstanding and wine lists showcase serious southern Spanish producers.
This is Costa del Sol at its finest.
The only problem with Crystals fifteen tours at this port is that you will want to do them all. From rooftop tapas, the Picasso Museum and tour to chef-led market visits and cooking tours, the Caminito Del Rey hike, a visit to the boutique Bodegas Lunares winery and explore the historic town of Ronda, perched above the dramatic El Tajo gorge or a full-day tour and explore Alhambra, a dedicated UNESCO World Heritage site, among many other options. Its endless!
WAT Private Excursions - TBD - Depending upon the group size and interest. Pop Up Cocktail party at 6:30 onboard. TBD. Dinner to follow. You can make arrangements on your own alone, with your group or with others in our group on the cruise. Inquire if looking for others to dine.
Day 5 [August 18th] | Cartagena (Murcia), Spain - 9:00AM to 11:00PM
Located on the southern coast of Spain, Cartagena invites visitors to discover its rich history, stunning Roman ruins, and picturesque Mediterranean vistas. From its ancient natural harbor where Phoenicians would trade to its Roman Empire heyday when it was known as the New Carthage, Cartagena's enviable position on the Mediterranean has long made it one of the most important ports in Spain.
The country's Naval Headquarters is here, as are Dockyard Gate and Midshipman School. Discover ancient Roman ruins and Modernista buildings, the magnificent Concepcion Castle and a stunning City Hall.
There are a few can't misses. Teatro Romano is Cartagena's crown jewel. Dating to the 1st century BC, this exquisitely restored amphitheater is embedded directly into the city’s fabric. Castillo de la Concepción is a medieval castle perched on one of Cartagena’s five hills. It offers the best panoramic views of the harbor and old town. Calle Mayor, is the city’s elegant spine. The street is lined with early 20th-century Modernist buildings—influenced by Barcelona’s architectural movement—look for the Gran Hotel and Casa Maestre, two standout examples.
Crystal, again has fifteen tours on offer spanning from active kayaking tours to historical, contemporary, UNESCO visits to one of Spain's oldest cities and more.
WAT Private Excursions - TBD - Depending upon the group size and interest, we will present our tour before Crystal tours open for booking so you can decide on either or. Since we have a late departure at 11:00 pm, we will likely explore the cocktails and dinner on shore. TBD.
You can make tour and dining arrangements on your own alone, with your respective group traveling with you or with others in our group on the cruise or with what we have planned. Inquire if looking for others to dine.
Day 6 [August 19th] | Alicante, Spain - 8:00AM to 6:00PM
Nestled along the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea, on Spain's southeastern Costa Blanca lies Alicante. Long hailed for its beautiful beaches, historical landmarks, vibrant culture, and Mediterranean charm, Alicante is far more than a sum of its parts. Inquisitive visitors will find a mix of historical sites, modern amenities, and natural beauty, making it an appealing location for travelers looking to explore the coastal regions of Spain.
Visitors wanting to top up their tans should head to Playa del Postiguet, which provides an oasis of relaxation against a backdrop of the azure sea. If you are after a taste of local life, then head along the Explanada de Espana, one of Spain’s most beautiful promenades. The marble mosaic walkway—lined with palm trees and cafés—runs parallel to the harbor and is best enjoyed in the early evening with a coffee or aperitivo.
In El Barrio, the Old Town, atmospheric and compact, expect colorful façades, small wine bars, tucked-away churches, and a lively but local feel after dark. The Santa Barbara Castle, perched atop Mount Benacantil, which is a testament to the city's strategic significance over the centuries.
Those looking for an art party, head to MACA – Museum of Contemporary Art. It is compact, modern, and well curated. Gravina Museum of Fine Arts (MUBAG) is another notable housed in a historic palace.
Crystal's twelve tours are a mix of wine and olives and a visit to a mountain town. WAT's Private Excursions - TBD - Depending upon the group size and interest, we will present our private custom tour before Crystal tours open the booking for their tours so you can decide on either or. Since we have a late departure at 11:00 pm, we will likely explore the cocktails and dinner on shore. TBD.
Pop Up Cocktail party onboard. TBD. Dinner to follow. You can make arrangements on your own alone, with your group or with others in our group on the cruise. Inquire if looking for others to dine.
Day 7 [September 20th] | Castellon, Spain - 8:00AM to 6:00PM
Moats, walls and towers once protected this medieval city, the main town in the Spanish province of the same name. Now visitors are welcomed with warm smiles, orange-tree-lined streets and grand squares guarding splashing fountains.
History buffs will swoon for the 15th-century belltower, baroque town hall and gothic doors of the cathedral. Foodies will find their fun getting lost among the 80 stalls of the central market. The Valencian region is not to be missed, from persimmons and pomegranates to the tiger nuts that go into the frothy chilled drink horchata. Along the coast there are Blue Flag beaches with buttery-colored sands for swimming and sunbathing.
Crystal has five excursion options. The most notable is the Contemporary Art Museum, where tradition meets modern creativity. Vilafamés has been declared a Cultural Heritage site and part of the Route of the Most Beautiful Villages in Spain.
Private Excursions - TBD - Depending upon the group size and interest. Pop Up Cocktail party at 6:30PM onboard. TBD. Dinner to follow. You can make arrangements on your own alone, with your group or with others in our group on the cruise. Inquire if looking for others to dine.
Giggles, drinks and the spirit of conversation at sea will likely follow after dinner. Follow the fun...
Day 8 [August 21st] | Barcelona, Spain - Disembark - Arrival 7:00 am
We can't say enough about this incredible city... we highly recommend extending your adventure a few days before flying home!
Some of you will deport and head straight to the airport in Barcelona with a transfer via Crystal Cruises. Others will continue to explore by staying in Barcelona overnight or for a few days or more.
On your initial consultation call with Karen Loftus, let her know if you are interested in pre (Lisbon) or post tours (Barcelona) with our group/with WAT, with Crystal Cruises or on your own, all of which can be carefully arranged by Karen, be it for a few days or far more.
We look forward to the connections, camaraderie, the many conversations and creativity at every turn, be it culturally in the culinary, art and architecture, all of which will provide endless inspiration adding to all of the fun to come on and off of the ship.
Space is limited, so reach out asap via email to set up a personal consult call with Karen Loftus to secure your spot and to get your travel plans well underway.
Thank you for your interest! We can't wait to travel with you.
Warmly,
Karen Loftus
(917) 576 3110 / womensadventuretravels@gmail.com
Accommodations
Crystal Serenity
The Crystal Serenity is the flagship of Crystal Cruises, combining modern sophistication with timeless elegance. With space for just 740 guests and an exceptional space-to-guest ratio, it offers an intimate, uncrowded experience at sea.
Fully refurbished in 2023, the ship features expanded suites, refreshed public spaces, and enhanced wellness amenities. Accommodations range from elegant Single Guest Rooms to luxurious Penthouse Suites, each with butler service and refined finishes.
Guests can dine at multiple world-class venues, including Umi Uma by Master Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, the only Nobu restaurant at sea. The ship also features a serene spa, panoramic fitness center, and paddle tennis and pickleball courts.
Balancing scale and exclusivity, the Crystal Serenity delivers a personalized, luxury cruise experience centered on comfort, culture, and connection.
Crystal Serenity Accommodations
The Crystal Serenity offers a full range of luxurious accommodations, each designed for comfort, elegance, and personalized service. At the top end, the Crystal Penthouse Suite spans 117 sq m with a private veranda, panoramic ocean views, a study, and a master bath with whirlpool tub, complemented by butler service and exclusive dining experiences.
The Junior Crystal Penthouse Suite provides 60 sq m of refined space, a private veranda, whirlpool tub, walk-in closet, and access to specialty dining.
The Sapphire Veranda and Aquamarine Veranda Suites each offer around 30 sq m of living space with private verandas, spacious seating areas, queen or twin beds, walk-in closets, and dedicated butler service.
Solo travelers can enjoy the Single Guest Room with Ocean View, while couples or friends may prefer the Double Guest Room with Ocean View or Double Guest Room with Veranda, all featuring comfortable living areas and elegant finishes.
Every suite and stateroom on the Crystal Serenity blends thoughtful design, luxury amenities, and personalized service, creating a serene and unforgettable cruising experience at sea.
Crystal Serenity Dinning
On the Crystal Serenity, dining is an exceptional highlight of the journey. Guests can indulge in the ship’s exclusive Umi Uma by Nobu Matsuhisa, the only Nobu restaurant at sea, featuring a sophisticated fusion of Japanese and Peruvian cuisine. Signature dishes include Nobu-style Black Cod, Grilled Chilean Sea Bass, Wagyu Beef Filet, and an array of fresh sushi and sashimi. Each guest is guaranteed one reservation at Umi Uma, with additional reservations available for a fee, subject to availability.
Beyond Umi Uma, the Serenity offers a variety of dining options to suit every taste. Osteria D’Ovidio serves Northern Italian specialties like lamb and braised beef tortellini, while The Supper Club provides an elegant dinner paired with live entertainment on select evenings. Additional venues include the Marketplace Buffet, Trident Grill, Tastes Kitchen & Bar, and The Vintage Room, each delivering unique culinary experiences.
For ultimate convenience, 24-hour in-suite dining is available, featuring selections from the Waterside Restaurant menu. Whether savoring a signature meal at Umi Uma or exploring the diverse onboard venues, guests will enjoy a world-class culinary journey throughout this cruise.
Spaces, Wellness & Entertainment
Aboard the Crystal Serenity, guests are immersed in elegance and comfort, with thoughtfully designed public spaces including a grand Atrium, intimate piano lounges, panoramic viewing areas, and relaxing poolside spots.
The Aurōra Spa & Wellness Center offers 12 treatment rooms, sauna and steam facilities, and a full-service fitness center, providing rejuvenation for both body and mind. Evening entertainment ranges from Broadway-style productions and live music to lectures, movies, and themed events, ensuring every night is engaging and memorable.
Combining spacious design, world-class wellness, and vibrant entertainment, the Serenity delivers a truly unforgettable cruising experience.
Don’t miss your chance to sail in luxury with Karen Loftus & Valerie Frankel — book now to secure your spot and gain exclusive access to private events, curated tours, and insider experiences that won’t be available anywhere else.
If Not Now, When?
Rates & Availability
SHARED ACCOMMODATION
Standard Fare beginning at $4,800 for double occupancy.
Accommodations can be upgraded for an additional fee. Please inquire if you are interested.
Please note: A deposit is required to secure your spot.
Space is limited. Contact us ASAP to Secure Your Spot!
Email - womensadventuretravels@gmail.com or karenlofty@gmail.com
Call - Karen Loftus - (917) 576 - 3110
Inclusions
Gratuities
On-board food and drink (exclusions may apply)
Access to state-of-the-art fitness center
Complimentary high-speed internet access
Private Group Welcome Event
Two intimate and unforgettable dinners just for out group.
Exclusions
International Airfare
Shore Excursions with WAT or Crystal
Transportation before and after cruise
Accommodations pre and post cruise
Travel Insurance
Shopping, Spa and Incidental Expenses
Your Hosts
Karen Loftus
WAT'S ADVENTURESS IN CHIEF™LLC • LUXURY TRAVEL ADVISOR WITH LOFTY TRAVELER™ • TRAVEL WRITER • SPEAKER & COMEDIAN
Karen Loftus is a well-known and respected travel and lifestyle writer and photographer with a sense of humor, a wicked sense of adventure, and an insatiable appetite for off-the-beaten-path endeavors.
Before launching her business Lofty Traveler™ as a Travel Advisor and Women’s Adventure Travels™ LLC, she spent 15 years as a luxury travel and lifestyle writer, contributing to 100+ media outlets, including Forbes, Robb Report, Architectural Digest, Vogue, New York Daily News, Globe & Mail, and South China Morning Post.
Her assignments took her to 70+ countries across all seven continents, connecting with top tastemakers and covering prestigious travel and lifestyle brands. Those experiences and global relationships are assets she shares with her clients in the luxury travel space today.
Alongside her editorial career, she founded The Lofty Style Lounge, a high-profile LA event company. She curated large-scale (300+) events for A-list celebrities, stylists, studio executives, media, and top-tier influencers. The Lounge became a launchpad for international brands—many of which went on to major licensing and celebrity collaborations.
Before that, she spent a decade touring internationally as a stand-up comedian, becoming the first female comic to perform in the Middle East (Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Bahrain). She took her show, American Woman, to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the Raffles Hotel in Singapore, the Hard Rock Hotel Bali, the Opera House in Barcelona, and the American Clubs in Asia.
In tandem with her touring, she founded Body Comedy, a nonprofit using humor to heal. She worked with thousands of women and girls—survivors of physical and sexual violence—and developed a first-of-its-kind six-week program for male domestic violence offenders in LA detention centers. Body Comedy was backed by Comedy Central, Sony, and Nike.
As a playwright and actor, she became the first Tennessee Williams Fellow, opening the then-new Tennessee Williams Center at Sewanee with my play I’m Not the Blonde You Think I Am.
All of these entrepreneurial experiences—across entertainment, media, travel, and events—have given her a 360-degree view of business, storytelling, and brand-building. Through LOFT Consulting, she has collaborated with CEOs, celebrities, tastemakers, influencers, and leading hospitality brands on content and strategy, branding, events, press trips, speech writing, and media coaching.
Today, she weaves the many threads of her past into Lofty Traveler™ and Women’s Adventure Travels™. She brings the same creativity, customization, and meticulous execution to her luxury travel.
Whether curating a once-in-a-lifetime journey or orchestrating a high-touch corporate retreat, her goal remains the same: to deliver elevated, seamless, and unforgettable experiences— rooted in passion, purpose, and a touch of Lofty magic.
Lofty Traveler™ is an Independent Affiliate of Cadence Travel, a Virtuoso Agency.
Freiman Stoltzfus
ARTIST & ENTREPRENEUR
Freiman Stoltzfus is an internationally exhibited, multidisciplinary artist whose work is shaped by a rare fusion of heritage, travel, music, and visual poetry. Raised in an Amish-Mennonite family in rural Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, Freiman’s earliest creative language was formed through close observation—of people, landscapes, rhythms of nature, and the quiet geometry of everyday life.
Encouraged from a young age by his mother, he began drawing and painting the world around him, laying the foundation for a lifelong artistic practice rooted in authenticity and emotional depth.
He went on to study at the National Academy and the Art Students League of New York, where rigorous classical training refined his technical mastery and expanded his creative voice. Today, Freiman works fluidly across oil and acrylic, pastel, watercolor, drawing, printmaking, photography, collage, and sculpture.
His layered, luminous compositions draw inspiration from music, poetry, Amish quilts, Gothic architecture, sacred spaces, and mathematical harmony—merging tradition and experimentation into a distinctive visual language.
A lifelong seeker and adventurer, Freiman has traveled extensively throughout Europe and the Middle East, immersing himself in the artistic and cultural legacies of each place
A lifelong seeker and adventurer, Freiman has traveled extensively throughout Europe and the Middle East, immersing himself in the artistic and cultural legacies of each place. His formative years living and studying in Paris and Venice, including a period painting under the patronage of Ruth Rainer, deeply shaped his artistic sensibility.
While abroad, he devoted himself to language, music, and art, spending countless hours in historic museums, cathedrals, and studios—experiences that continue to inform the spiritual and architectural dimensions of his work.
Throughout his career, Freiman has been selected for prestigious residencies and creative appointments that reflect both his versatility and depth. He has served as Artist in Residence at the American Church in Paris and at Luther Acres in Pennsylvania and was awarded a formative residency at the Newington-Cropsey Foundation in Hastings-on-Hudson, where he worked closely with renowned sculptor Greg Wyatt. His artistic development has also been enriched through study with Italian conceptual artist Maurizio Pellegrin and National Academician Rhoda Sherbell.
More recently, he completed an immersive residency in the Chianti region of Italy at La Macina di San Cresci, continuing his long-standing dialogue with European art and landscape. His international engagement has also included leading creative workshops at Rancho La Puerta in Mexico, where he guided guests through immersive artistic practice.
Freiman’s work has been featured in solo and group exhibitions across the United States and Europe, including Pennsylvania, New York, Switzerland, and France, and is held in private and corporate collections worldwide. He is the founder and director of the Freiman Stoltzfus Gallery in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where he continues to create, curate, and mentor, contributing actively to the cultural life of his community.
Rooted in faith, curiosity, and creative freedom, Freiman’s art reflects a life lived in conversation with tradition and the wider world—honoring his origins while continually reaching toward new artistic frontiers.
Don’t miss your seat at this creative Salon at Sea!
Secure your spot today. Spaces are limited.
Inquire - karenlofty@gmail.com or womensadventuretravels@gmail.com / #(917) 576 3117
The Transformation
is in The Travel
Why Work With WAT
Karen Loftus launched Women's Adventure Travels (WAT) in 2018. WAT is a boutique travel company specializing in small, customized trips for women. WAT supports women-owned businesses and celebrates women of influence and distinction in each market.
When it comes to experiencing the best of the best in travel, it's all about who you know. Karen has extensive global connections, years of deep knowledge, and first-hand experience, having traveled to 70+ countries and all seven continents as a travel writer and a travel advisor to ensure that her travelers receive the best treatment and experience.
Many call her a Travel Advocate as she fights quietly behind the scenes to ensure that her clients and travelers get the best of the best VVIP treatment on a customized trip or while traveling with her on a WAT trip or when a private or corporate client or group hires her to host or lead a trip.
As a luxury Virtuoso travel advisor, Karen and her clients can access exclusive benefits, including unique experiences, special deals, complimentary perks, and VIP treatment.
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Future Trips
With Freiman!
Spring 2027
Date - TBD
Details coming soon.
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Summer 2027
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Winter Holiday 2027
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