Channel the spirit of explorers of the past, and chase adventure in some of the world’s most remote and unspoiled locations on an expedition cruise!

• Feel the unbelievable rush of adrenaline as you step ashore Antarctica for the first time
• Venture ashore on naturalist-led expeditions by versatile Zodiac landing crafts
• Make landfall at various landing sites in the Antarctic Peninsula
• Attend lectures on marine biology, wildlife, history, and other educational topics

Plus, cruise aboard the 5-star Ocean Explorer, a vessel built specifically for expedition cruising, with the following features:

• 77 cabins, including a landmark 15 solo cabins, most of which have full walk-out balconies, for the most flexible style of travel — plus, suites designed for comfortable triple-occupancy as well as adjoining room options
• A culinary program offering gourmet dining incorporating regional fare, with wine and beer included at dinner
• Spa, massage, and hair services available at the onboard spa
• Sauna
• Two hot tubs
• Fitness center
• Curated lectures, programs, musical performances, and cultural events
• Low passenger-to-crew ratio
• Knowledge staff by region
• Onboard medical doctor (travelers are responsible for medical fees associated with doctor visit and medications)
• Gift Shop
• Library with over 200 titles
• Separate, intimate dining space for groups or special events (available upon request)
• Complimentary unlimited Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi on certain segments of trips may not be available)
• Entertainment programming with 100 movie titles
• Environmentally friendly standards with reduced emissions into air and sea and lower energy consumption
• Dynamic positioning technology
• State-of-the-art safety technology, Polar Code 6 compliant, and fully compliant with the latest SOLAS requirements in expedition cruising
• Rolls-Royce stabilizer system; “Safe Return to Port” technology

All activities on this adventure are dependent upon weather and local conditions, and will be coordinated by your Expedition Team leaders. These will entail exploration in remote Antarctic locales, on foot and using Zodiac expedition boats. After an active day, your ship offers soothing amenities, such as an onboard spa, to help you feel refreshed. Here are some activities you may participate in:

• Travel to remote rookeries, iceberg-laden channels, and pristine beaches aboard motorized Zodiac landing craft
• Get a good workout at your ship’s gym and the fitness centers of your hotels
• Hike in Antarctica
• Birders will find their life lists growing as they scan for avian species on board ship as well as during shore excursions

The soul-stirring beauty of the White Continent is a wonder that most people only ever see on nature shows.

• Marvel at stunning remote landscapes and unspoiled polar environs
• Visit an unpolluted haven teeming with penguins, pelagic birds, and other wildlife
• View as many as seven varieties of penguins, such as gentoo, Adélie, chinstrap, king, rockhopper, Macaroni, and Magellanic
• Spot dolphins, whales, seals, and a variety of other wildlife while cruising 
• Be on the lookout for as many as seven varieties of penguins, plus black-browed and wandering albatrosses and dozens of pelagic birds such as the southern giant petrel, blue-eyed shag (king cormorant), black crowned night heron, pied oystercatcher, snowy sheathbill, kelp gull, fulmars, and more

You’ve traveled a long way for this journey, and photography will be key to keeping these memories alive for years to come. Here are a few tips:

• Take your time to capture an image. Think like a photographer and slow down to compose your shot. Remember: tourists take pictures, while photographers make images
• You’ll encounter some larger-than-life scenes and landmarks on this trip, which might create pressure to fit everything into one shot. Instead, focus on a distinctive feature rather than trying to incorporate everything into frame
• Use your surroundings. Instead of edging out other tourists from your photos, utilize them to enhance the scene. Try tilting the camera at your target (including tourists and the real scene in the background or forefront) and the image is instantly more intriguing than a generic snapshot
• Take a selfie! You’ll be glad to have a few portraits of yourself at the distinctive landmarks you’ll find on this journey
• Look beyond the landmarks — sometimes everyday scenes are just as inspiring, and provide a lesson in embracing the unexpected and seizing the moment in front of you

In Antarctica, your Expedition Team features an expert photographer who will share top tips in onboard workshops and during your excursions. Here are a few:

• Antarctica is a harsh environment that can kill a camera quickly. A protective cover is highly recommended to stave off rain, snow, and salt water
• Invest in a waterproof camera if you can, or at least a waterproof bag. Note: Plastic protective bags are not allowed in Antarctica as there is a risk they might blow away
• Use a bean bag, tripod, or other stabilizing device to capture moving targets like birds and other wildlife
• Bring extra batteries — the cold temperatures take their toll on batteries. Bring your charger in your hand luggage, in case your checked bags get lost
• A zoom lens up to 200mm is suggested
• A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing landscapes
• A protective filter for lens will keep water and dust away. Polarized filters darken the blue sky and cut reflections from the water
• Bring extra memory cards — just in case!

Prior to your expedition cruise, our complimentary Concierge service will be available to help you customize your journey. Here are just a few services your Concierge can provide:

• Do you have a special birthday, anniversary, family reunion or other important event you want to celebrate on board? Let your Concierge know and he or she can make all the special arrangements, whether it’s a private reception in your suite, a gathering in the lounge, and more
• Restaurant reservations. Just notify your Concierge of your interests, and he or she will be happy to make recommendations, and will call ahead to reserve your table
• Special excursions. Would you like a limo to take you for a special night in the city? Perhaps you’d like to look up long-lost relatives. Your Concierge is here to help!
• Extend your stay! Your Concierge can help modify your hotel reservations and flights if you decide to stay on
• Tickets to local concerts, exhibits, theater, sporting events, and more

Take advantage of this free, start-to-finish service by making your requests prior to your journey or during your journey. We are one of the only companies to offer this level of service! Call 1-888-982-6824 or email Concierge@vantagetravel.com to speak to a Concierge today, or simply log into My Portfolio up to two weeks prior to departure.

During your journey, your onboard Destination Manager can assist with any special requests such as spa reservations, hotel reservations, and more.

On this small ship ocean cruise, independent travelers will enjoy solo-friendly features, such as:

• Water-sport opportunities, depending on the location
• Zodiac cruising, polar kayaking opportunities, and photography workshops
• Solo-friendly social activities, including a Solo Connection mixer
• Onboard entertainment, lectures, and cooking demonstrations
• Health and wellness options, including onboard spa and gym