Our 5-star fleet offers an authentic sailing experience to make your journey unforgettable. While onboard, indulge in a relaxing massage at the spa, or try hot-rock cooking at the onboard restaurant. Then, disembark for an eye-opening visit to a local winery or a walking tour of some of the world’s most iconic cities and undiscovered gems. All the while, enjoy these world-class ship amenities:

• 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, plus onboard Destination Manager
• Knowledgeable 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 WiFi (WiFi 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

This journey entails sightseeing in urban, coastal and desert locales, often on foot. But your deluxe ship and hotels all offer plenty of soothing amenities such as spa facilities and more, to help you feel refreshed. Here are some other activities you may participate in:

• Get a good workout at your ship’s gym and the fitness centers of your hotels
• Swim at the beaches of Dubai and Abu Dhabi
• Utilize your free time to explore destinations by foot

This trip exposes you to the ancient and modern cultural heritage of India, Fujairah, Oman, Qatar, Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

• Go behind the scenes at a Bollywood movie studio, and learn about India’s Hindi film industry, which creates more films than Hollywood and reaches the largest audience in the world
• Get a glimpse of Indian everyday life at Mumbai’s Dhobi Ghat, an open-air facility where workers have laundered linens in stone basins for over 140 years
• Admire the elegant calligraphy, mosaics, carpets, fountains and more at the Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Mosque in Abu Dhabi, and the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat
• See Dubai’s striking modern architectural marvels like Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, and Burj al Arab, a skyscraper hotel built in the shape of a sail
• Enjoy onboard performances of local Indian and Omani folk music
• See the sprawling new complex of theaters, performance venues, studios and more at the Katara Cultural Village in Qatar
• Experience the Middle East’s merchant tradition in the ancient souks of Doha, Dubai and Muscat

Hear the sounds of the region during onboard performances as well as special shore activities.

• Enjoy an evening of traditional Omani folk entertainment on board your ship
• Onboard entertainment in Abu Dhabi
• Omani evening onboard entertainment in Muscat

You’ll be surprised by the natural diversity of these desert lands.

• Explore the beautiful tidal estuary of Khor Kalba, the oldest and largest mangrove swamp in Arabia. It is home to a variety of rare and migratory birds
• Scan the waters around Muscat for the many species of dolphin and whales that live here
• Visit the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital, a unique avian veterinary center that treats about 6,000 of these prized raptors every year, and famous Falcon shop/hospital in Doha Souq Waqif

Trace the timelines of great civilizations from the Indian subcontinent to the Arabian Peninsula.

• See some of the Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai during your tour of the city
• Learn about the impact of Mohandas K. “Mahatma” Gandhi on Indian and world politics during an onboard lecture on his life, which complements your visit to Porbandar, the town where he was born
• Learn how the innovative aflaj irrigation systems of Oman allowed life to thrive in the harshest desert conditions. This ancient method uses gravity to channel water from underground and was so crucial to desert cultures, UNESCO has declared Oman’s aflaj a World Heritage Site
• Discover what everyday life was like in the region at Abu Dhabi’s Emirati Heritage Village
• In Fujairah, visit Beit Al Sheikh Sayeed, a beautifully restored, 19th-century heritage house that is filled with traditional household furnishings and tools, and Islamic collectibles
• Visit Heritage Village in Fujairah and learn about local life, culture, traditions, and more!
• Learn about the history and present of this region with multiple onboard lectures

Here is your opportunity to delve into the spiritual heritage of Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and more.

• Learn about the Hindu, Jain, Sikh and Buddhist traditions of India during your narrated tours and onboard lectures
• Visit some of the most impressive mosques of Islam at Muscat’s Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, and the Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Mosque in Abu Dhabi
• Learn how Islam guides the daily lives of Omani families when a local woman comes aboard to discuss traditional social mores in contemporary Omani households

You’ll want to have your camera ready to capture the broad spectrum of sights and scenes on this cruise tour — from the timeless monument to sweeping seascapes to intimate portraits of daily life. Here are a few tips:

• Make the most of the “golden hour,” the time frame before dawn and dusk that offers warm, camera-friendly lighting that’s flattering for everyone
• Don’t be afraid of the dark! Exploring cities and landmarks at night offers unique new perspectives — just make sure you have a tripod or your camera comes equipped with a night feature!
• Change your perspective. Try shooting from a different angle. For example, climb a stairwell and shoot a landscape from up high; or get low and shoot from the ground
• Wherever you are, embrace artistic challenges by getting out of your comfort zone!
• Take selfies! You’ll want to have some mementoes of your milestone journey
• Look beyond landmarks. Sometimes everyday scenes are more revealing of the spirit of your destination. But in deference to cultural norms here, remember to ask your subjects if they mind being photographed before snapping

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

• Onboard Destination Manager to personalize your expedition
• Water-sport opportunities, depending on the location
• A lively social media night and musical performances most nights
• Solo-friendly social activities, including a Solo Connection mixer
• Onboard entertainment, lectures, and cooking demonstrations
• Health and wellness options, including onboard spa, jacuzzis, and a gym

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.