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

From its towering literary giants to its music, Ireland is an arts and culture treasure trove. Here are a few ways you’ll experience the vibrancy of this country and its culture:

• Visit the Killybegs International Carpet Making & Fishing Centre and learn how signature Turkish-style Donegal carpets and tapestries were traditionally woven, and try out the hand-knotting technique on a loom
• Visit Blasket Centre, a heritage museum chronicling local, daily life
• Enjoy several nights of onboard entertainment featuring local musicians, genres, and even an Irish music night
• Tour the Museum of Free Derry and learn about the civil rights unrest and Bloody Sunday massacre
• Witness a sheepdog demonstration in Kilkenny
• Enjoy several onboard lectures that elucidate the history and culture of your destinations

While Ireland isn’t necessarily revered as a foodie destination, we’ve curated some delicious discoveries for your journey:

• In Dublin, enjoy the chance to learn more about Irish whiskey on a whiskey tour
• Watch an onboard cooking demonstration of local Irish specialties
• Dine at the historic Dunguaire Castle, enjoying a traditional banquet and soul-stirring Irish storytelling
• During your free time, you may wish to visit various distilleries, such as Dublin’s Old Jameson Distillery, and learn the history of Irish whiskey

• Attend a musical performance of Welsh folk music, folktales, local history, and other interesting musical tidbits
• Watch a Welsh harp performance when a local entertainer comes onboard for the evening
• Explore Galway, often called “Ireland’s music capital,” and you’re likely to find many street artists performing traditional Irish music
• Get your foot stomping at an Irish music session onboard the ship

You’ll have the opportunity to visit two UNESCO World Heritage Sites on this cruise while deepening your understanding of Irish culture:

• Visit 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Giant’s Causeway and Caernarfon Castle
• Tour the Museum of Free Derry and learn about the civil rights unrest and Bloody Sunday massacre
• Visit Caernafon Castle in Wales
• Explore Wales’ 12th-century Cathedral of St. David, a pilgrimage destination for hundreds of years
• Embark on a walking tour of Cobh that reveals interesting history of the ill-fated RMS Titanic
• Tour the 1800s-era Kylemore Abbey and learn how it was built by a local politician and businessman to honor his wife
• Enjoy several onboard lectures that elucidate the history and culture of your destinations

From verdant landscapes to its myriad cultural highlights, Ireland brims with energy and history. Here are a few tips to help you photograph the diversity of sights you’ll encounter on this journey:

• 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
• From Dublin to the remote Dingle Peninsula, you’ll encounter some larger-than-life scenes and landmarks, which might create pressure to fit everything into one shot. Instead, try focusing on a distinctive feature rather than incorporating 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 or including tourists and the real scene in the background or forefront and the image is instantly more intriguing than a generic snapshot
• Pursue quirky composition — shooting off-center makes for a more artsy, unique shot

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.