Inaugural Features

• Enjoy an extra special Welcome Reception and Dinner at the legendary Raffles Hotel in Singapore, which has hosted celebrities from Charlie Chaplin to Queen Elizabeth II, and try the cocktail invented there — the Singapore Sling
• Be regaled with a special onboard performance by local dancers aboard your ship while docked in George Town
• After a day of exploring eclectic Cochin, reembark the Ocean Odyssey for cocktails and a traditional Hindu recital of Kathakali dance by local performers

• Eight stateroom configurations, 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
• All beer and wine included with dinner
• Health and wellness options including an onboard spa, swimming pool, and gymnasium
• Expert cultural lecturers and curated performances
• Knowledgeable expedition staff by region
• Separate, intimate space for all of your group’s private dining needs (available upon request)
• 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
• Multiple launching platforms to allow for easy and quick loading of expedition landing craft, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards
• Small passenger-to-crew ratio
• Onboard medical doctor
• Boutique
• Elevator from bottom to top deck

• Lectures on topics and destinations relevant to the expedition
• Scintillating onboard performances, including a kathakali dance show, a Sri Lankan show, and more
• Customize your Goa experience with a choice of tours that reveal the city’s fascinating heritage and architecture

• In Malacca, enjoy a traditional meal of Nyonya cuisine, which melds Chinese ingredients with Malay spices and techniques
• Enjoy authentic Singapore Sling cocktails in Singapore!
• Savor a traditional lunch at a local Singapore restaurant
• See how cashews are grown and processed in Phuket
• Enjoy a traditional kerala lunch in India

• An elephant and birdwatching safari
• Explore the paradisiacal island of Phuket, known for its beaches, clear waters, and rugged karst islands
• Discover the city of Port Blair, part of the Andaman archipelago off India’s east coast, including a visit to the Samudrika Marine Museum

• Visit the Minneriya National Park, part of the region’s “elephant corridor” that’s home to the largest known meeting place of Asian elephants in the world
• Tea Plantation visit in Sri Lanka

From ancient temples to contemporary Southeast Asia life, your expedition highlights the history and culture of this region, including six UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Here’s what else:

• Visit UNESCO-listed Malacca and its architecture that exhibits British, Dutch, and Portuguese influences from the city’s former colonial rule
• Explore Penang island and its UNESCO-listed capital city, George Town
• In Penang, visit the dramatic Kek Lok Si Temple, featuring sacred statues and a towering seven-story pagoda that blends Chinese, Thai, and Burmese architectural styles
• Explore Old Phuket, including the Sino-Portuguese "shop houses" erected during the region’s tin mining boom
• Learn about Port Blair’s history as a penal colony
• Tour Sigiriya, an ancient rock fortress that’s over 200 meters high and a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Enjoy a choice of tours in Goa that will highlight its history and distinctive architecture, such as the UNESCO-listed Churches and Convents of Goa
• See some of the Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai during your time in the city

• 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
• Embrace street photography. Yes, temples are beautiful, but so is this region’s culture and people — and photographing the everyday life here is one of the best ways to authentically memorialize your experiences
• Change your perspective. Try shooting from a different angle and enjoy the adventure. For example, climb a stairwell and shoot a landscape from up high or, alternately, get low and shoot a scene from the ground. Wherever you are, embrace this artistic challenge by getting out of your comfort zone! 

• Complimentary biking options — take a spin alongside your Concierge, who will lead small-group bike rides, or explore independently with our complimentary locks, helmets, and biking maps
• 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

Your onboard Vantage Concierge will be available throughout your entire cruise to help you customize your journey. Here are just a few services your Concierge can provide:

• Special celebrations. Do you have a big 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, a celebration in the Captain’s Club, 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. Maybe you need a limo to take you for a special night on the town. Perhaps you’re interested in tracking down 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.
• Concierge-guided bike tours using the 20 available complimentary bicycles your ship has onboard.

Take advantage of this free, start-to-finish service by making your requests prior to your journey or during your journey. Call 1-888-982-6824 or email Concierge@vantagetravel.com to speak to a Concierge today, or simply log in to MyPortfolio up to two weeks prior to departure.