Scandinavian, Icelandic and remote British Isles all offer incredible, natural landscapes ready for you to explore.

• Venture out along the Golden Circle to discover some of Iceland's most unforgettable natural attractions, including UNESCO-listed Thingvellir National Park
• Visit a greenhouse and farm in Iceland's Golden Circle, while having the chance to encounter some friendly Icelandic horses
• See some of nature’s volcanic handiwork in the Herjólfsdalur Valley, whose name means “Valley of Magic”

Grab your GoPro and have your favorite camera ready to capture the North Atlantic’s stupendous scenery and rich wildlife. Your onboard expedition team features an expert nature photographer who will share top tips in onboard workshops and during your excursions. 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
• Use a bean bag, tripod, or other stabilizing device to capture moving targets like birds and other wildlife
• 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 a picture!

• 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

During the course of your adventure, you will have opportunities for city explorations and active walks in rugged locales, including climbs to overlooks for spectacular views.

• Explore Tórshavn, Stavanger, Kirkwall, Gothenburg, and more with guided walking tours led by Regional Experts
• Get a good workout at your ship’s gym and the fitness centers of your hotels
• Enjoy the infinity pool on board the Ocean Explorer

Birders will find their life lists growing as they scan for avian species on board the ship, as well as during shore excursions. Here’s a glimpse of what to look out for:

• As you sail around the Westman archipelago, be on the lookout for Icelandic seabirds including guillemot, gannet, kittiwake, Iceland gulls, and the iconic puffin — the symbol of the Vestmannaeyjar

Discover some of the most significant cultural and historic treasures of the Nordic region throughout your cruise.

• Visit Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its extraordinary landscapes and rich history that stretches back to the first settlers in Iceland
• Learn about the fascinating history behind each of your destinations with illuminating museum visits. Tour Heimaey’s Volcanic Center and Eldheimar Museum; the National Museum of the Faroe Islands; the Scalloway Museum; Bygdøy’s Viking Ship Museum; the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History, and more
• Learn about Faroese history with a guided excursion to the village of Kirkjubøur and its ruins, which date as far back as the 11th century
• Discover a slice of Italian history in Kirkwall, one of the best-preserved ancient Norse towns in Scotland
• Admire Stavanger’s famous Sverd i fjell (Swords in the Rock) monument

This solo-friendly voyage has been enhanced with special features catering to independent travelers, including:

• 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 they will 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 they will be happy to make recommendations, calling 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 on board

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 My Portfolio up to two weeks prior to departure.