Come for the expedition, stay for the expedition vessel. Here’s what you’ll experience on the brand-new Ocean Odyssey:

• 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 active walks and explorations of ancient ruins and medieval cities, including longer treks and climbs to overlooks for spectacular views. There will also be opportunities for swimming (weather dependent) and for taking kayaks or bicycles off the ship to explore your beautiful surroundings.

• Walk around Athens’ charming Plaka district, the old town at the foot of the Acropolis, where you can explore flower-bedecked streets and stop into a restaurant or café. Climb the hill to the Acropolis, then enjoy a walking tour that includes the Parthenon
• Walking tour of Monaco with views over Monte Carlo
• Explore the ancient archaeological sites of Mycenae, Methoni, Pompeii, and others by foot
• Get the most intimate views of city life as you discover Mediterranean cultural and medieval gems during walking tours
• Climb aboard a small boat to cruise along the Corsican coast past sea caves and cliffs
• Walk through villages in Provence or take a Camargue National Park safari

A long and storied history of arts and culture await during this enriching itinerary.

• Admire the fascinating pottery, arts, and other profound cultural influences at the Acropolis, Pompeii and other archaeological sites
• Sample the Greek wines produced at the Byzantine-era Liotrivi Mansion in the Monemvasia region
• See the stunning Greek Theater in Taormina
• Marvel at the extravagance and glamour on display in Monte Carlo, favorite spot of Europe’s jet-setters

Discover some of the most significant cultural and historic treasures in the world throughout your cruise.

• Visit 9 UNESCO World Heritage Sites: The Acropolis; Asklepios at Epidaurus; Mycenae; Mystras; Olympia; Aeolian Islands; Pompeii; Carcassonne; and works of Antoni Gaudí in Barcelona
• Marvel at the Byzantine churches and narrow warrens with the stalwart walls of Monemvasia Castle
• Uncover the past of Byzantine Greece during a visit to the ruins of Mystras
• Explore the once powerful Venetian port of Methoni and visit Neokastro, one of the most important castles on the Peloponnese Peninsula
• Discover the archaeological wonders of Lipari, gem of the Aeolian Islands
• Roam the bastions of Corsican Bonifacio, perched on a cliff overlooking the sea
• Stroll Le Rocher, the historic quarter of Monte Carlo and domain of the House of Grimaldi for centuries
• Explore the breathtaking rock-built hill towns of Provence

From timeless monuments and sweeping seascapes to intimate portraits of daily life, you’ll enjoy a spectrum of picturesque sights and scenes on this journey. Here are a few tips to help you photograph them along the way:

• Don’t be afraid of the dark! Exploring cities and landmarks at night offers different lighting and 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, alternately, get low and shoot a scene from the ground. Wherever you are, embrace this artistic challenge by getting out of your comfort zone!
• 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!

Music reveals the heart and soul of a place. You’ll have ample opportunity to celebrate culture, and even sing and dance along!

• Be entertained by local musicians aboard ship
• Enjoy a romantic and passionate flamenco performance in Barcelona

The soul-stirring beauty of the natural world greets you at every turn, from the sweeping beauty of the Peloponnese Peninsula to the Mediterranean’s volcanic islands.

• Take in the vistas of Mount Taygetus as you journey to the remarkably preserved city of Mystras
• Marvel at the setting of Methoni, an old Venetian port perched on a narrow dramatic peninsula surrounded by blue Aegean waters
• Witness the spellbinding Aeolian Islands, a tranquil archipelago born from volcanic eruptions millennia ago
• See the sea caves and cliffs of Corsica from a small boat during a thrilling cruise
• Gaze upon the lush beauty and incredible wildlife — including wild horses and flamingoes — in France’s Camargue National Park
• Take in the magnificent red cliffs, ochre-hued quarries, and green pine forests of Roussillon

Few things reveal as much about a culture and its people as the food they eat. This journey takes you into the culinary heart of the Mediterranean. Here are some of the many ways you will indulge in its many flavors.

• Sample Greek wines and tasty appetizers at the Liotrivi Mansion, Monemvasia’s elegant winery
• Learn to make pizza Neapolitan-style at a farm on the Amalfi Coast
• Tour the Château de Flaugergues, where grapes — and wine — have been cultivated for 2,000 years
• Take time to sample Barcelona’s renowned tapas bars, where small plates are packed with flavor and eaten best with a glass of rioja

Cheers to experiencing wine from contrasting countries, savoring their memorable and delicious flavors cultivated through centuries of perfected wine-making techniques.

• Indulge in a wine tasting in France at the 18th-century Château de Flaugergues, which dates its wine-making history back 2,000 years
• Sip some rioja while enjoying a leisurely meal in Barcelona, Spain
• Sample the Greek wines produced at the Byzantine-era Liotrivi Mansion in the Monemvasia region
• Join an optional wine tour to compare more Greek varieties in Nafplion

Your 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 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.