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North American Waterways: St. Lawrence and the Great Lakes - 2022

Montréal • 12-night Great Lakes small ship cruise with Kingston, Toronto, Niagara Falls, Cleveland, Detroit, Lake Huron, Manitoulin Island, Sault Ste. Marie, Mackinac Island, Lake Michigan • Chicago
  • St. Lawrence and the Great Lakes small ship cruise from Montréal to Chicago with Toronto, Niagara Falls, Sault Ste. Marie, Mackinac Island including Ottawa extension
    CRUISE ON THE 5-STAR OCEAN EXPLORER, AN AGILE AND STATE-OF-THE-ART EXPEDITION VESSEL THAT CAN NAVIGATE TO PLACES LARGER SHIPS CAN’T
  • GAIN DEEPER INSIGHTS INTO YOUR DESTINATIONS WITH TALKS AND DISCUSSIONS BY AN ONBOARD RESIDENT LECTURER
  • TAKE A TROLLEY TOUR THROUGH KINGSTON ON LAKE ONTARIO, PLUS LEARN ABOUT ABORIGINAL LIFE AT A CANADIAN VILLAGE
  • LEARN ABOUT DETROIT'S INDUSTRIAL BOOM AND AUTOMOTIVE INNOVATION ON A TOUR THROUGH THE HENRY FORD MUSEUM
  • TAKE A HORSE-DRAWN CARRIAGE TOUR OF HISTORIC MACKINAC ISLAND, WHICH REMAINS CAR-FREE
  • FLOAT PAST MORE THAN 50 ARCHITECTURAL WONDERS AND ENJOY THEM FROM A UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE ON THE CHICAGO RIVER
DATES & PRICES
STARTING FROM
$9,999
  • $588
    PER DAY
  • 17
    DAYS
  • 26
    TOURS
TRIP WITH AIR
17 DAYS FROM $9,999
Luxury
Extend Your adventure (4 available)
Chicago, Illinois (Pre-Trip)

3 DAYS FROM $999

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada (Pre-Trip)

3 DAYS FROM $1,499

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Ocean Explorer

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Quick facts
Launch: 2021
Length: 104.4 Meters
Max Capacity: 170 guests — 130 for polar expeditions
Cabins: 77, including a landmark 15 solo cabins — 80% of all cabins feature a private veranda

The intimate Ocean Explorer is the cruise industry’s newest and most premier small ship built for global exploration. Accommodating just 170 guests (130 guests on polar expeditions), the ship is outfitted with the latest satellite, sustainability, and navigation capabilities, including SOLAS “Safe Return to Port” requirements and ULSTEIN X-BOW® technology, a significant enhancement for smooth sailing in polar seas.

On all Vantage small ship cruises, education is an essential component of the journey. Enjoy talks from notable scholars, onboard historians who travel alongside you, and handpicked regional experts. On polar expeditions with Vantage, you’ll attend lectures, lessons, and activities offered by a 17-member Expedition Team of experts in fields ranging from biology to oceanography.

In your downtime, you’ll find relaxation and luxury aboard the Ocean Explorer. Visit the gym or onboard spa for a facial, massage, even a haircut. Soak in the hot tub after a rewarding day of sightseeing. Enjoy gourmet fare for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus outstanding culinary experiences built into your journey. And because there’s no more than 170 fellow travelers onboard, (130 guests on polar expeditions) you’ll enjoy small group outings by day and share meals, stories, and fun with new friends by night.

  • The latest satellite and navigation capabilities, including ULSTEIN X-BOW® technology
  • State-of-the-art safety technology, Polar Code 6 compliant, and fully compliant with the latest SOLAS requirements in expedition cruising in Antarctica and the Arctic
  • A culinary program offering gourmet dining and regional fare inspired by your destinations, with all drinks included on Antarctica expedition cruises
  • Restaurant with interactive hot rock cooking
  • Multilevel lobby and lounge (observation lounge is on top deck)
  • Elevator from bottom to top deck
  • Health and wellness options, including onboard spa, swimming pool, and gymnasium
  • Outdoor movie screen
  • On expeditions, enjoy the services and curated lectures of a 5- or 17-person Expedition Team, comprised of experts in their field
  • 1:8 passenger-to-crew ratio, plus onboard Concierge (not available on polar expeditions)
  • Onboard medical doctor
  • Boutique
  • Separate, intimate space for your group’s private dining needs (available upon request)
  • Environmentally friendly standards with reduced emissions into air and sea and lower energy consumption
  • Complimentary unlimited WiFi onboard
  • A knowledgeable 17-member Expedition Team, comprised of experts in their field
  • Onboard medical doctor
  • Boutique
  • Separate, intimate space for your group’s private dining needs (available upon request)
  • Environmentally friendly standards with reduced emissions into air and sea and lower energy consumption
  • Complimentary unlimited WiFi onboard

Amenities:

  • A culinary program offering gourmet dining and regional fare, with wine and beer included at dinner
  • Hot-rock cooking restaurant
  • Multistory lounge and lobby
  • Three bars and various lounges
  • Top deck observation deck for gatherings, lecturers, performances, and more
  • Spa, message, and hair services available at the onboard spa
  • Raised infinity pool
  • Sauna
  • Two hot tubs
  • Fitness center
  • Outdoor movie screen
  • Curated lectures, programs, musical performances, and cultural events
  • 1:8 passenger-to-crew ratio, plus onboard Concierge (not available on polar expeditions)
  • Onboard Expedition Team for polar expeditions
  • Knowledgeable expedition staff by region
  • Onboard medical doctor
  • Boutique
  • Library
  • Separate, intimate dining space for groups or special events (available upon request)
  • Complimentary unlimited WiFi

Ocean Explorer Gallery
Amenities  |  Deck Plan
 | 
Group Charters

Contact Vantage

CALL 1-888-514-1845

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THE LOWEST PRICES IN DELUXE Travel — GUARANTEED!

We invite you to compare & save. We buy direct, sell direct, and pass the savings on to you.

Vantage Ponant Vantage Advantage
Journey North American Waterways: St. Lawrence and the Great Lakes The American Great Lakes
Cruise-Only Price* $9,499 $5,688
# of Days 17 8
Per Diem $559 $711 Greatest value and most comprehensive features when compared to our competitors!
Port Charges included Yes
Yes
Cabin Upgrades $400-$1,600 stateroom increments; $4,800 to Deluxe Suite $9,500 to Owners Suite $300-$625 stateroom increments; $8,900 to Privilege Suite; $12,996 to Owners Suite Upgrade to more for less with Vantage!
Cabin Occupancies Single/Double; add a third guest to a stateroom reservation to save up to 75%
Double or Triple Occupancy Cabins, Limited Free Single Supplements Available Best value for all travelers -- including both solo and third guests!
Included Tours and Special Features 26 included features and Cultural Discoveries

6 Cultural Connections including shipboard lectures by experienced, professional speakers, Montreal sugar-shack lunch, Niagara wine tasting, traditional Ojibwe smudging ceremony, special Chicago deep dish pizza lunch

Shore Excursions available for additional cost, starting at $60/person More included tours and cultural experiences offered!
Meals 43 meals: 16 breakfasts, 13 lunches, and 14 dinners, with complimentary wine, beer, and soft drinks during dinner on board
19 meals The MOST included meals
Single Travelers The leader in solo travel - the only small ship operator to offer a landmark 15 solo dedicated solo cabins on board - with limited and capacity controlled FREE or Reduced Single Supplements
Up to 80% Single Supplement The leader in solo travel - best value in the industry.
Extend Your Trip
2 choices: 3 days Chicago from $1499, $499 per day; and 3 days Ottowa from only $1699, $566 per day
None Offered Extend your journey and get more value for your dollar.
10 Ways to Save *Referral Rewards [$200 per referred traveler after 2 referrals]

*Buy direct & save [savings for the traveler]

*SmartPay [pay in full 12 months in advance to save 10%]

*Preferred Traveler Rewards [earn 5% of purchase price toward future trips]

After 2nd trip, join Ponant Yacht Club - savings 5-12.5% off, onboard credits, discounts on all expenses on board  
Vantage offers the best value in deluxe travel and the most ways to save.
Departure Comparision 5/6/22 9/25/2022


*Comparison date as of 6/23/21
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