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

• 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

The soul-stirring beauty of Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina greets you at every turn as you cruise along shores graced with dense Atlantic forests and dramatic coastal mountains. Here’s how you’ll experience it up close:

• Marvel at the stunning landscape of Rio de Janeiro, a spectacular canvas of soaring peaks, dense forests, and long crescent beaches along Guanabara Bay, including the famed Ipanema and Copacabana beaches
• Visit some of Brazil’s most beautiful beaches, including Black Beach in Ilha Grande and Pirangi Beach in Natal
• Marvel at the many stretches of sand in the posh resort town of Punta del Este
• Admire the sweeping beauty of Argentina’s pampas as you drive into the countryside for a polo lesson at a charming estancia, or ranch
• Enjoy scenic cruising along the picturesque easternmost coast of Brazil

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

• See the stunning Teatro Amazonas (Amazon Theatre), built with glass from France and marble from Italy
• Browse Manaus' historic Mercado Adolpho Lisboa, fashioned after the Les Halles market of Paris
• Witness the glamour and extravagance of Armação dos Búzios, the St. Tropez of South America
• Take in the lively culture of Brazil with a behind-the-scenes samba tour in Rio de Janeiro and a choir performance at Recife’s Golden Chapel
• Behold Rio’s breathtaking Christ the Redeemer statue atop Corcovado Mountain

Discover 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and experiences throughout your cruise.

• Witness the beauty of the tango, on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List, with a private tango performance in Buenos Aires
• Walking tour of Ilha Grande the lush island of Ilha Grande
• Rio de Janeiro: Carioca Landscapes between the Mountain and Sea
• Historic Center of the Town of Olinda, founded in the 16th century

You’ve traveled a long way for this journey, and photography will be key to keeping these memories alive for years to come. Here are a few tips:

• 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
• You’ll encounter some larger-than-life scenes and landmarks on this trip, which might create pressure to fit everything into one shot. Instead, focus on a distinctive feature rather than trying to incorporate 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 (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 or from a different perspective makes for a more artsy, unique shot
• 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

The Atlantic Forest that stretches along Brazil’s coast boasts a half dozen ecological zones that harbor numerous bird species. Have your binoculars (included with your cabin!) and your cameras ready to catch the action!

• Head onto the deck as we approach and depart ports such as Ilha Grande, when you’re most likely to spot graceful, winged creatures perched in coastal vegetation.
• Rise with the sun to catch birds at their most active, crisscrossing the river in flight
• Watch in the trees for Amazonian hunters such as hawks and eagles. Keep your eyes to the shore for waders, like the herons
• As you hike in the Atlantic Forest, flashes of color in the canopy might reveal toucans or parakeets!

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 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.