From money matters to packing tips, we’ve got all the information you need to prepare for your upcoming Vantage journey. Just click on an item below to read more about it.
Passports & Visas
Travel Documentation
A passport is required for this trip. Your passport must be valid for at least six months after the scheduled return date of your vacation. Bring with you a photocopy of the pages of your passport that contain your personal information and extra passport photographs, or take a photo on your phone. These are useful in the event of loss.
Passport and Visa
The following information applies to U.S. citizens only. Those traveling on other than a U.S. passport must contact the embassies or consulates of the countries to be visited for further information and special requirements.
| Country |
Passport |
Visa |
| Israel |
Y |
N |
| Jordan |
Y |
Y |
| Oman |
Y |
Y |
| United Arab Emirates |
Y |
Y |
| Egypt |
Y |
Y |
NOTE: Non-U.S. citizens or passport holders, it is your
responsibility to contact their local embassy or Consulate for
requirements which will vary from above.
Passport must be valid for at least six months after entry. Visa applicants who do not have the required number of blank "visa" pages will be required to renew their passports regardless of remaining validity. The U.S. Department of State no longer adds visa pages into U.S. passports.
Oman Visa: Your Oman visa will be secured by the port agent upon entry to each port; you do not need to obtain an Oman visa in advance. A separate visa will be issued at each port at no fee.
United Arab Emirates Visa can be obtained upon arrival at airport at no fee.
A visa to enter Egypt is required. U.S. citizens can obtain a renewable single-entry 30-day tourist evisa online at
https://visa2egypt.gov.eg/eVisa/Home.
A visa to Jordan is required. (Subject to change at any time). Single-entry visas issued on arrival are valid for 1 month, so guests will not be required to pay any visa fees for the duration of the trip irrespective of how many times they cross the border.
Should the above requirements change, you will be notified in a mailing prior to departure. All visa, entry requirements, and fees are subject to change without advance notification by action of the government and port authorities. Vantage is not responsible for any additional charges resulting from such changes.
For up-to-date information, please visit Generations Visa at
http://www.genvisa.com/vantage.
Note: Please make sure to submit your completed doc at least 40 days prior your departure, anybody who fail to submit all documents might have trouble of obtaining the visa.
U.S. Customs Information
If you are traveling internationally, it is important to understand U.S. Customs regulations including required documents that are valid at least six months following your departure date, rules for bringing back items, and duty-free exemption. Please click the link below to visit the U.S. Customs website and read their helpful info, "Know Before You Go."
View "Know Before You Go"
(Link opens new browser window.)
Gratuities
We know that you’ll want to reward great service, so we’ve included the following guidelines for gratuities:
- Now including gratuities for local guides and drivers
- Porterage: Gratuities are included, except in Customs areas; porterage is included at hotels
- Outside Dining: Varies according to local customs; your Expedition Team will advise
Vantage Cruise Director, Concierge, Ship Staff & Crew:
- A gratuity of $20 per traveler, per day, will be pre-charged to your credit card and can be adjusted at the end of the cruise or modified to cash gratuities
- Shipboard gratuities are shared among the whole crew, including the Cruise Director and Concierge
Trip extension gratuities:
Tips for City Hosts and/or Program Managers on trip extensions: $5-7 per person per day
Please note: It is strongly recommended that you contact your credit card company and/or your bank to advise them that you will be traveling, and credit card charges will be posted from foreign countries. For onboard expenses, you may see charges from Cyprus, where our credit processing company is based.
Ship to Shore: The Vantage Safe Travel Initiative
We’ve planned our journeys around memorable destinations and experiences with your health, safety, and security always in mind. Following guidance from the World Health Organization, the Center for Disease Control, local foreign governments, and our partners from around the world, we’re taking it to the next level. We've implemented vital health & safety assurances on all our journeys. Learn more about Vantage's Safe Travel Initiative.
Vaccinations
Vantage requires that all guests, associates, and crew be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 — including a booster shot — at least 14 days prior to their journey departure date. Travelers will be required to produce their vaccine card displaying their name, dates of doses, and vaccine type to embark. Travelers who cannot product proof of vaccination will have to return home at their own expense.
Specific entry requirements for your chosen destination
To ensure that you have a smooth travel experience, you will need to know the requirements for both your specific airline carrier and the country you’ll arrive in prior to your departure. We’ve listed some considerations below to help you plan.
- Should you present with any symptoms, come into close contact with a positive case, or request to be tested, the ship's physician will make tests available
- Upon arrival, travelers will be required to provide their completed wellness declaration form pledging no contact with at-risk persons and no symptoms of illness
- The use of face masks is no longer mandatory while on board the ship
- While ashore, you may be required to use a face mask when required by local regulations.
- We encourage our travelers to complete a self-test before flying to the destination and to wear a mask during travel time (on flights and in airports).
- We highly recommend that you contact your air carrier prior to departure to confirm what their requirements are for take-off and landing
Please note: Negative COVID-19 tests are no longer required for return travel back into the U.S.
Additional vaccinations are not mandatory at the present time, but we remind you that traveling does require certain precautions. We advise that you check with your personal physician to verify your particular needs. For more information on health related issues while traveling overseas, contact the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) by visiting http://www.cdc.gov/travel or calling toll-free 1-800-232-4636.
Packing Guidelines
What to Pack
Dress on tour is generally casual and smart casual. Gentlemen may wish to bring a sport jacket. Formal clothing is not necessary, unless you are traveling on an ocean cruise that has formal nights or one of our popular President's trips. Jeans and shorts are not allowed in the dining room at dinner. Your travel wardrobe should be planned according to the climate of the areas you will be visiting and the length of your stay. Average high and low temperatures for the destinations visited listed under "Climate". A HELPFUL HINT — plan to avail yourself of the laundry services available at an additional fee.
Due to the climate, we advise you to pack sunscreen and moisturizer (in the amounts permitted by TSA regulations), and bring a hat and sunglasses as well. These will be difficult to come by in the Middle East. If you’re traveling in summer, be sure to bring very cool (but modest) cotton or linen clothing. If you are traveling in winter, bring a light winter coat.
Dress in Israel and Jordan is mostly casual and but it is conservative: Strict standards of modesty do prevail. Loose-fitting clothing, long skirts, trousers, lightweight pants, and short-sleeved shirts (not sleeveless) are appropriate. Mosques and temples, especially, require you to dress conservatively. Both men and women should cover their shoulders, arms, and legs at religious sites in Oman and United Arab Emirates especially. You should also wear socks (or carry some with you) as you’ll be asked to remove your shoes when you enter holy sites. Dinner attire can be slightly smarter, but still casual. Women should pack some scarves to wear on occasion — it should be large enough to cover your neck and shoulders.
Bring along a sweater and lightweight jacket for cooler evenings, and be sure to pack a swimsuit so you can take a dip in hotel pools. Comfortable walking shoes are essential as well — sandals may be inappropriate for some activities.
To use electrical gadgets, you will need a step-down voltage converter and adapter plug. The local voltage is 230V. In addition to bringing a voltage converter and adapter plug, don’t forget to bring along charging cables for your electronics. Rooms include 110 - 220 volt outlet & USB ports . Please only use with appliances rated 110 – 230 volt. All US plugs will fit in every outlet in the cabin.
We also recommend carrying prescription medications in their original packaging and to stow them in your carry-on luggage. For glasses and contact lenses, pack an extra pair.
While on Tour
While on Tour
Please note: Ocean cruising is not the same experience as river cruising; as such, you may experience fluctuating tides and weather patterns that may involve some rocking of your vessel. Itineraries will include all activities as planned except in extreme cases that can’t be controlled by your shipboard crew.
The information below applies in general to all Vantage expedition cruises, small ship ocean cruises, river cruises, and land adventures.
Although everything is planned well in advance of your departure, the day-by-day itinerary is subject to change depending on local conditions. If any significant changes occur in advance of your departure, Vantage will notify you by phone or by mail. If changes occur while on your trip, your Vantage Cruise Director or local representative will notify you.
Briefing sessions
At the beginning of your trip, a Vantage Cruise Director will conduct an informative briefing concerning the daily schedule, local customs, included features of your tour, and your ship (if applicable). Briefings will also be held at the beginning of any pre- or post-trip extension and prior to arrival at most ports. To get the most out of your tour, you should plan to attend each briefing.
Extending Your Trip
Vantage offers specially arranged pre- and post-extensions on many of our journeys. See specific trip for details.
Additionally, if you would like to do some exploring on your own, either before or after your cruise, Vantage can help arrange the details. In most cases, your flights can be adjusted for an earlier arrival date or a later return date. A non-refundable administrative fee will be assessed, plus any additional costs that may apply to the air ticket and hotel. Transfers to and from your hotel are not included when traveling independent of a Vantage group. Please ask a Vantage Sales Representative for additional details. Note also that some airline contracts may exclude changes to routing.
NOTE: Should you wish to make any changes to your plans to extend your trip, please do so no later than 60 days prior to your scheduled date of departure. Change and cancellation penalties apply to changes made after airline tickets have been issued.
Your Health & Comfort
Vantage wants you to have a safe, healthy, and happy journey. Our small ship cruisetours are planned to combine just the right amount of activity and leisure.
For personal medical attention while on your small ship cruisetour, your Cruise Director can refer you to reliable physicians in the cities on your tour.
Please note that Medicare and U.S health insurance are generally not accepted in foreign destinations. If you have an insurance claim, it should be made upon your return to the USA and filed through your health insurance provider or through the Vantage Travel Protection Plan if you have purchased it. Keep relevant receipts and doctors' reports for processing your claim.
Jet Lag Precautions
When you cross several time zones to reach your destination, you often lose many hours of regular sleep. Upon arrival your body must quickly adjust to new sleeping and eating patterns. The result is jet lag. Its symptoms may include fatigue, irritability, and vague disorientation. You cannot completely avoid jet lag but you can minimize it. Here's how:
- Try to sleep on overnight flights
- Avoid heavy eating and drinking caffeine or alcoholic beverages right before — and during — your flight
- Drink plenty of water and/or fruit juice while flying
- Try to stay awake your first day until after dinner
Your Personal Safety
Please keep in mind that in any tourist destination, you need to be aware of your surroundings. We recommend that you use a money protector that can be worn around your neck. Flashy jewelry should be left at home. Never place your camera or purse down, or hang it on the back of your chair. Although incidents of theft and pickpocketing while on tour are rare, it is important to be cautious and aware.
Medical Issues
Click here to read important information about travelers with physical, emotional, or mental conditions that may require professional attention or the use of special equipment. "Medical Issues" information also appears in the "Tour Participation Agreement - Terms and Conditions" bound into Vantage catalogs and printed on the back of your Vantage invoice.
Hotels
If your Vantage cruisetour includes a stay in a hotel, please note that Vantage makes every effort to reserve only hotels that offer well-appointed rooms and a convenient location. We remind you that quality of accommodations may vary from destination to destination. Vantage strives to provide the best hotels available that meet our standards of quality.
How We Rate Our Hotels
While some tour companies devise their own ratings systems (based on their particular standards), Vantage ranks hotels based on the industry-accepted classifications published by the Hotel & Travel Index - the travel industry standard.
Deluxe/Moderate Deluxe ***** Outstanding accommodations in every way, offering superior service, facilities, and location.
Superior First-Class ****+ Above average accommodations, with many special amenities, including more restaurants, shops, and usually a fitness center.
First-Class/Moderate First-Class **** Comfortable, well-equipped standard rooms with private bath and attractive public areas and amenities.
Please Note: In some areas where the hotels aren't rated, it's often due to the fact that the hotel may be too new, too remote, or too small. However, the hotel where you stay has been inspected and approved by Vantage personnel.
Religious Services
Although we do not offer religious services during our trips, services may be available in the cities and towns you visit during your small ship cruise. Your Vantage Cruise Director can advise you when religious services are available. Please keep in mind that not all religious denominations have a presence in every travel destination. We cannot guarantee the availability of religious services.
Shopping
In general, always keep receipts and credit card copies. Shipping should always include insurance in the event of breakage. Some credit cards may include insurance protection for purchases, but it is best to check with your card issuer for any insurance that may be included before you go.
Sightseeing & Cultural Connections
Vantage offers a variety of included sightseeing tours and special cultural events to enrich your travel experience and bring you "closer to the world." Our tours are specially designed for Vantage travelers. They let you feel the atmosphere, gain a cultural understanding, and become a part of the area you are visiting. They include all transportation and the services of expert local guides.
Optional Excursions
Vantage makes every effort to provide the right balance of both included activities and time for exploring on your own. We've found, however, that many of our passengers prefer an additional guided activity in lieu of free time. For that reason, some of our journeys may include a limited number of optional tours and activities, which you may choose to take at a moderate fee. In no case do we replace an included sightseeing tour with an optional tour. Optional tours are strictly voluntary, providing you with the opportunity to visit an attraction that you may not see otherwise.
Transfers
If you have purchased your flights from Vantage, roundtrip transfers between the airport and your hotel or your cruise ship’s pier are included. Vantage pre-arranges transfers either via a private transportation company and/or hotel airport shuttles.
If you have not purchased your airfare from Vantage, you may still purchase round-trip international airport transfers to and from your base tour ship or hotel for $120 per person.
Otherwise, you will be responsible for arranging your own airport transfers. Bear in mind that hotel check-in times vary and, depending upon your flight arrival, your hotel may not be available for early check-in.
Travel Itinerary
Although everything is planned well in advance of your departure, the day-by-day itinerary is subject to change depending on local conditions. If any significant changes occur in advance of your departure, Vantage will notify you by phone or by mail. If changes occur while on your trip, your Vantage Cruise Director or local representative will notify you.
Please note: Ocean-cruising is not the same experience as river cruising; as such, you may experience fluctuating tides and weather patterns that may involve some rocking of your vessel. Itineraries will include all activities as planned except in extreme cases that can’t be controlled by your shipboard crew.
Your Vantage Team
During your small ship cruise, you’ll be accompanied by an experienced English-speaking Vantage Cruise Director. He or she will manage the logistics of your trip, and provide the insider knowledge that can add so much to your experience. In most cases, your Cruise Director will lead your guided sightseeing tours, or be supported by English-speaking local guides.
Vantage Hospitality Desk
For your convenience, a Vantage Hospitality Desk will be available on board ship and at many of the hotels on your itinerary (staffed by an experienced local travel professional or by your Vantage Cruise Director). The desk hours vary, depending on your daily scheduling. Tour members will be advised of the desk hours during daily briefings.
Laundry Services
Laundry and pressing services are available onboard for an additional fee.
View list of services and prices here.
