IMPORTANT NOTICE: Vantage Status Update (Updated: 6/29/2023).
On June 29, 2023, Vantage filed a petition for relief under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in the Bankruptcy Court for the District of Massachusetts. All reservation activity is suspended pending the conclusion of the sale proceedings.
Additional Information will be made available once the process is completed and no later than 1 September, 2023.
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Perhaps it’s the picturesque fishing villages, soaring mountain peaks, and dramatic fjords that draw you in. Or maybe you’re intrigued by centuries-old Nordic heritage and Viking traditions. Whatever it is, come aboard the luxurious, 5-star Ocean Odyssey and explore Norway your way on this incredible small ship journey with . Enjoy the pristine landscapes, alluring cities, engaging museums, and important sites you’ll explore throughout this 11-night small ship cruise. With 19 included features and Cultural Discoveries, you’ll discover Nordic seafaring customs and learn about traditional life in Scandinavia. Our exclusive onboard Lecture Series will bring the region’s lore and philosophy to life, with fascinating presentations that delve deeper into the stories and places of this magnificent nation.
Along the way, you’ll luxuriate in the exquisite onboard amenities and top-of-the-line, personalized service Vantage is known for. Savor gourmet meals expertly prepared by our skilled chefs, pamper yourself with a soothing massage at the spa, pick up a page-turner at the well-stocked library, unwind with a soak in the top-deck hot tub, and sip a refreshing cocktail while taking in the incredible views from the panoramic Observation Lounge. And if you’re traveling alone, enjoy FREE Single Supplements and solo accommodations exclusively designed for our independent guests. Don’t miss out on this incredible Nordic voyage!
Fly to Tromsø, Norway
Today you’ll board an overnight flight to Tromsø, Norway. Or, depart earlier for your pre-trip extension in Oslo.
Arrive in Tromsø, Norway
Welcome to Tromsø, Norway! If you purchased your airfare with Vantage, a representative will meet you at the airport to assist with transfers to your hotel. You’ll have time to settle into your room before enjoying an included dinner tonight.
Included meals:
Explore Tromsø on your own today
Tromsø is known as the "Gateway to the Arctic." Amidst other things, this lively city is known for its distinctive architecture and endless supply of cultural events. With more pubs per capita than any other town in Norway, Tromsø also hosts the hallowed Mack Brewery, especially famous for its Arctic Ale. You’ll have a full day at leisure to explore this charming city at your own pace.
Destination Enhancement: Customize your journey when you add an optional excursion. Head out for an exploration of scenic Kvaløya Island or explore the great outdoors in the company of Alaskan huskies on an afternoon hiking excursion. Learn More
Located a short drive from Tromsø, Kvaløya Island rewards its visitors with majestic mountain peaks, crystal blue waters, and white sand beaches. This small, vibrant coastal community keeps its Sommarøy traditions alive and is home to one of the oldest lighthouses in northern Norway, in addition to rich birdlife and a variety of nature. You’ll have an opportunity to explore this enjoyable destination for yourself on this exclusive, guided excursion.
Due to high call volume, we recommend you visit MyPortfolio to book this Destination Enhancement. Don’t wait — these optional experiences are limited to a select number of guests and are selling out fast!
The two greatest loves of the people of Northern Norway are huskies and outdoor activities, so experiencing nature with a faithful four-legged friend is the best combination of both. Get active and explore Norway’s natural beauty firsthand, with a furry companion by your side, on this fun-filled — and frankly adorable — optional hiking excursion.
Enjoy a tour of Tromsø and embark the Ocean Odyssey
Following breakfast this morning, you’ll check out of your hotel and transfer to the Ocean Odyssey. Along the way, you’ll be treated to a panoramic tour of Tromsø’s popular highlights, including a visit to the Tromsdalen Arctic Cathedral. Designed by architect Jan Inge Hovig, this modern concrete and metal structure is one of the most notable churches in Norway, and features an impressive floor-to-ceiling, stained glass mosaic.
Your tour concludes at the pier, where you will board the Ocean Odyssey. Take time to settle into your sumptuous stateroom and acquaint yourself with your elegant 5-star small ship before joining your fellow travelers for your first dinner on board tonight.
Included Feature:
Cultural Discovery:
Uncover the charms of Narvik
Located in northern Norway, and surrounded by majestic mountains and deep fjords, the seaside city of Narvik offers visitors some of the most spectacular views in the Arctic Circle. There is an incredible mix of both cultural and natural wonders to be found here, plus limitless outdoor activities for active travelers. Today, you’ll enjoy a tour of the city’s highlights, after which you will have leisure time to continue your discoveries on your own.
Destination Enhancement: Customize your journey when you add an optional excursion. View Narvik’s stunning scenery from aboard the Arctic Train and visit the Narvik War Museum to learn more about Norway’s military history. Learn More
Come along for an unforgettable journey on Norway’s northernmost railway. Stretching between Narvik and Abisko, the Arctic Train makes its way through beautiful Nordic landscapes, with majestic mountain peaks and dramatic fjords serving as a backdrop. This excursion includes a visit to the Narvik War Museum. Using innovative design, photography, film, sound, and technology, the Narvik War Museum’s exhibits tell the story of Norway’s involvement in World War II.
Set your sights on Reine, Å, and Moskenes
When it comes to gorgeous scenery and photogenic destinations, few places can rival Reine, Norway. This quaint seaside village, with its red fishermen’s cottages and mountainous backdrop, is one of the most photographed locations in Europe. You’ll get to experience the village’s charms for yourself during an included sightseeing tour this morning. Continuing on to the cape that stretches into the sea of Vestfjorden, you’ll visit the village of Å, a fascinating end-point on the southern tip of the Lofoten Islands. Your sightseeing tour also includes the dramatic landscapes of Moskenes, on the southern part of the island of Moskenesøya. This is one day when you’ll definitely want to have your camera on hand. Following your sightseeing tour, you’ll have leisure time to continue exploring at your own pace.
Destination Enhancement: Customize your journey when you add an optional excursion. Set off for a guided exploration of the breathtaking Lofoten Islands. Learn More
There is so much more to Lofoten than its dramatic mountains and picturesque fishing villages. Here you'll find quiet bays, white sandy beaches, sheltered fjords, and expansive, green agricultural areas. It is said that the light in Lofoten is unlike anywhere else in the world, which is why artists from Norway and abroad have always come here for inspiration. We will explore the highlights of this inspiring, picturesque location, with opportunities for you to fully take in the stunning scenery.
Uncover the assorted delights of Bodø
A lively small city located just above the Arctic Circle, Bodø is a mini-metropolis where you’ll find an ideal mix of eclectic shops, interesting cultural events, and delicious dining. Today’s discoveries include a tour of this charismatic city, plus a visit to the National Norwegian Aviation Museum, where you will find engaging exhibits chronicling several decades of Norway’s military and civil aviation history.
Destination Enhancement: Customize your journey when you add an optional excursion. Visit Kjerringøy Old Trading Post, situated in the idyllic Nordland Country village of Kjerringøy. Learn More
Kjerringøy Trading Post is an open-air, living history museum, and Norway’s most well-preserved old fish and jekt-trade site. Located just a short drive north of the town of Bodø, this historical landmark provides a glimpse into Norway’s coastal heritage. Consisting of 15 authentic buildings still in their original state, this is one of Norway’s most important collections of 19th-century buildings. Not only will you get a sense of the past; you’ll also take part in the daily life of a traditional northern coastal community.
Delight in your ship’s amenities during a day at sea
One of the true pleasures of a luxurious, small ship cruise is the onboard experience as you sail from one incredible destination to another. You’ll find everything you need to feel relaxed, pampered, and entertained today.
Onboard Enhancement: Customize your journey when you add an optional onboard experience. Enhance your time on board with an expert-led wine tasting, savoring rich varietals that span the best wine regions on earth. Learn More
Our onboard wine tastings are a guest favorite while sailing and have become a staple of both our ocean journeys and river cruises. Savor rich global flavors from varietals that span the best wine regions on earth, as our onboard expert explains the notes and flavors of each one. Whether you are a connoisseur or a novice, wine tastings offer the perfect balance of indulgence and fun, and are a fantastic way to expand your palate.
The optional activity is available on board your vessel.
Explore Trondheim’s rich medieval heritage
We’ll spend the morning exploring the small city of Trondheim. As the historic and religious capital of Norway, Trondheim has long been considered an important pilgrimage site, as evident by St. Olav Ways. This 3,000-kilometer pilgrimage route ends at the shrine of St. Olav, an 11th-century Viking king who is credited with bringing Christianity to Scandinavia. During our explorations today, we’ll follow the city’s ancient narrow alleys, past its markets and historic warehouses, and visit the legendary Nidaros Cathedral. The afternoon is free for you to spend as you wish.
Destination Enhancement: Customize your journey when you add an optional excursion. Get to know Trondheim on a half-day cultural tour that includes visits to two local museums. Learn More
Travel back in time with a visit to the Sverresborg Trøndelag Folk Museum in Trondheim. Situated among the picturesque surroundings around the ruins of King Sverre’s Castle — the oldest medieval castle in Norway, dating back to AD 1183 — this living history museum provides an opportunity to learn the fascinating story of the king’s rise to power. You’ll also experience traditional 18th-century life in Trondheim when you stroll through the old town and rural sections of the museum, comprised of several original buildings, including a grocery store, post office, and schoolhouse.
Tour Kristiansund’s highlights on foot today
Spread across four idyllic islands, the oceanside city of Kristiansund is known for its cultural events, from its annual opera festival to a traditional celebration of the Northern Lights. This morning, you’ll head out on a walking tour of this delightful city, stopping at several of its many highlights. There will be leisure time for you to further explore on your own following your tour.
Destination Enhancement: Customize your journey when you add an optional excursion. Join an excursion along the Atlantic Road, voted Norway's “Engineering Feat of the Century” and considered the world's most beautiful drive. Learn More
Take a thrilling ride down the Atlantic Road, known as “the world’s most beautiful drive.” This awesome feat of engineering stretches across the lush coastal landscapes of several islets and islands, and the vistas of the surrounding ocean are simply jaw-dropping. Along the way, we’ll stop for an authentic Nordic dining experience.
Enjoy Ålesund’s Art Nouveau architecture
Renowned for its distinctive architecture comprising of turrets, spires, and other whimsical Art Nouveau touches, Ålesund is the cultural center of the Sunnmøre region. Explore the city’s unique character for yourself during an included walking tour. You’ll have leisure time following your tour to continue your discoveries on your own. Pop into the Art Nouveau Centre & the Art Museum KUBE to learn more about Ålesund’s history and its incredible architecture; get up close to marine life at Atlanterhavsparken, Northern Europe's largest saltwater aquarium and marine science center; or simply sample some tasty traditional seafood at one of the city’s many cafés and restaurants.
Destination Enhancement: Customize your journey when you add an optional excursion. Join us today for a half-day, guided panoramic tour of Ålesund that includes a visit to the Mount Aksla viewpoint. Learn More
Ålesund is one of the most unique cities in the world. Built on only islands, the city is famous for its Art Nouveau architecture and its fishing harbor — one of the most important in Norway. This panoramic tour offers an opportunity to discover the incredible architecture, nature, and history of this one-of-a-kind city, and caps off with a visit to Mount Aksla Viewpoint, from which you’ll be able to take in spectacular, panoramic views of the city and the surrounding islands, including the islands of Giske and Godøy.
Cruise through spectacularly scenic Nordfjord
Scenic cruising through Nordfjord, the sixth largest fjord in Norway, is just one of the many highlights of this incredible journey. This fjord spans a length of over 60 miles, and features stunning glaciers, mammoth waterfalls, and imposing snow-capped mountains. Your maritime adventure through this spectacular waterway is further enhanced by commentary from your expert Resident Lecturer.
Beautiful Bergen awaits you today
Today we’ll set out to discover the colorful, centuries-old city of Bergen, including its vibrant waterfront. Although it’s Norway’s second-largest city, with its abundance of traditional wooden homes, narrow lanes, and cozy cafés, Bergen has a lovely small-town feel and welcoming atmosphere. Built after the Great Fire of 1702, the traditional wooden houses and unusual street patterns inspired UNESCO to declare the city a World Heritage Site in 1979. You’ll have free time to explore more of the city on your own after your tour.
Destination Enhancement: Customize your journey when you add an optional excursion. Pay a visit to the 19th-century Troldhaugen Museum and enjoy a classical music concert. Learn More
The Troldhaugen Museum, located in the villa that was once the summer home of Norwegian classical composer Edvard Grieg, is where you’ll learn about Norway’s musical legacy. As one of the most influential Romantic composers of the 19th century, Grieg’s work helped launch the country into international musical prominence. We’ll delve further into his cultural contributions during a tour of the home and enjoy a concert comprised of his most famous pieces.
Relax on board with a day at sea
Enjoy another full day at sea to relax and revel in the luxurious amenities aboard the Ocean Odyssey. Pamper your body with a relaxing massage, a facial, or a soothing soak in the hot tub after an onboard lecture about your experiences so far.
Onboard Enhancement: Customize your journey when you add an optional onboard experience. Enhance your time on board with an expert-led whiskey tasting and sample delicious, full-bodied whiskeys from all over the world. Learn More
Join our onboard expert as they guide you on a journey for the palate as you sample delicious, full-bodied whiskeys from all over the world. Taste the intricate barrel-aged flavors of your favorite small-batch Kentucky bourbon, try a classic 25-year-old Scotch, and enjoy local whiskeys from many of the regions we cruise to, all hand-selected from our private collection.
Disembark the Ocean Odyssey and transfer to Edinburgh
The cruise portion of your journey comes to a close in Aberdeen, Scotland today. Following breakfast on board, you’ll disembark the Ocean Odyssey and transfer to Edinburgh, Scotland, where you will check into your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to spend at your leisure with lunch and dinner on your own.
Discover Edinburgh and come aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia
The unforgettable city of Edinburgh unfolds before you as we set out on a guided panoramic tour. Highlights of the Old Town include Edinburgh Castle, set high above the city on Castle Rock, and St. Margaret’s Chapel. Built around AD 1130, it is the oldest surviving building in town. Fast-forward to the 18th-century as you explore the New Town, with its elegant neoclassical and Georgian architecture. Both districts are jointly listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
When Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip set sail to visit their far-flung dominion, they did it aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia. You'll come aboard to inspect this elegant vessel, which still features the furnishings and décor favored by the Queen when the ship was launched in 1953.
Get ready for an entertaining dinner tonight, with a traditional bagpipe performance.
Cultural Discoveries:
Return home
After breakfast, you’ll transfer to the airport for your return flight home. Or, if you’re joining the post-trip extension right here in Edinburgh, you’ll stay on for three more days!
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. Day-by-day itineraries are preliminary and therefore subject to change. If changes occur while on tour, you will be notified by your Cruise Director or regional expert.
