Vantage got its start in 1983 by offering tours to Australia and New Zealand. In the decades that followed, we’ve brought more than half a million travelers to all seven continents on unforgettable river and small ship cruises and small-group land adventures and safaris. Read more about our story below:
1983
We begin offering the best value in deluxe travel to affinity groups, including banks, teachers, and alumni associations, with initial departures to Australia and New Zealand in the fall of 1983. Within a year, we added our America’s Magnificent National Parks Tour to our journey list.
1985
Responding to popular demand, Vantage starts offering tours and cruises to the public.
1996
We partner with established European river cruise companies and begin sailing the Old World’s great waterways — becoming one of the first companies to offer European river cruises to American travelers.
1999 to 2004
In 1999, we open our World Headquarters in Boston’s historic Bullfinch Triangle and launch our own Vantage European Deluxe river fleet with the m/s River Navigator, creating an experience personally tailored for the American traveler. Over the next five years, the m/s River Odyssey, the m/s River Explorer, and the first m/s River Discovery are launched.
2011
Vantage expands river cruise offerings to the Mekong River in Cambodia and Vietnam, and the Irrawaddy River in Myanmar (Burma) aboard small privately chartered river vessels. Plus, in response to demand, Vantage opens Cuba to our travelers with exclusive People-to-People cultural tours.
2012 to 2013
An all-new Vantage fleet sets a new standard for deluxe European river cruising with the m/s River Discovery II, the m/s River Venture, and the m/s River Splendor.
2015
In addition to the inauguration of the Vantage Adventures line of small group land adventures and small ship cruises, we add active lifestyle features to every journey.
2016
Our first 6-star river vessel, the m/s River Voyager, joins our four 5-star vessels, including the newly refurbished m/s River Navigator. We also begin offering cruises in the U.S., starting with 4-star small ship itineraries on the Saint Lawrence Seaway and the Great Lakes.
2018
celebrates 35 years!
2019
The Vantage-exclusive Iganyana Tented Camp opens on a private concession on the borders of Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe’s flagship safari destination.
2020
Following acclaim from Solo Traveler and Cruise Critic for our pioneering solo initiatives, Vantage reoutfits its Deluxe European river fleet to be even more solo-friendly, adding new custom-built solo cabins, many with French balconies.
2021
The
Ocean Explorer launches and heralds the arrival of Vantage’s luxurious new 5-star small ship fleet, which also includes the
Ocean Odyssey. This state-of-the-art ships features 77 cabins and offers travelers the most intimate and luxurious expedition cruising and small ship ocean cruising experience. It sets sail on its inaugural voyage,
The Beauty of the British Isles, in August. The 5-star
h/s Nebu, a luxury all-suite vessel featuring four solo-friendly cabins, follows suit and launches on the Nile River in October.
2022 & beyond
The
Ocean Odyssey, the Explorer’s sister ship, sets sail on its inaugural voyage at the end of March —
East Asia: Malaysia, Sri Lanka & Beyond. Guests onboard during this momentous occasion are treated to special inaugural features.
