Smaller Ports, Bigger Discoveries

Smaller ports, bigger discoveries

The compact size of the Ocean Explorer and Ocean Odyssey allows our ships to access small ports that larger vessels can't reach. This means you can sail right into the center of cities like St. Petersburg and Québec City, or set foot on far-flung lands such as Bornholm Island in Denmark and Komodo in Indonesia. Instead of hopping between air and land travel, unpack just once and revel in a more intimate experience: Where personalized service, exclusive Cultural Discoveries, and attention to detail are paramount.

Each ship has a maximum capacity of 162 travelers (130 on polar expeditions), which means that you’ll enjoy a smaller passenger-to-crew ratio — as well as more opportunities to connect with like-minded travelers during your journey.

Thought-provoking excursions

At its heart, travel is about understanding. What miracles of nature led to an incredible diversity of wildlife? Why was a monument built? How is an indigenous culture preserving its traditions amid rapid globalization and modernization? Your journeys on our 5-star fleet are designed to answer questions like these, and shine a light on some of the most remarkable places in the world. Hence, in addition to your Cruise Director, you can count on the “insider” knowledge of experienced, English-speaking regional experts to guide your included excursions on shore.

Explore the world through a local lens

No one knows a destination better than its denizens — that’s why we’ve sought out local experts throughout the world to host your Cultural Discoveries. You may even strike up a conversation with them as they share glimpses of their daily life: Learn how to make pizza the original Neapolitan way, visit Inuit outposts on the roughest coasts of Greenland, and get an insider’s look at Rio’s Carnival with a behind-the-scenes samba tour. Or, consult our onboard Concierge to personalize your journey based on what you are most passionate about!

Get to the heart of a destination

On some of our cruises, you’ll enjoy overnight excursions that take you beyond the coast to inland destinations you simply can’t miss. Step back in time to the Angkorian, French colonial, and Khmer Rouge eras of Phnom Penh. Visit a tea plantation in Sri Lanka and learn how the world’s most-consumed beverage is grown and processed. Immerse yourself in the glory of ancient Egypt when you journey to Luxor to explore Ancient Thebes, its Necropolis, and the temples of Karnak and Luxor. Plus, all overnight excursions are included in the price of your tour, including your stay at 5-star accommodations — so you can rest assured that you’re enjoying the best value in deluxe travel with Vantage.