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

• 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

This journey entails sightseeing in urban, coastal and tropical forest locales, often on foot. But your deluxe ship and hotels all offer plenty of soothing amenities to help you feel refreshed. Here are some other activities you may participate in:

• Get a good workout at your ship’s gym and the fitness centers of your hotels
• Enjoy the infinity pool on board the Ocean Odyssey
• Swim at the beaches of Koh Samui or Kuantan
• Utilize your free time to explore destinations by foot—or borrow one of the bikes on board the Ocean Odyssey

This trip exposes you to the ancient and modern cultural heritage of six nations: China (Hong Kong and Macau), Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore.

• In Sihanoukville, Cambodia, see the treasures of the Silver Pagoda (Wat Preah Keo Morokat), with its 5,000 silver floor tiles, Emerald Buddha, and a life-sized gold Buddha adorned with 2,086 diamonds
• Visit Hanoi’s Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university built in 1070
• Ride by electric cart through Hanoi’s Old Quarter tour along the “36 streets of 36 wares,” where 13th-century artisan guilds built their specialized workshops
• Learn about the ancient art of batik printing when you visit a Kuantan batik studio

Hear the sounds of the region during onboard performances as well as special shore activities.

• Listen to an onboard performance
• Enjoy an Apsara Dinner and Dance Show during your overnight stay in Phnom Penh
• Witness the graceful movements of Thai dancers
• In Cambodia, visit a dance school, and enjoy a dance performance on board

Experience the natural beauty of coastal Southeast Asia.

• Cruise through the limestone islands of scenic Halong Bay in Vietnam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Relax on the beaches of Nha Trang, Vietnam and Koh Samui, Thailand

Trace the time lines of great civilizations from Hong Kong to Singapore.

• See the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay with its scenic islands and limestone pinnacles
• Revisit a tragic yet important moment in Cambodian history, the genocide committed by Pol Pot and his Khmer Rouge regime, when you see the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Museum
• See the original Civic Center planned by Sir Stamford Raffles in 1822 during your Singapore city tour
• Learn the importance of Malaysian tin mining at Kuantan’s Sungai Lembing, an old tin mining town once known as the “El Dorado of the East”
• Learn about the transformation of Vietnam form colonialism to wartime to unification in an onboard historical lecture

During your onboard meals, shore excursions and independent exploration, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to taste the varied cuisines of China, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore.

• Enjoy an authentic dim sum lunch in Hong Kong. This traditional meal features numerous small plate dishes, which you choose from carts that your servers bring to table
• Savor French-influenced and tropically accented Cambodian delicacies during your Apsara Dinner and Dance show in Phnom Penh
• Learn local culinary techniques during a cooking demonstration on board
• Discover authentic local cuisine during included meals ashore

You’ll enjoy a spectrum of picturesque sights and scenes on this expedition — from ancient lands to arid landscapes and azure waters. Here are a few tips to help you photograph them along the way:

• Enjoy photography opportunities from the Ocean Odyssey deck
• Don’t be afraid of the dark! Exploring cities and landmarks at night offers different lighting and unique new perspectives — just make sure you have a tripod or your camera comes equipped with a night feature!
• Change your perspective. Try shooting from a different angle, for example. Climb a stairwell and shoot a landscape from up high or, alternately, get low and shoot a scene from the ground. Wherever you are, embrace this artistic challenge by getting out of your comfort zone!
• 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

Enjoy these special features as you celebrate Christmas in Singapore on our December 6th departure:

• Gala Dinner: The Raffles Hotel's expert kitchen staff will whip up a special four-course, gala style dinner for this festtive occasion. But don’t fill up too quickly — after dinner, there will be a dessert buffet and chocolate fountain available!

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 he or she can 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 he or she will be happy to make recommendations, and will call 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 onboard.

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.