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

You’ll journey into Bordeaux, France, on this expedition — all thanks to the agile Ocean Odyssey, which can venture to places larger ships can’t. As one of France’s leading wine regions, Bordeaux will be a hallmark of your journey, with wine central to your experience.

• Spend two full days in Bordeaux
• Enjoy a guided tour of Bordeaux’s La Cité du Vin wine museum, founded in 2016
• Savor a wine tasting in Bordeaux
• Experience a day of leisure in Bordeaux to seek out wine on your own, or arrange for a winery visit with the help of Vantage’s worldwide Concierge service
• Plus, seek out port wine in the Portuguese city of Porto

From Lisbon’s historical monuments to beautiful Santiago de Compostela, we’ve curated this expedition with these cultural highlights:

• A tour of Lisbon’s landmarks, including UNESCO-listed Belém Tower
• A visit to Mont-Saint Michel
• A full-day exploration of Santiago de Compostela, one of the most sacred places in the world for Christian pilgrims
• Shop for renowned arts and crafts on Belle-Île, a sandy and secluded isle off France’s Brittany coastline
• Discover Portuguese fado music with an onboard performance
• Spend two days discovering wine and culture in Bordeaux
• A curated lecture series that offers deeper context into the arts and culture of a destination

This expedition is designed to reveal the European coastline’s hidden gems and lesser-visited ports. It's with that spirit in mind that we’ve packed this itinerary with some of Europe’s most enigmatic — and overlooked — history, including:

• Explore San Sebastián’s historic Parte Vieja (Old Town)
• Learn the WWII history of Brest, France
• Visit the Benedictine abbey of Mont Saint-Michel
• Visit Oviedo, where the original Way of St. James began
• Discover the island of Belle-Île, a sandy and secluded outpost off France’s Brittany coastline
• Plus, visit 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Santiago de Compostela; Belém Tower and Monastery of Jerónimos in Lisbon; the Tower of Hercules; Porto’s historic city center; Monuments of Oviedo and the the Kingdom of the Asturias; Mont Saint-Michel; London Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey

This expedition is curated to introduce you to the most distinctive cuisine of the regions we visit, with:

• France’s Bordeaux wine region
• Savor seafood and French fare on the island of Belle-Île
• Sample pastéis de Belém custard pastries, Portugal’s favorite treat, in Lisbon
• Request restaurant reservations with our worldwide Concierge — specially in Bordeaux, where you’ll have access to many Michelin-starred French restaurants

This expedition was made for photography buffs, but novices too can capture the majesty of the regions we visit. Here are a few tips to help you along the way:

• Make the most of the “golden hour,” the time frame before dawn and dusk that offers warm, camera-friendly lighting that’s flattering for everyone
• Embrace street photography. Yes, cathedrals are beautiful, but so are these region’s culture and people. Photographing everyday life is one of the best ways to authentically memorialize your experiences
• Change your perspective. Try shooting from a different angle and enjoy the adventure. 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! 

We've curated this expedition with several historic and religious sites, including:

• A full-day exploration of the Santiago de Compostela, one of the most sacred places in the world for Christian pilgrims
• A visit to the Benedictine abbey of Mont Saint-Michel
• A visit to Oviedo, where the original Way of St. James began
• Explore San Sebastián’s Santa Maria Church and Good Shepherd Cathedral
• Visit Lisbon's Jerónimos Monastery
• Panoramic tour of Westminster Abbey in London

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 into MyPortfolio up to two weeks prior to departure.