Great Lakes & Waterfronts: Chicago to Toronto - 2022

Chicago • 9-night Great Lakes small ship cruise with Lake Michigan, Mackinac Island, Sault Ste. Marie, Manitoulin Island, Lake Huron, Detroit, Cleveland, Niagara Falls • Toronto

DATES & PRICES

STARTING FROM

$8,299

$592

PER DAY
14

DAYS
21

TOURS

2022
2023

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TRIP WITH AIR

14 DAYS FROM $8,548

Luxury

Extend Your adventure (4 available)

Chicago, Illinois (Pre-Trip)

3 DAYS FROM $999

Toronto, Canada (Pre-Trip)

3 DAYS FROM $1,299

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Guided Tours

Ocean Explorer

Quick facts
Launch: 2021
Length: 104.4 Meters
Max Capacity: 170 guests — 130 for polar expeditions
Cabins: 77, including a landmark 15 solo cabins — 80% of all cabins feature a private veranda

The intimate Ocean Explorer is the cruise industry’s newest and most premier small ship built for global exploration. Accommodating just 170 guests (130 guests on polar expeditions), the ship is outfitted with the latest satellite, sustainability, and navigation capabilities, including SOLAS “Safe Return to Port” requirements and ULSTEIN X-BOW® technology, a significant enhancement for smooth sailing in polar seas.

On all Vantage small ship cruises, education is an essential component of the journey. Enjoy talks from notable scholars, onboard historians who travel alongside you, and handpicked regional experts. On polar expeditions with Vantage, you’ll attend lectures, lessons, and activities offered by a 17-member Expedition Team of experts in fields ranging from biology to oceanography.

In your downtime, you’ll find relaxation and luxury aboard the Ocean Explorer. Visit the gym or onboard spa for a facial, massage, even a haircut. Soak in the hot tub after a rewarding day of sightseeing. Enjoy gourmet fare for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus outstanding culinary experiences built into your journey. And because there’s no more than 170 fellow travelers onboard, (130 guests on polar expeditions) you’ll enjoy small group outings by day and share meals, stories, and fun with new friends by night.

The latest satellite and navigation capabilities, including ULSTEIN X-BOW® technology
State-of-the-art safety technology, Polar Code 6 compliant, and fully compliant with the latest SOLAS requirements in expedition cruising in Antarctica and the Arctic
A culinary program offering gourmet dining and regional fare inspired by your destinations, with all drinks included on Antarctica expedition cruises
Restaurant with interactive hot rock cooking
Multilevel lobby and lounge (observation lounge is on top deck)
Elevator from bottom to top deck
Health and wellness options, including onboard spa, swimming pool, and gymnasium
Outdoor movie screen
On expeditions, enjoy the services and curated lectures of a 5- or 17-person Expedition Team, comprised of experts in their field
1:8 passenger-to-crew ratio, plus onboard Concierge (not available on polar expeditions)
Onboard medical doctor
Boutique
Separate, intimate space for your group’s private dining needs (available upon request)
Environmentally friendly standards with reduced emissions into air and sea and lower energy consumption
Complimentary unlimited WiFi onboard
A knowledgeable 17-member Expedition Team, comprised of experts in their field
Onboard medical doctor
Boutique
Separate, intimate space for your group’s private dining needs (available upon request)
Environmentally friendly standards with reduced emissions into air and sea and lower energy consumption
Complimentary unlimited WiFi onboard

Amenities:

A culinary program offering gourmet dining and regional fare, with wine and beer included at dinner
Hot-rock cooking restaurant
Multistory lounge and lobby
Three bars and various lounges
Top deck observation deck for gatherings, lecturers, performances, and more
Spa, message, and hair services available at the onboard spa
Raised infinity pool
Sauna
Two hot tubs
Fitness center
Outdoor movie screen
Curated lectures, programs, musical performances, and cultural events
1:8 passenger-to-crew ratio, plus onboard Concierge (not available on polar expeditions)
Onboard Expedition Team for polar expeditions
Knowledgeable expedition staff by region
Onboard medical doctor
Boutique
Library
Separate, intimate dining space for groups or special events (available upon request)
Complimentary unlimited WiFi

Ocean Explorer Gallery

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Accommodations & Lifestyle

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	Vantage	Ponant	Vantage Advantage
Journey	Great Lakes & Waterfronts: Chicago to Toronto	A Voyage along the Great Lakes – with Smithsonian Journeys
Cruise-Only Price*	$8,499	$6,450
# of Days	14	8
Per Diem	$607	$806	Greatest value and most comprehensive features when compared to our competitors!
Port Charges included	Yes	Yes
Cabin Upgrades	$400-$1,000 stateroom increments; $4,800 to Deluxe Suite $9,500 to Owner's Suite	$300-$600 increments; $2,700 to Deluxe Suite; $13,300 to Owner's Suite	Upgrade to more for less with Vantage!
Cabin Occupancies	Single/Double; add a third guest to a stateroom reservation to save up to 75%		Best value for all travelers -- including both solo and third guests!
Included Tours and Special Features	21 included features and Cultural Discoveries Visit 1 UNESCO World Heritage Site: Georgian Bay The services of a Cruise Director, plus shipboard commentary, regional experts, and private motorcoach for excursions	10 Included Tours A program of onboard enrichment provided by two Smithsonian Journeys Experts – American Maritime Historian Frederick Stonehouse and Geologist Kirt Kempter	More included tours and cultural experiences offered!
Meals	34 meals: 13 breakfasts, 10 lunches, and 11 dinners, with complimentary wine, beer, and soft drinks during dinner on board	20 meals	The MOST included meals
Single Travelers	The leader in solo travel - the only small ship operator to offer a landmark 15 solo dedicated solo cabins on board - with limited and capacity controlled FREE Single Supplements	100% Single Supplement	The leader in solo travel - best value in the industry.
Extend Your Trip	Chicago, Illinois FROM: $1499 PER PERSON \| 3 DAYS \| $500 PER DAY Toronto, Canada FROM: $1499 PER PERSON \| 3 DAYS \| $500 PER DAY	None Offered	Extend your journey and get more value for your dollar.
10 Ways to Save	Referral Rewards [$200 per referred traveler after 2 referrals] Buy direct & save [savings for the traveler] SmartPay [pay in full 12 months in advance to save 10%] Preferred Traveler Rewards [earn 5% of purchase price toward future trips]	20% Ponant Savings included	Vantage offers the best value in deluxe travel and the most ways to save.
Departure Comparison	5/18/22	9/18/2022

*Comparison date as of 6/25/21