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The information below applies in general to ocean cruises reserved with
Vantage. For information about specific cruise lines, ships, or cruises, click
to Ocean Cruises in the menu to the
left.
Briefing Sessions [top]
At the beginning of your cruise, your Vantage Program Manager will conduct an
informative briefing concerning the ship, ports of call, your hotel stay (if
applicable), and the included features of the program. It is strongly advised
that you attend the briefing.
Cruise Itinerary [top]
Vantage prides itself on offering fascinating itineraries on the world's
premier cruise lines. Although everything is planned well in advance of your
departure, our ultimate goal is to ensure that each cruise is enjoyable,
interesting, and safe. Therefore, the day-by-day itinerary provided for each
travel destination is subject to change depending upon local conditions. If any
significant changes occur in advance of your departure, Vantage will notify you
by phone or by mail. If changes occur while on tour, your Vantage Program
Manager or local representative will notify you.
Your Health & Comfort [top]
Vantage wants you to have a safe, healthy, and happy journey. For personal
medical attention while on tour, your cruise ship will have some limited
medical facilities. Your Vantage Program Manager may be able to refer you to
physicians in the cities on your tour.
Please note that Medicare and U.S health insurance are generally not accepted
on board ship or in foreign destinations. If you have an insurance claim, it
should be made upon your return to the USA and filed through your health
insurance provider or through the Vantage Travel Protection Plan if you have
purchased it. Keep relevant receipts and doctors' reports for processing your
claim.
Jet Lag Precautions
When you cross several time zones to reach your destination, you often lose
many hours of regular sleep. Upon arrival your body must quickly adjust to new
sleeping and eating patterns. The result is jet lag. Its symptoms may include
fatigue, irritability, and vague disorientation. You cannot completely avoid
jet lag but you can minimize it. Here's how:
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Try to sleep on overnight flights
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Avoid heavy eating and drinking caffeine or alcoholic beverages right before -
and during - your flight
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Drink plenty of water and/or fruit juice while flying
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Try to stay awake your first day until after dinner
Pace of the Tour
Vantage cruises provide a well-balanced mix of activities and free time.
Certain cruisestours, however, may prove to be more challenging than others,
particularly for passengers with physical limitations.
Passengers with physical difficulties or concerns about the pace of the tour
should contact their Vantage Customer Relations Representative for tips on
which tours best suit their individual needs and abilities. See also Medical
Issues, below.
Your Personal Safety
Please keep in mind that in any tourist destination, you need to be aware of
your surroundings. We recommend that you use a money protector that can be worn
around your neck. Flashy jewelry should be left at home. Never place your
camera or purse down, or hang it on the back of your chair. Although incidents
of theft and pickpocketing while on tour are rare, it is important to be
cautious and aware.
Medical Issues
Click here to read important
information about travelers with physical, emotional, or mental conditions that
may require professional attention or the use of special equipment. "Medical
Issues" information also appears in the "Tour Participation Agreement - Terms
and Conditions" bound into Vantage catalogs and printed on the back of your
Vantage invoice.
Hotels [top]
Vantage cruisetours include a hotel stay before or after your cruise, and
sometimes both. When your hotel is reserved by Vantage, we make every effort to
secure superior accommodations in convenient locations. In some cases, the
hotel is reserved by the cruise line. Although these are generally excellent
hotels, Vantage has no hand in their selection so we cannot vouch for their
quality. We remind you that the quality of accommodations may vary from
destination to destination.
How We Rate Our Hotels
While some tour companies devise their own ratings systems (based on their
particular standards), Vantage ranks hotels based on the industry-accepted
classifications published by the Hotel & Travel Index (www.hotelandtravelindex.com)
- the travel industry standard.
Deluxe/Moderate Deluxe *****
Outstanding accommodations in every way, offering superior service, facilities,
and location.
Superior First-Class ****+
Above average accommodations, with many special amenities, including more
restaurants, shops, and usually a fitness center.
First-Class/Moderate First-Class ****
Comfortable, well-equipped standard rooms with private bath and attractive
public areas and amenities.
Please Note: In some areas where the hotels aren't rated, it's often due to the
fact that the hotel may be too new, too remote, or too small. However, the
hotel where you stay has been inspected and approved by Vantage personnel.
Religious Services [top]
At Vantage, we count individuals from all walks of life and all religious
denominations among our customers. Although we do not offer religious services
on our cruises, services may be available on your cruise ship or in cities and
towns visited while on tour. Your Vantage Program Manager can advise you when
religious services are available. Please keep in mind that not all religious
denominations have a presence in every travel destination. We cannot guarantee
the availability of religious services.
Shopping [top]
Shopping for local merchandise is always a part of the travel experience. We
are aware that local guides do recommend shops on their tours. Always keep in
mind that a purchase is between the buyer and the seller. Always keep receipts
and credit card copies. Shipping should always include insurance in the event
of breakage. Some credit cards such as American Express also include insurance
protection for purchases, but it is best to check with your card issuer for any
insurance that may be included when you use your card.
Sightseeing & Shore Excursions [top]
Depending on the length and location of your land stay, sightseeing may be
included or optional tours may be offered. See the descriptions of individual
cruises for details.
Optional Tours
Optional tours offered on our included land stays are specially designed for
Vantage travellers. These tours let you feel the atmosphere, gain a cultural
understanding, and become a part of the world you are visiting.
Because of our group buying power, we can offer these exclusive sightseeing
tours at substantial discounts. Optional tours include all transportation and
the services of expert local guides. We take care of all the details ... you
simply sign on and let us show you the city as no one else can - up-close and
in-depth on our optional tours. You'll receive information on the tours offered
on your cruise in a mailing prior to your departure.
Cruise Line Shore Excursions
Your cruise line "Shore Excursion" booklet will be mailed to you prior to
departure. This booklet will provide detailed descriptions of the excursions
offered by the cruise line, including degree of difficulty, meals, and tour
highlights. You will have the opportunity to purchase these tours while on
board ship through your Vantage Program Manager. Excursions can also be
purchased through your cruise line via a form provided in the Shore Excursion
booklet. The cost of excursions will be charged to your shipboard account,
which will be settled at the conclusion of your cruise.
Taxes [top]
All transportation taxes, hotel taxes, and hotel service charges are included
in the tour price. Port taxes, airport taxes, and government fees are not
included and will be itemized on your invoice. Additionally, some countries may
impose an arrival or departure tax collected at the airport.
Transfers [top]
All transfers between airport and hotels/ships are included and will be
provided by Vantage for those travellers who have purchased the Vantage air/sea
program. Travellers purchasing their own airline tickets to and from the port
of embarkation will be responsible for their own roundtrip transfers between
the airport/hotel/pier based on the itinerary of the cruise.
Your Vantage Program Manager/Local
Representative [top]
On every cruise of thirty or more Vantage travellers, you'll be accompanied by
an experienced Vantage Program Manager. Your Program Manager will keep you
up-to-date on cruise schedules and activities; give you information on what to
see and do while in port; recommend and help arrange optional tours and
excursions; and assist you in any manner possible. Also, for included and
optional land stays either before or after your cruise, you will be met by a
Vantage Representative who will conduct briefings with day-by-day scheduling
and information.
Vantage Hospitality Desk [top]
For your convenience, a Vantage Hospitality Desk will be available daily during
scheduled hours on board ship and at the hotel. This is your Vantage "meeting
point" during your trip, a place where you can find Vantage staff to answer
questions. Desk hours vary depending on your daily scheduling. Please check the
board located by the desk for hours of operation and an up-to-date schedule of
events.
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