The Columbia Queen was built in 2000 and renovated in 2004. Carrying only 150 passengers in 75 cabins, she is well appointed, yet intimate. Surrounded by the still-untamed wilderness, you will appreciate the comforts and conveniences of the Columbia Queen, including the ship's outstanding cuisine. While this vessel’s unique design is reminiscent of early 20th-century riverboats, and its décor accurately reflects its Pacific Northwest heritage, the onboard experience is totally 21st-century pleasure. Several of the ship's staterooms have private verandahs.

Sailing on voyages from Tahiti, the 330 passenger, 6-Star m/s Paul Gauguin is an extension of the informal, relaxing environment of Polynesia. With American attention to luxury and comfort and a French flair for casual sophistication, the ship radiates warmth, informality, and openness. No wonder the Condé Nast Traveler selected the m/s Paul Gauguin the "Highest Ranked Small Luxury Cruise Ship" in 2008. Here, the constraints of formal wear, tuxedos, and ties are forgotten and the only dress code is relaxation. Excellent wines from France, California, and other vineyard-dotted domains flow freely at lunch and dinner in three restaurants. There is a specially designed, retractable watersports platform, where guests may conveniently launch a kayak, try windsurfing, or set out for a scuba diving expedition.

On your very special Galapagos Island cruise, only a very special vessel will do. That’s why with Vantage you’ll cruise aboard the M/Y Coral I, a mid-sized yacht specifically designed for Galapagos Islands cruising, it marries comfort, style, space, and speed, and it is small and maneuverable enough for closeup experiences with nature. This 33-passenger expedition vessel combines state-of-the-art maritime technology and safety with ample areas for fun and relaxation. All 18 cabins can be inter-connected for groups travelling together, and its completely redecorated interior features a lounge area with cozy sofas, TV with DVD, music, and a well stocked bar. The ship does not feature large public areas, entertainment lounges, or casinos.

All cabins aboard this Deluxe 5-Star ship are outside with Nile-facing windows, individually-controlled air conditioning, mini-fridge, telephone, and private bathroom. When you’re not cozied up in your room, see what’s happening in the lounge or pool area. All meals are included during your cruise. Cabins are assigned by the cruise line.

The ms Finnmarken is a beautifully appointed ship built in 2002, decorated in Art Nouveau style, reminiscent of the first Coastal Voyage ships in Old World elegance. Eleven Norwegian Artists have put the finishing touches on the interior with drawings,
watercolors, oil paintings, charcoal drawings and lithographs and sculptures. There are 32 suites, some with balcony and Jacuzzi. Standard cabins have safes, refrigerators, telephones, and TV’s. The fitness center with sauna and a massage room is located on deck 8, as are the hair salon and the Internet café; the outdoor swimming pool is on deck 7. Several restaurants, bars, and indoor and outdoor cafés are available throughout the ship, as well as numerous panoramic lounges and observation areas.

Norway’s coastal scenery hasn’t changed much since Norwegian Coastal Voyages’ maiden trip in 1893, but their fleet certainly has. The newest vessels are the ms Midnatsol and ms Trollfjord. The ms Midnatsol— whose name means “Midnight Sun” — has a modern design, with an extensive use of Norwegian wood and stone throughout the ship. The ms Trollfjordhas a winter theme — including works from Norwegian artists throughout the ship — and also features a modern design and Norwegian materials. The vessels also boast gourmet restaurants, cafés, children’s playrooms, shops, lounges, Internet cafés, TV lounges, and libraries. Many of the 23 suites on the ships have balconies, and all cabins contain telephones and inside cabins have TVs.

Introducing Variety Cruises Harmony G, a state-of-the-art, motor yacht chartered exclusively for Vantage travellers. The Harmony G carries no more than 42 passengers per voyage. The open-air Sun Deck provides the ideal setting to bask in the sun and admire the passing scenery. Public areas also include an elegant dining room with large viewing windows, an American bar, and a swimming platform. Your stateroom offers a tranquil décor, color TV with VCR and music channels, minibar, refrigerator, direct-dial telephone, safe-deposit box, and private bathroom with hair dryer and Jacuzzi or shower.

Decorated in Russian style and designed to meet Russian standards, the Nikolay Chernyshevsky is a great way to experience Russia. All meals are included on board, and you’ll enjoy a menu of regional Russian favorites — some may be basic, hearty dishes that the average family might serve — as well as international dishes. You’ll also be treated to Welcome and Farewell Dinners. Cabins are equipped with heat and air conditioning, twin beds, a small nautical-style toilet/shower combination, and a mini-fridge. Please note the ms Nikolay Chernyshevsky is not wheelchair accessible and has no elevators.

If you have cruised before in Europe aboard one of Vantage’s own deluxe river ships, please be aware that cruising in Russia is a more “basic” experience.

The M/V Galapagos Legend was specifically designed for Galapagos Islands cruising. It has all the amenities of a large cruise liner, yet it is small enough for a closeup experience with nature. This 100 passenger luxury expedition vessel was totally refurbished in December, 2001.

Built 1996, On board the MS Nordkapp, you're surrounded by artworks by the renowned Norwegian artist Karl Erik Harr. His dramatic themes from coastal culture make the ship a floating art gallery. There are beautifully appointed public areas, and fantastic views from all the panoramic lounges.

Built in 1994. It's only natural that art, decor, and colors inspired by the Northern Lights ("Nordlys") should characterize this contemporary class ship. The woodwork, brass fittings, and textiles help make the public areas comfortable. Throughout the ship you'll find works by artists with roots from coastal Norway.

Built in 1996, the ms Polarlys is a stylish ship, decorated with exotic mahogany, polished brass, and a choice selection of Norwegian contemporary art. You'll find sculptures and carvings in marble, exciting paintings and glass art, and an unparalleled view from almost every quarter of the ship.

Built in 1993, this contemporary ship is named after the founder of the Coastal fleet. The art on board is by Eva, Karl Erik, and Jan Harr. Their work demonstrates an intimate knowledge of the shore-hugging landscape of coastal Norway. The panoramic lounges, Horisont and Syvstjernen, treat you to an unforgettable experience of the surrounding scenery. Eight Junior Suites, jacuzzis, and an Internet café have been introduced for the 2006 season.

Sailing the Yangtze River aboard a Victoria Cruises ship is the experience of a lifetime. You’ll enjoy a cabin with a private bathroom and private balcony on one of the cruise line’s three state-of-the-art ships: the Victoria Anna, the Victoria Katarina, or the Victoria Star. Each is designed to meet the highest international cruise ship standards. They offer uncompromising comfort, quality, and service.

Sailing the Yangtze River aboard a Victoria Cruises ship is the experience of a lifetime. You’ll enjoy a cabin with a private bathroom and private balcony on one of the cruise line’s three state-of-the-art ships: the Victoria Anna, the Victoria Katarina, or the Victoria Jenna. Each is designed to meet the highest international cruise ship standards. They offer uncompromising comfort, quality, and service.

Sailing the Yangtze River aboard a Victoria Cruises ship is the experience of a lifetime. You’ll enjoy a cabin with a private bathroom and private balcony on one of the cruise line’s state-of-the-art ships: the Victoria Jenna. Each ship is designed to meet the highest international cruise ship standards. They offer uncompromising comfort, quality, and service.