• Behold some of the world’s most beautiful destinations as you make your way from Panama to Barbados
• Venture ashore on naturalist-led expeditions by versatile Zodiac landing crafts
• Attend lectures on marine biology, wildlife, history, and other educational topics

Plus, cruise aboard the 5-star Ocean Explorer, a vessel built specifically for expedition cruising, with the following features:

• 77 cabins, including a landmark 15 solo cabins, 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, with wine and beer included at dinner
• Spa, massage, and hair services available at the onboard spa
• Sauna
• Two hot tubs
• Fitness center
• Curated lectures, programs, musical performances, and cultural events
• Low passenger-to-crew ratio, plus onboard Destination Manager
• Knowledgeable staff by region
• Onboard medical doctor (travelers are responsible for medical fees associated with doctor visit and medications)
• Gift Shop
• Library with over 200 titles
• Separate, intimate dining space for groups or special events (available upon request)
• Complimentary unlimited WiFi (WiFi on certain segments of trips may not be available)
• Entertainment programming with 100 movie titles
• 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

• Enjoy the clear turquoise waters and powder-white sand on some of the Caribbean’s most beautiful beaches
• Visit San Blas Island and enjoy the pristine beauty of its powder-white sand and crystal-clear waters

• Panama is a top destination for birdwatchers, and San Blas Island is home to over 140 bird species. You can expect to see colorful species including toucans, macaws, tanagers, hummingbirds, and even the harpy eagle

• Cross the Panama Canal, considered one of the seven wonders of the modern world
• Spend time in historic Cartagena, the city that inspired many of Colombian author Gabriel García Márquez’s Nobel Prize-winning works
• Make time to visit Barbados’s Sunbury House, the 1650 manse that today is a repository of artifacts, including the Caribbean’s largest collection of carriages and the first optical machinery in the West Indies

You’ll enjoy a spectrum of picturesque sights and scenes on this journey. Here are a few tips to help you photograph them along the way:

• 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

On this small ship ocean cruise, independent travelers will enjoy solo-friendly features, such as:

• Onboard Concierge services to personalize your expedition
• Water-sport opportunities, depending on the location
• 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
• Health and wellness options, including onboard spa, jacuzzis, and a gym

Prior to your expedition cruise, our complimentary Concierge service will be available to help you customize your journey. Here are just a few services your Concierge can provide:

• Do you have a special 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, 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. Would you like a limo to take you for a special night in the city? Perhaps you’d like to look up 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

Take advantage of this free, start-to-finish service by making your requests prior to your journey or during your journey. We are one of the only companies to offer this level of service! Call 1-888-982-6824 or email Concierge@vantagetravel.com to speak to a Concierge today, or simply log into My Portfolio up to two weeks prior to departure.

During your journey, your onboard Destination Manager can assist with any special requests such as spa reservations, hotel reservations, and more.