Cruise the Amazon River and traverse South America’s famously biodiverse rainforest on an expedition cruise!

• Behold some of the world’s most remote and beautiful natural wonders —from bubbling geysers to ice-blue fjords — at the top of the world!
• 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
• An 8-17 person Expedition Team who will lead zodiac excursions, dry and wet landings, hikes, and onboard lectures in their area of expertise — which range from ornithology to geology
• 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
• 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

During your onboard meals, shore excursions and independent exploration, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to taste the regional cuisines of the South America, the Caribbean, and America’s Eastern Seaboard.

• Satisfy any taste with New York’s nonstop culinary variety, whether Michelin-starred haute cuisine and dim sum in Chinatown, a classic Nathan’s frank from a street vendor, or a giant Reuben sandwich from a Lower East Side deli. Your Vantage Concierge can point you in the right direction
• Delight in the best of southern flavors in Charleston, from traditional Low Country favorites (think she-crab soup and hoppin’ john shrimp and grits), to the innovative, farm-to-table creations of New Southern cuisine, this city is a foodie’s paradise!
• Savor locally produced rum in Martinique and Nassau

During the course of your journey, you will have opportunities for swimming in the warm waters of the Caribbean, exploring ancient ruins in South America, and sightseeing in some of the best cities on the East Coast. There will also be opportunities for taking kayaks or bicycles off the ship to explore your beautiful surroundings. But your deluxe ship and hotels all offer plenty of soothing amenities such as spa facilities and more, to help you feel refreshed. Here are some other activities you may participate in:

• Walk among the ghostly prison ruins of Devil’s Island, one of history’s most feared penal colonies
• Explore bustling markets along the Amazon River in Manaus
• Get a good workout at your ship’s gym and the fitness centers of your hotels
• Utilize your free time to explore destinations by foot

From the Gilded Age mansions of Newport and Boston’s Freedom trail to the historic fortress of St. Kitt’s and the Amazon’s oldest pueblo, dive deep into the history and iconic sights of the famed cities and lesser-known locales that make up this exciting itinerary.

• Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, Pitons of St. Lucia, and Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison; plus Nassau, part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network
• Tour Martinique, the childhood home of French Empress Josephine
• Explore the historic grounds of France’s notorious penal colony on Devil’s Island, French Guiana
• Tour the city of Manaus, built by the robber barons of the late 19^th century
• Follow in the footsteps of Paul Revere, John Adams, Samuel Adams, and other revolutionary heroes as you walk sections of Boston’s famous Freedom Trail
• See the elegant Gilded Age mansions of Newport, including a tour of The Breakers, originally built in 1893 as a summer residence for the Vanderbilt family
• Visit the Tabernacle – one of Martha’s Vineyard’s most iconic landmarks – and its surrounding cluster of candy-colored, gingerbread cottages
• Explore America’s earliest roots in Colonial Williamsburg, a restored 18th-century living history museum
• Stroll along Charleston’s stunning waterfront, take in the exquisite architecture, and visit historical attractions, including Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
• Enjoy a tour of Wilmington, including a visit to the USS North Carolina, a World War II battleship

Soul-stirring beauty greets you at every turn, from the emerald islands and azure waters of the Caribbean to the lush jungles of the Amazon. You will also have unique opportunities to experience natural treasures along the east coast of the U.S.

• See monkeys, flamingos, lorikeets, and other Bahamian wildlife during your visit to Aradastra Gardens
• Take in the lush beauty and turquoise waters of St. Kitts during a scenic two-hour ride on an open-air train
• Marvel at an endless parade of colorful tropical blooms in the Dominican Republic, Martinique, and St. Lucia
• Cruise past St. Lucia’s iconic landmark, the twin volcanic spires of the Pitons
• Venture into a glittering world of crystallized limestone, stalagmites, and stalactites in Harrison’s Cave on Barbados
• Enjoy scenic cruising along the Amazon River, its dense rainforests hugging the river’s shores and harboring all manner of wildlife, from monkeys to a rich array of birds
• Watch for whales as your ship approaches Provincetown, where humpbacks, minke, and other species can often be spotted offshore
• Enjoy the windswept beauty of Martha’s Vineyard during a tour that showcases some of the island’s most scenic locations
• Delight in the coastal habitats of Amelia Island during a river cruise

The Amazon boasts countless ecological zones that are home to over 1,200 species of birds, from the tiniest hummingbirds to multihued toucans. Have your binoculars (included with your cabin) and your cameras ready to catch the action! Head onto the deck as we approach and depart several ports, when you are most likely to spot graceful, winged creatures perched in coastal vegetation.

• Watch in the trees for Amazonian hunters such as hawks and eagles. Keep your eyes to the shore for waders, like the herons
• As you hike in the Atlantic forest, flashes of color in the canopy might reveal toucans or parakeets!
• Rise with the sun to catch birds at their most active, crisscrossing the river in flight
• Spot raptor species such as the harpy eagle high in the trees, and waders like the roseate spoonbill low on the banks as they survey the shores for their next meal

On this expedition cruise, independent travelers will enjoy solo-friendly features, such as:

• Zodiac cruising, polar kayaking opportunities, and photography workshops
• A lively social media night, a wealth of informative onboard lectures, and musical performances most nights
• Solo-friendly social activities, including a Solo Connection mixer
• 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.