Vantage Deluxe World Travel Launches Two New Ships for its Deluxe European River Fleet

BOSTON, Oct. 3, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Vantage Deluxe World Travel (www.vantagetravel.com) today announced that the ms River Splendor and ms River Venture, the newest, most state-of-the-art vessels for American travelers in the European river cruise market, will depart on dual inaugural voyages from Antwerp to Amsterdam on March 13, 2013.  

"Our travelers, mature Americans who have an interest in, and a curiosity about, the world and its people, have discovered the magic of river cruising," says Debbie Allen, CMO of Vantage Deluxe World Travel. "We've had an overwhelming demand for the up-close, just-unpack-once experience that European river cruising provides. These new vessels will help meet that demand by providing a Deluxe river cruise experience in a convivial, casual environment."

Designed with the American traveler in mind, the 442 ft. ms River Splendor and the 360 ft. ms River Venture will offer luxury amenities and the best crew-to-passenger ratios in the industry, says Allen. "Our extensive selection of river cruise itineraries is really changing the way travelers experience all corners of Europe."

The two vessels are part of a $120 million fleet investment program, which will double Vantage's river cruising fleet by 2014. They follow the successful inaugural season of the ms River Discovery II, which launched in March 2012. In addition to new amenities, passengers can choose from new itineraries along the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers, a new Grand River voyage in France, and revamped itineraries in Portugal and Russia.

Vantage continues to be the leader in river boat innovation and passenger satisfaction with many industry firsts.  The modernized new fleet is a testament to Vantage's commitment to meet the American traveler's growing expectations. The newest ships offer an array of luxurious guest accommodations such as:

• French Balcony staterooms with floor-to-ceiling windows
• Owner's Suite including 330 square feet and a luxury bathtub Jacuzzi
• 8 solo cabins on the ms Splendor and 4 solo cabins on the ms Venture offered at an affordable single-friendly rate
• Captain's Cafe boasting a retractable roof where passengers can enjoy el fresco dining as they cruise the waterway
• Wi-Fi and satellite service throughout the entire ship in addition to real-time GPS tracking for passengers
• Intimate cruising with no more than 176 passengers on board
• Elevator between Explorer and Navigator decks, with a hydraulic chair lift to open-air Solaris Deck
• Best passenger-to-staff ratio in the industry of 4 - 1
• Each new vessel features the American traveler's dream of a fitness center with LifeCycle equipment, free weights and a walking/jogging track

Vantage has been a pioneer in the riverboat industry since 1999 and was the first river boat operator to offer their guests spacious statements with increased storage space, deluxe suites, upper level staterooms with two single beds which convert to double, and flat-screen television sets in every cabin. Vantage was the first company to introduce headsets, allowing passengers the freedom to listen to guided commentary without having to stand next to the guide, a European Vantage Program Manager per coachload to give personalized attention to each passenger and more included activities than any other company. Its famous Cultural Connections Program allows passengers to get closer to the local culture by experiencing authentic and quintessential experiences such as participating in local village chores, dining in local homes, and partaking in educational lectures and historical walking tours.

About Vantage Deluxe World Travel- Celebrating its 30^th Anniversary in 2013, Vantage Deluxe World Travel is a world-renowned tour operator known for delivering the best popular programs, and the company owns a fleet of luxurious river cruise ships that sail the Rhine, Danube, Main, Moselle, Saone and Rhone rivers in addition to exclusively chartering a number of others. Vantage's Memorable Journeys include upscale escorted tours to a variety of destinations in North and South America, Africa, Europe, the Mediterranean, Asia, and the South Pacific. Vantage Travel programs offer the industry's most comprehensive sightseeing journeys making guests feel like locals instead of tourists and turning a vacation into the trip of a lifetime. Vantage provides quality travel experiences and services that exceed the expectations of customers. For more information on current travel programs, please visit http://www.vantagetravel.com/.

SOURCE Vantage Deluxe World Travel