Vantage Deluxe World Travel, best known for creating deluxe river cruise programs with five-star travel accommodations and experiences at four-star prices, is pleased to announce that it will be dramatically modernizing its fleet of superior European River Cruise Vessels over the next two years. The newest member of the fleet, Discovery II, will set sail in March 2012. The state-of-the-art 135 meter/442 foot river beauty will offer more cabins, bigger suites, including an Owner’s Suite and rooms draped in romantic tapestries and rich decor. The lounge and dining room will feature floor to ceiling windows offering the best possible majestic views of Europe!

Vantage will launch two new vessels in March 2013, River Explorer II, also 135 meters and River Navigator II, a 110 meter/361 foot boutique vessel which will excel at navigating small rivers in Europe. The last of the four new vessels being constructed is the River Odyssey II, slated to launch in March 2014. Vantage’s 135 meter vessels will accommodate 176 passengers and the 110 meter vessel will accommodate 138 passengers, all in plush comfort and surroundings.

Vantage continues to be the leader in river boat innovation and passenger satisfaction. The modernized new fleet is a testament to Vantage’s commitment to meet the American traveler’s growing expectations. Cabins and suites range from 125 square feet to 330 square feet. All cabins will have individually controlled air conditioning, a safe deposit box, increased storage space, two lower, twin beds featuring Eastern Marine Excellence Mattresses which convert to comfortable Queen size beds, flat screen entertainment systems with VOD, luxurious hotel style linens and amenities, and wireless internet access throughout. Suites will feature stacked mini bars, coffee machines, luxurious robes and slippers, and bathtubs. Cabins on the upper decks include French balconies, and floor to ceiling windows allowing sights to be seen up close while sailing.

The Owner’s Suite will provide all of the above as well as a separate sitting area and a luxury bathtub Jacuzzi. Vantage has also designed cabins with the solo traveler in mind offered at an affordable single-friendly rate. Each new vessel features the American traveler’s dream of a fitness center with LifeCycle equipment, a library and an internet cafe.

“We’ve worked with our customers and experts to better understand what would best meet their needs and provide the ultimate river cruising experience,” said Scott Weiler, SVP of Marketing Services.  “We incorporated large spacious cabins throughout the ships, a retractable roof on the rear lounge of the Discovery II and spaces for al-fresco dining; it’s going to change the face of river boat travel.”

The new vessels are currently under construction in Lobith, Holland, where Vantage has previously constructed four other river cruise vessels. Vantage has commission Hoop Lobith to design the sleek new fleet and has tapped Wilhelmine van Aarssen to oversee the interior design of the cabins.

Vantage has been a pioneer in the river boat industry since 1999 and was the first river boat operator to offer their guests spacious cabins with increased storage space, deluxe suites, upper level cabins with two single beds which convert to Queen, 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 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.