skipwv Loc: West Virginia

Hi, all. Perhaps this isn't "quite" the right place for this, but I have a question about Vantage Travel. They have a number of "expedition" trips that imply an emphasis on photography, at least getting you to some interesting places and subjects. Anyone have any experience with this company? Are their tours good? Is it a good company? Any advice/comments appreciated!

rcarol

I used them for a riverboat trip in France to celebtate the 70th anniversary of D-Day. They were excellent.

Lagoonguy Loc: New Smyrna Beach, FL

I took a river cruise with them over 10 yrs ago with my family and they were excellent. Since then I have taken many trips with Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT) which we have enjoyed very much. The two separate companies were owned by brothers. Both attract audiences between 55-80. My wife and I, sometimes with other family members and friends, have taken both land and small ship cruises with OAT. We have always had time to take our videos & photos of the passing scene but I would not call them photography tours. If you are curious about the photography aspect you might be interested in viewing my wife’s “lesdubb” Youtube account where you will find many of our tours documented. They are well worth the price. We have friends that have traveled with Vantage exclusively and they speak highly of them. We have stayed in the same hotels with Vantage tours but overall I would say Vantage might place more emphasis on more expensive accommodations but OAT attempts to put you in the best places to experience the country and yet stay in very comfortable hotels. I sometimes go out early to take some photos when possible and we try not to delay our fellow travelers with our hobby. You will be very pleased with either or both companies. Good luck!

hmalherb

(I have had some very good trips with Vantage. Two European river cruises and a Norwegian coastal cruise. Great guides and the trips are designed to see everything worthwhile in the regions you travel. Safe travels.

cdayton

If you are planning a river cruise, compare to Viking. We have done two Viking cruises (excellent) but have no experience with Vantage. From my reading, Vantage is less expensive but their river boats do not have full balconies (French balconies that are not really balconies). That would be a real disadvantage for photography so check it out.

katherineivey Loc: Corinth, Texas

My favorite cruise was a European river cruise with Vantage. I talked to other travelers that told me that Vantage has better food than Viking. All I know is that their food, itinerary and service were excellent. True that the french balconies can't be walked out on, however, we stayed in a cabin near the stern and a few steps took us to the back where I took lots of photos. Plus, the whole rooftop area is great for watching the land go by and taking photos.

skipwv Loc: West Virginia

Thanks!

skipwv Loc: West Virginia

Thanks! Good information.

skipwv Loc: West Virginia

Thanks!

skipwv Loc: West Virginia

Thanks! We done lots of Viking trips, river and ocean, but have heard about Vantage for several years now.

Judy795

I went on three riverboat trips with Vantage. All were good. For July 2020 I had a long expensive trip to Iceland booked with them. Last payment on the trip was Feb 2020. April1 they cancelled Iceland due to COVID. I had an email stating they would refund my money. I fought with them for months, finally got the Massachusetts States Attorney office involved. Finally got a refund in Oct 2020. They have refused to refund many many other persons. I will never travel with them again. Yes times were hard for travel but their attitude was terrible. Rick Steve’s company refunded all of their trips. I think maybe Viking was better at refunds but I am not sure. Buyer Beware.

rcarol

Wow. I'm really surprised at their attitude. Did they give you any reason for not wanting to refund your money?

Judy795

First they said they would refund because I purchased travel insurance from them. After a month, I contacted again, same story, it's coming. I requested an email stating this. Then after another month or two, they said it was coming and I was lucky because requests after May 15 2020 would only get a voucher. Then still no refund for weeks. On Trip Advisor) or Cruise Critic they recommended contacting the Mass Attorney General's office because the company is in Boston. I emailed the entire Board of Directors. Didn't hear anything. (By the way, that's how I got a refund from Iceland Air, emailing the entire Board of Directors, Google is your best friend). A brand new employee at the Mass Att office made phone calls, and had meetings with Vantage. I got a $17,000 refund on my CC in October. The Mass Att office eventually stopped intervening with Vantage, they had so many requests.

I have health issues. I didn't want a voucher, I have no way of predicting when health issues will interfere with travel.

skipwv Loc: West Virginia

Viking has been very good about communicating and offering refunds/credits for modified or canceled trips. Unfortunately, I’m hearing some not so good things about Vantage along the line. Thanks for the information.