Vantage Deluxe World Travel Christens ms River Splendor in Antwerp, Belgium

ms River Splendor Godmother, 
Miss Belgium Noemie Happart

The Cruise Diva crew was on hand last Thursday when Vantage Deluxe World Travel, which is celebrating 30 years of success as a world renowned tour operator, introduced the ms River Splendor in Antwerp, Belgium. The newest addition to its growing European river cruising fleet was christened by Miss Belgium Noemie Happart as the ship's godmother. After the four-night Grand Inaugural Sailing, the new River Splendor began its official inaugural voyage on March 17th from Amsterdam.

Measuring 442 feet in length, the maximum allowed by European Union regulations, the ms River Splendor boasts several innovative features that are consistent with Vantage's new fleet including a fuel efficient propulsion system that allows for reduced emissions and earns the vessel a "green ship" designation, energy-saving LED lighting and canvas ceilings throughout the ship, a hydraulic sliding roof that provides as indoor/outdoor dining experience in the aft-facing lounge, and the largest full-service galley of any European river cruising company. With a maximum of 176 passengers and 45 crew members, the ms River Splendor offers one of the best crew-to-passenger ratios available and the most public space of any Vantage European river cruising ship. This newest vessel is the second ship to come online, following the successful launch of the ms River Discovery II in 2012.

The traditional champagne bottle break

"We are incredibly excited to launch the second ship of our new fleet, the ms River Splendor alongside our most valued partners and a select group of best customers," said Kevin Wallace, COO of Vantage Deluxe World Travel. "We are expecting significant growth in the number of passengers we host on our European river cruising vessels in 2013 and 2014 including new departures to the Seine, Rhone, Saone in France and the Elbe in Germany, and we are looking forward to offering our customers the best cruising experience available anywhere with this exceptional ship." Wallace added, "We could not ask for a better 30th anniversary gift. We are looking forward to showing our customers the world aboard our new fleet!"

In addition to an intimate cruising experience, Vantage's newest ship offers a variety of accommodations. The larger staterooms include a 330 square foot owners' suite, 12 spacious 250 square foot deluxe suites, and a selection of other stateroom offerings. French balconies are featured in 78% of accommodations and all boast hotel style beds, individual climate control, flat-screen TVs equipped with free Video on Demand, U.S. television channels, and interactive trip planning and GPS tracking; free WiFi; personal safes; U.S.-type electrical outlets; and bathroom amenities by L'Occitane. With eight single staterooms, the ms River Splendor is ready to satisfy the demand of single travelers. The new ship's dining room has floor-to-ceiling windows to offer diners delightful river views while they enjoy menus of favorite American and European dishes; a full service cocktail lounge featuring live, local entertainment; and an internet center, library, and fitness room.

As part of Vantage's major $120 million fleet investment program, ms River Splendor will immediately double Vantage's river cruising fleet, joining the ms River Discovery II, which was introduced in 2012. The ms River Venture will launch in late March 2013 and the soon-to-be-renovated ms River Navigator will sail again in September 2013. In addition to enhanced amenities, the fleet will offer passengers new itineraries along the Elbe, Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers, a new Grand River voyage in France, and revamped itineraries in Portugal and Russia. Vantage has been a pioneer in the river boat industry since 1999. For more information on current travel programs, visit VantageTravel.com.

Images (c) CruiseDiva.com