The parent company of Aurora Expeditions, Pacific Travel Partners Inc, has put its money where its mouth is in an effort to acquire Vantage Travel Services, bidding US$1.5 million for the business and handing over a 10% cheque as a counteroffer to the bid made by United Travel.

SunStone Maritime Group has accepted delivery of ships four and five of its Infinity Class fleet, to be operated as Sylvia Earle, by Aurora Expeditions and Ocean Odyssey by Vantage Cruise Line.