On June 29, 2023 (the "Petition Date"), Vantage Travel Service, Inc. filed a voluntary petition for relief under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code. The Debtor's bankruptcy case was assigned Case No. 23-11060 and is pending before the Honorable Janet E. Bostwick in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Massachusetts (the "Bankruptcy Court"). In connection with the filing, the Debtor announced that it entered into an agreement to sell its assets to United Travel Pte. Ltd, an affiliate of Nordic Hamburg and Heritage Expeditions, subject to the solicitation of higher and better offers for those assets in a Bankruptcy Court-monitored auction.

The auction occurred on August 7-8, 2023, after which Pacific Travel Partners, Inc., a subsidiary of Aurora Expeditions, was declared the Winning Bidder.  In addition to paying $2,000,000 in cash and providing a 5-year earnout, Pacific Travel has agreed to allow the Debtor’s customers to apply 100% of their claims as a credit against future travel opportunities offered by Pacific Travel and Aurora Expeditions, subject to certain conditions and limitations explained HERE.  The Debtor anticipates that Pacific Travel will be in contact with its former customers to provide further details, and instructions regarding reservations for future trips.

The assets sold to Pacific Travel include “personally identifiable information” regarding the Debtor’s present and former customers – namely, each such customer’s name, physical address, email address and telephone number.  Customer credit card numbers, banking information and passport numbers will NOT be transferred to Pacific Travel.  Customers who wish to opt out of receiving communications from Pacific Travel can do so by emailing jhorne@murthalaw.com and listing “Vantage Opt-Out” in the subject line.  Please note that any customer who opts out will forfeit their ability to use a travel credit on trips offered by Pacific Travel.

Customers who have booked a trip with Vantage that has not yet occurred, or who hold an approved trip insurance claim, may ensure that they are on the list of the Debtor’s creditors by filing a document referred to as a “proof of claim.” The form of proof of claim can be obtained by clicking on the "File a Claim" tab above. Additional guidance for filing proofs of claim can be obtained at that link as well. The Bankruptcy Court has established December 1, 2023 as the deadline to file proofs of claim against the Debtor’s bankruptcy estate.

Please note that it will take approximately 10 to 14 days for your claim, once filed, to be reflected on the list of claims available on the “Search Claims” tab.

Vantage Customers can obtain additional information on the Chapter 11 case generally, including the status of previously scheduled trips, by clicking HERE to view Vantage Customer FAQs.  In addition, information about the bankruptcy case may be obtained by calling the toll-free case information line at 833.933.2130 (Toll-Free) or 949.620.1776 (International). You may also submit an inquiry via email by clicking HERE.

Notice to Vantage customers: please see important Bankruptcy Court order with requirements for filings with the Court by clicking HERE.