After more than two years of development and planning, which included a delay caused by COVID-19, luxury cruise line Atlas Ocean Voyages successfully launched its first luxury adventure ship, the World Navigator, this summer. She sailed on her maiden voyage August 4, kicking off her inaugural summer season of 7- to 12-night Egypt and Greek Islands voyages. The World Navigator provides guests with a distinct luxe-adventure cruising experience, offering diverse itineraries and an all-inclusive fare.
A Bit More about Atlas Ocean Voyages
Atlas Ocean Voyages is the cruise industry’s first luxury brand in more than 20 years. And she brings a new dimension to luxury cruising, taking luxury travelers on real cultural adventures and experiences with fascinating destinations, many of them remote, around the world. In addition to elegant accommodations, guests are able to enjoy diverse dining options, amenities and entertainment that usually are found on larger cruise ships. And Atlas has implemented health and safety protocols.
Providing a seamless luxe-adventure voyage is part of Atlas Ocean Voyages’ All Inclusive All the Way promise. Complimentary round-trip airfare and ground transfers are included. And guests can enjoy a complimentary land excursion in every port. Onboard, guests enjoy unlimited complimentary premium wines and spirits, specialty coffees and beers, as well as regionally inspired gourmet cuisine. Prepaid gratuities are also included, as is Wi-Fi.
Another part of Atlas Ocean Voyages’ All Inclusive All the Way is its emergency medical evacuation insurance, which is included. Atlas was the first in the industry to include this type of insurance.
The World Navigator has 98 suites and staterooms. Four more ships are on order.
Atlas Lounge. (All photos courtesy of Atlas Ocean Voyages)
Itineraries and More
After the World Navigator debuted this past summer with Greek Islands and Egypt itineraries, she repositioned to the Caribbean via the Mediterranean. The World Navigator will be heading to South America, where she will be offering Antarctica expeditions for the winter of 2021-2022.
As far as her Antarctica season, passengers will fly from the United States on a chartered private jet to Ushuaia, Argentina to embark. This special jet eliminates the long layovers and airport changes that normally would take place with regularly scheduled flights. It also maintains the high-level safety and healthy protocols with the “safety bubble.” There will be a morning stop in Santiago, Chile, where a crew change will take place, and Atlas will provide guests with a festive Champagne brunch in a private airport lounge. Once in Ushuaia, guests will go to the World Navigator. All crew members and guests must be vaccinated for COVID-19, and there are some additional testing requirements.
Suites and staterooms range from the 183-square-foot Adventure Staterooms to the one-bedroom Navigator Suite at 466 square feet. Also, the World Navigator will be the first ship to offer Solo Suites, starting in March 2022.
Land excursions, conducted in small groups, are led by an expert and screened local tour guides. Also, the transportation is operated at reduced capacities, providing guests with ample space. Whisper Mic radio headsets allow guests to enjoy the guides’ commentaries while remaining socially distant.
The World Navigator, at 9,930 gross registered tons, is a Polar Category C- and Ice Class 1B-certified ship.
Porto, the main dining room
Dining Option Onboard
World Navigator guests can enjoy six different dining venues. Porto, the main dining room, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and guests have a choice of indoor or al fresco seating. Porto offers a special Alma Portuguese cuisine menu, and this is available for dinner on alternate evenings.
7Aft Grill, which features New York strip steak and Black Angus filets, is the World Navigator’s chophouse. The Dome Lounge features afternoon tea and refreshments. Paula’s Pantry Cafe serves specialty sandwiches, soups, salads, cupcakes and cookies. And coffees are available as well as fresh detox juices and Kusmi teas. Also, guests can order room service from an “always available” menu that features sandwiches, salads and soups as well as the breakfast menu.
Entertainment Options and SeaSpa by L’OCCITANE
Guests can enjoy lively entertainment in the Dome and Atlas Lounges. Led by accomplished performers, shows engage guests in stage, pop and American classic sing-alongs. Sean O’Shea, entertainment director on the World Navigator, performs sensational cabarets in the Dome Lounge. The Dom Henrique Auditorium is a venue where guests can enjoy port presentations, movies, live entertainment and informative lectures.
Dome Lounge
The SeaSpa by L’OCCITANE is the first luxury L’OCCITANE spa at sea. This 950-square-foot spa includes two therapy rooms, a serenity lounge and a detoxing infrared sauna. Also onboard is the Fitness Studio, where guests can maintain their daily fitness regimen. The Fitness Studio features TechnoGym equipment.
Atlas Assurance Program Delivers Peace-of-Mind
During Seatrade Cruise Global, the cruise industry’s leading business-to-business event, on September 29, Alberto Aliberti, president of Atlas Ocean Voyages, announced that Atlas was augmenting its industry-innovative complimentary coverage for guests with the new Atlas Assurance protection program.
With Atlas Assurance, all guests are protected with travel, medical and legal coverage. This is in addition to the emergency medical evacuation insurance that Atlas has included since the beginning. The emergency medical evacuation insurance covers the guest if that guest experiences an emergency during the luxe-adventure voyage. Atlas Assurance is bundled into every booking. Atlas Ocean Voyages has a worldwide network of experts and resources ready to assist guests should they have a need.
As far as medical coverage, this includes emergency evacuation and return home transportation (and includes dependent children), payment guarantee of medical expenses, as well as the dispatch of a specialist or physician, worldwide hospital and physician referrals and more. Travel services include lost document assistance, 24-hour emergency travel arrangements, traveling companion transportation, embassy and consular assistance and more. Also, guests are covered with worldwide legal and bail bonds assistance. More details are available through Atlas Ocean Voyages as well as travel advisors.
Future Atlas Ocean Voyage Ships
Atlas Ocean Voyages has four more ships on order, and all of these ships are financed. In 2022, the World Traveller is schedule to debut. The three additional ships, the World Seeker, World Adventurer and World Discoverer, will join the fleet by the end of 2023.
Atlas brings a new dimension to luxury cruising with unique, immersive experiences, an all-inclusive luxe adventure and the new Atlas Assurance program. Atlas Ocean Voyages is definitely one to keep in mind for your groups.
By Cindy Bertram
Cindy Bertram has 15+ years of cruise industry expertise in marketing, content creation, sales and training as well as social media. Her MBA from Loyola University Chicago complements her high creative edge and liberal arts BA. She can be reached at cindy@ptmgroups.com.
