Atlas Ocean Voyages aims to create a travel brand defined by a community of spirited individuals with an unbounded lust for life. They call it “luxe-adventure travel.” What does luxe-adventure mean? We recently talked with Atlas Ocean Voyages to get a better idea.
With an eye on the increasing popularity of expedition cruising, Atlas Ocean Voyages set out to find a niche, blending luxury into expedition cruising. Historically, expedition cruising has been a stripped-down type of adventure, with older ships originally geared for scientific missions transformed into vessels that could carry inquisitive passengers. Atlas Ocean Adventure ships are custom-built luxury vessels capable of exploring the furthest reaches of the globe—with Antarctic voyages, yet also a strong emphasis on warm weather destinations that may have been off most travelers’ radars.
Discovery is the name of the game with Atlas, and in its inaugural season, the under-200-guest World Navigator visits some incredible destinations. These immersive itineraries feature late nights in port, and in some cases up to three overnights in key ports. This winter, World Navigator makes its way to South America and Antarctica for a series of 9-day and 12-day Antarctic expeditions out of Ushuaia.
If you wish to cross the frozen tundra of Antarctica, Atlas Ocean Voyages will create the perfect scene for bringing out the explorer in you.
Land Immersion
Atlas Ocean Voyages is introducing a unique way of going beyond port cities with complimentary land immersion tours that create a vacation within a vacation. You start by reserving a MAX SHORE itinerary. These MAX SHORE itineraries start with a traditional Atlas Ocean Voyages cruise. Then, you either stay with the ship while it remains in port for a couple nights, or, venture out on a complimentary guided land immersion tour, then rejoin the ship before it begins its next cruise. “MAX SHORE” itineraries are “All Inclusive All The Way,” with complimentary inland transportation, accommodations, meals and tours. If you prefer to stay on board and call the ship your home while in port, all local excursions are complimentary in that port when you purchase a back-to-back sailing.
This is just one example of the creativity going into Atlas Ocean Adventure’s itinerary planning.
On any voyage, shore excursions will include a blend of cutting-edge or exotic and a more traditional style of tour. For example, in the Greek islands you could do a guided city walking tour, or go hang-gliding, parasailing, or even diving with the sharks. Guests receive a complimentary shore excursion in select ports.
The Ships
Atlas’s five, forthcoming expedition ships are intimate ships with a maximum of 98 suites and staterooms, all oceanview and most with balconies, taking you to small villages and remote locations. Each ship has everything you need to maximize relaxation and comfort while making enriching discoveries. A guest-to-staff ratio of less than 2 to 1 allows the crew to quickly get to know your preferences while on board.
Atlas Ocean Voyages’ vessels use a propeller-less hybrid propulsion system and anchor-less positioning, both designed to leave the marine environment undisturbed, and allowing for incomparable up-close encounters. These new ships feature four decks of accommodations (more on that later). The interior décor is selected with a designer’s eye.
A heated pool and whirlpools are the perfect place to refresh after a day of exploring. The ocean is in view and you can keep your eyes open for a pod of dolphins in the wild or birds perched on nearby cliffs.
Deck 4 is the place to go for the fitness center, a juice bar and SeaSpa by L’Occitane. There, you can melt into a treatment featuring signature Provenҫal ingredients and L’Occitane-trained specialists.
Another inviting feature is Water’s Edge Lookout. Here, you’re just 30 feet from the water, making it easier to spot nearby wildlife and hear soothing waves. The heated seating keeps you comfortable even if it’s chilly.
A fleet of 18 Zodiacs (durable inflatable boats) makes it easier to reach shore where the ship cannot dock, or to explore intriguing nooks and crannies of islands or shorelines, cruise around icebergs, and see what else your expedition leader can help you discover. The ship’s mud room makes it easy and convenient to change out of your boots and jackets for these excursions, if the extra outerwear is necessary.
Dining will be a marvel—inspired by 2-Star Michelin chefs with world-class credentials and featuring fresh, local ingredients. Intimate bars and lounges welcome you to relive the day’s adventures over classic and creative cocktails.
Accommodations
Every cabin features an ocean view, and nearly all include balconies. Accommodations range in size and spaciousness to fit a variety of priorities. Let’s take a walk-through of the suites and staterooms here, starting with the top!
Suites
The most spacious accommodation, the Navigator Suite, allows you to soak in the ocean views from your living room or bedroom, or from your oversized balcony with teak furnishings. At 465 square feet of total living space, the separate living room allows you to stretch out on a sofa and watch your favorite shows on a flat-screen TV along with a state-of-the-art infotainment system. The elegant marble bath features a walk-in glass shower with rain head, body jets and a handheld shower, a tub, double sinks, a walk-in closet and wardrobe. This suite can be configured for three guests if the convertible sofa bed is utilized.
Next up is the Discovery Suite (445 square feet). It is also a one-bedroom suite with separate living room, and a large, walk-out balcony. The balcony can be accessed from the bedroom or living room. Like the Navigator Suite, the queen bed is convertible to two single beds, and can accommodate a third guest on the sofa bed. The elegant marble bath features a walk-in glass shower with rain head, body jets and a handheld shower. There is also a walk-in closet and wardrobe.
The Journey Suite is slightly smaller at 382 square feet of total living space, but still features a bedroom and living room with a large balcony, along with the same indulgent bathroom features as the Discovery Suite. It also can accommodate a third guest on the sofa bed.
Staterooms
Veranda staterooms offer two different types of balconies, which may influence your stateroom selection:
- The Horizon Deluxe Stateroom (300 square feet) has a Juliet-style balcony, meaning that with the touch of a button, the large floor-to-ceiling window outside your bedroom/living area slides down, and you enjoy fresh air right into your cabin.
- The Veranda Deluxe Stateroom (300 square feet) is a walk-out balcony with sliding doors, where you can enjoy sitting in your deck chairs just outside your roomy bedroom and living area.
Both of the above feature a queen bed (convertible to two single beds), can occupy up to three guests if a rollaway is brought in, and include a walk-in glass shower, walk-in closet and wardrobe.
- The Horizon Stateroom has 270 square feet of total living space and select Horizon staterooms may hold up to three guests. It has a Juliet-style balcony, queen bed, elegant private bath with walk-in shower, plus a wardrobe.
- The Veranda Stateroom accommodates up to two guests and has 270 square feet of total living space. It features a private balcony with teak furnishings, and a private bathroom with walk-in glass shower, plus a wardrobe.
- The lead-in category of stateroom is called the Adventure Oceanview Stateroom (183 square feet of total living space) for up to two guests. A full picture window allows panoramic views of the ocean. The private bath still features a walk-in glass shower and there is a single wardrobe. A sitting area includes two chairs, side table, flat-screen TV and Atlas Ocean Adventure’s infotainment system.
Atlas is All Inclusive All The Way
When you journey with Atlas Ocean Voyages, you’re the center of the universe. Visit the ship’s bridge at your leisure (to view the world from the captain’s perspective) or borrow a bicycle from the mud room and pedal around with friends you’ve just made on board. Get to know the bartender and he or she will always remember your favorite craft cocktail.
Your vacation will be enhanced with thoughtful inclusions, such as:
- Roundtrip intercontinental airfare for all journeys from 16 select gateways
- Luxe accommodations
- In-room indulgences such as L’Occitane products and stocked mini bar
- 2-Star Michelin inspired dining
- Premium beverages with open bar 24/7: beer, wine, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages – including filtered water
- Prepaid gratuities
- 24-hour room service
- A free shore excursion in select ports
- Shipwide wireless internet access (upgrade available for purchase)
- Complimentary yoga, mat Pilates and Spinning®
- Turndown treats and bar set-up
- Butler service and chilled champagne welcome in suites
Is Atlas Ocean Voyages Right for You?
Atlas Ocean Voyages will strike an upscale yet casual tone on its ships. It will have a country-club relaxed feel where you can sit on deck in a t-shirt and flip-flops while sipping on an inventive cocktail and then indulging in Michelin-style dining.
As a passenger, you might meet a “barefoot millionaire,” an adventurous corporate executive, an active retiree, or a multi-generational family on a quest to make memories. There is no children’s programming on board, and for Antarctic cruises, the youngest adventurers must be at least eight years old (age 2 or older in other destinations).
Itineraries will appeal to well-traveled individuals who have been to some off-the-beaten-path destinations and are now ready to return and explore more in-depth.
Atlas Ocean Voyages will also appeal to inquisitive travelers who enjoy engaging, spur-of-the-moment conversations with fellow travelers, as well as knowledgeable keynote speakers. Entertainment will focus on programming that will enrich and build upon the destinations being visited.
Atlas Ocean Voyages is an exciting new brand in luxury expedition cruising and its maiden voyage is close to sold out. In fact, the first MAX SHORE itinerary (Black Sea in Full) completely sold out within weeks of announcement. Antarctic voyages are also booking quickly. Our Cruise Consultants are eager to tell you more about Atlas Ocean Voyages.
These Cruise Consultants are specialists in Atlas Ocean Voyages—contact one of them today for more details and to make your reservation:
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