By Joyce Landry
Recently, I had the opportunity to join Atlas Ocean Voyages on a luxury adventure expedition. It was a once-in-a-lifetime journey to a destination I longed to explore: Antarctica! There are no words to describe this vast continent of stunning, quiet beauty. An Antarctica expedition is an experience like no other.
Our all-inclusive “floating base camp” was Atlas’s new Explorer Class ship, World Navigator. With just under 100 suite or balcony accommodations and six exquisite dining options, World Navigator offered an intimate, sophisticated ambiance where we could unwind and reflect after our days of rugged adventure.
Destination Highlights – My “Wow” Moments
During our 9-night voyage, we saw most of the Antarctic Peninsula in the shortest number of nights. Our Captain sailed to the best areas for exploration and wildlife viewing, adding to our daily sense of surprise and adventure. The other-worldly beauty of Antarctica is staggering; the landscape of massive blue ice took my breath away!
And the wildlife! Antarctica is home to land and sea creatures not found anywhere else on earth, including several species of unique (and adorable!) penguins.
The World Navigator Expedition Team accompanied us on zodiac tours and land excursions. They guided us to the optimal sightseeing locations and shared their in-depth knowledge about the fascinating wildlife we encountered. A few of our highlights:
We visited the largest colony of Gentoo penguins in the Antarctic.
We kayaked close to two Crab Eating Seals with their two pups. They barely noticed us.
Wedding on Ice
Imagine exchanging vows against a backdrop of icebergs, glaciers, and penguins. Atlas Ocean Voyages ran a promotion for our February 14 Valentine voyage called “Atlas Ever After, the Most Adventurous Weddings on Earth.” We were invited to attend a Game of Thrones Ice Wedding! There were three wedding ceremonies during our voyage, but this was the most adventurous.
About World Navigator
World Navigator is Atlas Ocean Voyages’ first, newly constructed “Luxe-Adventure” expedition-style ship offering journeys to less-populated, remote destinations. The vessel features luxurious amenities, gourmet cuisine, impeccable service, and 98 spacious suites and staterooms – all with expansive ocean views.
Six dining options include Porto Restaurant (which can accommodate all guests), Porto Al Fresco, and 7Aft New York-style BBQ grill chophouse.
Dom Henrique Auditorium has total ship capacity and features destination lectures from onboard guest speakers. (The Auditorium is an ideal venue for product launches, fundraisers, association conferences, and business presentations.)
Other venues include Atlas Lounge, The Dome, and Zephyr Lounge.
Environmental Stewardship
Atlas Ocean Voyages is committed to environmental stewardship. World Navigator features the latest hybrid power management and propulsion system, maximizing fuel efficiency and consuming as low as one-fifth the fuel compared to conventional cruise ships. World Navigator’s alternate hydro-jet propulsion system helps her quietly cruise up to 5 knots without disturbing marine wildlife for incomparable, close-up encounters.
About Atlas Ocean Voyages
Atlas Ocean Voyages is a luxe-adventure cruise brand with small ships taking bucket-list travel to new heights. The itineraries were created to immerse passengers in unique, awe-inspiring moments in remote and captivating destinations. Voyages include Greek Isles, Egypt, the Mediterranean, South America and the Caribbean, and Antarctica.
Atlas Ocean Voyages’ All-inclusive Experience
- All-Suite & Balcony Accommodations
- Globally-inspired Gourmet Cuisine
- Unlimited Premium Pours: select wine, beer, spirits, water, specialty coffees
- Stocked Minibar in All Suites & Staterooms
- Butler Service in All Suites (except solo suites)
- L’OCCITANE Bath Amenities
- Available Wi-Fi & AV Equipment
- Shipboard Gratuities, Taxes & Fees Included
- Atlas Expedition Team (in Polar regions)
What type of group would be a good fit?
Atlas Ocean Voyages’ signature luxe-adventure cruises are ideal for corporate meetings, group events, or private ship charters. Explorer Class ships sail to highly sought-out destinations with fewer than 200 guests. These small ships offer a warm, intimate atmosphere for private gatherings, personal or professional milestone celebrations, and top-tier incentive/recognition programs.
Want to learn more?
To learn more about expedition cruises, request a quote, call us at +1 786-594-0732, or email inquiry@landrykling.com.
