Sunday, March 31, 2024

ATLAS OCEAN VOYAGES ANNOUNCES NEW 2025 2026 POLAR EXPEDITIONS TO ANTARCTICA

atlas antarctica cruise

The summit offered stunning 360-degree views of the region’s unmatched polar beauty. And while conditions are generally less harsh later in the season that typically runs between November and March, the motto of any cruise there, the crew reminded us from the outset, is flexibility, flexibility, flexibility. All three of Atlas Ocean Voyages’ ships are sailing in Antarctica this season before heading north to the Arctic and to warmer waters later next year, where the company will offer cultural and epicurean-based itineraries. Some Antarctic cruises are as low as $7,999 USD per person, and these rates are attracting first-time and younger cruisers. The average age on our sailing was 57, and company officials said it was even younger for World Voyager’s next departure. For Antarctic sailings, only the main dining room, Madeira, and Paula’s Pantry, a grab and go venue, are open.

Atlas adds pair of short Antarctica cruises in December - Seatrade Cruise News

Atlas adds pair of short Antarctica cruises in December.

Posted: Wed, 28 Jun 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

South Georgia and The South Sandwich Islands

atlas antarctica cruise

Similarly, grab-and-go breakfast sandwiches would be a great addition. The other dining option is the Madeira Restaurant which is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It is buffet style for breakfast and lunch, but it transforms to a traditional main dining room setup for dinner.

Day 8 and 9  – Returning to Ushuaia and crossing the Drake again

You give them in Buenos Aires the night before and find them back straight in your cabin! This is truly a fantastic service that made the journey much more straightforward. I had the opportunity to go on a cruise to Antarctica with Atlas and wanted to share my review of the trip.

Things to Do on an Antarctica cruise with Atlas Ocean Voyages

In addition to the main dining options, there was also a casual eatery called Paula’s Pantry. It provided convenient and delicious meals when I wanted a quick bite during the day. The breakfast buffet was a feast for the senses and might be among the best breakfasts I have seen on any cruise ship.

With fresh snow and overcast skies, the ship pulled into the shielded area, known to be a spot to see whales and several species of penguins. It’s really just a flip of the coin if you will experience the “Drake Shake” or the “Drake Lake” during your Antarctica expedition. If you want to improve your odds of having calmer seas, we suggest you travel during the middle of the season, when the weather tends to be a bit more predictable. Almost a rite of passage for an Antarctica cruise, the Drake Passage is notorious for having some of the roughest seas in the world.

Dining

However, staying in the public spaces, such as the Atlas Lounge and guest relations area on Deck 4 was easier for me as it was two decks down from my cabin. This area in the center of the ship felt like a substantially more stable spot in the vessel. The captain and expedition team are constantly revising schedules and changing strategies to provide the best and safest experiences, but plans can quickly change. In the evening recaps, Zaccarria always mentioned Plan A and Plan B, but one evening without internet access that day to help with the next day's weather forecast, there was Plan ??? While nine nights aboard an expedition ship in Antarctica sounds like a long trip, it went by quickly when you factor in the time spent navigating the Drake Passage, which is approximately four full days of the itinerary. The time can be even longer if the captain needs to take a different and longer course to avoid bad weather, as we did on the return trip.

Atlas Ocean Voyages charts course toward 'expedition' cruises to mainstream destinations - The Points Guy

Atlas Ocean Voyages charts course toward 'expedition' cruises to mainstream destinations.

Posted: Wed, 08 Nov 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

This body of water, located between South America’s Cape Horn and the South Shetland Islands, meets no resistance from any land masses. Besides that though, there wasn’t much else happening anywhere on the ship aside from a few thrown-together trivia sessions due to changes in our itinerary. In our opinion, these voyages could certainly benefit from more organized activities, perhaps utilizing the expedition team as activity staff to host other events. In the late afternoon/early evening, cruisers could enjoy a cocktail with piano music from the resident musician, Dan. After dinner, Dan moved upstairs to the Dome to continue the live music for a few hours after dinner. The cruise director, Mike, performed a few nighttime shows in the Atlas Lounge as well.

And it couldn’t have been more fitting for the early season launch that gave the ship and its crew an immediate chance to prove their mettle in the region’s notoriously rough and unpredictable conditions. A memorable touch by the crew was a Thanksgiving Day meal complete with all the traditional fixings. It was also thoughtful to offer guests a short non-denominational Thanksgiving service in The Dome (Deck 7) hosted by the minister that had officiated the naming ceremony. It was an emotional experience as we sailed in remote waters so far from home. Many of us were without family, so it was particularly moving when guest entertainer Asijah Pickett sang "What a Wonderful World." My advice – and what I hope to do on a return trip – is to choose the longer itinerary.

Adventures in Antarctica: Just Back from Atlas Ocean Voyages’ World Voyager

The World Traveller's onboard spaces make for a convivial environment – whether you're showing photos from the day's landing or conversing over an evening cocktail, the ship is a welcome – and elegant refuge. If you didn't go on board as friends, you might come away with a few new acquaintances you may even want to travel with again. They served a buffet dinner the first and last evening on board, and for a special holiday meal, but the rest of the evenings were plated meals. I looked forward to the dining experience every evening with beautifully executed dishes and attentive service.

There was a special guest entertainer on this inaugural sailing too. However, we aren’t really sure that any of these performances and setlists appealed to the demographic on the ship. Unlike more traditional cruises, the focus of an expedition cruise is the onboard enrichment programming.

atlas antarctica cruise

With two long and rough sea days through the Drake Passage, our first glimpse of land was a welcomed sight. Whether it was trekking along the coastline or wandering around the ship, the expedition team was approachable and friendly. You usually didn’t have to go far to run into one of the team members, but you could also just pop in at the expedition desk to ask questions or learn more about an aspect of the trip.

The balcony offered breathtaking ocean views, allowing me to enjoy the fresh sea breeze and stunning Antarctica landscape. Having a balcony on an Antarctica cruise isn’t as valuable as on a tropical cruise, as it is often too cold to stay outside for long. However, I really enjoyed being able to pop out from time to time.

They were experts in studying penguins, whales, and icebergs, and they shared their expertise with the passengers throughout the voyage. From informative lectures to guided excursions, the expedition team added an extra layer of excitement and educational value to the journey. This is the central hub where passengers can seek information, assistance, or guidance from the ship’s staff. The exploration team was always on hand to discuss anything we had seen during the day. I wasn’t expecting the boat to have such a large group of scientists and conservationists onboard to guide us. They are passionate people, and their presence enhanced our cruise and our understanding of Antarctica.

But in certain areas, it can still become chilly (due to how windy it can be!) so, it’s important to layer up when heading out on a polar expedition. The below is a dress recommendation to help keep you comfortable throughout your expedition. Before you embark on the journey of a lifetime, take a look at our tips and suggestions to ensure you enjoy your expedition to the fullest and with your health, comfort and well-being in mind. I thoroughly enjoyed my trip on the Atlas World Voyager and hope to be able to cruise with them again.

Atlas Ocean Voyages Intimate Yacht Style Cruising Antarctica, Mediterranean & more

atlas antarctica cruise

These activities not only helped pass the time but also deepened our appreciation for Antarctica’s unique ecosystem. The captain chooses the itinerary based on the weather and what other ships are doing as boats try to stay out of each other’s way. I talked to passengers cruising with another Atlas boat at the same time as us. They had a totally different cruise, and none of our stops overlapped! One of the standout features of the Atlas World Voyager is its expedition team. Comprised of 14 marine biologists, this team had extensive experience and knowledge in their field.

Service

Arriving at our spot, the Captain correctly stated “we have arrived at Tower Island, but you can not see it”. Hence, the expedition team had to cancel our afternoon activity as well. The ship departed Cierva Cove attempting to find a calmer area in the region for our afternoon outing. However, the seas only got rougher along the journey, and the snow falling harder and faster. With our morning tour complete, the ship sailed a short distance up the coast to Whaler’s Bay.

atlas antarctica cruise

Fellow Passengers

Atlas Ocean Voyages Announces 2025-26 Antarctic Season - Cruise Industry News

Atlas Ocean Voyages Announces 2025-26 Antarctic Season.

Posted: Fri, 19 Apr 2024 11:29:48 GMT [source]

"It's my third trip to Antarctica," I heard one passenger say to another as we touched down in Ushuaia, Argentina, where we'd board Atlas Ocean Voyages' brand-new ship World Traveller. Adjacent to Paula’s Pantry and reception area there also a few small seating areas with partial walls that are great for tucking away to read, play a game, have a semi-private conversation or simply taking in the views. With an overwhelming world of choices, we understand you may need some personal assistance to plan your perfect vacation. From finding the right destination to choosing the best departure date, we're here to help.

This New Cruise Line Just Launched a Ship in Antarctica — Here's What It's Like on Board

The katabatic winds can remake the view before your eyes, and ancient glaciers lament loudly as they calve into the sea. But it can also be perfectly still, impossibly quiet, a dreamscape drenched in that eerie, eternal light of the austral summer. The "Drake Express Expedition" consists of a 7-night roundtrip voyage from King George Island that avoids the notorious Drake Passage by offering charter flights to the Antarctic island.

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While some lucky individuals spotted seals near the water, I unfortunately missed out on that sighting. Even without the seals, the experience of being surrounded by the majestic glaciers and the playful penguins was enough to leave a lasting impression. We were delighted to observe hundreds of adorable penguins waddling along the shore. Some penguins were shedding and patiently waiting for their feathers to regrow, and three seals were lazily sleeping on the other side of the island.

atlas antarctica cruise

Be among the first to experience our newest yacht World Traveller ™ on an all-inclusive voyage. She encompasses our signature style of relaxed luxury, highly personalized service and destination immersions with a distinguishing and timeless Italian design inspired by La Dolce Vita. Refined accommodations, globally inspired gourmet dining and premium cocktails, and an atmosphere that encourages connection combine to create intimate moments that feel exclusively made for you. With Atlas, you won’t have to worry about any of the trip planning. The all-inclusive nature includes a charter flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia and a pre-cruise hotel stay in Buenos Aires.

Atlas offers Horizon rooms with a panoramic window that opens up along the room’s length. During an Antarctica cruise, you probably wouldn’t want to open the panoramic window as it would cool down your room too much. So, having a Horizon room gives you a larger window and a slightly larger cabin but no balcony.

Cruising on Atlas Ocean Voyages' World Traveller in Antarctica

Originally, Atlas Ocean Voyages was branded as an ultra-luxury cruise line with adventurous, off-the-beaten-path itineraries. But Rodriguez notes that in the current travel climate, people aren't necessarily looking for those kinds of trips. So, he's rejiggered the itineraries to focus more on the familiar with a few surprises thrown in. "I tried to mix in some of the marquee ports, like the Romes and the Barcelonas and Ibizas that Americans know about and have been to, with yacht-style ports in places they've never been to before," says Rodriguez. The cruise industry is an intriguing ecosystem, where there's a healthy blend of first-time cruisers, casual cruisers, and die-hard cruisers who sail multiple times per year.

I’ve included many practical tips to help you make the most of your Antarctica experience, as well as many photos. It’s difficult to comprehend the beauty of Antarctica until you’ve been there, but I’ll do my best to convey its magnificence to you with those photos. About Atlas Ocean VoyagesAtlas Ocean Voyages is the yacht expedition brand of Mystic Invest Holding. Stylish and intimate expedition yachts featuring less than 100 suites and staterooms offering five-star comfort, from luxurious accommodations and an all-inclusive onboard experience to in-depth excursions. World Navigator was launched in 2021, World Traveller in 2022, and World Voyager joined the fleet in 2023.

And while the ship had sailed a few seasons previously under a German brand, Nicko, this was its first time in polar waters after being refreshed and rebranded to join the Atlas fleet. Any larger ships (over 500 passengers) are only able to cruise the waters. Our first stop was in the South Shetland Islands on Day 4 before heading south to the Antarctic Peninsula for the next three days. The itinerary shows "Captain's Choice" for the days when you can explore off the ship in the South Shetland Islands and beyond, but where you go and what you can do ultimately depends on the weather.

Atlas Ocean Voyages has a surprising balance of both, where I felt completely satisfied in terms of education and expedition, but also in terms of a luxury shipboard experience, from amenities to entertainment. As is standard with expedition travel, a schedule is never set in stone. Everything depends on the conditions of the sea, the air, and the land — and many times, the expedition leader and captain won't know those conditions until they arrive at a given destination. Every evening at a nightly recap in the lecture hall, Zaccaria would lay out for us potential plans for the following day. I'd say about half of them went off without a hitch, while the other half were Plan Bs or Cs or Ds. Because the expedition staff and the crew are so nimble, it's pretty easy for guests to roll with the changes, though it does sometimes mean early-morning PA announcements advising guests of the schedule shifts.

While the grab-and-go options are a bit sparse, unlike most mainstream cruise lines, Atlas Ocean Voyages does offer complimentary room service. Room service breakfast features several options, so you can fuel up before heading out on your expeditions. Also on Deck 4, you will find the expedition team’s station where you can pop in to ask questions during the day, check your expedition schedule, and follow along with the ship’s itinerary. On a few days, the hot tubs were open for some rejuvenation with the majestic scenery as the backdrop; however, the pool was closed for the duration of the trip. Further, guests can participate in shore landings, sightseeing safaris by zodiac, and a polar plunge for no additional cost.

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