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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
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.
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.
