Atlas Ocean Voyages has announced that its November 2026 to March 2027 expeditions to Antarctica have opened for booking.

Marking the fifth season in Antarctica, World Navigator and World Traveller will operate 23 departures, as World Voyager is under full charter.

“Over the past five seasons, Atlas Ocean Voyage’s talented expedition team has had the privilege of connecting travelers to one of the most sought-after ‘bucket list’ destinations in the world – Antarctica,” said Atlas Ocean Voyages President and CEO James Rodriguez. “We look forward to exploring the region, providing a variety of itinerary and activity options, and discovering Antarctica with under 200 guests onboard.”

Itineraries

The line’s 2026-2027 Antarctica season features six itinerary options:

Antarctic Discovery

The “Antarctic Discovery” nine-night roundtrip from Ushuaia includes up to four immersive days at the Antarctica Peninsula. Guests will enjoy multiple landing opportunities and Zodiac safari experiences when weather and safety conditions allow.  Departures are Nov. 8, 28, Dec. 27, 2026, and  Feb. 1, 5, 10, March 8 and 19, 2027.

Antarctic & Falklands Adventure

Two “Antarctic & Falklands Adventure” itineraries include a 16-night Buenos Aires to Ushuaia expedition to dive into the diverse wildlife of two continents featuring Gentoo penguins and black-browed albatrosses. Guided adventures include kayaking, shore landings, Zodiac safaris, and more. Departures are Nov. 12, 2026, and March 13, 2027.

Exploring the Last Continent

Two 11-night expeditions titled “Exploring the Last Continent” will embark from Ushuaia, framing the summer season on the continent. Passengers can expect to witness stunning landscapes featuring snowy mountains and sea ice. The trips are scheduled to depart on November 17, 2026, and March 2, 2027, offering extraordinary sights of nesting penguins and feeding whales.

Drake Express

The nine-night “Drake Express” King George Island roundtrip is a comprehensive exploration of Antarctica, flying over the Drake Passage at the beginning and end of the expedition. All Drake Express Expeditions offer the experience of also sailing the Drake Passage one way and then a private charter flight back to Punta Arenas. All Drake Express expeditions conclude in Punta Arenas with a post-expedition hotel night stay. Departures Nov. 28, Dec. 7, 14, 2026.

Crossing the Antarctic Circle

The “Crossing the Antarctic Circle” expedition sails 11 nights roundtrip from Ushuaia and features up to six days at the Antarctica Peninsula, including multiple Captain’s Choice landings and Zodiac safari experiences. Departures Dec. 16, 23, 2026, Jan. 21, Feb. 14, 19, 25, 2027.

Grand Antarctica & Beyond

An 18-night “Grand Antarctica & Beyond” expedition from Ushuaia showcases the pristine landscapes of Antarctica, South Georgia, and the Falkland Islands. This comprehensive and immersive itinerary by Atlas Ocean Voyages explores diverse and breathtaking environments. Departure Jan. 3, 2027.

Inclusions

Atlas Ocean Voyages has a number of amenities that are included in the price of the fare. These include:

• Wine, beer, spirits, and specialty coffees
• Gratuities for onboard staff and shore landings
• Sightseeing safaris by Zodiac

Expeditions to Antarctica also include a pre-expedition hotel night in either Buenos Aires or Punta Arenas. Charter flights from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia or from Punta Arenas to King George Island are included in “Fly the Drake” expeditions. Before the expedition begins, guests can also enjoy an Atlas Immersive Experience in either Ushuaia or Punta Arenas.

Booking Offer

Those who book by June 30, 2025 will receive a complimentary stateroom or suite category upgrade and save up to $10,400 with a bonus savings of up to 20 percent per cabin.

Comments

Would you be interested in taking an expedition cruise to Antarctica? If money was no object, which of these six itineraries would you most like to sail? Drop us an anchor below and let us know!

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The post Atlas Ocean Voyages Opens Bookings For 2026-27 Antarctica Season appeared first on EatSleepCruise.com.

Atlas Ocean Voyages’ ships offer an array of onboard dining options. No matter where your cruise is headed, the included dining options provide some of the best meals at sea. We should know, as we have sailed with the cruise line twice. So, to help ensure your Atlas Ocean Voyages expedition is smooth sailing, we have compiled this comprehensive Atlas Ocean Voyages restaurant guide.

Not only does this guide include all of the Atlas Ocean Voyages restaurant menus, but we also have the bar and lounge menus. One benefit of sailing with this luxe-adventure brand is that all food, a wide array of spirits, and premium nonalcoholic beverages are also part of the cruise fare.

Bon appetit!

Atlas Ocean Voyages Restaurant Guide

Paula’s Pantry

Located on Deck 4 midship is Paula’s Pantry. This onboard café is typically open from about 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. For coffee lovers, this is your onboard stop for espresso-based drinks and premium teas. The venue also serves freshly made juices and smoothies.

For those wanting a bite to eat, the venue offers a selection of quick grab-and-go light bites. There are breakfast pastries in the morning, like croissants, donuts, and danishes. There are also continental items like yogurt parfaits and fruit. But our clear favorite was the ham and cheese toasty. These warm and gooey handheld breakfast sandwiches were a perfect start to a cold and snowy day in Antarctica! Of course, they tasted just as yummy in the Mediterranean.

In the afternoons, the Paula’s Pantry menu offers some sandwiches and snacks. These items rotate throughout the cruise. Along with finger sandwiches, cruisers can find personal-sized pizzas and mini wraps. Some freshly baked cookies and muffins were also a nice treat after a day of exploring ashore.

Paula’s Pantry Coffee Menu

Breakfast

The main dining room on your Atlas Ocean Voyages ship offers a breakfast buffet each morning. Usually, breakfast is served from around 7:30 AM or 8:00 AM and remains open for two hours.

The buffet includes a scrambled egg special of the day and a wide array of side dishes, including breakfast meats, grilled vegetables, and breakfast potatoes. There are also cereals, fresh fruit, breakfast pastries, and a full European continental breakfast.

In addition, expeditioners can order from a custom breakfast menu. This menu includes made-to-order omelets, eggs benedict, American pancakes, and French toast.

Atlas Ocean Voyages Breakfast Buffet Menu | Atlas Ocean Voyages Breakfast Entree Menu

Lunch

Likewise, the ship’s main dining room serves a lunch buffet. Typically, lunch is served from around 12 pm to 1:30 pm. The lunch buffet had a salad bar, hot entrees, and daily desserts.  There is also a custom Caesar salad bar and a wide selection of baked breads.

Selections typically include a carving station, a pasta dish, and a few international main courses. Some of these options included a suckling pig, herbed chicken breast, vegetable lasagna, braised lamb, or teriyaki chicken.

Sides like white rice or mashed potatoes often accompanied the main courses. 

During our Antarctica cruise, the lunch buffet also featured a custom wok station cooking up a daily special. This ranged from sauteed mussels to shrimp pad tai. However, this was not the case in the Mediterranean.

For dessert, there were several ice cream selections and sweet treats like crème brulee, apple tart tatin, or vanilla eclairs.

Example of Lunch Buffet Menus in Antarctica | Example of the Lunch Buffet Menus in Mediterranean

Afternoon Tea

Every afternoon at 4 pm, tea is served in one of the lounges. When in Antarctica, various teas from around the world complemented small sandwiches and canapes that mainly remained the same. We couldn’t help but sample the macrons and tea cakes while enjoying our “Be Cool” and Darjeeling N⁰37 after a few cold afternoons exploring the white continent.

However, on our Mediterranean cruise, the tea service was different. Guests could help themselves to a similar selection of teas and then order sweet treats from a small menu of desserts.

Atlas Ocean Voyages Antarctica Afternoon Tea Menu | Tea Dessert Menu

Dinner in the Atlas Ocean Voyages Main Dining Room

Dinner on an Atlas Ocean Voyages expedition typically runs for two hours. Depending on the itinerary, dinner started at either 7 or 7:30 PM with the last seating a half-hour before the restaurant closes. The restaurant is open seating.

During our cruise, we dined at a table for two on some occasions. On other nights, we joined a larger table and dined with some newly made friends. From our observations, this was true for most cruisers, with tablemates and sizes changing each night. Though, it is nice that guests have the option to dine alone if they choose.

Regarding the Atlas Ocean Voyages restaurant menus, dinner functions like a traditional cruise. The yacht’s main dining room offers a rotational menu each night with different starters, entrees, and desserts. 

Further, like many cruise lines, there is also an “Always Available” section. This section of the menu remained the same for the entire cruise. This menu included a Caesar salad, tomato soup, and three entrees during our expedition. There were also several traditional side dishes, like truffle French fries, mac and cheese, and sauteed vegetables.

The cruise line also features a plant-based menu with several starters, a main course, and a different dessert each night of the cruise.

There are also regional specialties depending on the itinerary. On our Epicurean Expedition in the Mediterranean, we were treated to dishes like seared Swordfish from a local market in Sicily. There were also freshly made pasta dishes from Master Chef Marcello Zaccaria. Among the irresistible, al dente selections were the Pasta Alla Norma and the Trofie Alla Pesto Genovese.

While there are fewer selections than on mainstream cruise lines, the options were more upscale. Besides the aforementioned options, some of my favorites included the succulent Black Angus Chateaubriand, the Rack of Lamb, the Mongolian Beef, and Hunan Shrimps.

Example of Atlas Antarctica Dinner Menus | Example of Atlas Mediterranean Dinner Menus

Atlas Ocean Voyages 7 Aft Grill

In warmer climates, there’s the 7 Aft Grill on the pool deck of Atlas Ocean Voyages’ ships. For lunch, this al fresco dining spot features pizzas, burgers, and other handhelds freshly made straight off the grill.

Aside from the made-to-order selections off the menu, many of the same items found on that day’s lunch buffet in the main dining room are also found at this venue’s small outdoor buffet. These selections include a salad bar, continental items, fresh fruit, and small desserts.

The venue then becomes the cruise ship’s signature steakhouse in the evenings. During our Mediterranean cruise, the restaurant was open from 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM. With premium cuts of beef, upgraded side dishes, and decadent desserts, it is perfect for an elegant evening out. Among the standout items during our visit were the chef’s cobb salad and the homemade Louisiana crawfish ravioli, as well the ribeye steak.

The venue is complimentary, but reservations are required for dinner. During the cruise, guests can make reservations at Guest Services.

7 Aft Lunch Menu | 7 Aft Dinner Menu

Atlas Ocean Voyages Room Service

The included room service is one thing we love about the Atlas Ocean Voyages dining. Room service is available 24 hours a day. Along with food delivery, cruisers can also order beverages from the bar free of charge. This is in addition to the fully stocked mini bar replenished daily in your stateroom.

When it comes to options, there is a pretty standard breakfast menu offering custom breakfast options that you can enjoy “whenever you wake up”.

My go-to in the morning was the Classic Atlas breakfast, with pastries, a cold cuts and cheese plate, fruit, and egg selection. There were also sides like bagels, hash browns, bacon, and other breakfast accompaniments.   

For the remainder of the day, guests can order from a small menu of lunch-type items. Atlas Ocean Voyages did update the room service menu between our two sailings that were six months apart. The menu now includes a chicken Caesar wrap, a new flatbread, and an impressive 6oz WAGYU beef burger, served with perfectly seasoned fries.

Atlas Ocean Voyages Breakfast Room Service Menu | Atlas Ocean Voyages Room Service All Day Menu

The Explorer’s Table

The Explorer’s Table is a new dining experience coming to Atlas Ocean Voyages. This wasn’t available during our sailings with the expedition line, but it will be offered on polar voyages in The Dome. The Explorer’s Table will present global culinary highlights from Spain, Korea, France, Argentina, and North America. This specialty dinner experience will be available only once each sailng for 10 guests and comes with a price of $179.

Atlas Ocean Voyages Bars and Lounges

All Atlas Ocean Voyages ships have three bars. The Deck 7 pool bar is open in warmer climates. When the weather permits, the bar remains open from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

The forward-facing Dome offers excellent views of the bow forward on Deck 7. It was also home to the late-night scene on our cruise.

Finally, there is the Atlas Lounge on Deck 4. This is a popular pre-dinner drink spot with live music. It was also home to a few live music events after dinner and the crew talent show. These were the closest things to “entertainment” in the evenings.

All of the bars feature a variety of included cocktails, with a few specialties distinct to each venue.

While a wide range of spirits are included in the bar menu, some select beverages are an upcharge. This is also true when it comes to the included wine at dinner. The cruise line features several white, red, and rose wines, but cruisers can pay a la carte for other non-included wines to enhance their meals further.

Any cocktail we could think of was included in the cruise fare. So, most cruisers should have no issues with the included beverages. For those with particular tastes, many of the upcharge liquors were between $7 and $12.

The Atlas Lounge Bar Menu | The Dome Bar Menu | Example of Included Wines | Atlas 7 Aft Pool Bar Menu

Comments

Did you find our Atlas Ocean Voyages restaurant guide helpful? Have you sailed with this new expedition cruise line yet? Drop us an anchor below with your latest food reviews.

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We’ve sailed with Atlas Ocean Voyages twice now. Our first expedition was to Antarctica and our most recent epicurean expedition was in the Mediterranean. On these cruises, we tested out the two different balcony cabin options: the Horizon Stateroom and the Veranda Stateroom. How did they compare? Which is the better option? We share all the details in our Atlas Ocean Voyages stateroom review.

Our Atlas Ocean Voyages Stateroom Review- Is a Horizon Stateroom or Veranda Stateroom the Better Option?

When reviewing the cabin options on Atlas Ocean Voyages, guests will have the choice of ocean view, balcony, or suite accommodations.

The Adventure Ocean View Staterooms are the most economically priced. These rooms are on Deck 3, are approximately 183 square feet, and offer only window views to the outside world.

The suites will come with the highest price tag. The Navigator Suite is a 1-bedroom suite with an oversized balcony, measuring in at 465 square feet. The Discovery Suite is only slightly smaller at 445 square feet, and the Journey Suite is 382 square feet. All suites come with added perks like butler service and expanded room service menus.

However, the majority of the cabins on Atlas Ocean Voyages are balcony accommodations, either deluxe at 300 square feet or standard at 270 square feet. Where these rooms differ are the balconies themselves. Guests can either choose a traditional walk-out balcony (Veranda Stateroom) or an infinite balcony (Horizon Stateroom). This setup is more like a floor-to-ceiling window that opens on the top.

Now, there are pros and cons to each setup. And which one you should choose will ultimately depend on your personal preferences and likely even the region in which you are sailing. The biggest advantage to the Horizon Stateroom is the added square footage in your living space. The biggest advantage to the Veranda Stateroom is having a personal, dedicated outdoor space.

Layout of an Atlas Ocean Voyages Stateroom

For our Atlas Ocean Voyages Antarctica cruise, we stayed in cabin 545. This Horizon Stateroom (category A2) is located aft on the starboard side of Deck 5. For our recent Epicurean Expedition in the Med, we stayed in cabin 514. This Veranda Stateroom (category B2) is located foward on the portside of the ship.

When comparing the two stateroom options, both have a very similar layout and inclusions. The main differences are visible in the size of the seating area. So, let’s take a look at the basic layout of Atlas Ocean Voyages balcony staterooms.

In both cabins, immediately upon entering, the bathroom was to the left with the closets across the way. Continuing into the room, the bed was beyond the bathroom with the television on the opposite wall. Then, there was the seating area to the left and the desk to the right immediately preceding the “balcony”.

The color palette does vary by ship. On World Voyager, our room featured lighter wood tones with green accents. On World Traveller, our room featured darker wood tones with blue acccents. Our personal preference is always the lighter wood finishes as it makes the room seem more open, but both still offered nautical vibes.

Inside the Atlas Ocean Voyages Stateroom

Bathroom

The bathroom in our Atlas Ocean Voyages stateroom was certainly an upgrade compared to those on mainstream cruise lines in terms of both the size and the amenities. Roughly speaking, it’s probably close to double in size when compared to a traditional balcony cabin bathroom; the size is certainly more on par with a bathroom found in a suite on contemporary cruise lines.

It features three storage shelves above the toilet, a large vanity, an oversized shower, and marble finishes. With a rainfall showerhead and jet options, the walk-in shower is like a mini-spa in your stateroom. Not to mention, it’s also stocked with luxurious L’OCCITANE amenities, including the always-welcomed liquid hand soap dispenser.

Main Cabin Area

The closets in both stateroom types are identical. While you will notice three sets of doors in the entrance hallway, only two are closets. The first door houses the lifejackets only.

The second set of doors is the larger of the two closets. Here, you’ll find a small 3/4 length clothes bar with a small shelf underneath, a 1/2 length clothes bar with the safe and two drawers underneath, and a series of five shelves in the middle. Finally, the third corner closet has a clothes bar, with one overhead shelf and two lower shelves.

While this may sound like a lot of storage space, it just wasn’t very practical. None of the clothes bars were long enough to hang dresses without having them bunch at the bottom. The shelves were also pretty narrow so didn’t fit our packing cubes well. Further, there was limited space for shoe storage once we unpacked and organized all of our clothing for the respective 9-day and 12-day voyages. Particulary when it comes to polar voyages, the rooms also lack storage areas to dry wet gear.

The queen bed was across from the flatscreen television, and there was a small nightstand on each side of the bed. Though, only one side features a USB outlet for charging devices in the evening. The luxurious Portuguese cotton linens ensured we got a restful night sleep after long days of exploring lesser-visited Mediterranean ports or the 7th Continent.

When it comes to the desk, you will notice some differences in size between the Horizon and Veranda stateroom options. The desk in the Horizon stateroom is longer, offering more space. There’s also a chair located beside the desk in this category. Both still feature a stocked mini-fridge as well as a Nespresso Coffee machine and Kusmi Teas, which is definitely a nice touch. In terms of outlets, you’ll find a 110V, 220V, and two USBs at the desk. (There are also a few additional outlets located near the television.)

The sitting areas also differ. Given that there is more interior space in the Horizon Stateroom, these cabins feature a loveseat and coffee table. Whereas, the Veranda Stateroom features just two chairs and a small round table. Even still, the area feels tight and one chair is in front of the balcony.

Balcony

Finally, there was the balcony.

Where the Veranda Stateroom lacks interior space, it makes up for it with dedicated outdoor space. The balcony features two cushioned chairs and a round table. In warmer climates, this is the perfect place to relax and enjoy some ocean views between the exciting ports of call. We used this space to watch the ship sail into and out of ports; however, we didn’t spend as much time on the balcony as we would have expected. This is mostly because the temperatures were just sooo hot.

With the Horizon Stateroom, the “balcony” is what the cruise industry often refers to as an infinite balcony. This floor-to-ceiling window opens from the top via the push of a button. It opens to approximately mid-torso level so guests can still enjoy access to fresh air. It also allows for taking photos of the scenery. However, there is no true division of indoor and outdoor space.

Further, the air conditioning shuts off when the window is opened. This means that one guest can’t enjoy the outdoors while the other enjoys the air conditioned cabin. Putting down the window is also a bit noisy, so it’s not likely that one guest can enjoy the ocean breeze with a morning coffee while the other guest is still sleeping.

Inclusions

When it comes to inclusions, the Horizon Stateroom and Veranda Stateroom are identical, as are the deluxe counterparts. These rooms include:

• Free stocked minibar
• Free 24-hour room service including alcoholic beverages
• Nespresso Coffee and Kusmi Teas
• Still and sparkling water in reusable glass bottles
• L’OCCITANE bath amenities
• Plush bathrobes and slippers
• Complimentary use of binoculars
• Twice daily service
• Reusable water bottle

Further, all Atlas Ocean Voyages’ expeditions include:

• A free cultural immersion tour
• Gourmet dining at all restaurants with ever-changing menus
• Unlimited beverages, including wine, beer, and spirits in all restaurants and lounges
• Specialty coffees, teas, and fresh-pressed juices
• Pre-paid gratuities
• Additional region-specific inclusions

Recap of Our Atlas Ocean Voyages Stateroom Review

Overall, both Atlas Ocean Voyages stateroom options were comfortable with adequate space. We love the upgraded bathrooms, but we do wish the closets and storage space had a better layout.

With a ship of this size, room location isn’t much of an issue as none of the public areas are ever too far away. But if you are prone to motion sickness, securing a midship cabin would be ideal as you’ll feel more motion the more forward (or aft) you go.

When it comes down to deciding which is better, a Horizon Stateroom or a Verdanda Stateroom, we think each has its place.

Of course, we loved the added interior space in the Horizon cabin allowing for a larger desk and seating area. We think the infinite balcony was perfect in Antarctica. We could put down the window to get a sense of the conditions and a little fresh air without fully gearing up to go outside. Also, we could quickly grab photos of passing scenery and icebergs. But we think we would have missed the true balcony in a warmer climate.

For our recent Mediterranean cruise in a Verdanda stateroom, we definitely felt the desk and seating area were cramped given our previous comparison. However, we appreciated that we could step outside onto the balcony and still keep the rest of the cabin cool. If we had a Horizon cabin this trip, I don’t think we would have used the window much as I wouldn’t have wanted the air conditioning to shut off even for a couple minutes.

Thus, the decision really comes down to your preferences and what’s most important to you. These two stateroom categories are comparably priced for most itineraries, but both are a bargain when compared to the fares on other luxury lines!

Comments

Have you sailed with Atlas Ocean Voyages yet? What is your preferred cabin category when you cruise? Drop us an anchor below with your thoughts on traditional vs. infinite balconies on cruise ships. 

The post Our Atlas Ocean Voyages Stateroom Review- Is a Horizon Stateroom or Veranda Stateroom the Better Option? appeared first on EatSleepCruise.com.

Looking to step out of our comfort zone, we agreed to spend 12 nights in the Mediterranean on a luxury yacht holding only 165 passengers. This situation might be a dream come true for some. However, we mega-ship enthusiasts were unsure how we would survive the confines of the 8-deck, 10K gross ton ship for nearly two weeks. Well, we are back and sharing our experiences of what yachting through the Med is like in our Atlas Ocean Voyages review.

What’s a Small Ship Cruise in the Med Really Like? Our Atlas Ocean Voyages Review

Life Onboard Atlas Ocean Voyages World Traveller

The Mediterranean is one of our favorite cruise destinations. In fact, we spent two weeks in the region on Celebrity Beyond last year to celebrate our anniversary and had a fantastic time. But sailing on a much smaller vessel in the region was new for us.

However, we were no strangers to Atlas Ocean Voyages. Our first introduction to this luxe-adventure cruise line was in November 2023. On an Antarctica expedition, we spent nine nights onboard the cruise line’s newest vessel, World Voyager.

Atlas Ocean Voyages did a fantastic job during the entire expedition. So, we had no worries about sailing with the cruise line again. Perfect for this type of cruise experience, we did have our reservations about sailing such a small vessel on a more traditional cruise itinerary though.

While Polar Expeditions are all about exploring the more remote landscapes of Antarctica and the Arctic, Atlas Ocean Voyages positions its Mediterranean voyages as Epicurean Expeditions. These food-focused cruises include guest speakers, chefs, and other themed events. The itinerary also appealed to us, as the ship is able to visit many ports that larger cruise ships can’t. In fact, many of the places on this 12-day voyage were completely new for us.

What’s Included on Atlas Ocean Voyages’ Sailings

Like other brands in the luxury cruise space, the Atlas cruise fare covers most onboard amenities like dining and drinks. It also includes free pre-paid gratuities, a cultural immersion experience, and more.

All onboard dining, including 24-hour room service, is included. The Lisboa Restaurant on deck 4 is home to daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Atlas Ocean Voyages also offers an alternative restaurant, the 7 Aft Grill, during Mediterranean cruises. Located on the pool deck, this outdoor venue provides a distinct lunch with custom burgers and sandwiches. At night, this al fresco restaurant becomes the ship’s steakhouse.

Further, alcoholic drinks, including beer, house wines, and cocktails, are complimentary. Some premium spirits and bottles of wine are available for purchase, but there’s really no need to upgrade unless you enjoy a particular premium wine or spirit. All premium non-alcoholic beverages, such as espresso-based drinks, teas, soft drinks, and mocktails, are also complimentary. There’s even a free stocked mini-bar in all staterooms.

Like most cruise ships, guests have access to other onboard facilities throughout the cruise that are mostly free to use as well.  

Onboard Amenities

Not all public spaces were operable when we sailed with Atlas Ocean Voyages in Antarctica given the weather conditions. So, we were ready to take advantage of everything World Traveller had to offer during this summer cruise in the Mediterranean.

While small, the ship still features many cruise staples. There is a main dining room, coffee shop, spa, fitness center, running track, a pool, hot tub, bars and lounges, and an auditorium for daily enrichment.

World Traveller boasts a pool and whirlpool on deck 7 midship. Just steps from the pool is the pool bar, which began serving drinks at 11 AM each day. Nearby, there’s also a self-serve ice cream cart for a little snack while lounging poolside.

The jogging track is on deck 8. Given the ship’s small footprint, it takes 12 times to reach one mile around the track. There are also a few stations with workout equipment scattered around this top deck.

One of the two main lounges inside the ship, The Dome observation lounge, is on deck 7 forward. This space features lots of natural light and scenic views. There’s a large cocktail list and friendly bar staff ready to take your order. The outdoor viewing area forward of The Dome offers fantastic views overlooking the ship’s bow. I sat here many mornings, watching us sail into the next picturesque port of call.

While there are primarily staterooms on decks 5 and 6, there are also a few outdoor public spaces. Forward on deck 5 is the Water’s Edge. We utilized this space more during our Antarctica sailing than on this cruise. But this viewing platform on the ship’s bow is another excellent spot to unwind and watch the ocean views closer to water level.

In addition, there are two outdoor spaces that many guests forget about aft on these decks. During our cruise, I spent some time admiring the wake views from here while conversing with some newfound friends. While the deck plans label the deck 5 aft space as the Zephyr Lounge, there is no bar service here. Both spaces only offer various seating arrangements to relax and socialize.

Back inside, deck 4 is the hub of activity on the ship. The portside has a fitness center open until 11 PM, featuring some free weights and cardio machines. The starboard side has a sauna with nearby loungers open most days until 10 PM. While the sauna and loungers are free to use, there is also a spa with two treatment rooms offering a variety of massage services for an upcharge.

On deck 4, there’s also the Atlas Lounge and the Americo Vespucci Auditorium. The auditorium is used for lectures and other edu-tainment throughout the voyage. The Atlas Lounge is the second main indoor bar where many congregate for pre-dinner drinks. This space is also used for a variety of events during the trip.

With only 165 guests onboard, there were several times when many of the public spaces were empty. Thus, it often felt like we had the entire yacht all to ourselves. This was a drastic departure from the often-crowded spaces of even the most well-designed mega-ships.

Onboard Activities

With a new port of call every day, and limited entertainment spaces, there weren’t as many scheduled activities as you’d find on larger cruise ships. On our one sea day, the cruise director Julie hosted a trivia session. On another evening, there was a game of Name that Tune in The Dome. There was also an unhosted chess club, Afternoon Tea, Dancing Under the Dome, live music, and port talks.

The Dome hosted tea time most days from 4 to 5 PM. Guests could help themselves to various premium teas while ordering from a small menu of treats.

Each evening between 5:30 PM and 6:30 PM, the Land Program manager gave a port destination talk, previewing the next day’s destination. Though, we didn’t think they were very informative.

From there, The Dome offered light music, cocktails, and canapes from around 6:30 PM or 6:45 PM. Dinner started at 7:30 PM, and more live music with Piano Paul was back in The Dome at 9:30 PM. Still, it’s a far cry from the diverse music offerings you’d find on more contemporary cruise lines.

On a few occasions, the cruise director, Julie, performed musical numbers as well. We got a sneak peek at her vocals on night 2 during the Captain’s Reception. But, she wowed the crowd on night 5 with her live session at 9:45 PM in The Dome. Later on in the cruise, she performed a pre-dinner Broadway set, and the following night, she capped it off with her Dancing Under the Dome show.

Aside from the Captain’s Welcome Reception and Farewell Cocktail, the Atlas Lounge also hosted the crew talent show on night 10. It’s always a fun time watching these staff members sing, dance, and perform other talents.

These events were the only entertainment on our 12-day Atlas Ocean Voyages trip. However, there were some other activities associated with these Epicurean Expeditions that came mostly in the form of live cooking demos, lectures, and tastings.

We would have enjoyed more local entertainment options like we’ve experienced on other lines like Windstar or Viking.

Epicurean Expedition Events

This Epicurean Expedition featured four guest presenters and/or chefs along with a culinary-centric list of enrichment activities including epicurean presentations; live cooking demonstrations; tastings of chocolate, wine, and honey; and even a market visit with the chef.

Among the featured experts was the Taste and Traditions Expert, Master Foodie Mara Papatheodorou. This former editor of Bon Appetit Magazine hosted lectures in the auditorium. Along with the featured guest cooks, Mara also co-hosted other tastings and culinary sessions in the Atlas Lounge and The Dome. Mara was personable and had a wealth of knowledge. She also participated in some shore excursions, adding flavor and context wherever we visited.

The other featured presenters were Executive Chef Marcello Zaccaria from Academia Barilla, Gastronomic Guest Julieta Davey, and Guest Lecturer Brian Liss. They hosted lectures, cooking demonstrations, and tastings as well to round out the onboard activities. While we really enjoyed Chef Marcello’s cooking demos and menu items, we aren’t quite sure that the other two presenters fit on this Mediterran itinerary.

Though, my personal favorite activity was the Yachtsman Cookoff competition. I donned an apron with another writer to see if we could take the title of best pasta salad in a live guest cooking show. Well, maybe more like a preparation show as no heating elements were involved. Sadly, we did not take home the winning bottle of wine. Maybe next time.

Dining Onboard Atlas Ocean Voyages

Breakfast and Lunch in the Main Dining Room

Aside from limited entertainment offerings, another drawback of small-ship sailing is the limited options for dining.

Most meals occur in the main dining room, the Lisboa Restaurant on deck 4 aft. For breakfast, the restaurant serves a buffet with a small menu of made-to-order options like omelets. The food was standard for breakfast, and we had no issues finding something to eat the few mornings we dined here.

For lunch, the restaurant offers rotating menu options. There was a salad bar, meats and cheeses, and a custom Caesar salad station each day. The carving station offered different selections most days, like a roast pig or slow-cooked strip loin. The remaining entrees and side dishes varied each day, with usually a chicken, beef, pork, or fish entrée.

While I never had an issue finding something to eat, there were several days Heidi only had some fresh fruit and cheese for lunch. It would have been nice to have items like burgers, grilled chicken sandwiches, or other lunchtime fare here. Perhaps a small made-to-order menu with standard selections for lunch as well.

Dinner in the Main Dining Room

At night, this main dining room features a traditional multi-course sit-down meal. It’s open seating from 7:30 to 9 PM each night with no set table assignment. While it was too hot for us to take advantage of on this sailing, there is also an outdoor seating area for an al fresco meal with wake views.

The cruise line has completely revamped dinner menus since our last trip on Atlas Ocean Voyages. And we are happy to report that the changes are for the better. While the menus offer several local specialties, the international cuisine focused on more than just Mediterranean and European fare. For instance, other entrees like the Mongolian beef added some dimension and spice to the menu.  

The nightly menus feature a rotating Plant-Based section, Always Available dishes including rib-eye, salmon, and plant-based steak, a rotating Dinner Menu, a Local Market Dish, and a Portuguese Alma selection.

However, some of the tastiest dishes were the regional specialties like the Seared Swordfish from Sicily or the Chicken Piccata when departing Civitavecchia, Italy. Another stand-out dish was the homemade Italian Gnocchi available every night.

Guest Chef Marcello Zaccaria’s custom-made pastas were perhaps the best part of being on this Epicurean Expedition. This master chef held cooking demonstrations and prepared several signature pasta dishes at the beginning of the cruise. Among the irresistible, al dente selections were the Pasta Alla Norma and the Trofie Alla Pesto Genovese. We only wished he was onboard for the entire sailing.

Paula’s Pantry

Besides the main dining room, there were just two other eateries onboard.

In the morning and afternoon, the ship’s resident coffee shop, Paula’s Pantry, offers quick bites. The breakfast items here include danishes, muffins, and the tasty ham and cheese toasties. These were great to quickly snag before heading ashore.

Coming back in the afternoon, Paula’s Pantry was our go-to for a caffeine fix and sometimes a tiny sandwich, quiche, or freshly made cookies. While the pastries and snacks were good, we would have liked a better selection of pre-made sandwiches, as many were repetitive and not all that appetizing.

Regardless of the time of day, this venue serves espresso-based drinks, premium teas, frappes, and freshly squeezed juices. On most days, the coffee shop was open from 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM.

Paula’s Pantry also features a self-serve Vero water station where guests could refill their reusuable water bottles any time of day.

7AFT Grill

Aside from the main dining room, the only other sit-down venue is located poolside. The 7AFT Grill serves a buffet lunch with many of the same menu items that are also available in the main dining room along with a menu of made-to-order items.

This outdoor eatery is home to a Jasper grill, which gives the freshly seared menu items extra flavor. The lunch menu features freshly prepared hot dogs, hamburgers, and personal pizzas on the grill. These lunch selections were more of our style. But given the heat, we didn’t always want to eat outside in the middle of the day.

At night, the 7AFT Grill is the resident steakhouse which is complimentary to all guests, but reservations are required. Heidi couldn’t resist the Chef’s Cobb Salad as a starter. I went off script and asked for a half order of the Homemade Louisiana Crawfish Ravioli. The ravioli was delicate, with a creamy sauce and just a bit of kick. However, I didn’t realize that this entrée, which I ordered as a starter, also came with a whole lobster tail!

My rib-eye steak was flavorful and juicy, cooked to a medium temperature. It was more than satisfying after eating my extra-large app. This steakhouse has a standard lineup of sides and desserts as well, making it a welcomed change from the main dining room.

Room Service

As we mentioned previously, 24-hour room service is available for all guest staterooms. So of course, we had to test out the two menus.

For breakfast, guests could order any item at the main restaurant and have it delivered to their stateroom. Omelets, pancakes, French toast, and other continental items were among the selections.

Another nice perk is that the cruise line will let you place your breakfast order outside on your door as late as 2 AM. You can also request breakfast delivery at anytime in the morning. So, it was a nice treat after sleeping in on day 4 to enjoy our breakfast on the balcony in Nice, France, with the French Riviera as our backdrop.

The all-day room service menu consists of only a few options, and it was a bit hit or miss. We sampled a grilled chicken Caesar wrap, a custom hamburger, and a flatbread pizza. The pizza was better than our vegan pizza during our Antarctica sailing but still nothing to write home about. While I enjoyed my burger, Heidi’s sandwich was drenched in dressing and contained mostly lettuce.

Stateroom

For this Mediterranean cruise, we stayed in stateroom 514, a veranda stateroom located forward of the forward elevators on the ship’s portside.

Given that the ship’s public areas are mostly found on decks 4 and 7, it was never a far walk up or down from our stateroom to anywhere on the ship. Although, there are both forward and midship elevators for those with limited mobility.

According to the Atlas Ocean Voyages’ website, this veranda stateroom measures 270 square feet, including the balcony. It felt noticeably larger than the balcony staterooms we are accustomed to on contemporary cruise lines.  

Immediately upon entering our room, the bathroom was to the left. Across the way was the closet. For a stateroom of this size, the closet lacked adequately-designed storage space. There were three small clothes bars with hangers, a series of small shelves, and two drawers. But, our packing cubes didn’t fit well on the shelves and there wasn’t a good place to store shoes.

However, the luxury bathroom with marble finishes was certainly an upgrade in terms of size and amenities. The vanity offered plenty of counter space, and there was adequate storage for all of our products with the additional three shelves over the toilet.

The main focal point of this upgraded bathroom though is the walk-in mosaic shower with a rainfall showerhead and body jets, which were relaxing after a long day ashore. The bathroom also features premium L’OCCITANE products, so there’s no need to pack any toiletries from home.

The bed was located after the closet and bathroom, followed by a small seating area and desk before the balcony.

The queen-sized bed was on the midship wall facing forward, looking directly at the large flat-screen television. We never had any issues falling asleep after exploring that day’s port of call with the luxurious Portuguese cotton linens by Lameirinho.

Additionally, there was a nightstand on each side of the bed. Though, only one side features a USB outlet for charging devices overnight. 

Now, when compared to our Horizon Stateroom (think infinite balcony) during our Antarctica voyage, the desk and seating area were noticably smaller affording that extra square footage from the interior of the cabin to the outdoor balcony space.

The desk had just enough counter space for Heidi to get ready, while also housing a Nespresso coffee maker and Kusmi Teas. The mini-fridge, stocked regularly as part of the cruise fare, is also under the desk. This means there are no drawers or additional storage compartments located here.

Across from the desk are two oversized chairs and a small table. This became our workstation in the afternoon or our spot for some room service in the morning. This area felt tight, definitely making us miss the loveseat found in our previous cabin.

Where this Veranda Stateroom lacks interior space, it makes up for it with dedicated outdoor space. The balcony features two cushioned chairs and a round table.  While the balcony extended the entire width of the stateroom, it was a little shallow.

Still, we enjoyed having this space to step outside to take videos and photos of the ports of call. However, we didn’t spend as much time on the balcony as we would have expected. This is mostly because the temperatures were just too hot.

The big benefit of this cabin type is that we could step outside onto the balcony and still keep the rest of the cabin cool. If we had a Horizon cabin this trip, I don’t think we would have used the window much as we wouldn’t have wanted the air conditioning to shut off in the stateroom.

Going Ashore With Atlas Ocean Voyages

This 12-day cruise included eleven ports of call and only one sea day. Needless to say, it was a packed itinerary. Given that many of the ports were cities we hadn’t visited yet, we opted to do a shore excursion or tour at almost every stop.

Many of these smaller destinations are places few major cruise lines visit, so getting private tours would have been more difficult, and Heidi’s worst nightmare is just wandering on our own. Thus, we booked a majority of our shore excursions directly with Atlas Ocean Voyages. 

The quality of these tours varied greatly. While we enjoyed many of our tours, some were not as advertised. Also, there were few options to choose from at several ports.

Further, the land program staff often did not know much about the ports of call or the offered tours. We received inaccurate information about the tours’ inclusions, duration, and activity level multiple times. The tour start times were often different than the times we booked as well.

As a new cruise line, we do think that Atlas Ocean Voyages has some work to do regarding its land program.

Still, we did not let this detract from our overall experience. We donned our walking shoes and got ready to trek the cobblestone streets and often uphill paths in 90-degree weather to explore these scenic destintations.

Atlas Ocean Voyages Mediterranean Itinerary

Portoferraio, Elba Island

After leaving the Civitavecchia (Rome) cruise port, World Traveller had a short distance to sail. Our first port of call was Portoferraio, the largest city on Elba Island. This northern island, part of the Italian Riviera, is home to a waterfront radiating with colorful buildings overlooking the sea.

Like all shore excursions, we met at the designated time in the Atlas Lounge, only to subsequently find out that our tour had been canceled. So, we had the choice to explore on our own or book the only remaining tour available, Panoramic Elba.

While we are not usually fans of large bus tours, we decided to hop on this tour. This approximately four hour excursion included two stops at small resort towns, Marina di Campo and Port Azzuro. Each stop included a brief narrated walk of the town and some free time. Along with several photos, we made sure to grab our first gelato of the cruise while admiring the harbor views.

Porto Venere, Italy

While all the destinations on the itinerary were intriguing, we were very excited about a few ports, including Porto Venere.

While the town itself is beautiful, we had our sights set on Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Booking the Scenic Cinque Terre tour, we embarked on a day-long tour winding through the seaside roads.

Our nearly 8-hour tour took us to three of the five small villages. It was an idyllic day in the Italian Riviera and certainly a highlight of our trip. Along the way, our tour guide made sure to overload us with information about the region and the villages we were exploring: Riomaggiore, Manarola, and Monterosso. This tour also included a 3-course lunch at a rustic farmhouse and winery.

While it was a whirlwind day, the itinerary lived up to our expectations and was as charming as we had hoped.

Nice, France

Nice, France was the one port we decided to explore independently. We planned to catch up on some sleep and enjoy breakfast on the balcony before our evening cultural immersion tour. But after a morning of work, FOMO set in. So, we spent a couple of hours in the afternoon strolling the picturesque shoreline of the French Riviera and Nice’s old town.

Each Epicurean Expedition includes a cultural immersion event as part of the cruise fare. This itinerary featured a Rooftop Aperitif Cocktails tour at 7 PM.

Perched on top of the AC Hotel Nice, this rooftop retreat overlooked the beach. The 3-hour party included live jazz music, wine, and passed appetizers. While I enjoyed the tapas and drinks, Heidi could only take the heat and lack of air conditioning for so long.

Along with many other guests, we hopped on one of the first shuttles back to the ship for much-needed air conditioning and one more round of drinks with friends before calling it a night.

Sète, France

The recommended tour in this French seaside city was the Gastronomic Sète excursion. This 3-hour walking tour hugged the harbor as our guide provided details about the town and its extensive seafaring legacy and modern seafood industry.

While Sète is known for its local markets, they were closed as it was a Sunday. Still, we were able to get a small taste of local octopus, oysters, biscuits, and of course wine, at a small brassiere. While Heidi is not a fan of seafood, I am always up for trying anything, at least once. Of all the delicaces, I liked the octopus pie the best.

Along the way, we also strolled the streets of this “Venice of France” to admire the 17th century architecture. Perhaps the most striking part of the tour was the water jousting. Yes, you read that correctly. On the main canal, we were treated to a few rounds of this local sport.

Still, of all our tours, this was our least favorite.

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona was the only port where we opted for a private tour. Pre-cruise, we connected with some friends traveling on the trip too and secured a van with Spain Day Tours for eight hours of exploring all the city offered.

Led by our awesome driver and guide, Marta, we started with a scenic stop at Montjuic, where our orientation to the history and development of Barcelona began.

From here, we took a comprehensive city tour to various landmarks. Among the highlights were visits to Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, and other Gaudi architectures like Casa Batllo and Casa Mila on the famed Passeig de Gracia.

We stopped at a local restaurant for lunch in Plaza Cataluña for some Spanish tapas, including Iberian ham, croquettes, and potatoes bravos, before continuing our adventures exploring the Gothic Quarter, Port Olympic, and a drive through Las Ramblas.

This tour was a fantastic orientation to the city, and we can’t wait to discover more of these neighborhoods on a return trip.

Menorca, Spain

Many Mediterranean cruises visit the larger island of Palma de Mallorca in the Balearic Sea. But only some visit its smaller sister, Menorca. Figuring this would be one of our few opportunities to visit the island, we booked the Flavors of Menorca tour.

Leaving Mahon, where the ship was docked, we headed north to Fornelis. The town was waking up as our group wandered the cobblestone streets and absorbed views of the protected bay.

From here, we went to a local cheese farm for a tasting. While I don’t usually eat cheese and drink wine at 10:30 AM…when in Spain, do as the locals do!

Among our additional stops was Mont Toro, the island’s highest point. Along the ascent, we heard the tale of the statue of the Virgin Mary and the monks whose journey gave the mountain its name. To cap things off, we quickly stopped at a local gin distillery adjacent to our ship to try some locally produced spirits.

Porto Cervo, Sardinia

Sardinia is the second-largest Italian island in the Mediterranean and a popular tourist destination. In fact, we stopped at the southern port of Cagliari on our Virgin Voyages cruise in 2022. Porto Cervo is on the northern end, so we looked forward to seeing even more of the island.

With only a few tour options through the cruise line, we decided on the more encompassing Villages of Sardinia & Giants Tomb. According to the description, this tour included stops at two towns and a 3,000-year-old archaeological site of the Nuragic civilization.

But of all our tours, this one felt the most disjointed. It didn’t help that our tour guide was perhaps the least enthusiastic or engaged. At our first stop in San Pantaleo, she walked us to the town center with minimal narration and gave us 45 minutes to explore independently.

At our second stop, her overview of the Giant’s Tomb and the historic civilization was more informative. From here, it was back on the bus for another 20-minute ride to the last stop, the beautiful seaside village of Baia.

While planning to walk around and take pictures, some fellow travelers invited us to join them for lunch. Given that we hadn’t had any pizza our whole time in Italy, they made us an offer we couldn’t refuse.

Trapani, Sicily

Heidi and I had plans to visit the east coast of Sicily during our Mediterranean cruise in 2023. However, that port of call was skipped due to sea conditions delaying our departure from Civitavecchia. So, we were excited to have the chance to visit two destinations on the island this time around.

Our first call on the island was Trapani. While it was a short walk from the ship’s docking spot into town, we purchased a shore excursion to the historic town of Erice. The Enchanting Erice excursion included a bus tour through Trapani and a semi-guided tour of Erice, located a nearly half-mile climb up the mountain.

Several cultures have influenced this eclectic town over the years. From the Norman tower fortifications overlooking the sea to the other touches of Hellenic culture, the town’s medieval cobblestone streets, castles, and cathedrals were mesmerizing.

Duing our approximately 2.5 hour visit at the village, we had some free time. So of course, we made sure to stop for cannoli and coffee granita. While we felt a tad rushed, this was the perfect ending to the tour and our first stop in Sicily.

Messina, Sicily

On the top of our list while in Sicily was visiting Taormina. As a college student, my family did a tour of Italy that included two days in this well-known Italian resort town, and I remembered it as being one of the most enchanting places I had visited.

With high expectations, we set out on the cruise line’s 4.5-hour Magical Taormina excursion. It took about an hour to get to Taormina, following some brief sightseeing by bus through Messina. Thus, we had about 2.5 hours to stroll the main streets and marvel at the 15th century architecture.

First, our guide took us along the colorful alleys and walkways, pointing out the more prominent buildings and landmarks along the way. We took the trek up to the Greek theater, which is still in use today, as evidenced by the modern stage and music rigging still present from a concert that took place the previous night.

After the guided tour, we had about 90 minutes of free time. This gave us enough time to sample cannoli and gelato from the two shops that our tour guide recommended and do a little shopping.

While beautiful and memorable, the city was packed and looked nothing like I remembered it from my visit close to twenty years ago. Having more time here would have been great as well.

Chania, Crete

We knew we would be exhausted by the last day of the trip. So, we booked a shorter tour in Chania, the seaside stop in Crete. The 2.5 hour Chania’s Archaeology and Venetian Harbor tour sounded perfect. Yet, we subsequently found out that the tour duration had changed to four hours.

So, we mustered up the energy for one last tender ride ashore. Once on land, our guide whisked us away toward the dockyards into the heart of the city. She pointed out the intersection of cultures and religions that have shaped the island along the fairly long walk to a bus. We’d be taking a bus to the archaeological museum for a visit. That was news to us!

We then spent the next 90 minutes in the newly designed Archaeological Museum of Chania in a nearby neighborhood. Our tour guide was a bit intense and not very friendly, but it quickly became clear that she was an avid historian and culturalist. Her narration of the artifacts weaving together themes and evolutions of civilizations was captivating.

Although this tour wasn’t exactly what we had signed up for, we still had time afterwards to peruse the harbor before returning to the ship.

Comments

Have you sailed on Atlas Ocean Voyages? Are you a fan of small ship cruising? Drop us an anchor below with your cruise reviews.

The post We Spent 12 Days on a Luxury Cruise You’ve Never Heard Of appeared first on EatSleepCruise.com.

We were met with a great deal of skepticism when we first told family and friends that we were going on an Antarctica expedition cruise. Of course, they know that we love cruising, but sailing to the end of the world? What is there to do? What will you see besides ice? Won’t you get seasick?

While the White Continent had been on our bucket list for some time, even we weren’t quite sure what to expect. Were we cut out for an expedition trip? Would we survive the Drake Passage? Well, we survived and are back to share why you should consider leaping out of your comfort zone to explore this 7th continent in our Atlas Ocean Voyages Antarctica Cruise Review.

What it is Really Like on an Antarctica Cruise

CRUISE DEALS: Save on an Expedition Cruise to Antarctica

Atlas Ocean Voyages Antarctica Cruise Review

Crossing yet another destination off our list, we hopped onboard one of Atlas Ocean Voyages’ Polar Expeditions on the brand-new World Voyager. This 9-night roundtrip Ushuaia itinerary offers even the casual explorer the opportunity to transit the Drake Passage and step foot on Antarctica, while still providing all the luxury and comforts more traditional cruisers have come to expect.

With Atlas Ocean Voyages’ all-inclusive yacht experience, travelers don’t have to worry about all the details. The cruise includes roundtrip charter flights from Buenos Aires to the southernmost city and back. Additionally, all voyages include a one-night pre-cruise hotel stay in Buenos Aires and a cultural immersion tour in Ushuaia before boarding the ship.

Many cruisers did choose to spend several days ahead of the cruise exploring the city. However, given our travel schedule, we opted for just the one night in this Argentinian capital. As part of the maiden voyage, the cruise line hosted a special dinner, complete with a chorizo steak and a tango dance show.

With a 4:30 AM wake-up the following morning, we we ushered through the airport and onto an approximately 4-hour charter flight to begin our adventure. With a seamless transition, we were whisked away on a bus tour of Tierra del Fuego National Park while our luggage was transported directly to the ship.

We did expect the tour of Tierra del Fuego to include more walking and time outdoors. Instead, it was mostly a bus tour through this national park. Still, it filled the time until we were allowed to board the vessel.

Finally stepping aboard the World Voyager gangway around 2:30 PM, we were greeted by cheerful crew members welcoming us. While the ship is much smaller than the vessels on which we typically sail, with just 144 passengers and 131 crew on this voyage, the layout and amenities were very familiar. This made it easy for us to settle in to our home away from home for the next 9 days.

Given this was the maiden voyage for World Voyager, we had the pleasure of attending the christening event with the ship’s inspirational godmother, Preet Chandi, and a gala dinner, prior to the ship’s departure.

Now, there was no turning back. We were onward to Antarctica!

Atlas Ocean Voyages World Voyager

Atlas Ocean Voyages is a relatively new luxe-adventure cruise line from the parent company Mystic Cruises. World Voyager joins Atlas’ two other luxury yachts, World Traveller and World Navigator. These adventure yachts measure in at just 10,000 gross tons with a max capacity of 198 guests. The ships specialize in Polar and Epicurean expeditions, as well as the new Cultural expedition offering.

In addition to included charter flights and a cultural immersion tour on these Polar Expeditions, all Atlas cruises include all dining and unlimited beverages like beer, wine, cocktails, specialty coffee, and fresh pressed juices. An in-room stocked mini bar and 24-hour room service are also part of the fare, as are gratuities, trip delay, and emergency medical evacuation insurance.

Further, guests can participate in shore landings, sightseeing safaris by zodiac, and a polar plunge for no additional cost. Guests on Polar Expeditions also receive a free parka.

One thing that surprised us was the passenger demographic. The guests on our Atlas Ocean Voyages Antarctica cruise were younger and more active travelers than we would have guessed. Being in our 40’s, we did not feel out of place at all. In fact, it seemed the majority of guests were in their 40’s and 50’s; there were even some younger guests with one couple on their honeymoon.

Onboard Amenities

When it comes to the ship itself, World Voyager features many cruise staples. There is a main dining room, coffee shop, spa, fitness center, running track, a pool, whirlpools, bars and lounges, and an auditorium for daily enrichment.

Our first glimpse of World Voyager was the Atlas Lounge. This deck 4 lounge is a multi-faceted space.

On embarkation day, it acted as the check-in desk. While waiting for Juan from Guest Services to check us in, crew treated us to Welcome Aboard cocktails and canapes.

Throughout the week, this venue featured light piano music, occasional nighttime entertainment, a couple trivia sessions, and a space for socializing with other guests. The Dome is the other gathering space on the ship, but more on this a bit later in the bars and lounges section.

Heading to the very top of the ship (Deck 8), you will find the outdoor decks. Cruisers can enjoy a jog (or walk) when the weather permits on the jogging track. It will take 12 laps to equal one mile. There are also a few stations with workout equipment scattered around this top deck. Given we were sailing in the polar regions, this area did not get much use. In fact, it was closed several days due to the rough seas while transiting the Drake Passage.

On Deck 7, you will find the main pool deck. There is a central pool, two hot tubs, and plenty of seating. 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.

All the way forward on Deck 7 is an outdoor viewing area (in front of the Dome) offering some great scenic views overlooking the bow.

For those who want to get closer to the water, the Water’s Edge on Deck 5 is the place to be. This outdoor viewing platform is all the way forward on the bow of the ship. It will get chilly and windy here, but you can warm up with the heated benches. At the aft of the ship, there are also outdoor viewing areas on Deck 5 and Deck 6.

Down on Deck 4, which is the hub of activity on the ship, there is the fitness studio. With some free weights and cardio machines, it will help you stay active during your time onboard the ship.

Also, there is the nearby sauna and relaxation zone, which is included in the cruise fare. There is also a spa with two treatment rooms offering a variety of massage services for an upcharge. Of note, there are no salon or mani/pedi services available.

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.

Dining

For polar expeditions, World Voyager offers a few dining options. So, of course we tried our best to sample them all for a complete review of dining on this Atlas Ocean Voyages Antarctica Cruise. In warmer climates, guests can also enjoy the 7AFT Grill poolside which transforms into an open-air steakhouse by night.

Casual Dining Onboard World Voyager

On Deck 4, just forward of the aft staircase, is Paula’s Pantry. Open most days from 6:30 AM to 7:00 PM, this café features espresso-based drinks, smoothies, fresh juices, and quick service food items. All of the beverages and food here are included as part of the cruise fare.

When it comes to food offerings, you could find breakfast pastries, donuts, and the toasty ham and cheese which was by far everyone’s favorite. During the afternoon and early evenings, cruisers could grab small sandwiches, mini-pizzas, and other snacks.

The other dining option is the Madeira Restaurant which is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. However, the dining setup varies based on the time of day. It is buffet style for breakfast and lunch, but it transforms to a traditional main dining room setup for dinner.

The breakfast buffet is open most days from 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM. It consists of a made-to-order menu with items like omelets or pancakes, as well as the traditional buffet. Here, you can find a selection of continental items, breads and cereals, fresh fruit, as well as eggs, breakfast meats, potatoes, and hash browns.

At lunch, which is usually served from noon to 1:30 PM, the buffet offers a rotating selection of entrees and side dishes. Featured items include selections like chicken teriyaki, lamb moussaka, fresh fish, and rice or potatoes. There is a carving section as well with selections like roasted turkey or pig. Guests can also enjoy a salad bar, along with meats and cheeses, a custom wok station serving up a made-to-order dish of the day, and a small selection of desserts.

Finally, there is a tea service daily at 4 PM. With a wide selection of teas, as well as small cookies and desserts, it is a nice treat to hold you over until dinner and is reminiscent of more luxury cruise lines.

Given the size of the vessel, the casual dining options were adequate; though, we would have liked a spot to grab a burger, grilled chicken sandwich, or pizza throughout the day. Similarly, grab-and-go breakfast sandwiches would be a great addition.

Room Service

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.

The small all-day lunch/dinner menu includes a few sandwiches and a burger. Cruisers can also order beverages, including alcoholic drinks, at no additional charge.

Room service was a nice change of pace from the buffet on a few days of our Atlas Ocean Voyages Antarctica cruise. The Wagyu burger is a must-try!

Dinner on Atlas Ocean Voyages

Like most cruise lines, the Madeira Restaurant boasts an elegant three-course menu each evening. It features some of the best dishes I have had at sea, like the roasted rack of lamb, black angus Chateaubriand, and the Hunan shrimp.

While the menus are not as extensive as some cruise lines, the dishes were upscale and diverse spanning various global cuisine and preparation methods. Each evening, the menu consists of a small plant-based section, always available items like steak and salmon, as well as a selection of rotating starters, main courses, and desserts.

Unique to Atlas is the Alma section of the menu, featuring Portuguese specialties paying tribute to the cruise line’s heritage. Some of these dishes were among my favorite of the trip. I quite enjoyed the empanada, Portuguese sausage entrée, and the cheese tart dessert.

Unfortunately, there were not many chicken dishes on the menu for Heidi. However, when she asked one evening, the waitstaff delivered. This personalized service is certainly one of the benefits of small ship cruising.

Bar and Lounges

The cruise line’s all-inclusive fare covers a wide selection of beer and wine, as well as an extensive cocktail menu. Standards like the wife’s cosmopolitan and my old-fashioned were on the menu, among many others like the popular espresso martini. There is also a list of mocktails for those who don’t consume alcohol.

These beverages are available in the main dining room, as well as all the bars on World Voyager. Of course, there are premium wines and spirits available for an up-charge as well.

Located on Deck 4, the Atlas Lounge opens at 10 AM and is a daytime gathering place. Also, on select nights, the Atlas Lounge features live entertainment. With a mix of comfy chairs and couches, it tends to be the busiest right before dinner with guests socializing and enjoying a pre-dinner cocktail. It’s also a great spot to read a book, take in the scenery, or just relax any time of day.

Up on Deck 7, the Dome is a forward-facing observation lounge. With fantastic 180-degree views overlooking the ship’s bow, it is great for sightseeing during the day. In the evenings, there is light piano music and a lot of laughs. This is the spot for all the night owls, featuring the same cocktail menu as the Atlas Lounge.

For those looking to spend the night in, cruisers can request their favorite spirits, beers, and wines free of charge through room service. A mini-fridge is also replenished daily with a selection of basic alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

Not to mention, there are bottles of still water in the staterooms replenished daily and a Vero water station near Paula’s Pantry to refill water bottles throughout the day.

During sailings in warmer climates, there is also the outdoor 7AFT Pool Bar located on Deck 7 nearby the pool, whirlpools, and 7AFT Grill.

Staterooms

For this Atlas Ocean Voyages Antarctica cruise, we stayed in cabin 545. This Horizon Stateroom (category A2) is located aft on the starboard side of Deck 5. This cabin category features a queen-sized bed; Juliette balcony; a sitting area with sofa, table, and chair; a desk/vanity area; and a spacious bathroom. There are also robes, slippers, and binoculars for use during the voyage.

According to the cruise line’s website, the cabin measures 270 square feet. This size is comparable to cabins you would find on mega-ships with a similar infinite veranda setup to Celebrity Cruises’ Edge Class ships.

With this cabin type, guests do no have an exterior balcony space. Instead, that extra space is inside the cabin with a top-drop floor-to-ceiling window. While we are not typically fans of this type of balcony, they do have advantages when sailing in destinations like Antarctica. For example, we didn’t have to go outside to experience the conditions, and we could open the window while crossing the Drake Passage and not worry about the 25-foot swells.

For those who still prefer a traditional balcony, World Voyager does have other accommodation options. These range from suites (Navigator, Discovery, and Journey), to traditional Veranda staterooms, to Adventure Oceanview staterooms.

We appreciated the larger sofa in our Horizon stateroom, as it came in handy for doing work during our sea days. The room also features a coffee table and fairly large desk giving us more space to spread out. The desk houses the stocked mini-fridge as well as a Nespresso Coffee machine and Kusmi Teas, which is definitely a nice touch.

Our queen bed was on the midship wall, facing aft. Directly across from the bed was the flatscreen television, and there was a small nightstand on each side of the bed. Though, only one side features a USB outlet for charging devices in the evening.

While coming from self-confessed over-packers, we did feel the cabin lacked storage. The closet was rather small. It featured two small clothes bars, two drawers, and some small shelves which didn’t really fit packing cubes well. It would have been nice to have additional drawers for storage of accessories and a separate area to dry wet gear. Thankfully, we always pack magnetic hooks; so, we ended up drying our clothing on these hooks after our expeditions.

On the other hand, the stateroom’s bathroom is quite spacious in cruise ship standards. It features storage shelves, a large vanity, an oversized shower, and marble finishes. With a rainfall showerhead and jet options, the walk-in shower is like a mini-spa in your stateroom. Not to mention, it’s also stocked with luxurious L’OCCITANE amenities.

Overall, we felt our stateroom was a comfortable and manageable space for this bucket list adventure.

Onboard Enrichment

Unlike more traditional cruises, the focus of an expedition cruise is the onboard enrichment programming. Led by Jean-Roch, the 13-member expedition team on World Voyager consisted of biologists, naturalists, and other experts in outdoor adventures. From countries including the U.S., Canada, Argentina, and Norway, among others, they were an eclectic mix of nationalities and personalities.

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.

While preparing for each expedition, team members took safety and wildlife precautions very seriously. Equipment checks and reminders were frequent. We appreciated this level of care and detail. Thus, even in less than ideal weather conditions, we knew we were in good hands.

Throughout our Atlas Ocean Voyages Antarctica cruise, there were several lectures led by the expedition members in the ship’s Auditorium. The topics varied from wildlife, to geography, history, and even the geo-political underpinnings of the continent. Some of these talks were more in-depth than others, but they helped to provide a greater appreciation of the White Continent.

Additionally, at 6:30 PM each evening, there is a Recap and Debriefing lead by Jean-Roch and several other team members. This is the opportunity to relive the day’s events and get a preview of the expected activities for the next day, if Mother Nature approved. We certainly learned that flexibility is mandatory on an Antarctic expedition.

Atlas Ocean Voyages and the World Voyager expedition team shined with the execution of ashore outings and onboard edutainment.

Onboard Activities

Besides the enrichment offerings, we were surprised that World Voyager offered limited additional activities and entertainment.

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. 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.

The highlight of the entertainment was the crew talent show. 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.

Another nice touch was that the Captain opened up the bridge for Q&A during set times of the voyage. Of course, we couldn’t pass up checking out the inner workings of the yacht.

Given there is a lot of downtime during these Antarctica voyages, we were surprised that the ship didn’t have a library or other self-guided entertainment like board games or puzzles either.

While the internet did work surprisingly well in this remote destination, WiFi plans are based on GBs. So, you don’t want to plan on this being your downtime entertainment as it will cost you a pretty penny.

Service

With 144 passengers and 131 crew members, the crew to passenger ratio was essentially 1 to 1 on our voyage. Of course, this is one of the benefits of small ship cruising.  

The attentive staff are friendly and engaging. They get to know your likes and dislikes early on and genuinely seem happy to interact with guests.

There were never long lines to get a drink, even at the coffee shop after returning from a cold morning exploring the polar waters. Likewise, dinner service in the restaurant took about 75 to 90 minutes when dining just the two of us, which is typical. The waitstaff always made sure to check in on us and keep our drink glasses filled.

Our stateroom attendant, Made, took good care of us. Unlike contemporary cruise lines that have been cutting back service, Atlas Ocean Voyages offers twice daily cabin service. This came in handy for restocking water, towels, etc.

Like any new ship, there were a few hiccups. Particularly, it appeared the staff might need some additional training on making espresso-based beverages in the coffee shop. Still, any issues we had were quickly addressed, and we greatly appreciated the dedication of the hard working team members.

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Exploring Antarctica with Atlas Ocean Voyages

On all Atlas Ocean Voyages Antarctica cruises, shore landings, zodiac safaris, and the polar plunge are included in the cruise fare. Guests also receive a complimentary parka and use of knee boots during outings.

Additional upcharge activities include kayaking, paddle boarding, and camping. Current prices are $200 for kayaking, $150 for standup paddle boarding, and $750 for camping. These activities have limited availability and require reservations. They are also very weather-dependent; thus, they did not happen at all during our shoulder season cruise.

Our original 9-day itinerary included embarkation day, four sea days, and four “port days”. Given the unpredictable weather, three of the four days in Antarctica were defined as “Captain’s Choice” and our first port day was scheduled in the South Shetland Islands. In ideal weather conditions, guests get two outings each “port day”.

For these outings, guests are divided into groups which rotate timeslots during the cruise. Each group is called at a designated time to enjoy a morning outing and an afternoon outing dependent on weather conditions. Sightseeing zodiac safaris are approximately 60 minutes long and shore landings are approximately 90 minutes long.

During our cruise, we successfully made 5 of the 8 stops, 3 landings and 2 zodiac rides.

Atlas Ocean Voyages Antarctica Cruise – Drake Passage

But first, guests need to brave the Drake Passage. Almost a rite of passage for an Antarctica cruise, the Drake Passage is notorious for having some of the roughest seas in the world. This body of water, located between South America’s Cape Horn and the South Shetland Islands, meets no resistance from any land masses. Thus, waves over 10 meters are not uncommon.

With two days of cruising this Passage towards Antarctica and two days on the return trip to Ushuaia, this voyage is admittedly not for everyone. While we are not prone to motion sickness, even we were unsure what to expect.

As luck would have it, our initial two sea days were among the roughest possible with 10-12 meter swells. While it was difficult to walk a straight line and the outdoor decks were closed, we thankfully did not experience any seasickness. Though, a good majority of guests, and crew, were down for the count. That is why is it always good to come prepared with seasickness aids just in case.

Our return trip through the Passage wasn’t quite so bad; though, we did still break records for wind gusts.

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.

Atlas Ocean Voyages Antarctica Cruise – Deception Island

While technically not part of the archipelago of the South Shetland Islands, Deception Island is not far from here. Our day started early at 6 AM with a scenic cruise into Neptune’s Bellows. With two long and rough sea days through the Drake Passage, our first glimpse of land was a welcomed sight.

The day’s itinerary consisted of two landings. As part of Group B, we were among the first to officially step foot ashore at Pendulum Cove.

Our approximately 90 minutes ashore consisted of a short hike along a ridge line, offering Instagram-worthy shots of the ship. It was a rather steep and slippery path up to the viewing point. But, it was well worth it once we reached our final destination.

Once at sea level, we had just enough time for a short trek along the black sandy beach to see three seals that were calling part of this cove their temporary sleeping quarters.

The sunny skies and mild weather made this a fantastic first glimpse of the 7th Continent!

With our morning tour complete, the ship sailed a short distance up the coast to Whaler’s Bay. From our stateroom, we could see countless penguins dotting the coast. It wasn’t long until we were ashore for our second landing of the day where we got to see these irresistibly adorable Gentoo penguins up-close.

With roughly another 90 minutes to explore, we spent most of our time with the penguins, along with a quick self-guided walk to the remains of the whaling station and old British outpost. Obviously, our first sighting of penguins was the highlight of the day!

Atlas Ocean Voyages Antarctica Cruise – Cierva Cove and Charcot Bay/Tower Island

While the weather was calm and 30F during our time in Deception Island, our second day in Antarctica showcased the difficulties of itinerary planning in the region.

Arriving at the first point of Cierva Cove, we reached the continent’s peninsula. According to our debriefing, the area is known for a variety of birds and marine mammals.

The weather was overcast and a bit gloomier than the day before. Still, our group was the first of the morning to board the zodiac boats for our expedition. With the sea conditions and wind changing quickly, the call came in from the bridge to cancel the exploration just as our vessel was about to shove off.

Unfortunately, this would be the story of the day. 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. In fact, we ended up with several inches of accumulated snow.

Nixing Charcot Bay, we attempted a visit to Tower Island. 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.

Atlas Ocean Voyages Antarctica Cruise – Chiriguano Bay and Jugla Point

With another day at sea, everyone was ready to brave the elements for our next stop at Chiriguano Bay. 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.

But like anything in Antarctica, you never known what to expect until you are there. While a landing would not be possible, the team approved abbreviated zodiac rides around the glaciers and icebergs.

This 45-minute ride was mostly smooth and exhilarating with a chance to get back outside and experience Antarctica from a new perspective.

As the ship departed for our afternoon destination, the mostly calm conditions were starting to change. Our originally planned visit for a continental landing in Orne Harbor was aborted and we headed to Jugla Point instead.

Unfortunately though, the captain announced by 2:30 PM that the channel was closed, and we had to change course yet again. Thus, it was another afternoon onboard the World Voyager. Now, we were headed to our final destination of the cruise.

Atlas Ocean Voyages Antarctica Cruise – Danco Island and Orne Harbor

A Morning in the Snow

We were hoping for the best on our last day as the ship spent the night floating next to our first landing spot of Danco Island. The calm waters and lightly overcast skies gave us hope that the excursions would be a go today.

From the ship, we could see a massive rookery of Gentoo penguins dotting the coast and making their way up the hillside. They seemed to be calling us ashore.

With the rotating schedule, we would actually be the last group to head ashore today, making our landing around 11:30 AM. But, it was well worth the wait.

We were able to trek along a pre-carved snowy path to get up close and personal with these adorable creatures. There was also an optional trail to head all the way up the hill, but I only made it halfway.

This was definitely the experience everyone was waiting for given the delays from the previous few days. But, the day was not over yet.

We Touched the Continent

This afternoon, we were going to make another attempt to get to Orne Harbor for a continental landing.

Albeit, we arrived to find a rather large ice field. So, after scouting the coast, the expedition team was not able to find a suitable landing spot along the beach. But, they decided to offer a zodiac ride, which would still allow us to “touch” the continent.

We eagerly watched from the back of the ship as others made it to shore. During this time, we spotted a few whales in the bay.

When our group was finally called, we boarded the zodiac and headed straight toward a rookery of penguins. Here, we were able to get close enough for photo proof that we reached the peninsula.

Afterwards, our zodiac captain guided us on an exhilarating ride through the sea ice; not to mention, we spotted a leopard seal. Skating along the partially frozen waters, we were treated to some fantastic views which made for the perfect ending to our Atlas Ocean Voyages Antarctica cruise.

Polar Plunge

If that wasn’t enough, the day was punctuated with a polar plunge! While many had lost hope that this ceremonial event would occur, Mother Nature cooperated during this final afternoon in Antarctica.

With water temperatures hovering at 30 degrees Fahrenheit, I donned my bathing suit for this much anticipated plunge. You might be surprised that close to 60% of passengers signed up for this frosty dip into the ocean. Heidi was not one of them!

It was certainly an adrenaline -inducing way to end our unforgettable trip.

Recap of Our Atlas Ocean Voyages Antarctica Cruise

Whether you are an avid cruiser or a world traveler, a trip to Antarctica is probably on your bucket list.

While there are several options for visiting this White Continent, Atlas Ocean Voyages offers the ideal mix of a classic cruise experience and an enriching expedition program with time ashore.

You don’t have to sail on a refitted research vessel to explore this polar region. You can still experience many of the comforts of cruising from upscale dining to bars and lounges, a spa, fitness center, and elegantly appointed staterooms.

On the other hand, you will still get up close and personal with the continent via zodiac safaris and shore landings with Atlas. This is not typically the case when visiting the region on a larger cruise ship; your time in Antarctica will likely be all scenic cruising.

Yes, there are still other options in the region that offer a comparable experience from the likes of Viking, Silversea, and others. Yet, the price tag will likely be significantly higher. Currently, the cruise line’s 2-for-1 offering is one of the best values for cruising in the region. So, now is the time to begin planning that 2024 or 2025 bucket list cruise.

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. The cruise line also offers several extensions, so cruisers can enhance their experience before or after the expedition.

Once onboard, essentially everything is covered, including an expansive drink menu, all meals, and onboard activities. Additionally, cruisers receive 1GB of high speed internet, with additional packages for those looking for more bandwidth.

The staterooms are large and well-appointed, making for a luxurious and comfortable home away from home. The restaurant and lounges are simple yet elegant, offering the ideal space for dining, socializing, and entertaining.  

When it comes to the ashore program, you don’t have to be wilderness explorers to enjoy the time on land. Trust us. Yet, those who want to scale the rugged terrain will have the opportunity to do so as well.

With Antarctica and penguins checked off our list, the only natural progression is an Arctic expedition and polar bears. Yes, Atlas Ocean Voyages also offers expeditions to the Arctic. The cruise line also features Epicurean Expeditions with a culinary and wine focus and new Cultural Expeditions with a focus on authentic and local experiences.

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The growth of the expedition cruising industry is reflected by the number of new ships being built to serve passengers anxious to explore a different side of cruising. During the COVID travel pause, some people banked their money that they saved by not traveling for several years. Those savings went toward bucket list cruising adventures like expedition cruising. Regular expedition cruisers did the same, but perhaps looked at exploring a new destination or sailing with a different expedition cruise company.

Closer examination of expedition cruises reveals a multitude of options in cruising styles and philosophies. This guide to expedition cruising will narrow down the options to help you choose an expedition cruising style that suits your needs.

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Complete Guide to Expedition Cruising

What is Expedition Cruising?

Defining an expedition cruise is no easy task. For some people, a cruise to a destination like Alaska, might be considered an expedition cruise for them. And there are absolutely some components of an Alaska cruise that are characteristic of a true expedition cruise. Aligning with nature. Seeking smaller ports. Focusing on the local culture. An Alaska cruise is an ideal gateway to the expedition cruising experience.

Although it’s difficult to generalize about expedition cruising, there are many common features that define most expedition cruises. First of all, the ship visits off-the-beaten path destinations.

For example, on a recent Lindblad Expeditions cruise through the Inside Passage, we explored parts of the Inside Passage that the large cruise ships could not safely navigate. Even then some of our destinations couldn’t even be reached by our small ship, NatGeo Venture. We often used zodiacs to explore the area or to get us to shores that required wet-landings.

These types of voyages span from Adventures by Disney expedition cruises to an adult-only Viking expedition cruise.

Size of an Expedition Ship

Size really does matter when it comes to expedition cruising. Smaller ships carry fewer passengers, thus limiting the effect of a mass of crowds descending upon a destination. In fact, many ports of call on expedition ship itineraries are inhabited by just a few people.

For example, on my Hurtigruten cruise to Greenland, we stopped at towns so small that there appeared to be no source for food or basic necessities. The locals, if even encountered in these tiniest of towns, shared their stories with us passengers. On one stop, one man claimed to have been looking for a wife forever. He nearly proposed to one of the younger members of our group. Such encounters make for lasting memories.

Ships must carry fewer than 500 passengers to visit the Antarctica region. Just a few people may land on a spot in Antarctica at a time. That could mean waiting to go ashore.

Physical Fitness Levels

Expedition cruising doesn’t necessarily mean intensive physical activity or require being an ultra athlete to participate. Many cruise lines define their excursions according to level of difficulty. This allows passengers the option of choosing which level of physical exertion they are comfortable with. 

Participation in most events is not mandatory. An expedition could be birdwatching, hiking, kayaking, or searching for bears and whales.

Due to the remoteness of places visited and lack of medical services, some expedition cruise companies require evacuation insurance for their passengers.

The Destinations

Most expedition cruises reach exotic destinations, but that is just one of the characteristics of expedition cruising. Besides an Alaska expedition cruise, many expedition cruises visit the Arctic and Antarctic regions. The spectacular beauty, the nature, and the ability to witness wildlife keeps passengers returning. If you are looking for tips for your first Arctic expedition cruise, we have you covered.

However, expedition cruising doesn’t require extreme conditions. While an expedition cruise to the Galápagos probably comes to find first, the Amazon, Australia’s Kimberly, Baja California, and Mekong are just a few other warmer weather destinations.

In fact, Atlas Ocean Voyages, which does visit the polar regions, is putting a twist on the definition of expedition. In addition to their regular cruises, they will offer culinary and cultural expedition cruising in 2024. That brings in another component of expedition cruising: immersion.

Immersion

Expedition cruising focuses on in-depth exploration of a particular topic or particular region. You may have heard of Celebrity Cruises’ newest ships like Celebrity Apex or Celebrity Beyond, but did you know that they have three expedition ships that sail The Galápagos?

Part of the expedition cruising experience involves a staff of experts in their fields. Naturalists, scientists, ornithologists, historians, and photographers are just a few of the different types of experts found on an expedition cruise.

Guests will explore the seas with these experts who lecture throughout the day, set up labs or share their research with guests. On Viking, citizen scientists participate in activities, such as identifying microplastics in the onboard labs. Viking cooperates with NOAA and launches weather balloons, a highlight of a Viking expedition cruise.

Professional photographers document the voyages and many cruise lines provide guests with a photographic or videographic memory of their cruise at the end of the sailing. During the sailing, photographers are on hand to share their expertise with guests. Lindblad even offers cameras and lenses for guests to try out.

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Accommodations and Dining

Expedition cruising doesn’t necessarily mean bare bones accommodations. It is possible to sail on a ship with more basic accommodations and dining options. UnCruise and others source local foods, giving their guests a true flavor of the area. Many expedition ships have few public areas, so guests are relegated to the only public area on the ship, which is often the lecture lounge. A small ship makes efficient use of its space, so there is no additional space for extra lounges or alternative dining rooms.

While good food is important, an expedition ship usually has fewer menu items and few, if any, alternative dining restaurants. At the other end of the spectrum, there are ultra-luxury cruise lines like Scenic, Seabourn, Silversea, and Atlas Ocean Voyages. Who doesn’t want to return to luxurious surroundings and upscale culinary experiences?

Scenic Cruises continually reconsiders what expedition cruising means to their guests and adjusts accordingly. They combined ultra-luxury with expedition in 2019. After kayaking, hiking, or other high energy exploration, who doesn’t want to return to a ship that offers creature comforts?

Expedition cruising includes intangibles. Hurtigruten Expeditions started way back in 1896. Along with their expeditions around the world, they have also addressed environmental concerns and sustainability, another common feature of expedition cruising.

They consider themselves the most sustainable adventure travel company in the world, pioneering the banning of single-use plastics and heavy fuel oil. They launched the first battery hybrid-powered cruise ship, MS Roald Amundsen. Its MS Fridtjof Nansen ranks as the safest and most sustainable cruise ship in the world.

Typical Guest an on Expedition Cruise

Expedition cruising guests primarily look for adventure and immersion into less-explored geographic regions. They are usually highly educated, have disposable income, and are mature. Attending lectures or becoming a citizen scientist comes naturally to them.

Expedition cruising guests often are very brand loyal. The majority have cruised many times. It’s unlikely that they are first-time cruisers. Though, Poseidon Expeditions notes a trend over the past few years of seeing more younger and solo guests.

How to Choose the Best Expedition Cruise for You – 10 Questions to Consider.

Just like ocean-going ships have distinct styles of sailing, so do expedition ships.

Be sure to do your research in advance. Celebrity Cruises, Seabourn, Silversea, and Viking offer expedition products. If you enjoy their ocean cruising experience, you may want to give their expedition cruises a try.

Are you more focused on a destination or on an educational experience?

If you are considering The Galápagos or The Amazon, you can rule out several companies just for the fact that they don’t sail there.

If you are focused on learning about the flora and fauna of a particular destination, you may want to read the bios of the naturalists and other experts sailing on a particular itinerary.

Are you looking for lots of space to spread out or get away from other passengers?

Check the size of the ship. On one hand, a small ship can take you to exciting and remote places. On the other hand, smaller ships don’t have lots of places to get away to avoid the rest of your group. Remember that you will engage in activities with the same group of people on a daily basis.

Check to see if there is a larger group sailing. They sometimes become clique-ish. Tour operators like Road Scholar use expedition ships for their programs. They have their own activities planned including shore excursions exclusively for them.

Smaller ships unload more quickly and get guests to shore more efficiently. In landing spots where only so many guests from a ship are allowed on land at a time, this is definitely something worth consideration. Aqua Expeditions has ships ranging in capacity from 16 to 40 guests.

Are you able to spend days away from commercial ports of call?

Keep in mind that one highlight of expedition cruising involves discovering off-the-beaten path destinations. That means that expedition ships are unlikely to stop at more commercial ports. Some ships may stop at smaller communities and the occasional larger town.

For example, on my recent Lindblad Expeditions cruise, we stopped in Victoria, BC, on our way up through the Inside Passage to Alaska. Over the two weeks of cruising, we stopped in only two other small ports. If shopping is of prime importance to you, you might re-consider whether expedition cruising is a good choice.

Do you need mobility equipment for maneuvering?

Many expedition ships are unable to accommodate guests with mobility issues. While some do have semi-accessible or accessible cabins, most of the expedition experience involves physical activity. However, if you are satisfied with hearing the lectures and enjoying the scenery, you may be content to stay on the ship.

Boarding a ship might be challenging. Speak with a travel advisor familiar with the cruise line that you will be sailing or speak directly with the cruise line. Getting into zodiacs isn’t always the easiest process. On my cruise on Iceland ProCruises, the steep metal stairway to access the zodiacs took some extra care. Other ships have similar systems for boarding zodiacs.

Few expedition ships are equipped with elevators; however, some like Adventure Canada require only that you can negotiate stairs on your own. Others like Aqua Expeditions are small and do not have enough space to accommodate disabilities.

Some of the expedition cruise lines require anybody with physical disabilities to travel with a companion who can assist.

I was impressed by a group of women with walkers exploring one of the ports where the ship docked. I admired their spirits. The polar regions simply can’t accommodate those needing special assistance. This is a long winded way of saying that you need to know your limitations and objectives for choosing a particular destination or ship for your expedition cruise.

Are you traveling with your family?

Adventures by Disney might be top of mind for family expedition cruising. They cater to families. Companies like Lindblad allow children of any age, while others have minimum age requirements.

Some of the expedition cruise lines allow one age for sailing, but a higher age for going on expeditions.

Several of the expedition cruise lines have special activities for children and even special sailings catering to families. Many ships have a limited number of rooms that can accommodate more that two people. Connecting rooms are often limited as well.

Further, there are no kids clubs. Programming for children on most expedition cruise lines is only on specific ships or specific dates.

Are you traveling solo?

More and more people are traveling solo on expedition cruises. Some of the cruises offer a matching service to find you another solo travel to share a room with. That definitely helps the budget. If there is no matching service, ask your travel advisor about sailings that offer reduced rates for solo travelers.

Do you need to be entertained?

If you enjoy big production shows like magicians or other Broadway-caliber entertainment while cruising, an expedition ship probably isn’t for you. The entertainment on an expedition cruise is usually the surrounding nature, the lecturers, and occasionally your fellow passengers.

On some ships, local performers or other small acts provide more traditional entertainment. Some ships do not even have televisions in the staterooms.

Are you flexible?

Expedition cruising often follows a general schedule. With a focus on viewing charismatic mega fauna, the captain of the ship might stop or sail in a certain area for an extended length of time hoping to see a breeching whale, bears, or other wildlife. The same can happen on a zodiac tour.

While in Endicott Arm, hoping to get to Dawes Glacier at the end of the arm, NatGeo Venture in the name of safety, stopped when the ice became too treacherous. We hopped in the zodiacs and sure enough, spotted a whale close to shore. Just near to that spot, we stopped to watch a mother bear and her cubs enjoying the shoreline and entertaining us.

Our original plan had been to explore another area, but with all the activity happening right near us, we spent time there and abandoned the plan to explore another inlet.

Tides, weather, and other restrictions can affect the sailing schedule. So, going with the flow is important. If you need a rigid schedule, expedition cruising may not be your best choice.

Weather, sea conditions, or local laws may restrict the usage of the on-board toys as well.

Are you able to get comfortable with the weather?

If you absolutely hate the cold, the polar regions may not be your best choice for an expedition cruise. Even in the respective summer season, the weather may be unpredictable. Packing the proper gear greatly enhances the experience. Expedition cruise lines provide you with a list of items, including mandatory items like high-boots for wet landings.

Warmer areas like the Amazon or Baja California also might present a problem for those adverse to the heat. Choose your cruise dates wisely and follow the recommendations of the expedition cruise line. They have been doing this for a long time and know what works.

Is expedition cruising in your budget?

As you search for the perfect expedition cruise, you should expect a cruise of a comparable length of time to cost more than a cruise on a mainstream line. After all, there are fewer passengers and that means less revenue for the cruise line to pay crew and expert staff. Permits for visiting certain regions and other requirements add to the cost of the cruise.

Some expedition cruise lines offer an all-inclusive experience. When comparing and trying to decide among the many options, be sure to take added expenses into account. Will you have to pay for shore excursions, beverages, or equipment rentals?

In the end, your final selection of an expedition cruise comes down to your personal preferences, recommendations or reviews from others who have sailed, and cost.

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Best Expedition Cruise Lines

Here is a quick list of some popular expedition cruise lines, with a couple features for each one that might help with making your selection.

• Adventure Canada– Family-owned, multi-gen groups with kids under 4 paying only charter air.
• Adventures by Disney– Family focus. Some 3 and 4 night cruises offered.
• Aqua Expeditions– 90% local guides for authentic experience. River expeditions.
• Atlas Ocean Voyages– Private jet air on polar expeditions. All-inclusive.
• Celebrity Cruises– Solely explores The Galapagos. Glamping on Flora.
• Hurtigruten– All expedition ships except SantaCruz II are accessible for wheelchairs. High percentage of expedition team are permanent employees.
• Iceland ProCruises– Specialize in Iceland and Greenland. Most Iceland ports are developed.
• Lindblad Expeditions– Glass igloos on Resolution and Endurance for sleeping under the stars. Global Explorers program for kids on some ships.
• Poseidon Expeditions– Best Polar Expedition Operator 2023. 14 max pax.
• Scenic– Technology for quicker passages, more time on shore. Helicopter on board.
• Seabourn– UltraLuxury. Submarines onboard.
• Silversea– UltraLuxury. Polar bear sighting promise on certain cruises.
• UnCruise– All-inclusive. Family cruises with special kids programs in 2024.
• Viking– An adult-only scientific enrichment environment with weather balloon launch. Extensive library.

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