The new, small-ship, luxury expedition cruise line has debuted its first ship. Atlas Ocean Voyages’ World Navigator has begun service.
The ship is sailing seven- to 12-night Egypt and Greek Isles voyages for her inaugural summer 2021 season and then the polar-class ship will reposition via the Mediterranean, Caribbean and South America to sail nine- and 12-night expeditions in Antarctica.
“We are happy to welcome Atlas Ocean Voyages’ World Navigator into service,” said Mário Ferreira, Chairman of Mystic Invest Holding, parent company of Atlas Ocean Voyages.
“For more than 25 years, Mystic has grown from a single river boat, offering daytours on the Douro River, to building and operating more than 60 river, ocean and expedition ships, which deliver authentic cultural experiences around the world. Atlas Ocean Voyages is the latest Mystic brand and embodies the company’s evolution of superior service, unforgettable experiences and luxuriously designed ships.”
The new brand promises all-inclusive, ‘luxe-adventure’ cruising to the world’s most desirable, remote destinations.
Fewer than two hundred guests enjoy inclusions like regionally inspired gourmet cuisine; unlimited premium wines and spirits, international beers, and specialty coffees; a choice of a complimentary land excursion at every port; and complimentary round-trip air travel and ground transfers.
The ship features 98 suites and staterooms, ranging from 183- to 466-sq. ft. Beginning in MAR 2022, World Navigator will be the first ship to offer Solo Suites. Accommodations have European design as well as amenities and technology luxury cruise clients expect including a stocked mini-refrigerator, L’OCCITANE bath amenities, slippers, robes, and binoculars to use on board as well as Nespresso coffee, teas, personalized bar service and butler service in suites.
There are six gourmet dining options on board. The ship’s MDR, Porto, celebrates Atlas’ Portuguese heritage on select evenings, and has both indoor and al fresco seating. Guests may also dine at 7Aft Grill, World Navigator’s chophouse, Paula’s Pantry café, the Dome Lounge for afternoon tea and refreshments as well as room service from a breakfast or “always available” menu.
As an extension of the amenities in guest accommodations, World Navigator features a nearly 1000 square-foot SeaSpa by L’OCCITANE, the first luxury L’OCCITANE spa at sea, that also includes a detoxing infrared sauna, and a serenity lounge. Guests also can maintain their daily regimen in the ship’s Fitness Studio featuring TechnoGym equipment.
Live entertainment, movies, port presentations and lectures take place in the Atlas and Dome Lounges as well as in the Dom Henrique Auditorium.
All land excursions and tours are conducted in small groups, led by expert and screened local tour guides, with transportation operated at reduced occupancies to provide ample personal space. Whisper Mic radio headsets are also used on land excursions and tours to allow guests to remain socially distant while still enjoying the guides’ commentary.
Built during the pandemic, Atlas notes the World Navigator was newly constructed for post-pandemic travel, with the most-modern hygiene and cleanliness measures and one of the industry’s highest space-to-guest ratios for natural distancing. Staff and crew are trained in and observe stringent health protocols, and guests participate in health screenings prior to boarding and during the voyage.
The first ship for Atlas Ocean Voyages will soon be joined by sister ships World Traveller and World Seeker in 2022 and World Adventurer and World Discoverer in 2023.
For more information about the World Navigator and Atlas Ocean Voyages, visit www.AtlasOceanVoyages.com.
