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The first new luxury cruise line in over 20 years just debuted in Florida — see inside its first all-inclusive ship

• Atlas Ocean Voyages is the first luxury cruise brand to debut in over 20 years.
• Its first ship, the World Navigator, will bring guests to destinations like Antarctica and Greece.
• Take a look inside the World Navigator and its luxury amenities, including a L'Occitane spa.
• See more stories on Insider's business page .

A new luxury cruise line just debuted, as the industry continues to make its steady comeback amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

In 2019, Portugal-based Mystic Invest Holdings — which oversees several cruise brands — unveiled its plans for the Atlas Ocean Voyages brand.

Source: Mystic Invest Holdings

The new cruise line is now fully operating out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida with its first expedition vessel, the World Navigator.

Source: Atlas Ocean Voyages

The new brand is a long time coming: It's been two decades since the last debut of a new luxury cruise line, Alberto Aliberti, Atlas Ocean Voyages' president, said.

At the moment, the expedition ship is Atlas Ocean Voyages’ only vessel, but the cruise line has plans to unveil four more ships through 2023.

Let's take a closer look at the recently debuted ship, which can even service one of the most remote continents: Antarctica.

The World Navigator officially launched last Wednesday and is now shuttling passengers to Egypt and Greek islands for seven to 12 nights.

By the end of this year, the cruise ship will also sail around destinations like Barbados, Uruguay, Argentina, and Antarctica.

The six-deck ship is lined with 98 guest rooms that range from a 183-square-foot stateroom to a 466 square-foot suite, accommodating just under 200 passengers.

Beginning March 2022, the ship will also have "solo suites."

All of these rooms come with amenities like a fully stocked mini-refrigerator, binoculars, Nespresso coffee, and bar services.

In typical luxury fashion, passengers with a suite stay will also get butler services.

Like any luxury cruise ship, the World Navigator has a pool, gym, and spa, specifically the SeaSpa ...

... which is the "first luxury L'Occitane spa at sea," according to the cruise line.

The 950-square-foot space has a sauna, lounge, and two treatment rooms for a relaxing day at sea.

Besides the spa, on-board entertainment also includes the auditorium and two lounges, which will host programming like cabarets, movies, and lectures.

One of the lounges also doubles as an observation room with a glass ceiling.

There's even water toys like kayaks, paddle boards, and jet skis for off-ship fun.

Feeling hungry? The World Navigator has six restaurants, including the global-fare-inspired Porto and the 7Aft Grill steakhouse.

Like other cruise lines that have resumed operations during COVID-19, the World Navigator will still operate with health protocols, such as on-board health screenings and headsets for guests to use during land excursions to promote social distancing.

Prices per guest vary depending on the itinerary.

For example, the upcoming November 11 seven-night sailing from Uruguay to Argentina cruise starts at $5,000 per guest ....

… while the nine-night Antarctica cruises start at $10,600.

This price is all-inclusive, which means your ticket will cover the cost of amenities and necessities like WiFi, air fares, unlimited drinks, excursions, and even insurance for emergency medical evacuations.

• Main content

Review: World Traveller

Reviewed by Stefanie Waldek

What is the line?  Atlas Ocean Voyages

Name of ship?  World Traveller

Passenger occupancy?  196

Itinerary?  Antarctica

Start out with the big picture—what is this cruise line known for?

Having launched in 2021, Atlas Ocean Voyages is still building its identity and its audience. While its initial plan was to challenge the likes of Crystal, Silversea, and Seabourn in terms of ultra-luxury, the cruise line has pared down to a more relaxed luxury experience—one that includes expedition travel to remote polar destinations and relaxing voyages to traditional cruising ports. All cruises are all-inclusive, from alcoholic beverages to excursions to gratuities.

Tell us about the ship in general

Making its debut in November 2022,  World Traveller  is the second ship in Atlas Ocean Voyages' growing fleet, and I sailed on her inaugural voyage to Antarctica. She's a small expedition vessel with a maximum passenger count of 196, though the count is scaled back in the polar regions for a more exclusive experience. But  World Traveller is not a rugged research vessel from days of yore—from an interior design perspective, the ship takes a classic yacht-like style, from wood-paneled walls to nautical stripes. Atlas brands the ship's inspiration as  la dolce vita , but I certainly felt a sense of New England in there, too. Of course, this is still a cruise ship, and that means cruise amenities like an al fresco pool and hot tubs, as well as a spa (L'Occitane branded).  Overall, the atmosphere was more casual than I anticipated, though the service and amenities put the ship in the luxury category.

Who is onboard?

Because Atlas is a new cruise line, it doesn't yet have a deeply established audience. My sailing on  World Traveller had quite the mixed crowd: young groups of friends, solo travelers of all ages, older couples, and even families, though there were no young children. Despite the cruise line being just a year old, there was one couple onboard that had already taken two other Atlas sailings—Atlas certainly seems to be doing something right.

Describe the cabins

I stayed in a Veranda Stateroom, the third-tier category overall and the first with a balcony. At 270 square feet, the cabin is cozy for two, but that's not uncommon in standard cabins on expedition ships. I did appreciate the separation of the sleeping area and a small living area with a desk and two side chairs. While I found storage space to be lacking overall, the bathroom was quite spacious, and its standout feature was the shower with its rain head and body jets, plus the L'Occitane products. As you move up the categories, you end up at multi-room suites with butler service. One unusual critique is that I found the bedding to be so satiny that I felt as if I were slipping around the bed as we rolled back and forth on the Drake Passage!

Tell us about the crew

Despite my sailing being the inaugural Antarctica voyage—there were just two short preview sailings beforehand—I found the crew to be a well-oiled machine, and very friendly to boot. The expedition staff comprised a combination of Antarctic veterans and novices, the latter with guiding and naturalist expertise in other parts of the world. Even those without Antarctic experience were well-educated on the continent, from its wildlife to its environment to its geopolitical history.

What food and drink options are available on board?

All meals are served in the Lisboa restaurant, with buffet breakfasts (with some menu options), buffet lunches, and a combination of à la carte and buffet dinners, each night with a different international theme. Ever-changing hot stations at lunch and dinner buffets included stir fry, pasta, and carving stations. Most memorable to me was Thanksgiving dinner, served as a buffet with all the classic menu items, from carved turkey to cranberry sauce to mashed potatoes. There's also 24-hour room service, as well as an early morning–to-dinner grab-and-go café that serves light fare, including yogurt pots, homemade granola bars, salads, and paninis, as well as pressed juices and coffee drinks—this is especially welcome when you're craving a light snack between meal times, particularly after long excursions. And finally, there's always an afternoon tea with a full range of finger sandwiches and sweets.

As for the bars, the multi-page cocktail menu found at both the Dome observation lounge and the main Atlas Lounge is robust for a small expedition ship—my favorite drink was the Americano in Bologna, made from Campari, sweet vermouth, amarena syrup, and soda water. The wine selection was largely Portuguese on my sailing, and I would've appreciated a bit more variety—such as wines from Argentina, where we embarked. Perhaps because this was an inaugural sailing and the ship had sailed to Argentina from Portugal (Atlas' parent company, Mystic Cruises, has a Portuguese owner), there wasn't yet time for a new delivery of local wines.

Is there a spa on board and is it worth visiting?  

The L'Occitane-branded spa is small, with just two treatment rooms, a sauna, and a lounge, but the services are excellent. After a stellar first massage, I booked a second.

Activities and entertainment

As with many expedition cruises, the activities on World Traveller largely revolve around the expedition staff's lectures, which I found extremely engaging on my voyage. But Atlas changes things up with evening entertainment, alternating between documentaries (including one made by our expedition leader, Jonathan Zaccaria, of his time at the French Antarctic station Dumont d'Urville) and musical performances by cruise director Michael Shapiro, special guest Asijah Pickett, and the ship's pianist and opera singer Chase Chandler.

How was the experience for families?

There were no children on my sailing, but Atlas did not advertise any kid-friendly programming in pre-voyage materials or onboard. The cruise line set its minimum age to eight years old on polar cruises, but given the sometimes dangerous conditions in Antarctica, I'd personally suggest bringing older children only.

Where did it sail and how were the excursions? Did anything stand out?

World Traveller really is a world traveler, splitting her time between the polar regions and warmer destinations, such as the Mediterranean. I sailed to Antarctica on a nine-night sailing—a bit shorter of a voyage than is typical for Antarctica, though  World Traveller also does longer trips. Excursions are typical for Antarctica with landings, Zodiac cruises, water sports, and the polar plunge, and I felt that the expedition staff handled them expertly. We typically got off the ship in two locations per day when the weather allowed, though some bad conditions had us forgo landings in favor of Zodiac cruises. In classic expedition style, the itinerary is not published in advance, as everything depends on local conditions, which can change every few minutes. Instead, guests are briefed each evening—cocktails in hand—with the intended plan for the next day. Of course, those plans can change at any time, so flexibility is essential.

Finally, give a sentence or two on why the cruise is worth booking.

This yacht-inspired ship is a balanced blend of expedition and traditional cruising. Keep an eye out for sales as the new cruise line casts a wide net to develop its audience.

By CNT Editors

Matador Original Series

I Took an Intimate All-Inclusive Cruise Around Iceland. This Is What It Was Like.

T aking a road trip around Iceland has become a bit of a cliché. You pick up a vehicle in Keflavik right after landing, and hit Þjóðvegur 1, also known as Route 1 or the Ring Road. You stay in camping grounds along the way and make your own meals from outrageously expensive groceries purchased at the local Bónus. But is it really a vacation? When has eating hastily made sandwiches and sleeping on a mattress in the back of a car that barely passes for a campervan ever been considered a good use of your PTO? And is it really the best way to see Iceland? I think not.

Save your hard-earned money and your painfully amassed vacation days for the best trip to Iceland ever. One where you live on freshly baked chocolate croissants and cocktails instead of sliced white bread and skyr (an Icelandic dairy product that’s similar to yogurt). One where you’ll sleep on a cloud of crisp white sheets that’s straightened up twice a day by someone that’s not you. One where you explore the small towns of Iceland without having to exhaust yourself driving to get there. One where you see whales, dolphins, and puffins without risking getting into a car crash. A cruise circumnavigating Iceland with the all-inclusive Atlas Ocean Voyages can do just that, and much, much more.

Who is Atlas Ocean Voyages?

Photo: Jesse Adams

Atlas Ocean Voyages is a luxury and adventure-focused cruise line that launched in August 2021. They currently operate only two ships, World Navigator and World Traveller , both of which accommodate no more than 196 passengers and just as many crew. Three more ships are scheduled to join the fleet in the next few years.

Atlas Ocean Voyages travels to multiple destinations, including:

• The Mediterranean
• The Caribbean
• The Middle East
• South America
• Across the Atlantic
• Northern Europe
• Iceland and Greenland
• Patagonia and the Falklands

The cruise line’s specialty, however, is to take passengers to lesser-known ports of call within those bigger destinations. Thanks to its small yacht-style ships, it can make its way to remote areas that other vessels can’t access. If you’re keen to take a comfortable vacation but still want to get off the tourist track, you’ll get exactly what you’re looking for with Atlas Ocean Voyages.

I traveled on the World Traveller (launched in November 2022) this past September as part of the nine-night Ring of Iceland sail, and I must say that, despite being a fairly new cruise line, everything at Atlas World Voyages runs like clockwork. There are no kinks to iron out, even on a ship that’s barely one year old. That may be why I encountered so many return passengers, most of whom had gone on an Antarctic cruise with Atlas World Voyages and decided to trust the cruise line with another bucket-list sail. It was my first time traveling with this cruise line, but the promise of luxury, adventure, and remote destinations were beyond fulfilled, enticing me to book with them again as quickly as possible.

What’s a yacht-style cruise like?

Yacht-style cruising is about traveling on small ships with fewer than 500 passengers. The reduced size of the ship (in this case 413 feet long and 33 feet wide) allows for access to remote and lesser-known ports of call where no other cruise ship can go. More often than not, you’ll dock in small towns you’ve never heard of and where there are no other international visitors, only locals going about their day. We stopped in villages of a few hundred people (Patreksfjörður, Vopnafjörður, Djúpivogur) where there were no exciting shops or fine restaurants but where the hiking trails were excellent, the wildlife was abundant, and the local pools were incredibly scenic, warm, and inviting.

But yacht-style cruising also means that when you’re on board, you have a lot of space for yourself. If you don’t want to run into or interact with other passengers, you don’t have to. During our sail in September, the ship carried only 96 passengers, making for a very tranquil trip. During the entire voyage, my partner and I never had to share the pool or the sauna, and we found ourselves very much alone on the running deck and the secluded small deck at the bow of the ship where heated benches allow you to watch for whales in extreme comfort. Meal times in the dining room (the Lisboa Restaurant) were intimate affairs, too, with neighbors far enough away that you could forget they were even there.

Atlas Ocean Voyages cruises are all-inclusive. What does that mean?

Atlas Ocean Voyages claims it’s an all-inclusive cruise line, and it certainly sticks to its word. There’s no such thing as a drinks package , so you can guzzle all the cappuccinos, cokes, fancy wines, and daiquiris your heart desires without ever having to pay more. The same goes for the food — there are no specialty restaurants for which you need to fork out extra dollars. The extensive menu in the dining room changes every day, and you can have as much as you’d like.

But there’s more than just a cornucopia of free food and drinks to enjoy. Gratuities are included in the price of your trip, so there’s no need for you to worry about that final bill. And while excursions are extra, there are some fun outings that you can take part in for free. Indeed, when the weather permits it, the experts on the expedition team take passengers on Zodiac jaunts to look for wildlife, unique rock formations, or local flora. There’s no need to book those — they just happen when possible and are free of charge.

The same goes for visits to the bridge. No need to book or pay for a special tour (which is usually the case with other cruise lines) to say hello to the captain and even sit in his chair. You can pop in when the sign on the door says you’re allowed to and have a chat with the big boss.

And if that wasn’t enough, you’ll also get some very nice treats along the way. At the start of our trip, to our surprise and joy, every passenger was given branded water bottles, backpacks, and Arctic parkas. And if you need a pair of binoculars or walking sticks, the crew is more than happy to lend them to you — for the low, low price of nothing.

But most importantly, every passenger benefits from emergency medical evacuation and repatriation insurance. (Note that on certain sailings, Atlas Ocean Voyages goes as far as covering the price of a private jet service, a pre-cruise hotel, and entry to national parks.)

What makes Atlas Ocean Voyages different from other cruise lines?

The check-in and check-out process.

On cruises, embarkation and disembarkation can be stressful and messy situations, with hordes of people crowding around with their paperwork, luggage everywhere, and sometimes very long waits. That’s not the case with Atlas Ocean Voyages.

My partner and I were the first passengers on the ship and were checked in in the super comfortable Atlas Lounge with cocktails and canapés in hand. In just five minutes, we were done and directed to our cabin, which was ready for us. On disembarkation day, while we arrived at 8 AM in Reykjavik, we were allowed to leave our luggage on board until 1 PM and come in and out of the ship as we pleased. Our room was out of bounds, of course, but we were allowed to relax in the common areas and enjoy the onboard cafe (Paula’s Pantry) with its specialty hot beverages, treats, sandwiches, and fruit juices until it was time to get to the airport. That’s unheard of in the cruise world.

The ambiance

Despite being an upscale cruise line, Atlas Ocean Voyages is far from being stuffy and pretentious. Yes, the crew is here to pamper you and fulfill your every need, and the decor is worthy of a five-star hotel, but the atmosphere is very casual. That’s because this is a cruise line that caters to outdoorsy travelers who don’t care much about dressing up and making a fuss about anything. There’s no dress code on board.

For the same reason, the spa, the sauna, the pool, and the hot tub are not the ridiculously lavish kind, but they are luxurious in subtle ways. The facilities are small but very well equipped and impeccably kept with perfectly folded fluffy towels and not a speck of dust to be spotted. The staff is always on hand to help you if needed, and the outdoor pool’s salt water is wonderfully warm.

Unlike other cruise lines, Atlas Ocean Voyages does not brag about its food offering, but it certainly should. My partner and I agree that this was the best food we had on a cruise (and we’ve tasted a few, including one that claims to have the best food at sea.) All three meals on board were served in the dining room, with breakfast and lunch featuring the most bountiful buffet I’ve ever seen, and dinner being a la carte. The dinner menu has a different theme every night, so there’s no repeat dishes.

As a vegetarian who likes to dabble in veganism, I was very pleased to see that Atlas Ocean Voyages has a different plant-based menu every single night , and a whole vegan section in the buffet. The cooking team even goes as far as making vegan croissants. And I can attest that they were just as rich and flaky as the non-vegan ones.

Beyond the delicious offerings from the dining room, passengers on board World Traveller are also able to enjoy daily afternoon tea in the Dome Observation Lounge, as well as self-serve ice cream from the ice cream stand on the pool deck, and pastries from Paula’s Pantry, the onboard cafe.

Why cruise around Iceland with Atlas Ocean Voyages?

Photo: Atlas Ocean Voyages

Iceland is beautiful, but it’s also a very expensive vacation destination. If you’re thinking about going for the aforementioned Ring Road road trip, make sure you crunch the numbers first. Renting a car, paying for gas, booking campsites and hotels, groceries shopping, restaurant meals, and activities — they will all cost you a pretty penny. While cruising around Iceland isn’t cheap either, the Atlas Ocean Voyages’ all-inclusive price makes it much more palatable. And if you keep your eyes peeled for deals on the cruise line’s website, you’re likely to find something that will work for your budget, especially last-minute offers. Atlas Ocean Voyages has several scheduled sailings that’ll take you around Iceland in 2024.

You’ll get to see and do more

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Atlas Ocean Voyages

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Atlas Ocean Voyages fleet

World seeker, world adventurer, world discoverer, world traveller, world voyager, world navigator, review of atlas ocean voyages.

AOV-Atlas Ocean Voyages (AtlasOceanVoyages.com) is a new expedition cruise travel brand and a fully owned subsidiary of Mystic Invest SGPS SA (shipowner). The parent company is the Ferreira family-owned Portuguese financial holding with brands mainly in the travel tourism and leisure industries.

AOV specializes mainly in polar/Arctic and Antarctic cruises, but also schedules itineraries in Europe (Mediterranean, Baltic, Iceland and Greenland, Norwegian Fjords), Central America/Caribbean and other popular travel regions.

AOV's sister cruise shipping companies (which are also fully owned by Mystic Invest) are the travel brands "MYSTIC CRUISES" (USA), ATLAS OCEAN VOYAGES (North America), NICKO CRUISES (Germany) and DOUROAZUL (Portugal-based riverboats).

The complete list of brands/subsidiaries owned by the parent company Mystic Invest Holding includes DouroAzul (Portugal), Mystic Cruises (USA), Atlas Ocean Voyages (North America/USA and Canada), Nicko Cruises (Germany, via Schiffsreisen GmbH), Priority Dolphin (shipbuilding), Mystic Tua (Portugal) Mystic Adventure (tour agency in Barca d'Alva ), World of Discoveries (theme park in Porto Portugal), Helitours (Porto and Douro Valley), BlueBus (Oporto), Caminho das Estrelas (suborbital and Zero-G flights), Mystic Real Estate , as well as several luxury hotels and resorts (Hotel do Cais, Monumental Palace Hotel, Douro Marina Hotel, Wine Lodge Hotel).

Mystic Invest fully owns (100%) the WestSEA Shipyard ( shipbuilding /repairs yard in Viana do Castelo, Portugal ) where the Holding is currently building its new expedition cruise ships.

Mystic Cruises USA often seasonally charters some of its ocean-going/expedition vessels and riverboats to small cruise companies , including Quark Expeditions and Riviera Travel UK/fleet .

All ocean ships are operated via Mystic Cruises USA's brand "Atlas Ocean Voyages"/AOV. These vessels include World Navigator (2021), World Voyager (2021), World Traveller (2022), World Seeker (2025), World Discoverer (2023), World Adventurer (2024).

On May 16, 2019, Mystic Cruises signed a partnership with Adonis AS (provider of maritime HR / human resources support and solutions) for the ocean fleet's management. Adonis Maritime HR Suite includes services like staff recruitment, crewing and payroll.

In early-June 2019, Certares GBT Holdings Ltd (NYC-based global company specializing in travel, tourism and hospitality investments, subsidiary of Certares Management LLC) became a shareholder (40%) in Mystic Invest Holding for EUR 250 million (~USD 294 million). The Ferreira family is the majority stake owner (60%) of Mystic Invest's cruise companies (DouroAzul Portugal, Nicko Cruises, Mystic Cruises USA, Atlas Ocean Voyages USA) and full owner of the holding's non-cruise subsidiaries.

On November 14, 2019, was officially introduced the new (adventure-luxe) brand "Atlas Ocean Voyages" which is currently managed by Mystic Cruises USA . Bookings were opened on January 2, 2020, while revenue operations were scheduled to start on July 7, 2021, with the ship World Navigator . Early-booking promos included per-cabin savings (up to USD 2000) and half deposits.

Due to the COVID crisis , all Mystic-owned cruise brands (Nicko, DouroAzul, AOV-Atlas Ocean) canceled voyages fleetwide between March 2020 and May 2021.

Company changes 2023

On May 24, 2023, was officially launched the "Atlas Yacht Club" loyalty program. The program is 5-tiered (has 5 membership levels) - Purple (7-35 nights with AOV), Bronze (36-75 nights), Silver (76-125 nights), Gold (126-200 nights), and Captain's Yacht Club (201+ nights).

AOV's Epicurean Expeditions (scheduled for the period May thru Ocotber 2023) introduced the open-air dining concept "Alma Alfresco" on the ships World Navigator and World Traveller. The experience is complimentary and includes a wine-pairing menu with traditional Portuguese dishes prepared from authentic recipes. The food is cooked using artisanal methods (oven-roasted), cookware (clay pots) and locally sourced ingredients (from places like Santa Luzia/Algarve, Mirandela/Norte, Setubal/Lisbon). Among the dishes are Polvo a Lagareiro (octopus, potatoes, olive oil, roasted garlic), Alheira de Mirandela (sausage, potatoes, radish greens), Torta de Azeitao (roll cake with egg custard cream).

AOV's Epicurean Expeditions also include wine tasting (of regional wines) and a guest chef (could be from a Michelin-starred restaurant or a local culinary celebrity). The voyages also provide tourists with the opportunity to participate in the culinary competition Yachtsman Cookoff and enjoy the complimentary poolside Josper Grill Dining.

In May 2023, Nicko Cruises/ fleet announced that starting September 2023, World Voyager will be transferred to AOV, with Vasco da Gama remaining as Nicko's only ocean-going ship.

In November 2023, AOV hired Bernard Carter as a Sales Consultant for Europe & UK. Previously, he consulted the premium cruise brands Oceania , Silversea , and ResidenSea The World .

Company changes 2022

In February 2022, AOV appointed the following executives - Colleen Rodriguez (VP of Marketing), Jacqueline Leyva (Senior Director of Guest Services, Reservations, Air-Sea), Robert Cao (Senior Director of Charters, Meetings, Incentives), Oya Bekisoglu (Sales Director of Central USA), Anthony Iozzia (Sales Director of Northeast USA, New England, Eastern Canada).

In August 2022 was appointed James Rodriguez as AOV's President and CEO, replacing Alberto Aliberti. Previously, Rodriguez was employed by the cruise brand companies Crystal (as Director of Sales) and Oceania (as Executive VP of Sales and Marketing/2003-2022).

In June 2022, AOV announced its Panama homeporting operations (starting October 2022) for the ships World Navigator and World Traveller. AOV's 12-night "Panama Roundtrip Cruise" itinerary departs from Panama City (Fuerte Amador Marina) and visits destinations in Panama (Isla Parida), Costa Rica (Puerto Jimenez, Puerto Caldera/Puntarenas, Playa Del Coco, Playa Flamingo, Curu, Tortuga Islands, Quepos, Golfito), Nicaragua (San Juan Del Sur). Prices range between US$6400 (Veranda) and US$9300 (Navigator Suite) per person with double occupancy.

Company changes 2021

In January 2021, AOV signed a partnership with L'OCCITANE en Provence (1976-founded French luxury retailer) for the first-at-sea "Luxury SeaSpa by L'OCCITANE" on the ship World Navigator.

• The L'OCCITANE treatments combine all hand-performed exclusive sequences, with authentic French ingredients certified in origin and proven effectiveness. The ship's L'OCCITANE spa treatments menu features the 90-minute "Sleep & Reset Massage".
• SeaSpa by L'OCCITANE (sized 88 m2 / 945 ft2, located on Main Deck 4) groups a reception room (with L'OCCITANE's scent Relaxing Pillow Mist), 2 treatment rooms for massages (by professional therapists), an infrared sauna, serenity lounge (featuring floor-ceiling windows and relaxing furniture/plush loungers).
• By the AOV-L'OCCITANE deal, all staterooms' bathrooms are stocked with complimentary body wash, handwash, shampoo, and hair conditioner.

In September 2021, AOV introduced its insurance program "Atlas Assurance" for emergency support and services. Atlas Assurance covers all medical/travel/legal expenses as well as medevacs (medical evacuations at sea and return home transportation) during the voyage.

• Medical services include prescriptions, eyeglasses replacement, medical expenses, dispatching physician/specialist, hospital and physician referral (worldwide), and return of dependent children.
• Travel services include documents assistance, 24-hour emergency arrangements, embassy assistance, and travel companion transportation.
• Legal assistance includes worldwide lawyers and bail bonds.

"Atlas Assurance" is optional but included in AOV's "All Inclusive All The Way" package.

In January 2021, AOV signed a partnership with Ensemble Travel Group (a member-owned and run organization of ~850 American independent travel agencies (USA and Canada). The deal was signed by Brandon Townsley (AOV's VP of Sales and Trade Partnerships) and David Harris (Ensemble's CEO).

AOV ship technology

The ship design for the series of expedition vessels operated by AOV was developed by Leadship Ltd ( Piraeus Greece -based company) owned by the Italian naval architects Giuseppe Tringali and Mirco Zoia. The design features an ice-strengthened hull (ice class 1B), top-notch automation and control system, modern propulsion (based on electrical pods / 360-degree azimuthing thrusters), dynamic positioning system (using GPS data to accurately maintain the ship's position without anchoring), advanced water treatment system, hybrid powerplant (diesel-electric) with efficient marine engines (two Rolls-Royce engines running on ULSD / ultra-low-sulfur diesel).

The Rolls-Royce powerplant costs GBP 7 million (EUR 7,75 million / USD 8,9 million) and includes two main engines (model Bergen C25-33L8P) and one auxiliary dual-fuel genset (model Bergen C25-33L6P). The engines are connected to the vessel's electric power system (Rolls-Royce SAVe CUBE) allowing them to operate efficiently at variable speeds.

Rolls-Royce Promas propulsion is an integrated propeller-rudder system to optimize hydrodynamic efficiency. Promas includes two controllable pitch propellers integrated with two flap rudders, steering gears and tunnel thrusters.

The vessel's draft is only 15 ft (4,7 m) allowing access to remote islands and unique coastal destinations. The ship has all 2 lifeboats (full-capacity) which are fully enclosed. Ship-to-shore communications are via Inmarsat Capsat Fleet 77 (satellite phone and Internet).

Landings (passenger transportation) and coastal exploration voyages are served by the ship's own fleet of 10x Zodiacs (motorized boats stored aft on Deck 7) and 2 loading stations.

The shipbuilder WestSEA is owned by Martifer Group via the subsidiary Martifer SGPS. This is a family-owned holding company (1990-founded by the brothers Carlos and Jorge Martins), headquartered in Oliveira de Frades (Portugal). Since 2007, WestSEA is listed on the Euronext Lisbon (stock exchange). Martifer Group has 3000+ employees and specializes in metal construction and (since 2004) in renewable energy - wind and solar energy equipment production. Martifer Group is one of Europe's largest metal construction companies, with subsidiaries in Spain, Poland, Romania, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Germany, Brazil and Angola.

Itinerary of Atlas Ocean Voyages

Atlas Ocean Voyages (AOV) is a subsidiary company and travel brand managed by Mystic Cruises USA (parent Mystic Invest).

AOV's fleet currently consists of the newbuild vessels World Navigator (2021), World Voyager (2021/transferred from Nicko in 2023), World Traveller (2022), World Adventurer (2023), World Discoverer (2023), World Seeker (2025).

In 2023, AOV's Epicurean Expeditions introduced the open-air dining concept "Alma Alfresco" on World Navigator and World Traveller. The experience is complimentary and includes a wine-pairing menu with traditional Portuguese dishes prepared from authentic recipes. The food is cooked using artisanal methods (oven-roasted), cookware (clay pots) and locally sourced ingredients (from places like Santa Luzia/Algarve, Mirandela/Norte, Setubal/Lisbon). AOV's Epicurean Expeditions also include wine tasting (of regional wines) and a guest chef (could be from a Michelin-starred restaurant or a local culinary celebrity). The sailings also provide tourists with the opportunity to participate in the culinary competition Yachtsman Cookoff and enjoy the complimentary poolside Josper Grill Dining.

Bookings on AOV's World Voyager cruises (Antarctica 2023-2024 itineraries) were opened on May 16, 2023. For Atlas Ocean, World Voyager's inaugural season starts on November 8th (2023) and is based on homeporting in Ushuaia Argentina . The voyages visit popular Antarctic destinations like Deception Island , Graham Land/Paradise Harbor , Wiencke Island/Port Lockroy , cruising the Lemaire Channel and the South Shetlands .

AOV World Voyager Antarctica 2023-24 program included 4x 9-day roundtrips from Ushuaia (departures Nov 8, Nov 28, Feb 27, Mar 18) and 6x 11-day roundtrips from Ushuaia (departures Nov 17, Jan 14, Jan 25, Feb 5, Feb 16, Mar 7). With World Voyager, Atlas Ocean introduced the brand's first fly-cruises. The fly-and-cruise deals are inclusive of direct charter flights from Punta Arenas Chile to King George Island Antarctica (Chile's Base Presidente Eduardo Frei Montalva) as well as optional 1-night hotel stays (pre- and post-cruise) on all cruisetours from/to Punta Arenas.

AOV itineraries 2024-2025

The brand's 2024 schedule (summer and fall) includes new itineraries in Europe (Mediterranean, also Holy Land and Egypt), South America. The program groups 41 voyages of which 9 are Extended Journeys visiting a total of 31 countries and featuring 19 overnight port stays.

AOV's Mediterranean 2024 schedule has 13x Western Mediterranean itineraries (all 7-night) leaving from Barcelona, Civitavecchia-Rome, Dubrovnik Croatia, Lisbon, Nice France, Palma de Mallorca, Valletta, Malta, Casablanca Morroco.

Two voyages to Holy Land and Egypt in July 2024 depart from Piraeus-Athens (9-night and 12-night) and visit Haifa plus ports in Greece (Greek islands, Cyprus), Turkey, Egypt. A 9-night Adriatic itinerary in August (Athens to Venice) visits ports in Greece, Albania, Montenegro, Croatia.

Two itineraries in Northern Europe and the UK/British Isles are scheduled for World Navigator in 2024 - one in May and the other in September.

AOV's South America and Amazon River program groups 8 itineraries (7- to 11-night long) visiting the Falklands UK, Chilean Fjords/Patagonia, and the Caribbean (French Guiana, Tobago, St Vincent and the Grenadines.

AOV's Transatlantic crossings in 2024 are four - 13-night (Rio de Janeiro to the Canaries/Gran Canaria), 12-night (Barbados to Lisbon), 21-night (Malaga to Montevideo), and 13-night (Gran Canaria/Canaries to Rio de Janeiro).

Antarctica-Arctic 2024-2025

AOV's 2024-25 Antarctic program is based on 3 ships (World Navigator, World Traveller, World Voyager), a total of 48 voyages and itineraries ranging between 5-18 nights (mostly roundtrips from Ushuaia).

Antarctic season's highlights include: 9-night "Antarctic Discovery" (departures in 2024 Oct 30, Nov 13 and 19, Dec 20 and 28 in 2024, and departures in 2025 Jan 5, 6, and 15, Feb 3, 4, 13, and 14, Mar 5, 11, and 22), 11-night "Crossing the Antarctic Circle" (departures in 2024 Nov 8 and 23, Dec 9 and 29, departures in 2025 Jan 9, 20, 24, and 31, Feb 22, Mar 14), 5-night "Drake Express" (roundtrip from King George Island (departures in 2024 Nov 27 and Dec 2), 18-night "Grand Antarctica & Beyond" (Antarctic Peninsula, the UK's South Georgia and Falkland Islands, South Orkney Islands/departure in 2025 Jan 16th from Ushuaia).

AOV also offers one East Coast South America voyage (10-night "Brazilian Allure" from Rio de Janeiro to Buenos Aires/departure October 28, 2024) and one Transatlantic crossing for ship relocation from South America to Europe (RepositionCruises.com) - the 14-night "Atlantic Adventurer" from Rio de Janeiro to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands Spain (departure April 8, 2025).

The 2024 Arctic Season features the debut of two yachts simultaneously exploring the region. The World Traveller  and  World Navigator embark on 11 expeditions ranging from 7 to 12 nights, delving into the captivating Arctic landscapes with departures from  Tromso ,  Oslo ,  Longyearbyen ,  Reykjavik , and  Kangerlussuaq . Select expeditions offer inclusive charter jet air service from either New York John F. Kennedy International Airport or Oslo Gardermoen Airport for added convenience.

Highlighted Itineraries include:

• Guests can embark on a 7-night expedition from Tromso to Longyearbyen departing on June 21, 2024. This voyage showcases ports along the magnificent Norwegian coast, including  Hammerfest  and  Skarsvag  ( North Cape ), Norway, before culminating in the breathtaking landscapes of Svalbard.
• The most sought-after Arctic adventure is a 9-night roundtrip from Longyearbyen, Svalbard, offering a tapestry of polar landscapes and wildlife encounters each day. Departures are available on June 28 and July 7, 2024, with an extended 11-night expedition departing on July 16, 2024.

New for 2024 are e xpeditions to Greenland, a first-time offering, allowing travelers to explore Svalbard, Iceland, and Greenland in one extraordinary journey. Whether marveling at towering icebergs, vibrant coastal villages, or the mesmerizing Northern Lights, each day promises a new and awe-inspiring experience. Choose from expeditions lasting 9 to 12 nights on August 5, August 15, August 21, August 25, September 1, and September 6, 2024.

In the peak of polar summer, passengers can embark on a unique expedition departing from Oslo to Reykjavik on August 10, 2024. This special journey features enchanting Norwegian coastal ports like  Bergen ,  Stavanger ,  Flam ,  Olden , and  Alesund  before crossing the Norwegian Sea. Explore Icelandic ports such as  Seydisfjordur ,  Akureyri ,  Isafjordur , concluding the adventure in Reykjavik.

Atlas Ocean Voyages related cruise news

AOV-Atlas Ocean Voyages announces 2024 Arctic season

AOV-Atlas Ocean Voyages, a pioneer in yacht expedition cruising, unveiled its 2024 Arctic Season, marking the debut of two yachts simultaneously...

Atlas Ocean Voyages/AOV and Poseidon Expeditions join Expedition Cruise Network

AOV-Atlas Ocean Voyages and Poseidon Expeditions have recently joined the Expedition Cruise Network (ECN), expanding the network to a total of 20...

Atlas Ocean Voyages/AOV's ship World Voyager named in Ushuaia, Argentina

Atlas Ocean Voyages/AOV officially introduced the World Voyager ship into its fleet on November 10th, during a naming ceremony in Ushuaia Argentina...

World Traveller's passengers met with cries of disapproval at Douarnenez port (Brittany, France)

On Sunday, October 8th, in Brittany France, the passengers of the World Traveller cruise ship disembarked to a gathering of approximately 80...

Godmother announced for Atlas Ocean Voyages/AOV's newest ship World Voyager

AOV-Atlas Ocean Voyages has chosen explorer Preet Chandi as the godmother for its upcoming vessel, World Voyager, scheduled to commence service in...

AOV-Atlas Ocean Voyages adding 26 expeditions for newest yacht, World Voyager

AOV-Atlas Ocean Voyages, the leading company in yacht expedition cruising, has announced the inclusion of 26 new expeditions for its latest yacht...

AOV-Atlas Ocean Voyages adds Starlink High-Speed Internet

AOV-Atlas Ocean Voyages has improved its onboard internet connectivity by partnering with Starlink, a high-speed Wi-Fi service provider for maritime...

AOV-Atlas Ocean Voyages open bookings for 18 cruises on World Voyager ship

AOV-Atlas Ocean Voyages, a leading provider of superyacht-style expedition cruises, has opened reservations for 18 expeditions on their 3rd vessel...

Nicko Cruises transfers World Voyager ship to AOV-Atlas Ocean Voyages

Nicko Cruises announced that it will temporarily exit the expedition cruise market by transferring its only expedition ship, World Voyager, to the...

Atlas Ocean Voyages launches 500+ shore excursions in Europe

AOV-Atlas Ocean Voyages (managed by Mystic Cruises USA) has launched a new program called "Epicurean Expeditions" that includes complimentary...

•   show more news

Perm Photo Gallery Photographs copywrite ©, courtesy of Krasnov Travel Agency   The city of Perm , cultural heart of the Urals The Perm Art Gallery and Museum of local lore, with a passage to the Kama boulevard Perm central square, a popular place for marriage photo sessions The Perm river port, passenger terminal, from where cruise ships to Kazan, Cheboksary, Yaroslavl, Moscow and St. Petersburg depart The Park of Perm Academical "Chaikovsky" Opera & Ballet theatre at the historical Sibirskaya Street The open-air Rocket & Artillery Museum in Motovilikha, formerly a secret area in Perm Interior of the Ice Cafe, which is build every winter on the central square Perm-I train station, built in the late 1700's Train #2, the Trans Siberian Express, makes its stop at the Perm-II train station Perm 280 years, city anniversary festival. Picture by Valeriy Zarovnyannykh (email) 9th of May celebrations, traditionally with military parades on October Square Church at the Yegoshikha cemetary Perm "Zaozerye" region at the north of the city, where the Chusovaya river flows into the Kama The Kama bridge, just over 1 km in length, connecting Perm with the outskirts on the northern river bank   Other photo galleries - Index page

I Finally Got A Beach Wave Perm & Have Zero Regrets

I don’t know why I waited so long.

For the past decade or so, as summer approaches and I start to envision what the season will look like — where to go on vacation , what to wear , and how to manage my hair in the heat — I always consider whether or not to get a beach wave perm. I take screenshots of inspiration, look at before and after pictures at hair salons, and consult with beauty editors. Yet, not knowing anyone who’s actually gotten it done made me too nervous to go through the long process required of perms (or so I thought), and possibly again if I was unhappy with the results.

But, after almost two decades of wondering what my hair would look like wavy and loosely textured without the need for salt from an ocean plunge or hot tools and styling products, I finally took the plunge and got the perm.

Now hear me out. I know at first sound of the word “perm” conjures up images of tightly coiled ringlets from the ‘80s, aka the spiral perm, and countless hours sitting at the salon with funky smelling formula seeping into one’s hair. I know — I had this done multiple times, starting from the tender age of six. But to my surprise, and relief, I discovered that perms have come a long way since the days of my poodle-like mane.

To achieve my ideal “natural” looking, soft tousled curls, I went with the American Wave at the Brooklyn location of Nick Arrojo’s salon ARROJO NYC . I loved the results so much that once the waves grew out, I tried a new perm called Curl Cult , a proprietary new perm created by celebrity hairstylist and owner of LA-based Hairroin Salon Janine Jarman. While both perms produced the bouncy, loose waves I desired, the process and formula used quite differs.

Curl Cult Perm

Over seven years in the making, this is the first ever Protein Perm which utilizes a Pisum-Protex technology that shapes the hair from the inside out. Paraben- and sulfate surfactant-free, the two notable and significant differences with Jarman’s formula is that it takes almost half the time — in and out of the chair in about two hours for my long hair— and the smell is drastically less offensive than the standard perm. Ninety percent of the service is done at the chair, skipping the step of rinsing the perming solution and blotting the hair at the sink and applying the neutralizer right on top — also a formula Jarman created that processes in as little as ten minutes, at most twenty, depending on the hair type and desired results.

What Hair Type Works With The Curl Cult Perm?

While you can get a Curl Cult perm with dyed or bleached hair, like other perms, it depends on how damaged your hair may be. Jarman notes that, “anyone with metallic hair color such as henna and had Thio-based services done previously should not get a perm.”

If you are looking to redefine your curl patterns, create S bends, relax your curls with a reformation perm, or a get a simple root lift, you can achieve this with the Curl Cult demi-perm solution.

In regards to my hair condition at the time of service, it had been ten months since I last permed my hair at Arrojo Salon for the American Wave perm. I dye it black about three to four times a year and I almost always air dry my hair.

What Is The Process?

First, I informed Jarman of the type of curls I was looking for — loose, wavy, and soft — and the type of maintenance I could manage — air dry and minimal styling products. Since she can see the texture from last year’s perm still very loosely in place, she then determined the size of rods for my hair. After shampooing and conditioning, she sectioned my hair and rolled on rods of two different sizes. Since my hair is long and heavy, Jarman notes that she “used smaller rods above the occipital bone to compensate for the amount the curl gets pulled out with the length and weight. For the underside, I went a size down to maintain as much length as possible all while getting it to blend and look like you grew it yourself.”

Thereafter, she applied the perming solution, checked the strands after ten minutes, and left the solution on for another ten. When two to three strands had the pull of a rubber band, Jarman then applied the neutralizer. After about fifteen minutes, Jarman removed the rods and rinsed my hair, she then conditioned it using the Curl Cult Magic Spell Conditioning Leave-In spray and detangled with a wide tooth comb. After applying the Curl Cult Enhance Moisturizing Curl Cream and scrunching my hair with a microfiber towel to remove the water, Jarman diffused my hair.

How Much Maintenance Does It Require?

Like any other perm, it’s advised not to wash your hair for 48 hours. I also avoid tying it in a tight ponytail or bun as I don’t want to compromise the curl pattern.

I personally don’t like the look of very defined curls so I simply spritz on leave-in conditioner and apply the occasional oil in the morning. I do try and avoid wrapping my hair in a towel but, most often, it’s not very practical as I need to speed up the drying process to get myself out the door.

To keep up the moisture in my hair, on days I don’t wash my hair I spritz on water to open up the cuticles, and then leave-in conditioner. I shampoo my hair about every four days and use a cowash on day two.

The great thing about this perm and the American Wave perm is that there is no distinct demarcation because the curls are loose, and by the time there is significant growth from when you had the perm, the curls are much looser so it all looks very natural.

Jarman advises that “If you have no natural texture to your hair, you will need [the perm] more frequently (approximately four to six months) because it won’t blend in as much when your natural hair starts to grow in. With short hair, you will need a perm every three to four months because you end up cutting off the perm ... some clients with long hair and a natural texture come in every eight to twelve months because they love how it looks when it’s grown out and enjoy the different version of it as it softens.”

The cost of the Curl Cult perm starts at $150 for short lengths, $350 for average, and then $500-$700 for very long. For reference, my hair length costs around $400-$600.

American Wave Perm

As opposed to the traditional perm, which tend to leave the hair dry and damaged, and in effect frizzy, the American Wave — which is Thio (sulfur) , formaldehyde, and ammonia-free — includes cysteamine as the active ingredient, potassium as a cuticle softener in the waving lotion, and utilizes ionic technology. As a result, the American Wave 'softens' the hair bonds in the cortex as opposed to breaking it, as done during a traditional perm.

The specific look I requested was the Beach Wave Wrap , which combines straight and wavy textures to create tousled waves, and can be customized to your liking. It’s not a one-size fits all technique, but instead one where you can work with the stylist to specify the tightness of how much hair per wave.

What Hair Type Works With The American Wave?

Similar to Curl Cult, those with colored and previously permed hair can get the American Wave. But it may not be suitable for heavily highlighted or bleached manes. Not sure if you fall into the category of “heavily?”

At Arrojo NYC, the stylist will do a porosity strand test by taking one strand of your hair and putting it in the waving lotion to see how it reacts. If it breaks or becomes distressed by becoming gummy or stringy, the stylist will instead suggest a series of conditioning treatments to strengthen and repair the hair before reconsidering the service.

In terms of hair thickness, the American Wave is good for someone with thinner density hair as the wave will give them volume, bounce, and thickness. But if you are looking for big cascading C shaped curls with naturally fine hair, this perm won’t be able to give those results.

From start to finish, the whole process took a little over three hours. First, my stylist Kat Rohan shampooed my hair twice before wet cutting to create the slightest layers. This allows room for the waves to take place and for the hair to not be too overpowering, especially at the ends. From thereon, six sections were made with a zigzag parting, and Rohan continued this sectioning in between each individual soft rod that resembles a foam-like tube, which the hair was wrapped around, so that the waves sit naturally and there is less of a harsh part line.

Rohan selected the largest size coil for the loosest curl, but if you prefer a tighter pattern, there are multiple options to choose from. Those with shorter hair may consider tighter rods as the ones used on my long hair may not be able to create any curls on shorter hair.

Thereafter, my stylist applied a warm perming solution and left it on for 25 minutes (the maximum time, which can vary depending on hair thickness and strands per rod). My hair was then rinsed under hot water for ten minutes and neutralized for five minutes using a solution which closes up the cuticle of the hair and secures the change in texture — it basically locks everything in. Lastly, Rohan rinsed out the neutralizer, removed the rods, and conditioned my hair using the American Wave Submerge conditioner.

In terms of styling, Rohan scrunched my hair with a towel after conditioning, combed it out using a wide-tooth comb, applied the American Wave Structure hair cream and Wave mist, and a light serum to rehydrate the hair. I was then placed under a dryer to remove excess water, and after, Rohan used a diffuser to further dry each curl. If you are looking for a more natural look, you can air dry instead and forego the products (as I did with my hair in the lead image).

For 48 hours after the perm, I was advised to not wash my hair or work out (due to sweat) or expose my hair to the rain. Basically, avoid getting it wet in any way in order to not deactivate the perm chemicals. If you need to pull back your locks, do so gently, but try to avoid tying or clipping your hair altogether for at least one week.

For products, Rohan instructs me to use only sulfate- and sodium chloride-free shampoo and conditioner, and only comb through when my hair is wet. Do not brush your hair when wet or dry.

The wave falls out naturally over time, usually lasting between two to five months. The great thing about this perm is that it’s so subtle, the grow out process isn’t severe, no matter how straight your natural hair may be. And, if you love this new look, you can continue to receive the perm, depending on the condition of your hair at that time and if you’re willing to shell out $400 minimum (depending on hair length) each time.

I’m all for sitting in a salon chair for a few hours if it means my daily routine is shortened by a good chunk of time. I now have soft, textured waves which were previously only possible after a dip in the sea or styling with heat. I’m happy to say that after three weeks since my visit, my heart is fully content with finally taking the plunge and getting the beach wave perm I’ve so long thought about.

This article was originally published on July 18, 2021

First look at World Voyager, the stylish new expedition cruise ship from Atlas Ocean Voyages

Editor's Note

You can tell a lot about an expedition ship from the way it handles rough seas and storms.

World Voyager, the third ship for fast-growing newcomer Atlas Ocean Voyages, was put through its paces during a tempest of wind and waves on its recent nine-day maiden voyage to Antarctica.

It handled it with ease.

That's thanks to the ship's new, state-of-the-art stabilizing dual Rolls-Royce retractable fins and advanced hydrodynamic design.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Crossing the fearsome Drake Passage — the violent confluence of three seas between the tip of South America and Antarctica — the ocean pitched, rolled and yawed. It was the dreaded Drake Shake. Waves leapt to 39 feet, but we were buffered against the worst of it as we zig-zagged to briefings, polar gear fittings, welcome drinks and dinners.

I got to see those stabilizers in action again in the white continent, flying on the coattails of 100-knot winds. Snow fell sideways. Spectral winds chased jitterbug seas. Onboard, there was nothing but smooth sailing, even on the treadmill in the gym.

Introducing World Voyager

World Voyager is an intimate ship designed for what Atlas Ocean Voyages likes to call "expedition yachting" in some of the most remote pockets of the globe. Right now, that's Antarctica. Like sister ice-class ships World Traveller and World Navigator , this ship has state-of-the-art sonar that allows it to travel deep into polar regions and Zodiac inflatable boats on board for exploring off the ship.

But the ship doesn't offer immersive travel only in far-flung locales. In the coming months, World Voyager will head north for warm-weather sailings in the Mediterranean, northern Europe and the British Isles; there, it will swap the Zodiacs for Jet Skis, kayaks and paddleboards.

The ship can maneuver into small harbors and narrow rivers that bigger ships can't. This is something Atlas is keen to capitalize on during the coming year with warm-water sailings that invite a deeper connection to food culture and history. New Epicurean Expeditions will be centered on food tours, cooking demonstrations, local chefs and vintners, and wine tastings. I got to sample some of these wines — including a Miraval rose from Provence, France — and can vouch for their excellence.

One of the biggest differences between an expedition ship and some of the bigger luxury cruise ships is the expert team of marine biologists, ornithologists, glaciologists and historians onboard; they enrich daily outings with talks and daily recaps. World Voyager travels with up to 14 expedition leaders. Still, its program is lighter than what you'll find on the expedition vessels of more established players in the space, such as Lindblad Expeditions, Silversea Cruises and Quark Expeditions.

Still, the enrichment offerings from World Voyager's expedition team are just part of a wider entertainment program. The program includes afternoon tea, trivia, evening movies, late-night cabaret shows and an always-open and lively Dome observatory bar — an array of diversions you don't always find on expedition ships.

In this way, the ship straddles big-ship entertainment and small-ship adventure. It's early days, and the team is still finding its sea legs — not unusual for a new ship. However, there is talk of getting the expedition team to dine with guests.

Related: The ultimate guide to Atlas Ocean Voyages

It's good value

Traveling to far-flung places with an intimate coterie of like-minded travelers is one of the luxuries of expedition cruising. Atlas Ocean Voyages' World Voyager is one of the smallest ships of its kind. The 9,935-ton ship has the capacity for 198 passengers, but that number drops to a mere 178 people in Antarctica, with cabins given to guest lecturers and entertainers. Our maiden voyage had only 138.

For such a big-ticket cruise, the crowd was relatively young. I put this down to Atlas' current offer that allows the second guest to sail free; the deal includes overnight accommodation and return private charter flights from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, Argentina. It's a striking value for a nine-night Antarctica trip that, after adjusting for the second guest traveling free, starts at just $6,299 per person.

Like most ships at the high end, Atlas includes a lot in its base price. Onboard accommodations, all meals, most drinks, gratuities and shore excursions are part of the ticket price, plus round-trip airfares from select U.S. and Canadian gateways. Emergency medical evacuation insurance is also included — something few other expedition companies offer.

What's not included in Atlas fares are shelf liquors (a shot of Belvedere vodka will set you back $7), premium wines or Champagne. Shipboard Wi-Fi also comes at a steep price after an initial 1GB of data that is included in the fare (500MB for an additional $45, 1GB for $80 or 5GB for $350) and can only be used on one device. It's an irritation when you consider most ships let you switch between devices — and that many luxury expedition ships in the same space offer shipboard Wi-Fi for free.

Related: I jumped off a cruise ship in Antarctica and lived to tell the tale

World Voyager is made for design lovers

Cruise ship decor switches from cookie-cutter elegance to such dizzying colors and patterns you'd be forgiven for thinking a toddler was let loose in the craft cupboard.

Not World Voyager. The ship exudes sophistication.

Built in 2020, the ship initially sailed for Germany-based Nicko Cruises, owned by the same Portuguese company that owns Atlas Ocean Voyages. When the ship switched allegiances, it also received a design refresh.

The result is a meet-cute of Scandinavian minimalism and art deco gorgeousness that wouldn't look out of place in a boutique hotel.

It marks a departure for Atlas, which partnered on its first two ships with Portuguese design firm Oitoemponto. The glossy mahogany wood paneling and decorative European fabrics are gone, traded for a lighter, more pared-back look; it favors Scandi-inspired blonde wood, black and white marble floors, geometric carpets, rich rust velvet feature lounges, gilt highlights and glorious pops of gemstone color.

The ship is easy to navigate, with a floor plan that flows seamlessly between venues. Deck 4 is home to the main public spaces, including the lecture auditorium, lounge bar, lobby, cafe (a quick stop for juice shots, smoothies, espresso coffee, pastries and hearty snacks), a small shop and the main dining room.

A small, well-equipped gym is tucked away on the port side. Meanwhile, the aft is home to a tiny L'Occitane spa with two treatment rooms, the gifted hands of masseur Akom, a chill lounge and a sauna with a glass wall.

The ship offers views for days

Nature is the star attraction on any expedition cruise, something Atlas knows well. The entire ship is dripping with indoor and outdoor spaces that deliver dress-circle views of icebergs, whales, birdlife and dazzling sunsets.

The Dome observatory lounge offers views in spades. Situated at the front of the ship, on the highest deck, the lounge boasts curved floor-to-ceiling glass and a glorious wraparound viewing platform, both of which serve up spectacular 270-degree views.

Two decks below is Water's Edge: another stunning spot at the ship's bow, with magical views on three sides and a heated wraparound bench (a welcome seat on cold polar days). Three other viewing platforms — at the rear of Madeira restaurant on Deck 4 and on passenger decks 5 and 6 — make for an easy exit whenever nature beckons.

Related: Antarctica gear guide: What you need to pack for a trip to the White Continent

Cabins offer front row seats to the action outside

In polar climates where the temperature regularly dips below 32 degrees, a private balcony would seem unnecessary. No surprise then that the ship's Horizon Staterooms — the type of cabin that I experienced while on board — earn points for their generous 270 square meters of temperature-controlled bliss. A step up from the Veranda Staterooms with their standard cruise ship balconies, these rooms claw back 55 square meters of icy outdoor space for just a little more money.

The Horizon Staterooms feature what Atlas calls a Juliette balcony — a wall of floor-to-ceiling glass with an electric top-drop window, easily controlled by the touch of a button. (Some river cruise ships have these, and they're akin to the "infinite verandas" on Celebrity Cruises' Edge Class ships.)

The experience was like being in an IMAX Theatre. From my room, I had a front-row seat to Antarctica's larger-than-life natural drama. Window down, I watched petrels coast the Drake Passage, the roar and tang of the sea outside delivered to me in 3D to counteract the pitching swell. I saw whales, cartwheeling penguins and an iceberg bigger than an apartment block.

Cabins come with a queen-size bed and Portuguese linens, a stocked minibar (beer and soft drinks only), Ksumi teas, still and sparkling water in reusable glass bottles, and a Nespresso machine. In-room binoculars are a nice touch.

Bathrooms feature L'Occitane toiletries and a walk-in mosaic glass shower with a rain head, handheld wand and body jets. Storage overall seemed on the small side for two people, but the main drawback was noise. My room was portside in the back, and it was so noisy that the clanking of the engine regularly woke me up.

World Voyager offers two- and three-person Horizon and Veranda staterooms, along with three categories of one-bedroom suites. These upgraded rooms feature extra floor space, a large balcony, a luxuriously deep bath, additional wardrobe space and the greatest luxury of all: a personal butler.

Related: Everything you want to know about cabins and suites on Atlas Ocean Voyages ships

The food onboard is sustainable — and delicious

I found a lot to love about the food on board World Voyager, including the plant-based and zero-waste menus rolled out across the fleet.

It's the kind of sustainable dining that is on trend with luxury travelers wanting to tread more lightly.

Austrian-born executive chef Rene Aflenzes is behind the holistic menus found throughout the ship that champion slow food, molecular gastronomy and zero-waste principles. It's truly a root-to-stem and peel-to-core mindset about food prep. Vegetable skins are dehydrated and turned into soup seasonings and garnishes. Whole fruit is magicked into delectably sweet concoctions.

It's part of an ambitious long-term plan to bring a true nose-to-tail food philosophy to the high seas.

Juice shots, smoothies, house-made Bircher muesli, vegan oat slices, nutritious muffins and hearty snacks are the mainstay at the grab-and-go cafe, Paula's Pantry; it also offers espresso coffee, donuts and pizza slices.

The buffet lunch in the Madeira dining room features a dedicated vegan salad station. Madeira becomes an a la carte restaurant in the evening. Along with a modern menu, it offers a selection of plant-based starters, mains and desserts, an "always available" plant-based steak and a good sprinkling of zero-waste dishes. Most were good. The salads were a bit hit-or-miss.

In a nod to Atlas' Portugal-based parent company, Mystic Cruises, the menu also features a handful of typical Portuguese dishes.

Meat lovers will enjoy meals in the main dining room and at Deck 7's poolside 7Aft Grill, where meat is seared over Josper coals until smoky. In a coup for Atlas, the beef is from the same butcher as Argentina's famed Don Julio restaurant, ranked number 19 on the 2023 list of the World's 50 Best Restaurants.

Bottom line

Atlas Ocean Voyages' new World Voyager is built for adventure, without the stuffiness that can come from more serious expedition ships. It strikes the right balance between an expedition cruise vessel and a more traditional luxury ship, with late-night entertainment and daily Zodiac outings. Give it a go while fares remain one of the better values in expedition cruising.

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• Fix, Perm, & Block

Fix, Perm, and Block Protocol

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This protocol provides general instructions for fixation, permeabilization, and blocking to prepare your cells for immunolabeling. Fixing and permeabilizing cells generally locks them in place and makes it possible for larger molecules such as antibodies to access the interior of the cell.

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• Phosphate-buffered saline (PBS)
• 4% Paraformaldehyde
• 0.5% Triton® X-100
• 3% w/v bovine serum albumin in PBS

General fix, perm & block protocol

The volumes given in this protocol are good for a single well of adherent cells grown in a 6-well plate or a 35 mm dish.

For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.