Atlas Ocean Voyages, which currently operates two expedition ships, is adding a third ship to its
fleet later this year in time for the Antarctic season.
“We’re expanding our fleet sooner than we had anticipated
because of the demand out there for our expedition product,” President and CEO
James Rodriguez said.
The third ship is the 2020-built World Voyager, now
operated by German line Nicko Cruises, a sister company to Atlas under parent
Mystic Invest Holdings, based in Portugal. The ship is structurally identical
sister to Atlas ships World Navigator and World Traveller.
What was to be the third ship in the Atlas fleet, and will
be the fourth, is the World Seeker, scheduled to enter service in November 2024.
“This is good news for our brand, as it shows a lot of confidence
that our parent company has in us to bring a new ship into our fleet sooner
than we expected,” Rodriguez said.
The World Voyager will undergo a dry-dock in fall 2023. The
gray hull will be painted Atlas blue, while the Atlas logo will be added to the
funnel. Names of public spaces will be changed to match those on the other two
ships. A German juice bar on the Nicko ship will be converted to Paula’s
Pantry, a casual gathering spot with coffee, pastries, and sandwiches.
“The ship was built consecutively with the World Navigator
and Traveller and is pretty up to date with the latest technology and enhancements,”
Rodriguez said. ““The footprint of the ship is the same. We’re making some
small tweaks here and there. For the most part, the ship is pretty ready to go.”
It is expected to re-enter service in time for the 2023-24 Antarctic
season.
Having three ships in Antarctica gives Atlas the freedom to
diversify itineraries, so the line is planning a series with the option to fly
over the at-times bumpy Drake Passage, either one way or both ways.
“In December and January, we’re going to do a series of
fly-the-Drake itineraries,” Rodriguez said. “There’s definitely a demand for
it, as there is for the whole expedition product.”
During the summer, Atlas offers Arctic itineraries through
Svalbard, Norway, as well as Mediterranean cruises with “Epicurean Expeditions”
and famed guest chefs.
Atlas offers an all-inclusive experience with cultural immersion,
unlimited beverages including 24-hour bar service with specialty canapés, an in-room
minibar stocked with guest preferences, specialty coffees and fresh-pressed
juices, free afternoon and high tea, 24-hour room service, pre-paid gratuities,
butler service and an expanded room service menu in suites. In addition, trip-delay
and medical evacuation coverage is included at no additional cost.
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