Review: World Voyager

What is the line? Atlas Ocean Voyages

Name of ship? World Voyager

Passenger occupancy? 198

Itinerary? 9-Night Ushuaia Roundtrip

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

Traditional expedition ship meets luxury yacht in Atlas Ocean Voyages’ small fleet of vessels. This relatively new line, which sails under the Portuguese flag and currently offers three ships, approaches expedition cruising with the ethos of a luxe but relaxed all-inclusive resort: the décor is contemporary modern, the staff is affable and proficient, the complimentary cocktails flow freely, and much of the cuisine is farm-to-table.

Tell us about the ship in general:

World Voyager, the third ship in Atlas’ fleet, accommodates 198 passengers and offers a one-to-one guest-to-staff ratio, which means you’ll likely be on a first-name basis with the expedition crew and front-of-house staff by the second day of a sailing. Much like sister ship World Traveller, the interior design of this vessel favors a subdued palette in shades of vanilla and taupe with pops of cerulean blue, buttery yellow, and ochre. There are plenty of spaces to spread out and take in the spellbinding views, including a relaxed lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows, by the outdoor pool and hot tub, and, my favorite, in the spa’s relaxation room and sauna.

Who is on board?

I was surprised at the diversity of the crowd, which included a handful of twenty-somethings and solo travelers, older Millennials from the US, India, Australia, Canada, and Europe traveling with friends or with parents, newly retired couples, and a few honeymooners. I traveled with my teenage daughter, and though there were no kids or other teens on the ship, she quickly became part of a clique of younger adults who dined together and played cards in the lounge.

Describe the cabins.

World Voyager has 100 cabins spread across decks 3, 5, and 6. My daughter and I stayed in a Horizon Stateroom, a cozy 270-square-foot room with two single beds (which can be converted to a queen) separated from a sitting area with a sofa and coffee table, swivel chair, and a desk fitted with a mini fridge and Nespresso machine. The marble bathroom featured not only L’Occitane products and a walk-in rain shower with body jets but also enough space to store our personal toiletries. A highlight of our cabin was the Juliette balcony, featuring floor-to-ceiling glass and a top-drop electric window we could open at the touch of a button from a panel by the bed. A step up in category, the Veranda Deluxe and Horizon Deluxe cabins are configured to fit a separate sitting area and walk-out balcony.

Tell us about the crew.

From the cabin and kitchen staff to the waiters, bartenders, and spa attendants—everyone I encountered on this voyage was gracious and eager to help. However, it was clear that this was an inaugural Antarctica voyage not just for the ship but also for many of the crew, some of whom seemed to struggle to find their sea legs as we crossed a tempestuous Drake Passage. Service at mealtimes was spotty during those first few days of our journey, but things got better as the days went on. The expedition staff, led by an entertaining Polar veteran from France, was an interesting mix of experienced and more novice guides, all of whom were not just thrilled to be working on the ship and headed to Antarctica but also to share their expertise in wildlife, the environment, and the geopolitical history of the continent.

What food and drink options are available on board?

Unlike a big ship with tons of restaurant options, this yacht-like vessel offers a main dining room, called Madeira, serving three meals a day. At breakfast there’s a combination of buffet and standard menu items (made-to-order pancakes, omelettes, and French toast) while lunch is a buffet-only affair. Dishes get an elevated treatment at dinnertime, with five-course menus offering a variety of rotating international cuisine options, including an always-present section of Portuguese dishes (a nod to Portugal-based parent company Mystic Cruises).

Sustainable dining is a focus on all Atlas ships, which is highlighted by slow food and zero-waste principles, as well as tasty vegetarian options, such as the always-present plant-based steak. Surprisingly, given that the ship departs from Ushuaia, there were no wines from Argentina or Chile on the menu; the wine list focused on European labels, with many hailing from Portugal.

Paula’s Pantry is a grab-and-go café that serves caffeine drinks as well as smoothies, juice shots, house made muesli and yogurt, tasty granola bars, and heartier snacks like pizza and paninis. The 7Aft Grill by the pool is not open on Antarctica itineraries, but the menu focuses on barbecue fare and grilled meats. And, of course, there’s 24-hour complimentary room service. There are two bars on the ship: the spacious Atlas Lounge, outfitted with plush sofas and swivel chaises surrounding a variety of coffee tables, is perfect for an anytime drink and conversation; and on the top deck, the Dome Observation Lounge is the place to go for afternoon tea and evening cocktails.

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

What the spa lacks in space, it more than makes up for in the L’Occitane-branded treatments and the stellar service. I spent many hours just daydreaming and marveling at the sea from a heated lounger bed in the relaxation room, as well as unwinding in the sauna, which I particularly appreciated after doing the polar plunge.

What about activities and entertainment?

You won’t find any aqua fitness classes, aerobics, or conga lines on this ship. Instead, you can hit the small gym, which is fitted with a pair of treadmills and stationary bikes as well as free weights, yoga mats, and exercise balls. On the top deck you can do laps on the outdoor running track, featuring arguably the most mesmerizing views on the planet.

If the weather isn’t cooperating, which it probably won’t be on an Antarctica journey, the expedition staff offers daily lectures, as well as afternoon documentaries—pick up a bag of popcorn and a drink on the way into the auditorium. There are also evening performances, such as ballads sung in English, French, and Portuguese by a skilled guest singer who was accompanied on the keys by the ship’s pianist. On other occasions, there might be trivia nights based on Antarctica knowledge. One night, the staff and crew performed a variety show—some performed traditional dances from their respective countries; others played an instrument; some brave souls sang a capella.

How was the experience for families?

I can’t imagine many parents would want to bring kids younger than 12 to Antarctica, and indeed Atlas only welcomes children eight and older. When not out on an expedition or dining with other guests, my fifteen-year-old spent the time reading in the lounge, working out, or watching movies in our cabin.

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

I sailed to Antarctica from Ushuaia on a nine-night itinerary, though taking into consideration that expeditions rely on perfect conditions, I would highly recommend Atlas’ 11-night journey. Every day, the captain decides where the ship will navigate according to local conditions, and the expedition staff briefs guests on the planned activities for the following day. There are typically two excursions per day, which might include Zodiac cruises, landings, and water sports. During my November sailing, I had signed up for optional activities (offered at an additional cost), such as kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, and camping, all of which were canceled due to rough weather. The ability to be flexible, to be patient, and go with the flow is paramount on an Antarctica expedition.

Are there any stand out sustainability or green initiatives about this cruise?

Atlas puts considerable effort on its zero-waste principles and plant-based dining options, which aligns with the philosophy of a growing number of travelers—and not only in the luxury segment. The long-term plan from Atlas’ Executive Chef, Rene Aflenzes, is to bring a bit of the slow-food philosophy to the high seas.

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

If you are keen on an all-inclusive polar adventure that is at once intimate yet casually elegant, World Voyager is a worthy choice. This young cruise line attracts an equally young (the average age on my sailing was around 40) audience of adventurers; their idea of dressing up for cocktails means pairing an Arc’teryx jacket with a telephoto lens camera or binoculars to not miss a wildlife encounter.