By James Shillinglaw, Aug 04, 2021
Atlas Ocean Voyages’ first newly constructed expedition ship World Navigator “at last” has launched, with its first revenue cruise departing today, Aug. 4 out of Athens to the Greek islands and eventually to Egypt. Designed for discerning, fun-seeking travelers, World Navigator takes guests on all-inclusive, luxury adventures to remote and captivating destinations around the world and serves up regionally inspired gourmet cuisine; unlimited premium wines and spirits, international beers, and specialty coffees; and a choice of a complimentary land excursion at every port.
This first cruise was preceded by a 10-day “shakedown” sailing from Porto to Athens. The cruise was hosted by Mário Ferreira, chairman of Mystic Invest Holding, parent company of Atlas Ocean Voyages, and carried Ferreira’s family, friends and business associates and one journalist from Insider Travel Report.
Atlas is using this first sailing to introduce its All Inclusive All the Way promise, which includes complimentary round-trip air travel and ground transfers for a complete and seamless luxe-adventure voyage. As one of the most anticipated new ships of the year, World Navigator is Atlas’ first newly constructed small ship, appointed in retro-chic elegance with passageways lined with dark lacquer paneling and off white and brown carpeting. Lounges come complete with elegant and sturdy furniture, original art and elegant touches.
World Navigator on Aug. 4 will begin sailing seven- to 12-night Egypt and Greek Isles voyages for her inaugural summer 2021 season and 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 Ferreira. “For more than 25 years, Mystic has grown from a single river boat, offering day tours 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.”
World Navigator, which is actually the third in a series of similar ships but the first one dedicated to the U.S. market, offers 98 suites and staterooms (with a total capacity of 186 guests). Accommodations range from 183-square-foot Adventure Staterooms to the ship’s signature one-bedroom, 466-square-foot Navigator Suite. In March 2022, World Navigator will be the first ship to offer Solo Suites.
All suites and staterooms are infused with European sophistication; incorporate modern technology like 50-inch flat-screen interactive TVs; a stocked mini-refrigerator; L’Occitane bath amenities; slippers, robes and binoculars to use on board; Nespresso coffee; teas; personalized bar service and butler service in suites.
“We are proud to launch World Navigator and inaugurate Atlas’ distinctive luxe-adventure cruising for discerning, fun-seeking travelers,” said Alberto Aliberti, president of Atlas. “Atlas is the industry’s first new luxury brand in more than 20 years and World Navigator is designed to bring today’s luxury travelers on genuine, cultural experiences and adventures to remote and fascinating destinations around the world. On board, guests can enjoy elegant accommodations, entertainment, dining options, and amenities usually found on larger ships.”
World Navigator also features SeaSpa by L’Occitane, the first luxury L’Occitane spa at sea. SeaSpa’s holistic, sensorial menu of therapies use authentic ingredients from Provence, certified in origin and proven effectiveness. The 950-square-foot spa has two therapy rooms, a detoxing infrared sauna, and a serenity lounge and sauna with soothing vistas of the passing oceanscape through expansive windows. Guests also can maintain their daily regimen in the ships Fitness Studio featuring TechnoGym equipment.
The Atlas and Dome Lounges feature lively entertainment, led by accomplished performers who engage guests in pop, stage and American classics sing-alongs. World Navigator’s entertainment director, Sean O’Shea, will also perform sensational, feature cabarets in the Dome Lounge in the evenings. Guests also enjoy movies, port presentations, live entertainment, and informative lectures in the Dom Henrique Auditorium.
All guests on all voyages can explore Atlas’ regionally inspired gourmet fare through six dining options. Porto celebrates Atlas’ Portuguese heritage and is World Navigator’s main dining room, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a choice of indoor and al fresco seating. The restaurant also offers the special Alma Portuguese cuisine menu, available on alternate evenings for dinner.
7Aft Grill, located next to the pool on Deck 7, is World Navigator’s chophouse, featuring Black Angus filets and New York strip steak, hamburgers and hot dogs. Paula’s Pantry café serves a variety of specialty sandwiches, salads, soups, cookies and cupcakes, specialty coffees made with small batch-roasted, organic and Fairtrade-certified CaffèMilano beans, Kusmi teas, and fresh detox juices. The Dome Lounge also features afternoon tea and refreshments, and guests can order room service from a breakfast or “always available” menu featuring soups, sandwiches and salads.
With one of the industry’s highest space-to-guest, World Navigator is newly constructed with the most-modern hygiene and cleanliness measures incorporated into her state-of-the-art, design. All staff and crew are trained in and observe stringent health protocols, and guests participate in health screenings prior to boarding and during the voyage.
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 also are used on land excursions and tours to allow guests to remain socially distant while still enjoying the guides’ commentary.
Atlas’ signature All Inclusive All The Way provides all guests a complete and seamless experience by including complimentary round-trip air travel, choice of a shore excursion at every port, unlimited premium wine and spirits, international beers and coffees, prepaid gratuities, polar parkas, emergency medical evacuation insurance, and L’Occitane bath amenities. In every stateroom, there are robes, slippers and binoculars to use on board, personalized coffee, teas and bar service, and butler service in suites.
At 9,930 gross-registered tons, World Navigator is Polar Category C- and Ice Class 1B-certified. It has some of most modern stabilizers in use today providing a smooth ride even in rougher seas. World Navigator will be joined by sister-ships World Traveller and World Seeker in 2022 and World Adventurer and World Discoverer in 2023.
The luxe-adventure cruise brand welcomes travelers to “come back to something brand new” in its ongoing marketing campaign “At Last…Atlas” (www.AtlasOceanVoyages.com/itstime). To learn more, call 844-442-8527 or visit www.AtlasOceanVoyages.com.
