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The World’s newest luxury cruise line set sail yesterday when Atlas Ocean Voyages launched their flagship, the 196-guest World Navigator. The purpose-built expedition vessel slipped her moorings in Athens, Greece for a 9-night odyssey through the Aegean Sea to Cairo, Egypt.
Atlas Ocean Voyages is the first new luxury brand to launch in the cruise industry for twenty years. The cruise line’s boutique-sized World Navigator offers all-inclusive, luxury adventures to remote and captivating destinations all over the globe.
“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.”
Alberto Aliberti, President of Atlas Ocean Voyages.
Spacious staterooms and suites
In contrast to the ever larger new-builds of other luxury cruise lines, World Navigator is intimate. She has just just 98 immaculately appointed rooms. These include ocean view and veranda staterooms, as well as one bedroom suites.
The decor is reminiscent of a glamorous bygone era – Atlas call it ‘retro-chic’. It’s also worth noting that the layout of certain room categories is unique. We especially like the Horizon Deluxe and Veranda Deluxe Staterooms with their cleverly desiged separate living space. The top of the range Navigator Suite also impresses. With 43.2 sq. m. / 465 sq. ft. of living space it has an oversized veranda, elegant bedroom and spa-style bathroom.
Gastronomic choices
The intimate World Navigator offers big gastronomic choices. The main dining room (known as Porto) celebrates the Portuguese heritage of Atlas Ocean Voyages. Indeed, there is a Portuguese dinner menu available on alternate evenings.
There is also the 7Aft Grill steakhouse restaurant. In addition, guests can savour lite-bites in The Dome Observation Lounge and Paula’s Pantry. Complimentary room service is also available 24-hours. Guests on World Navigator can also enjoy an open bar with champagne, fine wines and spirits all include.
Activities and inclusions
World Navigator also boasts the World’s first L’Occitane spa-at-sea, as well as a theatre, a fitness studio, a swimming pool and hot tubs. There is even a fleet of Zodiacs for exploration.
When going ashore, guests will also benefit from small-group tours with transportation operated at reduced occupancies to provide extra personal space.
Indeed, Atlas Ocean Voyages offer free shore excursions in addition to all the usual ultra-luxury inclusions like gourmet meals, beverages, WiFi and gratuities. Round-trip air fares are also part of the cruise fare, as well as thoughtful extras like polar parkas and emergency medical evacuation insurance.
Health and safety
World Navigator offers the industry’s highest space-to-guest ratio. Indeed, because of the pandemic the ship’s maximum occupancy has been reduced to a maximum of 75%. To further ensure the safety of all on board, the staff and crew must have had their COVID-19 vaccines and wear masks. In addition, guests must return a negative COVID-19 antigen test at the terminal prior to embarkation. There will be additional tests both during and at the end of each voyage.
Atlas Ocean Voyages launch destinations
The launch of Atlas Ocean Voyages will see World Navigator sail a series of Egypt and Greek Isles itineraries over the European summer. She will then reposition to Antarctica for a season of thrilling 12-night polar voyages.
World Navigator will be joined by two more ships in 2022, World Traveller and World Seeker. In 2023 World Adventurer and World Discoverer will also join the fleet. View the World Navigator deck plan here. For more information visit the Atlas Ocean Voyages website.
About the Author: Jason Kerr
