Yacht expedition cruising company, Atlas Ocean Voyages, is to take over the ’World Voyager’ from Nicko Cruises.
She will be the third vessel to join the ‘Explorer’ class expedition fleet.
The 198-guest expedition yacht, sistership to Atlas Ocean Voyages ’World Traveller’ and ’World Navigator’, will begin her inaugural deployment for the 2023/24 Antarctica season, following an October naming ceremony.
With the additional deployment of ’World Voyager’, marking three expedition yachts for the 2023/24 Antarctica season, Atlas Ocean Voyages will also offer a Fly/Cruise Expeditions option for the first time.
This includes air departures from Punta Arenas, Chile, expediting the Drake Passage crossing with direct charter flights to Chile’s Eduardo Frei Montalva air base on King George Island, Antarctica.
Featured are two new five-day round trips from King George Island and four new one-way Drake expeditions of seven nights from King George Island or Ushuaia, Argentina.
The one-way trips include charter flights from Punta Arenas to King George Island and Buenos Aires to Ushuaia. Guests will also receive a complimentary pre-cruise hotel night on all expeditions and a post-cruise hotel night on all journeys ending in Punta Arenas.
In addition to the fly cruises, 10 various nine – to 11 -night expeditions from Ushuaia will be offered.
“Demand for our two expedition yachts in Antarctica surpassed all expectations, and we are delighted to add capacity for exploring the world’s seventh continent during the upcoming 2023 season,” said James Rodriguez, Atlas Ocean Voyages President and CEO.
“As our valued travel advisor partners and guests request more year-round expedition experiences, we look forward to welcoming a third expedition vessel to the Atlas Ocean Voyages fleet a full year earlier than originally planned.”
The Polar Category C- and Ice Class 1B-certificated vessel features two Rolls Royce 9,000 kw hybrid diesel/electric engines and incorporates 3D forward-looking sonar (FLS), technology to detect underwater hazards, obstacles, and shallows.
The FLS enables the ship to navigate ice fields, harbours, and rivers for convenient access to city centres, exclusive yacht harbours, and rarely visited destinations.
Originally delivered in 2020, ‘World Voyager’ will undergo a refit before joining the Atlas fleet.
A Nordic chic design accentuates light ash wood tones and stylish contrasts of marble accents throughout accommodations and social spaces, Atlas said.
Spacious suites and staterooms offer five-star comfort and convenience and feature traditional maritime design cues, such as rich wood veneers complemented by contemporary furnishings and classic artwork.
The ship’s main dining room will be renamed ‘Madeira’ as an homage to the natural settings, clear waters, and centuries-old traditions of the Portuguese archipelago. Similarly, the lecture hall where expedition team members will host illustrated talks, will be named ‘Ferdinand Magellan Auditorium’ after the explorer.
In addition to her new Atlas navy blue livery, the existing lido grill will become 7-Aft Grill, the main lounge will be renamed Atlas Lounge, the forward-facing observation Lounge will become The Dome, and the popular ‘grab and go’ dining venue will be transformed into Paula’s Pantry.
