Sunday, March 31, 2024

Cruising Antarctica With Atlas Ocean Voyages

atlas antarctica cruise

The calm waters and lightly overcast skies gave us hope that the excursions would be a go today. Once at sea level, we had just enough time for a short trek along the black sandy beach to see three seals that were calling part of this cove their temporary sleeping quarters. Particularly, it appeared the staff might need some additional training on making espresso-based beverages in the coffee shop. Still, any issues we had were quickly addressed, and we greatly appreciated the dedication of the hard working team members.

World Traveller is a Luxurious Yacht-Style Expedition Ship

One of the highlights of the cruise was spending time with four humpback whales. They were putting on a show for us, displaying their immense power and grace. It was hard to determine if they were playing or fighting, but their loud and active behaviors captivated everyone on board. Throughout our time on Useful Island, the penguins were a constant source of entertainment. Their energy and enthusiasm were contagious as they walked up and down the rocky slopes, and it was a joy to observe their interactions.

Deck 6 – The Bridge

The ship smoothly sailed through icy waters, surrounded by massive icebergs and sparkling glaciers. Upon arrival in Ushuaia, we seamlessly transitioned into a Tierra del Fuego National Park bus tour while our luggage was conveniently transported directly to the ship. If you add on all the inclusion of an Atlas Antarctica expedition, it is superb value for money. Luggage on the charter flight is limited, but Atlas World Voyager provides a convenient laundry service.

atlas antarctica cruise

Paula’s pantry

Zaccarria, who has been working in the polar regions for 10 years, spent 14 months in Antarctica's French research station, Dumont d'Urville 14, which is regarded as the windiest place on Earth. Dumont d'Urville 14 is the closest station to an Emperor penguin colony and was made famous by the documentary, “The March of the Penguins." On the return passage, the "shake" was much more dramatic with rougher seas and more intense waves. The captain also advised us that a storm was coming, so in the interest of safety, the last afternoon's Zodiac ride was canceled, and we high-tailed it out of Antarctica at full speed back to Ushuaia. World Navigator and World Traveller sailed to Antarctica on November 21, 2022, after a dual naming ceremony in Ushuaia, for their first expedition under the line's new leadership – and with an unexpectedly low fare. He also explained that there needed to be more communication and clarity around the brand's strategy after entering the market in 2021, especially with travel agents (trade partners).

My Atlas Ocean Voyage Antarctica Expedition Part 2 The Cruise - Cruiseline.com

My Atlas Ocean Voyage Antarctica Expedition Part 2 The Cruise.

Posted: Tue, 09 Jan 2024 22:42:41 GMT [source]

The gym is small but an excellent place to work out during the Drake Passage crossing if the sea is quiet. What impressed me the most was the stunning panoramic views offered by the large windows in the gym. Exercising while overlooking the vast expanse of the ocean was truly invigorating and made each workout session a memorable experience.

In the summer, the sun never sets — a surreal and seriously disorienting phenomenon that contributed to my overall sense of becoming increasingly unmoored as the days went on. I'd find myself engrossed in an after-dinner conversation only to realize it was nearly time for breakfast. Years ago, I saw punk rock frontman Henry Rollins during one of his spoken word tours, during which he talked at length about his trip to Antarctica.

For environmental, conservation, and wildlife protection reasons, only 100 people are permitted to do any activity at once. Zacarria explained, some passengers go ashore in the morning for a landing while others take the Zodiac ride to explore. The reverse schedule occurs in the afternoon, again depending on the weather. As your team of explorers help with ORCA’s work and research, you’re invited to deepen your connection with incredible marine animals, enhancing your appreciation for the beauty of the polar regions. Experience deeper connections with fellow explorers and the environment in this remarkable destination.

Deck 4 – The spa

According to the cruise line’s website, the cabin measures 270 square feet. This size is comparable to cabins you would find on mega-ships with a similar infinite veranda setup to Celebrity Cruises’ Edge Class ships. For those looking to spend the night in, cruisers can request their favorite spirits, beers, and wines free of charge through room service. A mini-fridge is also replenished daily with a selection of basic alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Unfortunately, there were not many chicken dishes on the menu for Heidi.

My Services

Crossing yet another destination off our list, we hopped onboard one of Atlas Ocean Voyages’ Polar Expeditions on the brand-new World Voyager. "There were a lot of guests where either the husband wanted to come and do this, but the wife was reluctant, or the wife really wanted to do it, but the husband was reluctant," said Rodriguez of our voyage. "I think we're that perfect product to offer experiences for both." The balance of expedition and traditional cruising is where Atlas Ocean Voyages absolutely hits the mark, and it's the main reason the cruise line stands out to me. My deep desire for education was perfectly sated — as was my desire to dance (or, rather, bop about in my chair, cocktail in hand) to Shapiro's rousing rendition of Copacabana.

That afternoon we took a zodiac excursion to the continent where we saw our first chin-strap penguins. While ice prevented us from actually making a landing, the crew took us close enough to touch the cliffs of the Seventh Continent. Luckily, we ended on a high – literally -- hiking to the summit of Danco Island in a light snow alongside hundreds of penguins.

The following day, the atmosphere onboard was electric, with excitement and apprehension. Passengers clung to handrails, seeking solace in the company of fellow adventurers. The experienced crew, well-versed in navigating these treacherous waters, provided reassurance and guidance throughout the journey, ensuring our safety. During the cruise, we also stumbled upon the wreck of a whaler boat, which served as a poignant reminder of the region’s rich history.

I also can't stop thinking about the delicious freshly baked loaves of bread (some of the best I've had on any cruise) and the daily homemade ice cream flavors, with Blueberry Muffin still ranking as one of my favorites. Deck 4 is also where you'll find most of the dining options available in Antarctica. Lisboa, the aft-situated main dining room, also offers al fresco dining in season.

With 144 passengers and 131 crew members, the crew to passenger ratio was essentially 1 to 1 on our voyage. Given there is a lot of downtime during these Antarctica voyages, we were surprised that the ship didn’t have a library or other self-guided entertainment like board games or puzzles either. While coming from self-confessed over-packers, we did feel the cabin lacked storage. It featured two small clothes bars, two drawers, and some small shelves which didn’t really fit packing cubes well.

Atlas Ocean Voyages Intimate Yacht Style Cruising Antarctica, Mediterranean & more

atlas antarctica cruise

It features storage shelves, a large vanity, an oversized shower, and marble finishes. With a rainfall showerhead and jet options, the walk-in shower is like a mini-spa in your stateroom. Not to mention, it’s also stocked with luxurious L’OCCITANE amenities.

Day 1:Visiting the Tierra del Fuego National Park

But experiencing Antarctica itself is something altogether different. It is an expedition, and I found myself entirely spent at the end of every day. One day, when the weather was exceptionally bad, icy salt water permeated even my best waterproof layers. I'm used to peeling off layers while climbing up mountains, not sitting, unmoving, for an hour or more on a small boat zipping around the harbor and stopping to watch penguins stumble ungracefully into the water.

Service

As we sailed through the icy waters, I was constantly in awe of the breathtaking landscapes surrounding us. The dramatic icebergs, towering glaciers, and vast expanses of untouched wilderness were awe-inspiring. It felt like stepping into a different world, untouched by mankind. In addition to including charter flights and all the activities, the Atlas cruises include dining and unlimited beverages like beer, wine, cocktails, specialty coffee, and fresh pressed juices. An in-room stocked mini-bar and 24-hour room service are also part of the fare, as are gratuities and emergency medical evacuation insurance.

atlas antarctica cruise

Deck 7- The observation lounge

Aboard our intimate, yacht World Voyager you will find everything you want and need. Experience extraordinary Antarctica to the fullest and in the shortest amount of time aboard our newest yacht, World Voyager ™. Spend more time exploring the Antarctic Peninsula by flying over the Drake Passage one way and still lay claim to the iconic experience of sailing the other direction with our NEW Drake Express options. Or, if you’re an intrepid explorer, you can still conquer the famed Drake Passage both ways with all Ushuaia Roundtrip expeditions. At Atlas Ocean Voyages, we encourage a holistic approach to life that incorporates mind, body and spirit. Connect with like-spirited explorers during Après Sea and satisfy your curiosity with exceptional guest lecturers to relish every aspect of a stimulating journey.

My Atlas Ocean Voyage Antarctica Expedition Part 1 - Cruiseline.com

My Atlas Ocean Voyage Antarctica Expedition Part 1.

Posted: Sat, 23 Dec 2023 02:26:51 GMT [source]

There were also pre-cruise customer service issues related to the ever-changing regulations around COVID-19 that caused a breakdown in messaging to clients. Antarctica is every bit as magical as I had anticipated with its ice-covered landscapes, surreal turquoise blue glaciers, Elephant seals resting along the rocky coastlines, and waddling Gentoo penguins. And the long journey made me realize why travel to this remote – and harsh – region of the world has been one reserved for rugged explorers, scientists, conservationists, and the intrepid few. Antarctica is not an easy place to reach ¬– and I've gained a new appreciation for how mighty Mother Nature is, especially in this untamed land at the southernmost place on Earth. THE END OF THE WORLD TRAIN – Standing as the world’s southernmost functioning railway line, the End of the World Train (El Tren del Fin del Mundo) is one of the most unique ways to journey through Tierra del Fuego’s natural beauty.

Atlas Announces 2024-25 Antarctica Expeditions - Cruise Industry News

Atlas Announces 2024-25 Antarctica Expeditions.

Posted: Thu, 28 Sep 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Zodiac Cruises:

I was fortunate to recently make the long-haul adventure from the "End of the World" in Ushuaia, Argentina, and on to Antarctica by way of the Drake Passage on Atlas Ocean Voyages' new World Traveller. From appreciating the dining experience to keeping up an exercise routine while on holiday to taking time for self-care, we cultivate an atmosphere of overall well-being in every space on board World Voyager. Whether you are an avid cruiser or a world traveler, a trip to Antarctica is probably on your bucket list. If that wasn’t enough, the day was punctuated with a polar plunge!

While accessibility is a big factor in expedition cruising, one traveler on our ship had mobility issues. And the crew was always at the ready to help him get around or offer extra assistance navigating the halls during rough seas and getting food from the breakfast and lunch buffets. Deciding which are the best or which are the best to avoid is largely a matter of personal preference, as the bulk of the staterooms are fairly big, by both traditional cruise ship and particularly expedition ship standards. All but the 14 Deck 3 cabins have balconies or floor to ceiling windows that retract with the push of a button.

10 of 31 Atlas Ocean Voyages Antarctica Cruise Reviews

Expedition travel can be very overwhelming, and no matter how much research you do, it's not easy to prepare yourself for the experience. "I've been selling this voyage as an expedition, but to actually experience it really puts it into perspective," Rodriguez told Travel + Leisure. My absolute favorite feature on board, however, was the grab-and-go café Paula's Pantry, where you could order both hot and cold beverages and pick up light bites (yogurts, paninis, salads).

There are also a few stations with workout equipment scattered around this top deck. Given we were sailing in the polar regions, this area did not get much use. In fact, it was closed several days due to the rough seas while transiting the Drake Passage. As is standard on every expedition, lectures by the naturalists help immerse guests in the unique environment around them. On our voyage, they ranged from talks about the seabirds we saw around the ship on the Drake Passage to the geopolitical complexities of the Antarctic Treaty. The majority of the lectures take place during sea days, but I appreciated that Atlas Ocean Voyages fit a few in during our time in Antarctica, too.

atlas antarctica cruise

Throughout our Atlas Ocean Voyages Antarctica cruise, there were several lectures led by the expedition members in the ship’s Auditorium. The topics varied from wildlife, to geography, history, and even the geo-political underpinnings of the continent. Some of these talks were more in-depth than others, but they helped to provide a greater appreciation of the White Continent. While preparing for each expedition, team members took safety and wildlife precautions very seriously. Thus, even in less than ideal weather conditions, we knew we were in good hands. On the other hand, the stateroom’s bathroom is quite spacious in cruise ship standards.

So, of course we tried our best to sample them all for a complete review of dining on this Atlas Ocean Voyages Antarctica Cruise. In warmer climates, guests can also enjoy the 7AFT Grill poolside which transforms into an open-air steakhouse by night. While in Antarctica, Atlas offers two expeditions per day ( weather permitting). The expeditions are either Zodiac cruises, landings, polar plunges, or Kayaking. Everything is included in the price of the cruise except for the Kayak, which costs an extra 200 USD. They were all spectacular, and you can read more about them below.

The Drake Passage is known for its unpredictable and treacherous conditions. Although it is considered late in the season, we were lucky to have many sunny days while in Antarctica. We also made quite a few landings and hiked the seventh continent. Antarctica is home to diverse wildlife, including penguins, seals, whales, and seabirds. Even from the boat, I saw plenty of animals, so don’t forget to look outside even when you are in your cabin.

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