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.

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