No matter the season, Atlas Ocean Voyages offers immersive itinerary options. Summer voyages include the 11-night Reykjavik, Iceland, to Oslo, Norway, tour and the 10-night Athens, Greece, to Valetta, Malta, trip in the Mediterranean and Ionian seas. October through March, expeditions in Antarctica showcase the magical scenery of the White Continent. And there’s a new boat to boast about, too: the 198-passenger World Voyager.
To catch up on this and more, we spoke with James A. Rodriguez, president and CEO of Atlas.
How did World Voyager's debut go?
World Voyager has been exceptionally well received, seamlessly integrating into our fleet with her unique Scandinavian feel. She completed a successful season in Antarctica and introduced our “Fly the Drake” expeditions last December, enhancing guest comfort by offering an alternative to the traditional Drake Passage crossing. Then, this spring, she debuted our Cultural Expeditions experience through South America and the Caribbean. Now in the Arctic for the summer, she offers Polar Expeditions that highlight Svalbard, Norway, and Greenland. Exceeding our expectations, World Voyager has significantly contributed to a strong booking performance this year.
James Rodriguez, president & CEO of Atlas Ocean Voyages
Credit: 2024 Atlas Ocean VoyagesWhat can clients expect from Atlas' new Cultural Expeditions?
Cultural Expeditions delve deeply into a destination’s local culture and history, allowing guests to connect meaningfully with the places they visit. For example, guests can participate in a unique bagpipe workshop — under the guidance of Louise Marshall, one of Scotland’s most renowned pipers — and whisky tasting in Edinburgh, Scotland. On our excursion in Stavanger, Norway, guests are invited into the private homes of locals; to stroll the town’s charming, cobbled streets; and enjoy panoramic views from Valbergtarnet, a historic watchtower.
And what are Epicurean Expeditions like?
These expeditions focus on the Mediterraneans’s rich culinary and cultural heritage. The traditional expedition team takes on a new role as experts in food and wine, bringing gastronomic immersion to every sailing. Guests might enjoy olive oil tastings in Greece, explore local markets in Italy or savor wines from renowned vineyards in France. And new for 2024 is our exciting partnership with Academia Barilla, and an exclusive pasta immersion experience on select voyages, with live cooking demonstrations, workshops and interactive sessions onboard.
Our focus remains on education and brand awareness among travel advisors interested in growing their expedition cruise business.
Looking ahead, what's in store for Atlas in the coming years?
Expanding our product itinerary availability through spring 2026, with plans to launch our summer 2026 products later this year, has been a top priority. We already see strong demand for our winter Antarctica 2025-2026 expeditions. A new Fly the Drake expedition sailing — seven nights roundtrip to King George Island, plus an included one-night pre- and one-night post-cruise hotel stay in Punta Arenas, Chile — is a key highlight of the season, as is the 18-day Grand Antarctica voyage. And a one-category upgrade promotion applies for the new 2025-2026 Antarctica season until Sept. 30, 2024. We also plan to announce additional deployment destinations in the coming year to further expand our year-round expedition offerings.
How does Atlas support travel advisors and their sales efforts?
Our focus remains on education and brand awareness among travel advisors interested in growing their expedition cruise business. Advisors can visit Atlas Advisor Central to access various sales and marketing tools. Regional sales directors are available to assist with local efforts and events. And in 2025, the sales team will share details about enhanced group program initiatives, including reduced tour conductor opportunities and the chance for travel advisors to either join their guests or receive additional commission.
