(I apologize for this post being late - we have had a spotty internet connection on the ship, and I've been busy since embarking on the cruise on Monday)
It’s not every day that you can sail on a new cruise line, but Atlas Ocean Voyages is one such company, having started in September 2019. That probably wasn’t the ideal time, given what happened to the world seven months later.
Yet, they are fully operational along with Virgin Voyages, which began around the same time and where I’ve now sailed on several cruises. Their maiden voyage was in August 2021, nearly two years after its establishment, and they are now one of the leaders in small, luxury ship cruising, which hosts less than 200 guests.
One reason for this is their specialized itineraries, which include cultural expeditions, polar expeditions, and Epicurean expeditions. The first focuses on Northern Europe, South America, the Caribbean and Iceland, and the second explores different areas of the Arctic and Antarctica. The last category showcases the wine and culinary cultures of France, Spain, Italy, Greece and the Mediterranean.
I am on the Epicurean cruise this coming week, starting in Athens and ending in Venice. In between, I will go to ports in Greece, Albania, Montenegro, and Croatia, offering some culinary-focused excursions. But here is what makes this cruise line different from others.
All-inclusive amenities
After having gone on nearly every major cruise line, plus two river cruise lines, I can appreciate any company that offers more inclusive elements. Getting nickel-and-diming is one of the most frustrating parts of any cruise vacation. Maybe the biggest complaint I have with larger lines is all the extra costs for things I wasn’t expecting, like specialty coffee drinks.
So, this was something I liked about Atlas. With the four dining venues, I didn’t have to pay more for a “treat yourself” entrée or premium beverages or liquor. In fact, all drinks from wine, beer, spirits, coffee drinks and the stateroom mini bar were included, and bars were open 24 hours (not that I would have wanted a drink at 3 AM). They served an English-style high tea every afternoon, and room service was available round the clock.
Like larger cruise lines, prepaid gratuities are part of the cruise fare. Some things that aren’t included are shore excursions and spa treatments, but I don’t know any ocean cruise line other than Viking that does with excursions. There is also a limit on the included wi-fi, of which each guest is allowed 1 GB. I blew past that in one day and had to purchase an unlimited access package, which only allows wi-fi on one device.
Cultural and culinary enrichment
Atlas Ocean Voyages organizes three expeditions: polar, epicurean and cultural. While other luxury cruise lines offer similar experiences, Atlas schedules specific itineraries with activities geared to these categories.
Since I am on an epicurean voyage, that’s what I’ll mention first. All guests enjoy cultural experiences integrated into the culinary shore excursions with local markets and food tours. Onboard, they can observe cooking classes and participate in wine and cuisine tastings. Finally, certain cruises will have a Tastes and Traditions Expert hosting events. On this cruise, two Top Chef international winners, Martin Gimenez Castro and Luciana Berry, were our culinary experts, and they led cooking onboard demonstrations.
On cultural expeditions, guests can participate in Afar Recommends shore excursions, specifically chosen from the renowned travel magazine. These itineraries also have integrated culinary and cultural programs focused on the Caribbean, Northern Europe and South America. Guest lecturers inform on the cruise destinations and what makes them unique. Polar expeditions include not only Zodiac safaris, cultural immersion, polar gear and shore landings but also private charter jet service.
Ship size and staterooms
The one thing I’ve encountered on World Traveller is the number of guests (total: around 150) who have said they would never cruise on a larger ship. That’s essentially anything larger than 2000 passengers and above in capacity. I see the appeal of going small on a cruise, even though there are some things I miss on those vessels (variety of food, entertainment, activities).
Having said that, I love that all guests on Atlas Ocean Voyages get sizable rooms with an ocean view (with a horizontal sliding glass window) or a balcony. My room had the first option, which was fine, even though I prefer balcony rooms when cruising. The room and décor were luxurious, with soothing colors and medium-toned wood walls. After being in Virgin Voyages’ microscopic bathroom, I appreciated the larger one I had here with a spacious shower, rain head, and side jets. Guests can also stay in even larger suites with butler service.
Overall, going with Atlas Ocean Voyages has been a different cruise experience, one that I would appreciate if the opportunity to go with an all-inclusive luxury line came again. I still see the appeal of cruising on something larger, but maybe as time passes, I will prefer going on something like this.
