Atlas Ocean Voyages’ President and CEO James A. Rodriguez speaks exclusively to Karryon about what to expect from its “world-first” luxury expedition sailing yacht.
In six short years, Atlas Ocean Voyages has launched three ultra-luxe expedition yachts – World Navigator, World Traveller and World Voyager – and in 2028 it is launching “world-first” luxury sailing expedition yacht, Atlas Adventurer.
Although it is a newcomer to the increasingly competitive luxury expedition cruise segment, Atlas Ocean Voyages has already established a strong presence across Antarctica and the Arctic.
The line has also introduced cultural and cuisine-focused journeys in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, South America and the Caribbean.
“Atlas Ocean Voyages was launched with a very clear purpose: to redefine luxury expedition cruising for the modern explorer,” says Rodriguez.
“We saw an opportunity to create a brand that combines immersive, destination-rich experiences with an intimate yacht-style atmosphere and highly personalised service.
“Just as importantly, we’ve built strong global trade partnerships and established a loyal repeat-guest base of over 25 per cent very early in our lifecycle, a powerful endorsement of the Atlas experience.”
Next level: the new ‘Atlas Adventurer’
Expedition cruise lines are constantly researching more environmentally friendly operating systems, and good old-fashioned wind power is coming back into play in the form of the new ‘solid sail’ technology.
Atlas’s upcoming luxury expedition yacht, the 400-guest, 275-crew Atlas Adventurer, will launch in late 2028 using a combination of solid sails, dual-fuel engines and electric-hybrid propulsion.
Rodriguez says she represents the next evolution of the fleet. “
From the beginning, our philosophy was to design yachts that are nimble, efficient and capable of accessing ports and waterways larger ships simply cannot reach.
“Atlas Adventurer builds upon our proven design platform while incorporating enhancements in sustainability, operational efficiency and onboard comfort.
“She will expand our warm-weather expedition portfolio, including emerging destinations across the Asia-Pacific, Africa and beyond, in addition to select expeditionary environments. This aligns with growing demand from global travellers seeking culturally rich, less-travelled itineraries outside traditional polar seasons.”
Full itineraries and fares for sailings from November 2028 through March 2029 are expected to be released in June 2026.
Three sleek sisters
Atlas Ocean Voyages is the US subsidiary of Mystic Invest Holding and the first ocean cruise line to sail under the Portuguese flag. Built in Portugal, the three expedition yachts share the same design platform and were purpose-built for exploration in polar and remote regions.
Each yacht incorporates its own individual style and décor, “based on guest feedback and operational lessons”, and all accommodate a maximum of 198 guests in 10 categories of elegantly appointed, Scandi-chic style suites and staterooms. The crew-to-guest ratio is almost one-to-one, and fares include just about everything.
Health and wellness facilities include SeaSpa by L’Occitane, a fully equipped fitness studio, top-deck running track and a pool and hot tubs on the sun deck. Exploration tools include a fleet of 18 zodiacs, kayaks and standup paddleboards for warm-water expeditions, plus optional sea kayaking in Antarctica. The Water’s Edge Lookout, a viewing area 10 metres above sea level, provides heated seating for wildlife spotting in icy waters.
Expeditions are led by a team of up to 17 professionals, including naturalists, biologists, mountaineers and conservationists.
Globally inspired cuisine
Atlas puts a strong emphasis on epicurean adventures, onboard and onshore. Each yacht has five dining options (including 24/7 room service), three bars and lounges, and a spacious auditorium.
The main indoor-outdoor restaurants are Madeira (2023’s World Voyager), Lisboa (2022’s World Traveller) and Porto (2021’s World Navigator), their names reflecting the line’s Portuguese connections.
Guests can sample Portuguese cuisine at regular Alma Alfresco wine-pairing dinners, while Epicurean Expeditions’ itineraries and shore excursions throughout the Mediterranean are complemented by onboard experiences such as wine-tastings with local winemakers, cooking demonstrations by high-profile chefs and the Yachtman Cookoff, a fun, fast-paced Ironman-style cooking competition for guests.
Strong AUNZ market growth
“Australia and New Zealand are incredibly important markets for Atlas Ocean Voyages,” Rodriguez says.
“The region represents a highly sophisticated traveller who values immersive exploration and luxury experiences, which aligns perfectly with our brand.
“We have an established and successful relationship with Cruise Traveller, and that partnership remains central to our growth strategy in the region. Our next step is to expand our presence by hiring a dedicated sales representative based in the region.
“This allows us to work closely with Cruise Traveller and other key trade partners to outline a comprehensive expansion strategy not only for Australia, but also New Zealand and the broader Asia-Pacific region, including China, Japan and India. From there, we will determine the appropriate timing for opening a full office locally.”
There has been talk about Atlas deploying a ship in local waters and Rodriguez says while the company is not announcing a fixed timeline today, “Australasia is firmly part of our long-term deployment planning. We are taking deliberate, measured steps to build sustainable growth in the region.”
From the heart
Rodriguez, whose 20-plus-years in the cruise industry includes a long stint at Oceania Cruises, says that after taking his first cruise he knew he wanted to pursue a career in travel.
“I believe deeply in the power of travel to open hearts and minds of not only the traveller, but also for the communities they encounter along the way,” he says.
“Travel represents connection: to cultures, landscapes and people. I was drawn to cruising because it uniquely blends hospitality, logistics, storytelling, and global exploration within a single industry.
“The cruise sector and particularly expedition cruising allows us to introduce guests to transformative destinations in a way that is both meaningful and responsible. That sense of purpose continues to inspire me and has shaped the trajectory of my career ever since.”
For more information, visit Atlas Ocean Voyages, Cruise Traveller.
