“Mother, Mother Ocean. I have heard you call. Wanted to sail upon your waters, since I was three feet tall.”
A Pirate Looks at 40, Jimmy Buffett
I have been held in the spell of the sea since the first time I laid eyes on it as a child. Since I crossed the Atlantic on the QE2 in the late 1970’s, I’ve been a fan of cruising as a way to feed that wonder and travel the world.
In 2017, I got the gig of a lifetime, sailing around the world, teaching iPhone photography on luxury cruise ships. I visited 60 ports in 35 countries on 5 continents, and I was hooked for life.
For me, cruising is the ideal way to explore the world. It’s the ‘Whitman’s sampler’ of travel — you get a taste for the flavor of a place and make a list of places that speak to your heart and soul so that you can return and savor them in depth later. You unpack once, you meet wonderful people, many of whom become lifelong friends, your every need is taken care of, including incredible meals and drinks.
During my year at sea, each morning when I woke up in anticipation of a new adventure I would say, “Today is the best day of my life until tomorrow.” Although I have sailed on all sizes and categories of ships, including the mega floating cities at sea, I much prefer the smaller luxury ships.
My interest and excitement knew no bounds when I learned that the first new luxury cruise line in 20 years would launch in 2021. Better yet, this was to be a line that would appeal to a more modern sensibility and an active, somewhat younger demographic.
The ships of Atlas Ocean Voyages are designed as “luxe adventure” expedition ships. With capacity of under 200 passengers and the ability to embark on expeditions, they can go to remote destinations where larger ships cannot. The first ship, World Navigator, launched in 2021 with four more sister ships to follow through 2023.
Like so many other people, one of the things I missed the most during the pandemic shutdown was travel and especially getting back on the high seas. Magically, my wish was granted in October 2021 when I was fortunate to be included on one of the inaugural sailings of the World Navigator.
We embarked on a 10-day Caribbean cruise that included many of the islands I had never visited – Saint Maarten, Saint Barts, Saba, Saint Lucia, Nevis, Saint Kitts, Saint Vincent and Antigua. We were the first ship to be allowed to visit several of the islands, and COVID protocols were strictly enforced. Out of caution, some of our excursions were limited and we did travel in a bubble, but we always had a good time and felt safe.
Luxe Adventure
When I think of our cruise and World Navigator, comfort and ease come to mind. Billed as catering to ‘casual luxury’, everything on the ship is designed with a savvy, adventurous yet relaxed guest in mind. Keeping with the casual luxury vibe, there is no dress code or formal dress evenings.
The gathering spaces include two bar/lounges – an intimate salon that reminded me of an upscale speakeasy and stunning marble-floored Dome lounge with panoramic windows. Both lounges feature retro-glam design with sofas and chairs that you sink into. Each lounge also has a piano where we enjoyed wonderful music by master musicologist, Dr. Gino de Luca, while sipping cocktails crafted by skilled mixologists.
Suites and staterooms range from the 183-square-foot Adventure Staterooms to the one-bedroom Navigator Suite at 466 square feet. World Navigator is also the first ship to offer Solo Suites, beginning in March of this year. The ocean view rooms are designed for maximum comfort, have ample closet space and feature the best multi-head spa-showers I have ever seen on a ship.
For those of us who like to be pampered, Atlas has an exclusive option – the first Sea Spa by L’Occitane — and trust me you will want to book a massage and enjoy the sauna. And keeping fit is not a problem. The ship includes a workout center, a pool, a hot tub, and a jogging track with plenty of room to walk or run.
There is ample outdoor space for meditation, observation and stargazing on World Navigator. On the bow, Water’s Edge is an observation deck that sits just 30 feet above the water and provides an unparalleled close-up viewpoint. The pool deck and deck-8 are perfect for late night stargazing. One of my favorite places to relax, read and write was the large sundeck at the rear of deck-5 which is a best kept secret onboard.
Food, glorious food offerings can be as decadent or healthy as you wish. We were fortunate to have Chef Guillermo Muro, who designed the menu for the ship, onboard during our cruise. He not only did a food demonstration, but he also whipped up some special meals and visited with us at dinner.
The main restaurant, Porto, has both indoor and alfresco dining options. With an emphasis on healthy ingredients, the gourmet menus feature different regional cuisines each evening as well as a set menu. Other dining options include 7AFT, a New York style BBQ outdoor grill which serves grilled to order specialties as well as lunch; Paula’s Pantry for grab and go snacks; and high tea offerings in the Dome Lounge. Special dietary needs including vegan and vegetarian meals can also be arranged and accommodated.
One of the best days on the cruise was an extravagant cook-out on a private island which included the most incredible seafood buffet you can only dream of.
What’s next for World Navigator?
Jacques Cousteau once said, “The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its wonder forever.” Admittedly, I have fallen under the spell of the sea and from the moment I leave a ship, I dream and plan to get back on the ocean as soon and as often as possible. Both World Navigator and World Traveler, set to launch later this year, will head to Antarctica in November, a bucket list destination for many.
Some of the adventures, itineraries and ports of call I’m looking forward to exploring this summer and fall include: chilling out in Iceland, the Norwegian fjords, and seeing wildlife above the Arctic circle; circumnavigating Ireland, tasting whiskey in Scotland, and seeing the world famous tulips in Amsterdam; cruising up the Thames to dock under the Tower Bridge and overnight in London, and educating myself about the wines of Bordeaux and port in Lisbon.
Full disclosure – in addition to writing travel articles and being the Editor-in-Chief of foundingAUSTIN, I am also a social media and guest engagement consultant for Atlas. I will be putting together groups for sailings throughout 2022 and 2023.
For more information on special offers and exclusive extras for foundingAUSTIN readers, please email sageadventurer@gmail.com.
For more information:
Atlasoceanvoyages.com
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