Maiden Voyage of Atlas Ocean Voyages’ Beautiful World Navigator — Part 2

Atlas Ocean Voyages Beautiful World Navigator

By Peter Knego

What a joy it was to be heading back to Greece, one of my favorite places on the planet, to join Atlas Ocean Voyages beautiful World Navigator on her maiden cruise to Alexandria via several of Greece’s most popular ports of call.

Barely the height of the cruise terminal on her starboard side, the World Navigator awaits at Piraeus. * Photo: Peter Knego

As our plane approached, like some sort of mythological harbinger, there was an orange/brown haze from no less than seven forest fires blanketing Athens, where the temperature was hovering well above the century mark.

Nonetheless, as we neared Piraeus, it almost felt normal again to see the Viking Sea, Costa Luminosa, Mein Schiff 2 and MSC Magnifica, along with the dashing and relatively diminutive World Navigator, which we could barely see over the main terminal.

Our last hurdle of our long travels would be nasal swabs (that thankfully resulted in negative antigen test results) to grant us access to the terminal, where we then proceeded to the ship.

All Aboard Atlas Ocean Voyages’ Beautiful World Navigator

Once aboard, an orientation, unpacking and boat drill were followed by dinner.

Our host for the first meal served to paying guests was Atlas Ocean Voyages President, Alberto Aliberti.

At one point, Aliberti mentioned that he began his sea going career as the safe deposit box manager aboard Sun Lines Stella Solaris, a Greek cruise ship that was renowned for her casual style of luxury.

The Solaris, which was sadly scrapped in 2003, made such an impression on Aliberti, he used her as a benchmark for the Atlas shipboard lifestyle, which caters to a wealthy but low key clientele.

He explained how wealthy women would board the Solaris, literally with cloth bags full of jewelry that he would store in the ship’s safe. After dinner, these ladies and the ship’s other guests would head straight for the Piano Bar and party with abandon.

Unlike other luxury ships that had stuffy atmospheres and were overly dressy, the Solaris was legendary for her informality and fun, while at the same time providing the best in food, service and ambience.

Aliberti envisioned the same vibe for the World Navigator, which explains why the ship has no less than two piano bars (one in the Dome observation lounge and one in the Atlas Lounge).

The rest of the evening was very short as we needed to catch up on sleep, which commenced long before the World Navigator made her midnight departure.

Thankfully, we awoke well past breakfast time to find the ship berthed at Nafplion, a charming hamlet on the Peloponnese mainland.

Paula’s Pantry was our favorite morning go-to for fresh coffees, detox juices and tantalizing pastries. * Photo: Peter Knego

Our first stop was Paula’s Pantry, the cafe on Deck 4, for a delicious and invigorating cappuccino (made with CaffeMilano beans along with soy and almond milk options in addition to regular milk), muesli, a delicious ginger, lemon and apple drink (from a daily selection of six fresh detox juice offerings), and pastries.

Healthy versus “less healthy” options cancel each other out at Paula’s Pantry.  All are delicious and highly recommended! * Photo: Peter Knego

Among the latter were absolutely perfect pains au chocolate, crispy croissants, and freshly baked doughnuts and cookies. For someone like me who isn’t generally fond of heavy breakfasts, this was a perfect way to start the day.

Light breakfast in the dining room always included rich, genuine Pastoret yogurt. * Photo: Peter Knego

I should add that when I actually did experience a full breakfast, I was delighted with the eggs, hash browns and even the vegetarian sausage option.

Even better were the fresh fruit and the fantastic Pastoret yogurt, which was a revelation. It was so nice to not see “yogurt-like” Yoplait in the offerings.

Nafplion

We opted to explore Nafplion on our own since the complimentary excursion was quite early in the morning and we really needed that first night’s sleep. It was a scorching day and unfortunately, the complimentary backpacks Atlas provides had yet to be delivered to the ship.

Thus, we improvised with a plastic Gap bag that could carry a towel, suntan lotion and metal canisters provided by the ship that we filled at a water station in Paula’s Pantry.

What we also could have used in all ports, in addition to the backpack or a day bag, was a map, so we knew where any specific monuments or places of interest were.

From hot rocks to soothing seas — the beach near Nafplion. * Photo: Peter Knego

Regardless, we wandered the marina area, then walked through the old town, which was filled with inviting shops and cafes.

From there, we followed a trail that wound around the peninsula to a rocky beach.

The ground was scorching, so, one at a time, we stepped onto the towel to remove our shoes and then jumped into the warm, crystal clear sea, which was so invigorating!

Overlooking Nafplion and our diminutive World Navigator from the steps of Palimidi Fortress. * Photo: Peter Knego

With only 90 minutes to spare before our back on board time, we headed back towards the town, then climbed the 999 stone steps to Palimidi Fortress, which was closed due to the heat.

I was actually so winded by the heat and smoke, I had to stop and catch my breath every 100 steps or so, which is a phenomenon I hope not to experience again anytime soon.

Once at the top, however, the view made it all worthwhile.

Below, the smoky view from Aft Deck 6 as World Navigator leaves Nafplion in her wake.

We made it back to Atlas Ocean Voyages’ beautiful World Navigator with about thirty minutes to spare.

To get some photos while sailing out, we had our first opportunity to use our Juliet Balcony, where the top half of the full length window could be lowered with the touch of a button.

With the heat wave raging through the region, it was so nice to have the extra cabin interior space and still have access to the outside air when we wanted it.

And if we wanted to actually sit out in the fresh air, the sheltered aft Deck 6 terrace was literally 20 steps away.

Patmos

Having been to beautiful Patmos more times than I can count, on the third day, I took advantage of the empty ship to begin documenting the public areas while fellow guests took excursions to the beach and the monastery where St John wrote Revelations.

Eventually, I rode the tender to town with a good friend for a chance to get some photos, stopped for a few minutes at a cafe for some cold water, then headed back to the ship to relish the air conditioning.

My partner, Mike and I enjoyed a daily, late afternoon cardio workout, which we had partially achieved on the treadmills in the Navigator’s gym but we preferred using the running track on Deck 8 when the heat and smoke were tolerable.

Our opposing GPS monitors gave conflicting readings, so either 12 laps or 14 is equivalent to a mile. In any case, we ran 36, hoping for the former to be true.

By the time we had al fresco dinner that night at 7 Aft, the temperature had dropped to a comfortable level.

7 Aft, facing aft from port. * Photo: Peter Knego

Seating up to sixty per night with no more than sixteen at a time, 7 Aft offers a nightly poolside chop house menu with different steak cuts and Lobster Thermidor.

For those who are not necessarily surf and turf fans, there is also a roasted chicken alternative, an excellent Caesar salad and all sorts of delicious side dishes, including piping hot truffle fries.

Mykonos & Delos

In Mykonos the next day, I spent the morning writing, while watching the ferries make their manic maneuvers from our cabin window.

Then, after lunch in the Porto Restaurant, I joined some friends and took the shuttle provided by the ship to Mykonos Town, where we embarked on an independent tour to the nearby island of Delos.

Pillars of Delos. * Photo: Peter Knego

Protected and without a living population other than archaeologists and caretakers, Delos is considered one of the cradles of Greek civilization and home to some of its most important and historic ruins.

Dining on World Navigator

We made it back to the ship just in time for dinner at the Porto Restaurant.

A corner of the Porto Restaurant. * Photo: Peter Knego

Both dinner and lunch come with a red and white wine selection but since beverages overall are included in the fare, those can be substituted for alternate wine choices, beers, cocktails or soft drinks.

Additionally, there is also a bar menu offering premium vintages and top shelf liquors for varying prices.

Fresh fish entree with lemon and olives in the Porto Restaurant. * Photo: Peter Knego

Dining in the Porto is a casual, comfortable affair and while guests may choose to dress up,  it was mostly men in long sleeve or polo shirts and ladies in casual resort wear.

Lunch and dinner in Porto are similar but there are more choices for dinner, as well as a Classic Fare menu with standard favorites like chicken consommé, tomato soup, mixed leaf salad and entrees like filet mignon, chicken breast and salmon fillet, as well as side dishes.

On the left side of the dinner menu, a themed meal with hot and cold appetizers, soups, salads, entrees and desserts is offered.

On our cruise, the themes ranged from a delightful Arabic menu with mezzes and spicy eggplant dishes, lamb and more, to Italian, Peruvian and even a Scandinavian menu that seemed a bit incongruous in the sweltering Mediterranean surrounds.

Although always friendly, the service got better and better as the cruise progressed, with wait staff learning the ropes and getting to know guests.

The food, itself was almost always beautifully prepared and made with fresh ingredients, which in the Mediterranean includes fantastic veggies, succulent olive oil and fragrant spices.

Presentations were artful and moderately sized, which was much appreciated by those of us who hate to see food wasted.

Porto table settings include olive oil and balsamic vinegar. * Photo: Peter Knego

Atlas uses custom flatware made by Vista Alegre of Portugal that is both ergonomically friendly and beautiful to behold.

Being ship geeks, we especially enjoyed the golden streamline ship logo on the chargers, entree plates and coffee cups.

Another nice touch is that olive oil and balsamic vinegar are provided in the lunch and dinner table settings and on that note, the breads were, like all the ship’s baked goods, fresh and delicious.

Entertainment & Lectures

After dinner, there would either be a guest singer, in this case, actual Broadway “Cats” alumnus Michelle Murlin, whose energetic act was perhaps a bit too large and lively for the Dome observation lounge. This is one lady who deserves a real stage! Regardless, her positive energy filled the room with joy and she worked every angle, despite the limits of the space.

Otherwise, on most nights, pianist Gino de Luca played and sang in a way that would have made the Piano Bar on the Stella Solaris proud.

On the downside, with the free flowing included beverages and lively atmosphere, some of the “please do not sit here” COVID signs would get pushed aside, enabling people to gather and converse, which unfortunately made me think twice about lingering there during these still uncertain times.

In addition to the evening entertainment, there were port and enrichment lectures.

Guest lecturer Vivianne Rowan discusses the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World in the Dom Henrique Auditorium. * Photo: Peter Knego

Despite some sound issues, I enjoyed the informative talks by Liverpool-based archaeologist Vivianne Rowan in the Dom Henrique Auditorium. And I heard good things about the other guest lecturer Steven Friedman, whose topics ranged from Broadway musicals to pop culture phenomena.

Santorini

On the fifth day, we awoke in the magnificent caldera of Santorini.

The surrounds of Santorini from World Navigator’s Aft Deck 6. * Photo: Peter Knego

Again, having been there and taken tours to all the key spots, including the archaeological site of Akrotiri, Thira Town and Oia, we had time to take another independent tour.

The World Navigator with Santorini’s Thira Town as a backdrop. * Photo: Peter Knego

From near the base of the cable car, we took a boat ride to the dormant volcanic islet called Nea Kameni.

After a hike on trails that appeared to be straight out of a Martian landscape, we were then taken to another small islet called Palea Kameni where we had the option of jumping into the sea and swimming in a hot spring.

It ended up being quite a wonderful new experience for this tried and true Santorini fan.

On our return to the ship via the regular tender service, we noticed a couple who were not wearing masks. Later, we learned this same couple were anti-vaxxers, as well.

When I did see them about the ship without masks, it was a bit disappointing to not see staff politely reminding them to wear their masks in shared public spaces.

In Heraklion, all on board were required to take another antigen test for our entry into Alexandria, our disembarkation port.

That afternoon, as we were heading off on excursion, we were directed to a bus that the anti-vaxers were on. Fortunately, there was still space on the alternate bus but I felt bad for any unknowing guests on the first bus. What a shame it has come to this.

UPDATE: On August 27, 2021, Atlas Ocean Voyages announced that they will require proof of vaccination from all guests, beginning with World Navigator’s October 4, 2021, voyage. 

Sunset at sea from Deck 8 aboard the World Navigator. * Photo: Peter Knego

On our next day at sea, we were greatly looking forward to the 10:00 AM bridge tour, as well as a galley tour at 10:30 but arrived at Reception to learn that both were cancelled.

A COVID Case

A while later, when we were in our stateroom getting ready for lunch, the captain made the following announcement, “As a result of yesterday’s COVID testing, one guest received a positive result. For the safety of all on board, we immediately isolated the guest, their traveling companions and all primary contacts. We have since administered follow up tests for all companions and they all have tested negative.

We have also administered a PCR test for the guests and are awaiting the results. All crew who have come in direct contact with the guest have tested negative and are isolated, awaiting further test results. We will continue with our itinerary and I will inform you if anything changes. Your health and safety is our top priority. We ask all guests to continue to practice your health protocols including wearing your masks, practicing social distancing and washing your hands frequently…”

End of Part 2…. 

RELATED: Atlas Ocean Voyages’ World Navigator Maiden Voyage Part 1.   by Peter Knego

AND THIS: Peter’s Part 3 of his World Navigator Maiden Voyage.

AND ALSO THIS: Peter’s great full ship video tour!

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