New Atlas Ocean Voyages Expedition Yacht To Debut In 2028

New Atlas Ocean Voyages Ship

By Charles Kipps

Given its reputation for polar expedition cruising, it seemed fitting that on the day Atlas Ocean Voyages chose to make a major announcement in New York City the temperature would be 13 degrees with a wind chill of seven. By the time I arrived, it felt. more like I had reached the top of Everest rather than arriving at a press conference.

Beyond the arctic blast was the venue — The Explorers Club on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, founded in 1904 as a meeting venue for explorers and scientists worldwide. According to a Google search, “It evolved from the Arctic Club, broadening its scope beyond polar regions to all frontiers of exploration.”

Which is exactly what Atlas Ocean Voyages intends to do with the introduction of the Atlas Adventurer. Described by a company brochure as a “wind powered luxury expedition sailing yacht,” the 400-passenger ice-class ship will be built in China and begin cruising in 2028. It will cruise globally and be powered by both engine and sails (the latter, when conditions allow).

“With our new vessel,” noted Jason O’Keefe, senior director of guest experience and corporate communications, “we go into Asia, the Philippines and down to Africa.”

The new Atlas Ocean Voyages ship will visit the Far East and Africa. * Photos: Atlas Ocean Voyages

Specifically, in Asia Atlas Adventurer will explore Japan, South Korea, China, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines, and in Africa, destinations including Seychelles, Madagascar, Tanzania, Kenya, Mozambique and South Africa

Many of the cruises to these destinations will feature more of Atlas' Epicurean and culture-focused themes.

Market Reach Includes Down Under

According to James A. Rodriguez, president & CEO of Atlas Ocean Voyages, Australia is one of the fastest growing markets for Atlas.

“This kind of product really resonates with Australia,” Rodriguez said, “It’s kind of this relaxed luxury experience and it really resonates with the Australian consumer.”

Well Accoutered

Atlas Ocean Voyages new expedition yacht will be 26,000 gross tons, double the size of Atlas’ existing 10,000-grt fleet. It will sport three large masts across its 689 feet, with the ship's rigging fully automatic and computerized.

There will be 200 guest suites and seven dining options, including a culinary studio for hands-on learning, plus five lounges and cocktail bar spaces. In addition to a wellness spa and fitness center, the ship will have a swimming pool up on deck. Zodiacs and luxury motorboats for use on expeditions and transport to shore are also a part of the amenities. Internet service will be provided by Starlink although Rodriguez concedes there are some places, particularly the polar regions, where wifi is “spotty.”

But the tour-de-force is the “marina platform with [an] ocean pool” that extends off the aft of the ship.

Mário Ferreira, chairman of Mystic Invest Holding, the parent company of Atlas Ocean Voyages explained that the unit was devised when a guest was bitten by a jellyfish. The swimmer is now protected on all sides and underneath while still performing backstrokes in the open sea.

Atlas Adventurer marina platform with a protected swimming spac

The marina platform with a protected swimming space. * Photo of rendering: Charles Kipps

“It’s very expensive,” Ferreira admitted from the podium without giving a specific number. He did however mention that the Atlas Adventurer will cost around $300 million to build. When I asked Rodriguez about that price tag, he smiled: “It's the first I've heard of how much, actually…”

Certainly a nine figure investment like this must have been carefully considered. I wondered how much of the decision was economic and to what extent concern for the environment played a role. Rodriguez echoed what Ferreira had said earlier, that in addition to profitability, Atlas was aiming for sustainability in terms of its engine design and capacity to rely, in part, on wind power.

The 400-passenger Atlas Adventurer will be built in China. * Rendering: Atlas Ocean Voyages

Building For the Future & a Robust Repeater Business

Incredibly, Atlas Ocean Voyages has created a solid brand despite only having been sailing for five years and overcoming the damaging economic effects of COVID.

“So we've had to build” Rodriguez explains. “Establishing ourselves not only with the trade, to make sure that our trade partners were on board with the idea of this type of brand, and also with the consumers, taking consumers from other brands, as well, who are very loyal. So, having executed a product in operation that wins over these guests, is something we're very proud of.”

The late Elaine Kaufman, owner of the iconic Elaine’s Restaurant on Manhattan’s Upper East Side not far from the Explorer’s Club, gave me a two-word answer when I asked her about the key to her success. Regular customers. (I had been one for many years.)

It seems the cruise business is no different. Despite its limited number of destinations, Atlas Ocean Voyages boasts a 25% return rate. O’Keefe feels he knows why.

“It's ultimately the talent that we have on board,” O’Keefe said. “Our crew. And I think many other cruise lines stake that claim, but that is what creates the Atlas environment. The crew and that willingness to serve.”

Interested in Learning More About the New Atlas Ocean Voyages Ship?

To find out more go to the Atlas Ocean Voyages website, here. And if you've got designs on booking an early Atlas Adventure sailing, drop us an email at [email protected] and we'll connect you to our favorite travel advisor Kevin.

Charles Kipps is an author and screenwriter whose wife Aida loves to cruise.