ocean voyager cruise ship cost

OCEAN VOYAGER

Expedition yacht construction.

At Ocean Voyager, our ethos is centered around crafting robust, long-range power boats distinguished by their sustainability, efficiency, and functionality. We dedicate ourselves to constructing vessels capable of withstanding the harshest conditions, ensuring systems are easily accessible for straightforward maintenance. Our commitment extends to environmental responsibility, incorporating green technologies like solar power and efficient hull forms to minimize our ecological footprint. This dedication to strength, reliability, and eco-conscious innovation defines our unique approach in the maritime industry, reflecting our unwavering commitment to quality and pioneering design in every project we undertake. 

Construction and Refits

            Major Price Reduction

The Ocean Voyager 70’ “Tara” combines luxury with efficiency, designed for the ultimate cruising experience. It features a spacious layout with 5 staterooms, achieves a 1400 nautical mile range at an economical speed of 9.5 knots, and is equipped for long-term, comfortable living aboard in various climates.

More Information

"Rogue," a former offshore fishing vessel built in 2004, was transformed by Ocean Voyager in 2015 into a luxury exploration catamaran. Featuring a vast deck for submarines and tenders, and emphasizing efficiency and seaworthiness, Rogue offers adventurous luxury for exploring remote destinations with a small crew. 

Pink Shrimp

Pink Shrimp, a 104-foot shrimper refitted by Ocean Voyager, was designed for extreme reliability and  long-range cruising with a focus on low maintenance and rugged reliability. Ocean Voyager's refit emphasized custom details and minimalist luxury, equipping the vessel with twin Cummins engines for optimal fuel efficiency and a cruising speed of 9 knots with an ability to carry large tenders

The yacht Acharné, refitted by Ocean Voyager, exemplifies excellence in marine engineering and design innovation. Originally crafted for superior upwind performance, its transformation into an ultra-light displacement trawler by Ocean Voyager has enhanced its cruising speed, economy, and overall seaworthiness. The meticulous refit focused on simplicity, safety, and reliability, ensuring Acharné remains a paragon of modern maritime achievement.

Chagos, refitted by Ocean Voyager, is a 28.96-meter steel expedition yacht, notable for its durable construction and capacity for long-range voyages. Originally launched in 2013, this vessel embodies a practical and robust design philosophy, making it an ideal platform for adventurous expeditions and activities, all while ensuring comfort and reliability for its occupants. 

Lara was a conversion from a Gulf Fishing vessel to a rugged, luxurious expedition vessel capable of all ocean cruising with an exceptional range of over 6000NM

Tara was our original fishing vessel conversion, with a single Caterpillar 3408. and an exceptional 5000 nm range. She served as the prototype for the later larger conversions. When she was sold she cruised Antigua to New Zealand with only 2 stops.

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Great Lakes Cruise Review — at Last Aboard the Retro-Looking Ocean Voyager

Aug 23, 2022 | 2

My Great Lakes Cruise Review

By Karl Zimmermann

Update August 2024 — QC’s Anne Kalosh reports, “Good news for Great Lakes cruisers, there will soon be another choice with the rebirth of Victory Cruise Lines in 2025. Its former owner, John Waggoner, picked up the coastal vessels  Victory I  and  Victory II at the bankruptcy auction for American Queen Voyages, a company he founded and ran until a few years ago. Read more HERE.

My wife, Laurel, and I have made many dozens of deep-water cruises throughout much of the world, but our own Great Lakes, though high on our wish list, had eluded us.

Too pricey, we felt, and we still thought that earlier this summer about Ocean Voyager’s  and sister Ocean Navigator’s 9-night Toronto-Chicago cruises (10 nights with the included pre-cruise hotel stay), also operated in reverse.

The rack rate minimum was $4,999 per person, also the listed price of sailings from now into the early fall (a few longer voyages reaching Montreal are more).

These ships, registered in the Bahamas, had been the Victory I and Victory II until the September 2021 rebranding that brought Victory Cruise Lines and American Queen Steamboat Company under the umbrella of American Queen Voyages. ( UPDATE: American Queen Voyages shuts down and ships are sold off. )

In Cleveland, the 202-pax Ocean Voyager poses proudly in the morning sun. * Photo: Karl Zimmermann

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A Small Ship Cruise on the Ocean Voyager — a Good Buy

However, eagle-eyed Laurel spotted two Toronto-based cruises that were half that price, and we jumped on one, a July 5 departure on the Ocean Voyager .

The only available cabins were a category higher, slightly more expensive, and government taxes were a whopping $509 apiece, apparently because the itinerary bounced between Canadian and American ports.

We were responsible for tipping, but most drinks, alcoholic and otherwise, were included, as were internet and a shore excursion at each port.

The two sister ships  began life in 2001 as the Cape May Light (our ship) and 2004 as the Cape Cod Light , and had been on our radar screen since then.

With a passenger capacity today of 202 (there were 176 on our sailing), all in double outside cabins (there are some inside cabins, now used for staff), the ship’s size—small (285-feet long)—and configuration—lots of deck space—were appealing to us.

RELATED: Judi Cohen reviews her Great Lakes cruise aboard Viking Octantis .

RELATED: Ted Scull tells us lots about cruising the Great Lakes.

Toronto Plus & Minus

Our included pre-cruise hotel was the Hilton Toronto—comfortable, well-located downtown, near the Rogers Centre, with an attractive indoor-outdoor pool. We could see the CN Tower out our window, but a foggy overcast ruled out going up.

(Toronto is one of North America’s great cities, well worth additional days before or after sailing. The same could be said of Chicago on the small-ship cruises beginning there.)

Opening off the lobby was the expansive Tundra Restaurant, very workable for those of us a bit travel-weary and not eager to explore. It features a large U-shaped bar, to which a number of us fled immediately after an onerous check-in.

Much of the blame for that could be laid on ArriveCAN, the jauntily named app that was not our friend. We’d had to complete it before United would issue us boarding passes to fly from Newark to Toronto Pearson.

Then at the poorly organized multiple-hurdle embarkation check-in at the hotel the day before sailing (by far the worst we’ve ever experienced) that included a COVID test, there was another ArriveCAN application (fortunately there was a young techie on hand to help) and the check-in itself.

When we finished we exited past a queue of at least two dozen not-pleased passengers waiting their turn.

Then there was an early bag-pull at 8 a.m. the next morning, and finally our bus transfer to the ship at 3 p.m.

The fact that the boat would toggle between Canadian and American ports would mean multiple immigration checks.

A bad start at the Hilton Toronto as the check-in line moved slowly. * Photo: Karl Zimmermann

Glad to be Aboard Ocean Voyager — My Great Lakes Cruise Review

When we arrived at the boat our spirits lifted.

In the Compass Lounge, the small ship’s social center, we breezed through on-board check-in and went to our cabin, where our luggage awaited.

When we reached the vessel for boarding, things looked up. * Photo: Karl Zimmermann

With boarding concluding, I checked out the stern. The Deck 4  windows are the Grill and the Deck 1 the Coastal Dining Room. * Photo: Karl Zimmermann

Other than two Owner’s Suites, which command a substantial private deck, the staterooms are all similarly sized, around 150 square feet, and similarly equipped: queen bed in ours (virtually all rooms can be configured with twins), ample closet and shelf space, a small desk and chair.

We’d been upgraded to a category B on Deck 3.

As is typically the case shipboard, category and price ascend with the deck; higher deck means higher price.

Ocean Voyager’s B-category cabin. * Photo: American Queen Voyages

Ocean Voyager is a Tidy Little Vessel

A highlight when I board a ship new to me is exploration, and that was the next order of business, even before unpacking.

As a traditionalist, I was pleased that there was a “Purser’s Office” instead of “Guest Services” or whatever, and that the decks were numbered rather than dubbed with hokey names.

There were names secondarily, but descriptive and time-honored: Observation, Cabin, Saloon, and Main.

I started one deck up from our cabin, on Observation, where I found (aside from the Owner’s suites) the choicest accommodations, larger by inches but, much more importantly, opening right onto the deck in classic steamship fashion.

In fact, the Ocean Voyager and Ocean Navigator have a retro look suggesting the century-old design typical of coastal overnight boats, with dining room, saloon, and decks for fresh air, all suitable for one-night journeys.

Observation deck, Deck 4, was my favorite spot. The captain’s cabin was the choicest. * Photo: Karl Zimmermann

Decked — Drawn to Ocean Voyager’s Deck 4

This deck is where I spent my happiest moments on the cruise.

The Terrace, forward on Deck 4, was the lookout, a favorite spot of those passengers who favored deck time. * Photo: Karl Zimmermann

Forward was a large space dubbed the Terrace with four sofas. And the side decks were lined with chairs, which seemed to align with the cabins.

Having been burned by Holland America Line’s ill-advised “Lanai Suites” that similarly opened directly to the deck, each claiming proprietary use of a pair of deck chairs, I worried.

I needn’t have, as these were open to all, and eventually we sat in many of them.

We tag-teamed at Sault Ste. Marie and shared a wharf on Mackinac Island with Pearl Mist , Pearl Seas Cruises’ only vessel which featured private verandahs.

I preferred our arrangement for the flexibility and congeniality it offered, but as things turned out a verandah wouldn’t have been a bad thing.

The Pearl Mist, docked across from us at Mackinac Island, sails ahead of us. By this point we’ve changed our tune and would have welcomed a veranda. * Photo: Karl Zimmermann

The Grill was an informal spot for a buffet meal. The carved roast beef was a staple, and I succumbed more than once. * Photo: Karl Zimmermann

The Coastal dining Room was also bright and attractive, and the service gracious and attentive. * Photo: Karl Zimmermann

Aft was The Grill, a bright and cheerful spot that most nights offered a buffet dinner featuring many of the items from the main Coastal Dining Room, and sometimes breakfast and lunch too. (In either place we found the meals consistently delicious and well-presented.)

From Deck 4 stairs led up to two sections of Sun Deck. The one aft seemed promising, with sofas and cocktail tables under a canopy, flanked by tables and chairs, with a few chaise longue-style deck chairs. However, the constant ventilator noise kept us from settling there. (Full disclosure: engine vibration and noise are an issue in the Coastal Dining Room, low and aft, when the vessel is underway.)

The Sun Deck aft seemed to have promise but the noise was a deterrent. Out of this picture to the right was a canopied lounging area. * Photo: Karl Zimmermann

Drinks on the House, Mostly

I ended my tour in the Tavern, forward of the Compass Lounge on Saloon Deck, where Laurel joined me for a martini as god intended—gin, a splash of vermouth, and olives. Premium or “call” brands had an up-charge but “well drinks,” made with standard brands, were fine with us.

This room is woody and cozy, living up to its name as the ship’s watering hole. Drinks from there were also served in the Compass Lounge, the happenin’ place.

The Tavern was a classic watering hole. * Photo: Karl Zimmermann

Laurel and I tried it out early for martinis. * Photo: Karl Zimmermann

Never a Dull Moment

Here on the second night, Captain Voytec Ziolkowski introduced the officers at his welcome reception.

The shortest among them, on his far right in the line, was the ship’s doctor, and he made the obligatory joke about hoping none of us would get to know him. Unfortunately, Laurel and I eventually did.

The full array of officers as introduced by the captain at his reception in the Compass Lounge. * Photo: Karl Zimmermann

The Compass Lounge was home base for Ian Ross, the peripatetic cruise director who wore many hats, all engagingly and excellently.

He offered a two-part lecture, “ People of the Inland Sea, ” and also “ Ecology of the Great Lakes, ” highlighting both successes and failures in keeping the lakes healthy.

Even more important, as guitarist Ross led an excellent and versatile combo backed by Sean on piano and Andre on drums at cocktails nightly. Each evening after dinner was a show: classic country, Motown, crooners, piano man.

Sean, Ian, and Andre were splendid as the Ocean Voyager Band. * Photo: Karl Zimmermann

Most afternoons offered a matinee movie, sometimes thematically linked to a port of call. Later came daily trivia, and one day bingo, especially well attended.

On the final “sea day” into Chicago there was an elegant white-glove tea service.

On the last afternoon aboard as we headed south down Lake Michigan, the Compass Lounge hosted a formal tea. * Photo: Karl Zimmermann

Much of this got short shrift from me, however, partly because of enforced absence (more about that later), but also because my heart belonged to the decks.

During the tea, I snuck out on deck and serendipity rewarded me with a view of the S.S Badger , a favorite of mine, a former railroad car ferry (it now carries trucks and automobiles), still coal-burning, built in 1953. It was plying from Manitowoc, Wis., to Ludington, Mich. * Photo: Karl Zimmermann

Whether on deck or inside, I had an eye peeled for lake traffic. This view through the window is of the 1952-built Michipicoten down-bound on choppy Lake Erie. * Photo: Karl Zimmermann

Tours, Tours, Tours on a Great Lakes Cruise

Also in the Compass Lounge, personable, vivacious Wendy Strickler, the shore excursions manager, would introduce the ports and the tours available. (An excellent map specific to our visits was provided for each port.)

A map of the 9-night route. * Map: American Queen Voyages

From Toronto our cruise would cross Lake Ontario to the Welland Canal, where eight locks would lift us 326 feet up the Niagara Escarpment that creates the famous falls.

We’d awake the next morning at Port Colborne, the canal’s south end.

From there the Niagara Falls tours would depart, and after getting back on board we’d cross Lake Erie to Cleveland and then on to Detroit.

The following day was spent steaming north on Lake Huron to Little Current on Manitoulin Island, and from there on to Sault Ste. Marie, then Mackinac Island before a north-south transit of Lake Michigan to Chicago.

We’d have smooth sailing all the way, including on Lake Erie. By far the shallowest of the Great Lakes, that makes it most prone to choppiness, which we skimmed over undaunted.

“How many of you made this cruise especially to see Niagara Falls?” Wendy asked the first night in introducing those tours, and lots of hands went up.

“How many of you made this cruise especially to see Cleveland?” she asked the next night, and was greeted by laughter rather than raised hands, though she countered that Cleveland had plenty to offer, and I would agree.

The passenger list, we thought, mostly comprised sophisticated cruisers who chose the Great Lakes as a new experience.

Traditional Cruise Documents by Snail Mail

We had gotten a tours preview before sailing when a thick, handsome packet, “Cruise Documents,” arrived by “snail mail,” containing honest-to-god luggage tags, general information, and a listing with thorough details of the excursions.

This paper rather than digital presentation was a throwback, and we liked it. Perhaps Victory Cruise Lines figured this would please a demographic that trended older, at least on our cruise.

The pattern for shore excursions throughout the voyage was an included tour, which we always found more than adequate, plus, in most cases, an up-sell alternative, typically longer and with extra features.

At Port Colborne, the starting point for Niagara Falls tours, we were happy with an afternoon half-day Falls trip that put us aboard a Hornblower’s Niagara City Cruise boat, owned by American Queen Cruises’ parent company .

It sailed from the Canadian side with the more famous Maid of the Mist boats now on the American side.

As an example, the “Premium Experience” for $149 at Niagara Falls added a ride up the Skylon Tower and wine-tasting at nearby Niagara-on-the-Lake.

“Premium” tours could be booked in advance, while tickets for included tours were available the evening before.

Getting wet is half the fun on our Niagara City Cruise boat that flirted with both the American and Canadian Falls. * Photo: Karl Zimmermann

Since Port Colborne marks the Lake Erie end of the Welland Canal, we had happily spent the morning on deck looking across at the small town and watching the canal traffic.

From our chairs on Deck 4 we watched the comings and goings in the little village of Port Colborne. * Photo: Karl Zimmermann

When the lift bridge at Port Colborne that led into the Welland Canal went up, we knew that a boat was near. This was the “saltie” Federal Champlain from Majuro. * Photo: Karl Zimmermann

Ports of Cleveland & Detroit Deliver

Cleveland was one of three ports offering hop-on, hop-off busses (on Mackinac Island there was a carriage tour, of course, since no motorized vehicles).

In Cleveland, we hopped off at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame—a stunning I. M. Pei design, housing everything rock, including a simulated rock concert and a chance for museum-goers to try their hand with various instruments—and the excellent Cleveland Museum of Art, housing extensive and varied collections (with limited time, I hung out with the Impressionists).

The Rock & Roll Museum could support an all-day visit. There was a special Beatles exhibit in addition to this one. * Photo: Karl Zimmermann

The Cleveland Museum of Art, among North America’s finest, blends the old and the new to house its many galleries. * Photo: Karl Zimmermann

The included city tour of Detroit took us to the Charles Wright Museum of African American History .

We were meant to go to the Canfield Street shopping area, but rain rerouted us to the magnificently Art Deco lobby of the 1928 Fisher Building—more than fine by me.

But trouble for the Zimmermanns was not far away.

The lobby of the Fisher Building was a trip highlight for me. * Photo: Karl Zimmermann

And then Some Bad News

During a lovely sunset transit of the St. Clair River into Lake Huron, Laurel began to feel fluish.

The sunset glows behind the American shore of the St. Clair River as we head to Lake Huron. * Photo: Karl Zimmermann

The American Courage down-bound in the St. Clair River sends us to our cabin and an uneasy sleep for Laurel. * Photo: Karl Zimmermann

The next morning a self-test, followed by one by the ship’s doctor, confirmed the worst: she had COVID, and our small but cozy cabin would become her quarantine cell for the balance of the voyage, and mine too at first. (We felt sure that this was not contracted shipboard. Circumstance and timing pointed to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.)

Little Current on Manitoulin Island, Sault Ste. Marie, Mackinac Island, and Lake Michigan for Laurel became what she could see from our two broad windows.

Quarantined in our cabin, we saw only this of Little Current on Manitoulin Island. Turners department store has been doing business for 125 years and now includes a museum, which of course we couldn’t visit. * Photo: Karl Zimmermann

Through our window we saw this beautiful sky headed into Sault Ste. Marie. * Photo: Karl Zimmermann

When we were in quarantine, the maitre d’ always called and read the menu so we could decide what to have brought to our cabin. One of Laurel’s choices was this delicious chocolate eclair. * Photo: Laurel Zimmermann

Free to Go Exploring Again

After two days and a second negative test I was allowed to emerge, masked, so in Sault Ste. Marie I could visit the bulk carrier Valley Camp, right next to our dock and a stop on the hop-on, hop-off.

This museum ship had an exhibit on the doomed ore-carrier Edmund Fitzgerald that included one of its lifeboats. (In Detroit I’d walked by the Mariners Church, where, according to Gordon Lightfoot’s stirring ballad, the “church bell chimed ‘til it rang 29 times/ for each man on the Edmund Fitzgerald.”)

The Edmund Fitzgerald exhibit aboard the museum ship Valley Camp . * Photo: Karl Zimmermann

The Mariners Church in Detroit, made famous in Gordon Lightfoot’s song. * Photo: Karl Zimmermann

“ Sea Time” & Locks on the Great Lakes

I knew my best moments would be on deck, and I was happy to be back out there at least sporadically after quarantine.

When I’d seen the detailed itinerary, I’d been a bit disappointed that port arrivals seemed early and departures late, since the maritime aspects of the Great Lakes were a major attraction for me .

As it turned out, Captain Violkowski proved sensitive to this, arranging to push our scheduled 7 p.m. departure from Toronto up 35 minutes so we would reach Lock 1 of the Welland Canal in daylight—which we did, at 8:45 p.m.

The light is fading as we enter the Welland Canal. * Photo: Karl Zimmermann

We’re in the lock and it’s begun to fill. * Photo: Karl Zimmermann

We’ve locked through and our friend Momo, as much a presence on deck as we, captures the Federal Champlain , home-ported in Maduro, about to enter the lock. * Photo: Karl Zimmermann

Locking through was a beautiful crepuscular experience, ending with the western sky streaked with orange.

Then, two days later our Captain responded to requests of previous passengers and moved Cleveland sailing from 9 p.m. to 6 p.m. for better views of the city skyline.

Entering, we’d gotten a glimpse of our first classic “laker,” the elegantly painted Wilfred Sykes, which began service in 1950 as a “straight decker,” as all bulk carriers were then.

What’s distinctive about the look of a lake boat is the separation of the “forward house” — the domain of the deck officers — and the smokestack-capped “aft cabin,“ where meals are prepared and served to both officers and crew, where and the engineers live and work. Between the two are the hatches, topped these days by an ungainly “self unloading” crane.

The beautifully tricked-out veteran Wilfred Sykes with the Cleveland skyline in the background. * Photo: Karl Zimmermann

By chance, we caught a tall ships parade when we were in Cleveland. * Photo: Laurel Zimmermann.

Passage Through the Soo Locks

The greatest gift to boat buffs aboard (in Great Lakes vernacular vessels are “boats,” even the famous Edmund Fitzgerald and its 1,000-foot-long successors, unless they’re “salties,” coming in from the Atlantic) was passage through the Soo Locks.

Earlier in the day, the Sault Ste. Marie hop-on, hop-off tour had included the locks and a chance to watch the maritime traffic from the viewing stands.

But in the afternoon the Ocean Voyager would transit the Soo locks into Whitefish Bay, our taste of Lake Superior, so we’d have all five lakes.

Then we’d head back and be on our way to Mackinac Island, the next day’s port.

I bet this double transit was an expensive present to us.

Entering the lock at the Soo, we saw the visitors’ gallery on the port side, where we might have perched on tour in the morning. * Photo: Karl Zimmermann

The architecture at the Soo Locks is classic stone. * Photo: Karl Zimmermann

Momo and Eddy are on the Sun Deck as Algoma Central’s Radcliffe R. Latimer is down-bound in the adjacent lock. * Photo: Karl Zimmermann

Outdoors Was Not Everybody’s Cup of Tea

Though the decks were crowded for the Soo transit and our entrance into the Welland Canal, only a handful of passengers were on deck for other serendipitous moments I found special.

I didn’t have much company on deck as we approached the Ambassador Bridge in early morning sailing up the Detroit River. * Photo: Karl Zimmermann

The Renaissance Center shines in morning light as we dock in Detroit. * Photo: Karl Zimmermann

Hanging out forward on the Terrace in Detroit waiting for our afternoon tour, I spotted up-bound (away from the Atlantic) the Kaye E. Barker passing under the Ambassador Bridge linking Windsor, Ont., and Detroit.

Built in 1952, this Interlake Steamship Co. vessel is one of the oldest and most traditional in service.

At the same time I noticed a small boat approaching us; it turned out to be the unique J. W. Westcott II.

The function of this floating United States Post Office (which has its own zip code) is to service lakers and salties transiting the Detroit River, perhaps many days from any port. It had packages for us.

The Kaye E. Barker and J. W. Westcott II are headed our way. * Photo: Karl Zimmermann

The Westcott II shows its logo as a full-fledged Post Office. * Photo: Karl Zimmermann

The Westcott II delivers packages to Ocean Voyager. * Photo: Karl Zimmermann

Mackinac Island & Beyond

Mackinac Island, the final port, can be seen as a classic tourist destination, with throngs of day-trippers pouring off the ferries from Mackinaw City and filling the shop-lined Main Street sidewalks.

On the other hand, its eschewing internal combustion gives the island a timeless quality.

Like most tourists I was entranced by the carriages (the Grand Hotel’s was the most elegant), but equally by the drays delivering everything that was needed to serve us tourists.

The aged-corrugated metal and wood Star Line transfer sheds where we docked spoke of another time.

The Grand Hotel carriage. * Photo: Karl Zimmermann

On Mackinac Island, everything moves by horse. * Photo: Karl Zimmermann

Horses and the Star Line transfer sheds spoke of another era. * Photo: Karl Zimmermann

I skipped the included carriage tour (as well as the “Premier” buffet lunch at the Grand Hotel , which included salads, seafoods, cheeses, a carvery, and fresh baked desserts) and just walked to the magnificent hotel, still radiating all its 1887 glory. I sat on its porch, claimed to be the longest in the world, and I can believe it.

Since the hotel was a stop on the carriage tour, I showed my cabin key and toured the lobby and other public rooms.

The Grand Hotel. * Photo: Karl Zimmermann

The wonderful  porch had room for all of us. * Photo: Karl Zimmermann

The Grand Hotel’s dining room where the luncheon buffet was held. * Photo: Karl Zimmermann

Moving on Again

We loosed lines at dusk and headed south on Lake Michigan via the Straits of Mackinac .

Spanning the straits and catching the afterglow was the Mackinac Bridge, built in 1957 to link Michigan’s Lower and Upper Peninsulas.

The Mackinac Bridge in its expansive elegance. * Photo: Karl Zimmermann

Sunset brought more passengers on deck as we neared the bridge. * Photo: Karl Zimmermann

The Super Moon rises. * Photo: Karl Zimmermann

After we passed under the bridge the dozen or so of us on deck watched a “ Super Moon ” (which occurs when a full moon’s orbit comes closest to the Earth) rise behind it.

At least the moon was visible from our portside cabin so incarcerated Laurel caught a glimpse (ironically she wouldn’t test negative until the morning we disembarked in Chicago).

Chicago Moonset. * Photo: Karl Zimmermann

Docking at the Navy Pier in Chicago brought our voyage to an end. * Photo: Karl Zimmermann

Bittersweet, as our Great Lakes Cruise Comes to an End

That moon hovered over the Chicago skyline when we arrived the morning after our Lake Michigan transit.

Chicago, often called “the Second City,” is second in my heart only to New York. And we’d have loved to tour its magnificent architecture, sail on the Chicago River, and dine at our favorite restaurants, but this time getting home was the imperative.

Hard for me not to have good feelings about the Ocean Voyager , in spite of what we (especially Laurel) missed.

It was a particular pleasure to see places from the water that we’d seen from land, a most enjoyable new perspective.

Maybe we’ll need to go again another year.

The author Karl Zimmermann in a mirror-assisted self portrait.

Interested in this Great Lakes Cruise?

Click here for more info.

Fares for the 10-night package (nine on the Ocean Voyager plus one pre-cruise hotel night) are listed on the American Queen Voyages website starting at $4,999 per person, including daily excursions, open-bar and transfers.

However, keep your eyes open for special offers from American Queen Voyages, such as discounted fares and free airfare.

RELATED: The 2023 Great Lakes Cruise Season — We Share Who’s Going!

RELATED: Karl Zimmermann shares his photos & experience of the Trinity House Patricia ship.

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About The Author

Karl Zimmermann

Karl Zimmermann has written about ships, trains, and other travel subjects for newspapers across the country, from the New York Times and Washington Post to the Los Angeles Times, and for numerous magazines — hundreds of articles in all, to go with his 24 books.

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Wonderful report from Karl Zimmermann, whose knowledge and love of ships shines through and adds so much insight! Thanks for a frank, colorful and informative story and the map and great photos. Sparkling writing — I laughed at the “martini as god intended.” What a drag, though, that Laurel had to miss many of the highlights. Hopefully that yummy-looking chocolate eclair gave some comfort to the cabin-bound.

I was fortunate to be seated at a dining table with Karl and Laurel aboard Deilmann’s Deutschland years ago on a cruise through the Mediterranean and Suez Canal to Egypt and Jordan, and their company really added to the fun and adventure. I well remember Karl on deck with his binoculars, and trekking with Laurel to Cairo and the pyramids at Giza.

We also all enjoyed Deilmann’s sekt!

Thanks, Anne, for the lovely comments. Coming from you it’s especially meaningful and appreciated. We too enjoyed our being together on that wonderful Deutschland voyage, the best of company on top of all the other good things about that trip.

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I'm up to 78 countries and 110+ cruises worldwide, and it's the small ship journeys that I love writing about most. And so QuirkyCruise.com was born, an excellent research tool for planning your own unforgettable small ship trip.

I have traveled between all continents by sea and cruised along three dozen rivers. Ships and travel are in my blood, and so is writing. My journeys have translated into many books and many hundreds of articles.

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How Much Does a Cruise Ship Cost? [SOLVED] Ranked by Ship & Line

By jeremy camosse apr 2021.

You may be surprised at the difference in ship cost between cruise lines! It may surprise you which line has the most expensive and cheapest cruise ships?

How much does a cruise ship cost? We love this question! Below, you'll find a deep dive into cruise ships by cost . From the most expensive cruise ship in the world, to the cheapest.

We've analyzed cruise lines to find how much a cruise ship costs based on multiple criteria.

Included, you'll find ship cost by brand and per cabin to account for difference in ship size. We also explore the difference in the cost to build a cruise ship over time

There's a clear trend in increasing ship cost by decade ! Additionally, we look at the total asset value by fleet and by holding company . It's truly amazing how the industry is so very consolidated!

Don't get us wrong. A ship's price tag is just one consideration.

There are plenty of factors that come into play when searching for the perfect cruise. How new is the vessel? How big is it? What class does it belong to? What features does it have? And, of course, how much does a cruise ship cost ? We cover all of these in other blog posts. For now, we'll explore ship cost in depth.

Cost by Cruise Line

How much does a cruise ship cost to build, by Line?

Above, you'll find a graph showing the average cruise ship cost by cruise line . The chart shown represents the actual cost to build a cruise ship for the specific brands shown.

Which company spends the most per vessel? That would be Royal Caribbean! On average, RCCL writes a check for $669 million for each new ship!

Size Matters

You may be a bit skewed from the info above. It looks like Royal Caribbean is clearly the most expensive. But, the above chart doesn't take into account size. Obviously a ship that can hold 5,000 passengers will be more expensive than a ship with 500. Royal Caribbean has the biggest ships. It's not overly surprising that they're also the most expensive!

This graph above gives us an idea of not just "cost," but also grandiosity. Royal's ships are the biggest and most costly .

To get a better idea of "value" as opposed to "price tag," you'll want to consider ship size . We're one step ahead! Check out the infographic below for average cost to build a cruise ship based on size. Specifically, we analyze cost verse number of staterooms.

Cruise Ship Cost by Cabin

How much does a cruise ship cost by stateroom?

This chart shows average cost by cruise cabin. That allows us to account for ship size and "normalize" the cost data. When buying an apartment building, you'd mostly like value it based on total number of units. Each apartment will command $X in rent. Similarly, each cruise cabin generates $Y in revenue.

It's no surprise that the smaller ships rise to the top. These brands are considered "premium lines." The drastic differences in price are obvious. Seabourn ships have cruise staterooms valued at more than 5x the cost of cabins on Pullmantur!

Why did we use cabins as a proxy for size?

Great question! There are a few metrics we could have picked. Passenger Capacity or Tonnage could have worked as well. Both have merits as well as deficiencies. We chose "cabins" due to its direct impact on revenues generated.

To get the most of this analysis, you'll want to compare ships with a similar quantity of cabins. Compare SAGA and Fred Olsen ships. The average roughly the same number of cabins per ship. SAGA spends over 2x the amount on a per cabin basis!

The data won't completely represent the full picture. Celebrity has massive ships carrying over 3k passengers and also the Xploration with a capacity of 16 cruisers! To avoid this issue you'll want to check out our complete list of ships by cost below.

Cost Increase Over Time

Below, find the increase in cruise ship cost over time

We also looked at how much does a cruise ship cost to build today vs. in the past ? We expected an increase and were not disappointed! The chart below shows the average price tag of ships throughout the decades.

The blue bars show actual dollars spent. The green line depicts "cost in today's dollars." These figures were derived using an average inflation rate of 3.22%.

It's clear that prices have grown significantly ! Both in terms of actual dollars and inflation-adjusted costs.

Even with the current speed bump in the industry, we expect this to continue. Vessels are continuously adding capacity and extravagant (read "expensive") features. The average cost per cruise ship is quickly approaching one billion dollars !

Cruise Line Fleet Value

Total value of all ships by cruise line.

You may have counted almost 30 cruise brands included above. Don't be fooled . There aren't that many big cruise companies out there. The chart below is likely to surprise you. The list of cruise companies is much smaller. Two companies (Carnival & Royal Caribbean) own nearly 75% of the entire industry !

Many passengers have sailed Oceania or Cunard and had no clue they were owned by NCL or Carnival. It's always entertaining to hear a passenger make fun of "Carnival" as they proudly book their next Seabourn vacation. Carnival Corp. owns both brands!

These major cruise lines know what they're doing. They want to own every cruise passenger , whether they're cruise budget is $1,000 or $10,000!

Most Expensive Cruise Ships

Which Cruise Ships Cost the Most?

Of course we had to include a list of the most expensive cruise ships ever built . Here are the Top 25 biggest price tags ever commanded by cruise ships. The "billion+ dollar club" is a significant portion of the list.

We also include the owning cruise line. You'll find one cruise line in particular is writing the biggest checks!

ALLURE OF THE SEAS

#1 Most Expensive Cruise Ship in the World

How much did the Allure of the Seas cost to build?

Royal Caribbean spent $1.5 Billion for the ship in 2010.

That represents a cost of $2.13 Billion when adjusted for inflation!

The ship weighs in at 225k gross tons and is one of the largest in the fleet. Per tonnage, the ship cost Royal Caribbean $9,447 (per GT) in today's dollars.

It's also interesting to look at the Allure of the Seas cost per cabin. The ship has a total of 2,745 staterooms. That equates to roughly $775k per cabin , when adjusted for inflation!

STAR OF THE SEAS

#2 Most Expensive Cruise Ship in the World

How much did the Star of the Seas cost to build?

Royal Caribbean had a $1.88 Billion price tag for the ship, which will be delivered in 2025.

The ship weighs in at 251k gross tons and is one of the largest in the fleet. Per tonnage, the ship cost Royal Caribbean $7,496 (per GT).

It's also interesting to look at the Star of the Seas cost per cabin. The ship has a total of 2,805 staterooms. That equates to roughly $670k per cabin !

OASIS OF THE SEAS

#3 Most Expensive Cruise Ship in the World

How much did the Oasis of the Seas cost to build?

Royal Caribbean spent $1.3 Billion for the ship in 2009.

That represents a cost of $1.8 Billion when adjusted for inflation!

The ship weighs in at 225k gross tons and is one of the largest in the fleet. Per tonnage, the ship cost Royal Caribbean $8,160 (per GT) in today's dollars.

It's also interesting to look at the Oasis of the Seas cost per cabin. The ship has a total of 2,742 staterooms. That equates to roughly $670k per cabin , when adjusted for inflation!

HARMONY OF THE SEAS

#4 Most Expensive Cruise Ship in the World

How much did the Harmony of the Seas cost to build?

Royal Caribbean spent $1.35 Billion for the ship in 2016.

That represents a cost of $1.7 Billion when adjusted for inflation!

The ship weighs in at 228k gross tons and is one of the largest in the fleet. Per tonnage, the ship cost Royal Caribbean $7,615 (per GT) in today's dollars.

It's also interesting to look at the Harmony of the Seas cost per cabin. The ship has a total of 2,747 staterooms. That equates to roughly $631k per cabin , when adjusted for inflation!

NORWEGIAN EPIC

#5 Most Expensive Cruise Ship in the World

How much did the Norwegian Epic cost to build?

Norwegian Cruise LIne spent $1.2 Billion for the ship in 2010.

The ship weighs in at 156k gross tons and is one of the largest in the fleet, although significantly smaller than the RC ships on this leaderboard. Per tonnage, the ship cost NCL $10,924 (per GT) in today's dollars.

It's also interesting to look at the NCL Epic cost per cabin. The ship has a total of 2,114 staterooms. That equates to roughly $805k per cabin , when adjusted for inflation!

On a "per cabin" and "per tonnage" basis, the NCL Epic is the most expensive ship on this list!

SYMPHONY OF THE SEAS

#6 Most Expensive Cruise Ship in the World

How much did the Symphony of the Seas cost to build?

Royal Caribbean spent $1.35 Billion for the ship in 2018.

The ship weighs in at 228k gross tons and is one of the largest in the fleet. Per tonnage, the ship cost Royal Caribbean $7,350 (per GT) in today's dollars.

It's also interesting to look at the Symphony of the Seas cost per cabin. The ship has a total of 2,759 staterooms. That equates to roughly $608k per cabin , when adjusted for inflation!

WONDER OF THE SEAS

#7 Most Expensive Cruise Ship in the World

How much did the Wonder of the Seas cost to build?

Royal Caribbean spent $1.35 Billion for the ship in 2022.

That represents a cost of $1.5 Billion when adjusted for inflation!

The ship weighs in at 237k gross tons and is one of the largest in the fleet. Per tonnage, the ship cost Royal Caribbean $6,408 (per GT) in today's dollars.

It's also interesting to look at the Wonder of the Seas cost per cabin. The ship has a total of 2,867 staterooms. That equates to roughly $529k per cabin , when adjusted for inflation!

OVATION OF THE SEAS

#8 Most Expensive Cruise Ship in the World

How much did the Ovation of the Seas cost to build?

Royal Caribbean spent $1.1 Billion for the ship in 2016.

That represents a cost of $1.4 Billion when adjusted for inflation!

The ship weighs in at 169k gross tons. Per tonnage, the ship cost Royal Caribbean $8,377 (per GT) in today's dollars.

It's also interesting to look at the Ovation of the Seas cost per cabin. The ship has a total of 2,091 staterooms. That equates to roughly $676k per cabin , when adjusted for inflation!

ICON OF THE SEAS

#9 Most Expensive Cruise Ship in the World

How much did the Icon of the Seas cost to build?

Royal Caribbean spent $1.3 Billion for the ship in 2023.

That represents a cost of $1.35 Billion when adjusted for inflation!

The ship weighs in at 251k gross tons. This is the largest cruise ship in the fleet. Per tonnage, the ship cost Royal Caribbean $5,396 (per GT) in today's dollars. That's least expensive per GT of any ship on the list.

It's also interesting to look at the Icon of the Seas cost per cabin. The ship has a total of 2,805 staterooms. That equates to roughly $482k per cabin , when adjusted for inflation!

UTOPIA OF THE SEAS

#10 Most Expensive Cruise Ship in the World

How much did the Utopia of the Seas cost to build?

Royal Caribbean spent $1.3 Billion for the ship in 2024.

The ship weighs in at 237k gross tons. This is one of the largest cruise ships in the fleet. Per tonnage, the ship cost Royal Caribbean $5,700 (per GT) .

It's also interesting to look at the Utopia of the Seas cost per cabin. The ship has a total of 2,824 staterooms. That equates to roughly $478k per cabin ! That's the cheapest per cabin cost of any ship on the list!

MSC WORLD EUROPA

#11 Most Expensive Cruise Ship in the World

How much did the MSC World Europa cost to build?

MSC spent $1.15 Billion for the ship in 2022.

That represents a cost of $1.3 Billion when adjusted for inflation!

The ship weighs in at 206k gross tons and is one of the largest in MSC's fleet. Per tonnage, the ship cost the cruise line $6,286 (per GT) in today's dollars.

It's also interesting to look at the World Europa's cost per cabin. The ship has a total of 2,626 staterooms. That equates to roughly $492k per cabin , when adjusted for inflation!

MSC SEASHORE

#12 Most Expensive Cruise Ship in the World

How much did the MSC Seashore cost to build?

The ship weighs in at 169k gross tons. Per tonnage, the ship cost the cruise line $7,632 (per GT) in today's dollars.

It's also interesting to look at the MSC Seashore's cost per cabin. The ship has a total of 2,270 staterooms. That equates to roughly $570k per cabin , when adjusted for inflation!

DISNEY FANTASY

#13 Most Expensive Cruise Ship in the World

How much did the Disney Fantasy cost to build?

Disney spent $950 Million for the ship in 2012.

The ship weighs in at 130k gross tons. Per tonnage, the ship cost Disney Cruise Line $9,912 (per GT) in today's dollars.

It's also interesting to look at the Disney Fantasy's cost per cabin. The ship has a total of 1,250 staterooms. That equates to roughly $1 million per cabin , when adjusted for inflation. That's the most expensive cost per cabin of any ship on the list!

DISNEY DREAM

#14 Most Expensive Cruise Ship in the World

How much did the Disney Dream cost to build?

Disney spent $900 Million for the ship in 2011.

The ship weighs in at 130k gross tons. Per tonnage, the ship cost Disney Cruise Line $9,688 (per GT) in today's dollars.

It's also interesting to look at the Disney Dream's cost per cabin. The ship has a total of 1,250 staterooms. That equates to roughly $1 million per cabin , when adjusted for inflation. Along with the Disney Fantasy, this represents the most expensive cost per cabin of any ship on the list!

FREEDOM OF THE SEAS

#15 Most Expensive Cruise Ship in the World

How much did the Freedom of the Seas cost to build?

Royal Caribbean spent $800 Million for the ship in 2011.

That represents a cost of $1.2 Billion when adjusted for inflation!

The ship weighs in at 154k gross tons. Per tonnage, the ship cost Royal Caribbean Cruise Line $8,079 (per GT) in today's dollars.

It's also interesting to look at the Freedom of the Seas' cost per cabin. The ship has a total of 1,817 staterooms. That equates to roughly $687k per cabin , when adjusted for inflation.

On average, a cruise ship costs $763 million, when adjusted for inflation. To get this approximated cost to build a cruise ship, we analyzed 243 active and ordered vessels. Each respective purchase price was adjusted for inflation prior to our average.

The Star of the Seas is the most expensive ship ever built in terms of "actual dollars." The price paid by Royal Caribbean was $1.88 Billion and the ship will be delivered in 2025. When comparing "today's dollars" the Allure of the Seas tops the list at an adjusted purchase price of $2.1 Billion.

Royal Caribbean clearly leads the cruise industry with the most expensive ships. Next in line is Disney followed by Costa than NCL. The entire ranking chart can be seen above.

Seadream Yachts has the least expensive cruise ships. Yet, the cruise line has a much smaller capacity and relatively high cost per stateroom. When accounting for size, the cheapest cruise ships are owned by Pullmantur.

In actual dollars, ships have increased based on the following costs per decade: 1970 - $43M; 1980 - $37M; 1990: $119M; 2000: $276M; 2010: $433M; 2020: $697M; 2020+ - $870M. Our graph also shows this increase in normalized dollars spent.

Carnival Corporation is by far the largest with 45% of the cruise industry in terms of ships owned. The company owns nine cruise brands and a combined 94 ships. The total asset value of these based on actual dollars spent is $74.2 billion. The chart above shows the owned brands and this line compared to others.

We hope that the above is extremely helpful in answering, how much does a cruise ship cost to build?

If you enjoyed learning about the most expensive cruise ships in the world, you'll love to explore the largest cruise vessels ever built. Please check out our post, Largest Cruise Ships in the World .

Please use the "Share" buttons below to share our cruise ship costs posts with your favorite cruising community!

The ultimate guide to Atlas Ocean Voyages cruise ships and itineraries

It isn't often that the world gets an all-new cruise line. But that's what happened earlier this month as new small-ship cruise specialist Atlas Ocean Voyages debuted with its first sailing.

Based in Fort Lauderdale, the new "luxe adventure" brand is promising upscale, adventurous voyages on small but well-appointed expedition vessels — the sort of vessels that carry their own landing craft for exploring in remote, off-the-beaten-path places.

Created by a company that's already big in river cruising and operates ocean ships for other brands, Atlas initially will focus heavily on voyages to the ultimate playgrounds for small expedition ships, Antarctica and the Arctic. It'll also offer a sprinkling of trips along the east coast of South America and in the Baltic Sea and the Mediterranean Sea too.

For now, Atlas only is operating a single ship, the 196-passenger World Navigator. But it plans to quickly ramp up in size with the addition of four more vessels over the next three years.

Related: Which cruise brand is right for you?

3 things TPG loves about Atlas Ocean Voyages

• Its focus on upscale adventure
• The abundance of wildlife viewing areas on its ships
• The stylish design of its ships

What we could do without

• Extra charges by the megabyte for WiFi access

The Atlas Ocean Voyages fleet

As noted above, Atlas only is operating one vessel for now. But it already has four more ships on order from a shipyard in Portugal for delivery over the next three years. By 2024, it should be a five-ship brand, and there's already talk about an order for a sixth vessel.

All of the ships will be sisters to each other with very similar layouts and features, making up what Atlas is calling its Explorer Class. And they'll all be what is known as expedition ships -- vessels built extra tough to travel to some of the most off-the-beaten-path parts of the world, including Antarctica and the Arctic.

As is typical for ships of this type, they all will have a polar-class rating that'll allow them to travel deep into the polar regions in addition to warm-water locales, and they'll carry Zodiac boats for exploring.

World Navigator, which just debuted this month, is the prototype for the series and notable for its intimacy. Measuring 9,930 tons, it's designed to hold far fewer people — as noted above, just 196, not including crew — than is typical for a cruise ship, even in the luxury space.

Even 196 is a bit of an overstatement, as the line will be using some passenger cabins on every voyage to house entertainers and expedition guides. As a result, the vessel is unlikely to ever sail with more than 184 passengers, the line has said. On some itineraries, the maximum passenger count will be even lower.

Only a handful of upscale cruise lines, most notably France-based Ponant and Windstar Cruises , focus on vessels with so few passengers.

The next two ships in the series, World Traveller and World Seeker, should arrive in 2022 and 2023, respectively.

World Traveller (and, yes, that's Traveller spelled the British way) should open for bookings soon.

First look: Inside New Atlas Ocean Voyages ship World Navigator

Destinations and itineraries

For its first year in operation, Atlas is focusing heavily on the two big bucket-list destinations in the expedition cruise space, Antarctica and the Arctic.

World Navigator will spend more than four months -- from mid-November 2021 to the end of March 2022 -- operating nine- to 12-night voyages to Antarctica out of Ushuaia, Argentina. Come summer of 2022, it'll reposition to the Arctic for trips that feature stops in Norway's icy and wildlife-filled Svalbard archipelago, Iceland and Greenland.

In between sailing in the two polar regions, World Navigator will offer a mix of sailings to South America, the Baltic and the Mediterranean.

Note that Atlas will be expanding its array of itineraries over the next year as it begins to announce routes for its second and third vessels.

In all ports, passengers have access to one or more included port excursions as well as additional extra-charge excursions.

Who sails Atlas Ocean Voyages?

The answer to "who sails Atlas" is still in a bit of flux, as the line has just started up operations and is only beginning to take bookings in volume. But the brand is targeting well-heeled travelers who want an upscale experience that is more active than what is typical on some luxury vessels.

Alberto Aliberti, the line's president, recently told TPG that they're expecting a core audience in the 50-something to 60-something age range, with the typical passenger being someone who is looking for an upscale, active experience that isn't too formal.

Atlas may be positioning itself as a luxury brand, but Aliberti is adamant it not be a stuffy sort of luxury.

He's purposely set the dress code to be casual -- a polo shirt with slacks for men at dinner is just fine (no jacket required). And he's eager to keep the dining and cabin service experience unfussy.

"The feeling we're looking at is kind of like a country club after a round of golf, when everyone is still in their shorts, they're relaxed [and] they're having some drinks at the bar," Aliberti said during a reception for travel agents on World Navigator's inaugural sailing.

Cabins and suites

World Navigator and its coming sister vessels have been designed for intimacy with just 98 cabins a piece. That's far fewer cabins than you'll find on most luxury ships -- luxury line Seabourn, for instance, operates vessels that have 226 to 302 cabins. But it's typical for expedition ships.

The 98 cabins on the vessels can be broken down into three broad categories: oceanview cabins, balcony cabins and suites. But the vast majority of the cabins (72 out of 98) are balcony cabins.

There are no windowless "inside" cabins, as you'll sometimes find on cruise vessels.

The balcony cabins, notably, can further be broken down into two broad sub-categories. There are traditional balcony cabins, where there's an interior part to the room and a separate outdoor balcony. But there also are what some lines are calling "infinite veranda" balcony cabins -- cabins where the balcony space is incorporated into the interior part of the room and only becomes a "balcony" with the opening of the top half of a window wall facing the sea.

Related: Everything you want to know about Atlas cabins and suites

The latter are the sort of balcony cabins found on the newest Celebrity Cruises ships and vessels operated by several river cruise lines, including Avalon Waterways and Crystal Cruises, and they feel bigger than the traditional balcony cabins -- even though the total size of the two types of rooms including balcony space (270 square feet) are the same.

Note that Atlas plans to phase out the oceanview cabins on its first ship, World Navigator, over the coming year. There only are 10 of them, measuring 183 square feet apiece, and even now, they're not always all available for booking. Atlas is using some or all of them on many itineraries to house the ship's expedition guides and entertainers.

But in early 2022, the line plans to convert six of these cabins from rooms designed for two people into "solo suites" designed for just one traveler. This is notable, as solo suites are relatively rare on luxury expedition ships.

At the same time, Atlas will be taking the rest of the oceanview cabins on World Navigator out of its booking pool, leaving it as an all-balcony-and-suite vessel.

But that's all happening next year. For now, oceanview cabins on the ship still are available.

Design-wise, all of the cabins and suites on World Navigator evoke the 1940s with such flourishes as glossy mahogany walls and chrome accents, though the rooms are thoroughly modern. Accents in shades of brown, black and rich greens as well as silvery blues (including green velvet throw pillows and sleek, built-in side shelves covered in stitched tan leather) create a rich and luxuriant aesthetic.

Bathrooms in all categories of World Navigator cabins are lined with marble and feature upscale L'Occitane toiletries.

The suites on the ship (there are 10) range in size from 382 to 465 square feet.

Restaurants and dining

As is typical for small cruise vessels, World Navigator has just a handful of dining options.

There is one main restaurant, Porto, where passengers have most of their meals. Located at the back of the ship's main public deck (Deck 4), it has a relatively large covered outdoor seating area overlooking the wake of the vessel in addition to indoor seating.

Both the indoor and outdoor portions of Porto are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner every day, with dinner's bringing rotating, regionally inspired menus (one night might be Italian themed, the next night Peruvian themed). In addition to regionally inspired menu items, the dinner menu has an "always available" section with classic main dishes such as filet mignon and a salmon filet. Always available sides include steamed spinach and truffle fries.

In addition to the main restaurant, there's a grill next to the pool on the ship's main pool deck that transforms at night into an open-air "chophouse," as the line is calling it. Called the 7Aft Grill, it serves up black Angus filet mignon, New York Strip steaks, chicken and lobster grilled with a combination grill-oven cooking process called "jospering" that originated in Spain. Atlas says it's the first cruise line to add a jospering-type grill to a ship.

World Navigator also has a cafe on its main public deck called Paula's Pantry that serves up espresso drinks, pastries and some heartier grab-and-go items (including soup and sandwiches that are available from late morning through the early evening).

Room service also is available, and there's an afternoon tea with lovely cakes, cookies and other treats set up each afternoon in the top-of-the-ship Dome lounge.

Entertainment and activities

The entertainment and activities on World Navigator will vary a bit depending on the part of the world in which it is sailing. On trips to Antarctica, for instance, daytime activities will revolve heavily around landings by Zodiac boats to see wildlife such as penguins. On trips in the Mediterranean, the vessel will have much more of a yacht-like feel on board with passengers mixing time on the pool deck with both adventurous and traditional excursions in ports.

Traditional entertainment

As is the norm on very small ships, World Navigator doesn't have a big, splashy theater that's home to production shows, comedy acts and the like, as is often found on larger vessels. But evening entertainment can be lively with live piano music and sing-alongs in the vessel's top-of-the-ship Dome lounge, as well as dancing in the Dome lounge on its small dance floor.

On early sailings, the ship has sailed with an onboard piano player/singer who entertains nightly as well as a rotating feature performer (when TPG was onboard the ship's inaugural sailing, it was Broadway vocalist Michelle Murlin, who performed in "Les Miserables" and "Cats").

The ship's cruise director also performs some nights in lounges.

World Navigator has two main lounges -- the aforementioned Dome lounge and the Atlas lounge, which is located on the main public deck. There's also a small auditorium adjacent to the Atlas lounge that is used for lectures related to the destinations that the ship visits and other presentations. The ship will sail regularly with experts on the places it is visiting for such lectures. For instance, on the line's initial sailings this month between Greece and Egypt, an Egyptologist was onboard giving talks about the Egyptian pyramids, Alexander the Great and other related topics. There also was a speaker on pop culture.

The Atlas lounge is home to an "Apres Sea" happy hour each day -- the ship's at-sea version of the end-of-the-day Apres Ski get-togethers that are common at ski resorts.

Adventure offerings

As noted above, World Navigator is an expedition ship designed for adventurous sailings to faraway parts of the world, and these often are trips where the main "entertainment" of the day is the adventure of landings by Zodiac to see unusual wildlife and scenery.

World Navigator currently is sailing with six Zodiac boats on board for landings and soon will add six more in advance of its repositioning to Antarctica for the winter.

World Navigator also sails with a floating adventure dock that can be used to launch Jet Skis, kayaks and paddleboards that are kept on board, and there's a mudroom with cubbies where passengers can keep their parkas and boots during polar adventures.

World Navigator, notably, also is loaded with indoor and outdoor observation areas -- something that can make all the difference during a trip to a place like Antarctica.

Among the most notable of these is the Dome lounge mentioned above, which is perfectly designed for viewing scenery and wildlife during daylight hours. Located at the very front of World Navigator, on its highest deck, it features a curving wall of floor-to-ceiling windows that offers stunning views in three directions at once (as well as a view straight up through a glass dome that tops the space — hence its name).

Better yet, doors on each side of the Dome observation lounge lead to outdoor viewing areas that also wrap around three sides of the ship.

World Navigator also offers a close-to-the-waterline outdoor observation area at its very tip that will offer equally stunning views during expeditions in scenery-rich places such as Antarctica and the Arctic. Called The Water's Edge, it boasts a long, curving bench that's heated from within to take the chill off during adventures in such cold-weather locales.

Plus, there are two more outdoor observation areas at the back of Decks 5 and 6 — the two main cabin decks. This allows passengers in cabins a quick place to run outside for a view when the captain announces that wildlife has been spotted.

The pool deck and other venues

World Navigator features a relatively large deck-top pool area — something you don't always find on a ship carrying fewer than 200 passengers. It's home to a pool, two hot tubs, rows of lounge chairs and a pool grill and bar.

Other venues on board include a small but enticing L'Occitane spa with two treatment rooms, a relaxing lounge area and a sauna; and a small fitness center. There's also a jogging track on the very top of the ship, as well as some outdoor fitness equipment. Just be warned that, given the ship's small size, you'll have to make quite a few revolutions of the jogging track to run a mile.

Note that there is no hair salon onboard. Ships as small as World Navigator don't always have hair salons. There also are no self-serve launderettes. But the vessel offers wash-and-press laundry service for an extra charge (see more below in the What to Know section).

A small retail shop on the ship's main public deck sells sundries that you might have forgotten, such as sunscreen and toothpaste, as well as Atlas logo wear, perfume and some souvenir items.

The ship also plans to operate with an "open bridge" policy where passengers can enter the bridge at times to see how it works (though this policy has not been implemented so far).

Children's program

As is typical for lines specializing in small ships and expedition ships, Atlas does not offer specific children's programs on its vessels or provide child care on board.

What to know before you go

Required documents.

Atlas Ocean Voyages operates international, multi-country itineraries where passports always are required. In keeping with the rules in place in many countries around the world, passports should be valid for at least six months after the end date of your trip and have sufficient blank pages for entry stamps. Note that it is important that the name on your reservation be exactly as it is stated on your passport.

Atlas includes gratuities for crew as part of its fares. Passengers aren't expected to tip the crew at the end of voyages.

Related: Everything you need to know about tipping on a cruise ship

Atlas has been advertising that it includes WiFi in its fare. But, for now, it's not unlimited WiFi. Passengers on initial sailings of World Navigator this year have gotten just 150 to 250 megabytes of data on a complimentary basis per sailing, depending on their cabin category. Additional megabytes of data come with an extra charge that starts at $45 for 500 megabytes.

Atlas had intended to offer unlimited Wi-Fi with no data limit on sailings — and still does intend for this to be the way it operates. But it's struggling with the fallout from a wiring mistake during the building of World Navigator that's forcing it to ration bandwidth for now. Executives hope to have this fixed soon.

Related: Wi-Fi on ships really is getting better

Carry-on drinks policy

Atlas allows passengers to bring their own alcohol onto ships, typically with a corkage fee. But there's little need to do so. Wine, beer, spirits and cocktails of all kinds are available onboard at no extra charge, as drinks are included in the fare.

Smoking policy

On all ships, smoking (including electronic cigarettes) only is allowed in designated outdoor areas. It's forbidden in cabins and on cabin balconies. Passengers caught smoking in their cabins will be charged a cleaning fee and could be removed from the ship.

World Navigator does not have self-serve launderettes. The vessel offers wash-and-press (or press-only) laundry service for an extra charge but no dry cleaning service. As of August 2021, the cost to wash and press a shirt or blouse was set at $4.80 per item. The cost to wash and press a dress was $7.30.

Related: Everything you need to know about cruise ship laundry services

Electrical outlets

World Navigator has standard North American-style, 120-volt outlets in rooms as well as European-style, 230-volt outlets and USB ports.

The currency used on Atlas itineraries is U.S. dollars. All vessels operate on a "cashless system," with any onboard purchases you make posting automatically to your onboard account. You'll receive a card that you can use to make charges. This same card also is what lets you into your cabin.

Drinking age

You must be 18 to consume alcohol on all Atlas itineraries.

Atlas ships aren't formal in their feel, and casual dress is the order of the day. There is no specific dress code, and resort wear (think: a polo shirt and slacks or a skirt) is just fine not only during the day but in the evening. It's a no-jacket-required sort of ship.

Related: What to pack for your first cruise

Accessibility

Two of World Navigator's 98 cabins --one balcony cabin and one oceanview cabin -- are designed as accessible cabins. The balcony cabin is of the type that has a slide-down window as opposed to a traditional balcony. The accessible oceanview cabin, which is currently designed for two occupants, is one of the cabins that will be converted into a "solo suite" early next year. So starting in 2022, the ship will have a single accessible solo cabin.

Both of the accessible cabins are designed with Americans with Disabilities Act compliance in mind with a much more open-concept layout than the ship's other cabins to allow for easy movement and much bigger and more open bathrooms. The bathrooms, specifically, have shower areas with shower chairs built into the walls, safety bars in multiple locations and lower-to-the-ground sinks.

Closets in the rooms have specialized hanger rack systems with pull-down devices that will bring the hanging rack down, making it reachable for someone in a wheelchair. There also are emergency call buttons next to the beds that aren't found in the rest of the ship's cabins.

Atlas Ocean Voyages' loyalty program

Atlas Ocean Voyages currently does not have a loyalty program. But the line has said it is in the process of developing one.

How much does an Atlas Ocean Voyages cruise cost?

Atlas Ocean Voyages sailings aren't inexpensive. Nine-night Greek islands voyages start at $5,799 per person. That works out to more than $1,200 per day for a couple sharing a room. The line's core expedition sailings to the polar regions are even more. Nine-night Antarctica trips start at $10,599 per person.

But as is typical for cruise lines at the high end, Atlas is including a lot in its base price. In addition to a room on board and all meals, the fares include round-trip airfare from select U.S. and Canadian gateways; drinks, including beer, wine and spirits; shipboard Wi-Fi; prepaid gratuities; and (perhaps most notably) shore excursions in every port.

In addition, Atlas offers one very unusual inclusion as part of what it's calling All-Inclusive All the Way pricing: Emergency medical evacuation insurance for every passenger.

The included flights alone can be worth more than $1,000 in added value, as many passengers will find themselves flying long distances to reach Atlas ships.

Note that the included-drinks menu on World Navigator features one to three mid-level brands of each major type of liquor. Higher-end liquors come with an extra charge. There is one included bourbon whiskey, for instance, Knob Creek, and two included vodkas (Ketel One and Absolut Vodka Citroen). You'll pay $6.50 or $7.20 extra, respectively, for a pour of Tito's or Grey Goose vodka.

There's a wide selection of included beers on World Navigator as well as a number of included wines. There's also an extensive list of extra charge wines available by the bottle.

Related: 15 ways that first-time cruisers waste money on a cruise

How to book

If you're sure you know what sort of cabin you want on World Navigator and on which specific itinerary, you can head over to AtlasOceanVoyages.com to make a booking directly.

That said, given the complexity of booking a cruise — there are a lot of decisions to make during the booking process, trust us — we recommend that you use a seasoned travel agent who specializes in cruises.

A good travel agent will quiz you about your particular interests, travel style and preferences, and steer you to the perfect cruise line, ship, itinerary and cabin for you. They also can help you if something goes wrong just before, during or after your voyage.

If you're sure that Atlas Ocean Voyages is your line, look for a travel agent who specializes in trips with the brand. You want someone who understands all the little quirks that are unique to Atlas cabin categories and, preferably, has done a ship inspection to see the cabins first hand.

Bottom line

There are a lot of reasons to be excited about new cruise line Atlas Ocean Voyages.

Built for adventurous travel to faraway places such as Antarctica and the Arctic, it's a small and intimate ship at a time when small and intimate is what many luxury travelers are craving most.

If your idea of the perfect cruise ship is a giant vessel loaded with all sorts of amusements , such as the ships operated by Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line , the line's vessels probably aren't for you. But if it's exclusiveness you want, and a bit of adventure, the five ships that the line is scheduled to roll out over the next three years could be a great choice.

TPG's Gene Sloan recently reported live from the inaugural voyage of World Navigator. You can find all of his dispatches from the ship on his author's page .

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
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Atlas Ocean Voyages

History, review, itineraries, ships, deck plans, news.

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Atlas Ocean Voyages fleet

World adventurer, world discoverer, world traveller, world voyager, world navigator, review of atlas ocean voyages.

AOV-Atlas Ocean Voyages (AtlasOceanVoyages.com) is a new expedition cruise travel brand and a fully owned subsidiary of Mystic Invest SGPS SA (shipowner). The parent company is the Ferreira family-owned Portuguese financial holding with brands mainly in the travel tourism and leisure industries.

AOV specializes mainly in polar/Arctic and Antarctic cruises, but also schedules itineraries in Europe (Mediterranean, Baltic, Iceland and Greenland, Norwegian Fjords), Central America/Caribbean and other popular travel regions.

AOV's sister cruise shipping companies (which are also fully owned by Mystic Invest) are the travel brands "MYSTIC CRUISES" (USA), ATLAS OCEAN VOYAGES (North America), NICKO CRUISES (Germany) and DOUROAZUL (Portugal-based riverboats).

The complete list of brands/subsidiaries owned by the parent company Mystic Invest Holding includes DouroAzul (Portugal), Mystic Cruises (USA), Atlas Ocean Voyages (North America/USA and Canada), Nicko Cruises (Germany, via Schiffsreisen GmbH), Priority Dolphin (shipbuilding), Mystic Tua (Portugal) Mystic Adventure (tour agency in Barca d'Alva ), World of Discoveries (theme park in Porto Portugal), Helitours (Porto and Douro Valley), BlueBus (Oporto), Caminho das Estrelas (suborbital and Zero-G flights), Mystic Real Estate , as well as several luxury hotels and resorts (Hotel do Cais, Monumental Palace Hotel, Douro Marina Hotel, Wine Lodge Hotel).

Mystic Invest fully owns (100%) the WestSEA Shipyard ( shipbuilding /repairs yard in Viana do Castelo, Portugal ) where the Holding is currently building its new expedition cruise ships.

Mystic Cruises USA often seasonally charters some of its ocean-going/expedition vessels and riverboats to small cruise companies , including Quark Expeditions and Riviera Travel UK/fleet .

All ocean ships are operated via Mystic Cruises USA's brand "Atlas Ocean Voyages"/AOV. These vessels include World Navigator (2021), World Voyager (2021), World Traveller (2022), World Discoverer (2023), World Adventurer (2024).

On May 16, 2019, Mystic Cruises signed a partnership with Adonis AS (provider of maritime HR / human resources support and solutions) for the ocean fleet's management. Adonis Maritime HR Suite includes services like staff recruitment, crewing and payroll.

In early-June 2019, Certares GBT Holdings Ltd (NYC-based global company specializing in travel, tourism and hospitality investments, subsidiary of Certares Management LLC) became a shareholder (40%) in Mystic Invest Holding for EUR 250 million (~USD 294 million). The Ferreira family is the majority stake owner (60%) of Mystic Invest's cruise companies (DouroAzul Portugal, Nicko Cruises, Mystic Cruises USA, Atlas Ocean Voyages USA) and full owner of the holding's non-cruise subsidiaries.

On November 14, 2019, was officially introduced the new (adventure-luxe) brand "Atlas Ocean Voyages" which is currently managed by Mystic Cruises USA . Bookings were opened on January 2, 2020, while revenue operations were scheduled to start on July 7, 2021, with the ship World Navigator . Early-booking promos included per-cabin savings (up to USD 2000) and half deposits.

Due to the COVID crisis , all Mystic-owned cruise brands (Nicko, DouroAzul, AOV-Atlas Ocean) canceled voyages fleetwide between March 2020 and May 2021.

Company changes 2023

On May 24, 2023, was officially launched the "Atlas Yacht Club" loyalty program. The program is 5-tiered (has 5 membership levels) - Purple (7-35 nights with AOV), Bronze (36-75 nights), Silver (76-125 nights), Gold (126-200 nights), and Captain's Yacht Club (201+ nights).

AOV's Epicurean Expeditions (scheduled for the period May thru Ocotber 2023) introduced the open-air dining concept "Alma Alfresco" on the ships World Navigator and World Traveller. The experience is complimentary and includes a wine-pairing menu with traditional Portuguese dishes prepared from authentic recipes. The food is cooked using artisanal methods (oven-roasted), cookware (clay pots) and locally sourced ingredients (from places like Santa Luzia/Algarve, Mirandela/Norte, Setubal/Lisbon). Among the dishes are Polvo a Lagareiro (octopus, potatoes, olive oil, roasted garlic), Alheira de Mirandela (sausage, potatoes, radish greens), Torta de Azeitao (roll cake with egg custard cream).

AOV's Epicurean Expeditions also include wine tasting (of regional wines) and a guest chef (could be from a Michelin-starred restaurant or a local culinary celebrity). The voyages also provide tourists with the opportunity to participate in the culinary competition Yachtsman Cookoff and enjoy the complimentary poolside Josper Grill Dining.

In May 2023, Nicko Cruises/ fleet announced that starting September 2023, World Voyager will be transferred to AOV, with Vasco da Gama remaining as Nicko's only ocean-going ship.

In November 2023, AOV hired Bernard Carter as a Sales Consultant for Europe & UK. Previously, he consulted the premium cruise brands Oceania , Silversea , and ResidenSea The World .

Company changes 2022

In February 2022, AOV appointed the following executives - Colleen Rodriguez (VP of Marketing), Jacqueline Leyva (Senior Director of Guest Services, Reservations, Air-Sea), Robert Cao (Senior Director of Charters, Meetings, Incentives), Oya Bekisoglu (Sales Director of Central USA), Anthony Iozzia (Sales Director of Northeast USA, New England, Eastern Canada).

In August 2022 was appointed James Rodriguez as AOV's President and CEO, replacing Alberto Aliberti. Previously, Rodriguez was employed by the cruise brand companies Crystal (as Director of Sales) and Oceania (as Executive VP of Sales and Marketing/2003-2022).

In June 2022, AOV announced its Panama homeporting operations (starting October 2022) for the ships World Navigator and World Traveller. AOV's 12-night "Panama Roundtrip Cruise" itinerary departs from Panama City (Fuerte Amador Marina) and visits destinations in Panama (Isla Parida), Costa Rica (Puerto Jimenez, Puerto Caldera/Puntarenas, Playa Del Coco, Playa Flamingo, Curu, Tortuga Islands, Quepos, Golfito), Nicaragua (San Juan Del Sur). Prices range between US$6400 (Veranda) and US$9300 (Navigator Suite) per person with double occupancy.

Company changes 2021

In January 2021, AOV signed a partnership with L'OCCITANE en Provence (1976-founded French luxury retailer) for the first-at-sea "Luxury SeaSpa by L'OCCITANE" on the ship World Navigator.

• The L'OCCITANE treatments combine all hand-performed exclusive sequences, with authentic French ingredients certified in origin and proven effectiveness. The ship's L'OCCITANE spa treatments menu features the 90-minute "Sleep & Reset Massage".
• SeaSpa by L'OCCITANE (sized 88 m2 / 945 ft2, located on Main Deck 4) groups a reception room (with L'OCCITANE's scent Relaxing Pillow Mist), 2 treatment rooms for massages (by professional therapists), an infrared sauna, serenity lounge (featuring floor-ceiling windows and relaxing furniture/plush loungers).
• By the AOV-L'OCCITANE deal, all staterooms' bathrooms are stocked with complimentary body wash, handwash, shampoo, and hair conditioner.

In September 2021, AOV introduced its insurance program "Atlas Assurance" for emergency support and services. Atlas Assurance covers all medical/travel/legal expenses as well as medevacs (medical evacuations at sea and return home transportation) during the voyage.

• Medical services include prescriptions, eyeglasses replacement, medical expenses, dispatching physician/specialist, hospital and physician referral (worldwide), and return of dependent children.
• Travel services include documents assistance, 24-hour emergency arrangements, embassy assistance, and travel companion transportation.
• Legal assistance includes worldwide lawyers and bail bonds.

"Atlas Assurance" is optional but included in AOV's "All Inclusive All The Way" package.

In January 2021, AOV signed a partnership with Ensemble Travel Group (a member-owned and run organization of ~850 American independent travel agencies (USA and Canada). The deal was signed by Brandon Townsley (AOV's VP of Sales and Trade Partnerships) and David Harris (Ensemble's CEO).

AOV ship technology

The ship design for the series of expedition vessels operated by AOV was developed by Leadship Ltd ( Piraeus Greece -based company) owned by the Italian naval architects Giuseppe Tringali and Mirco Zoia. The design features an ice-strengthened hull (ice class 1B), top-notch automation and control system, modern propulsion (based on electrical pods / 360-degree azimuthing thrusters), dynamic positioning system (using GPS data to accurately maintain the ship's position without anchoring), advanced water treatment system, hybrid powerplant (diesel-electric) with efficient marine engines (two Rolls-Royce engines running on ULSD / ultra-low-sulfur diesel).

The Rolls-Royce powerplant costs GBP 7 million (EUR 7,75 million / USD 8,9 million) and includes two main engines (model Bergen C25-33L8P) and one auxiliary dual-fuel genset (model Bergen C25-33L6P). The engines are connected to the vessel's electric power system (Rolls-Royce SAVe CUBE) allowing them to operate efficiently at variable speeds.

Rolls-Royce Promas propulsion is an integrated propeller-rudder system to optimize hydrodynamic efficiency. Promas includes two controllable pitch propellers integrated with two flap rudders, steering gears and tunnel thrusters.

The vessel's draft is only 15 ft (4,7 m) allowing access to remote islands and unique coastal destinations. The ship has all 2 lifeboats (full-capacity) which are fully enclosed. Ship-to-shore communications are via Inmarsat Capsat Fleet 77 (satellite phone and Internet).

Landings (passenger transportation) and coastal exploration voyages are served by the ship's own fleet of 10x Zodiacs (motorized boats stored aft on Deck 7) and 2 loading stations.

The shipbuilder WestSEA is owned by Martifer Group via the subsidiary Martifer SGPS. This is a family-owned holding company (1990-founded by the brothers Carlos and Jorge Martins), headquartered in Oliveira de Frades (Portugal). Since 2007, WestSEA is listed on the Euronext Lisbon (stock exchange). Martifer Group has 3000+ employees and specializes in metal construction and (since 2004) in renewable energy - wind and solar energy equipment production. Martifer Group is one of Europe's largest metal construction companies, with subsidiaries in Spain, Poland, Romania, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Germany, Brazil and Angola.

Itinerary of Atlas Ocean Voyages

Atlas Ocean Voyages (AOV) is a subsidiary company and travel brand managed by Mystic Cruises USA (parent Mystic Invest).

AOV's fleet currently consists of the newbuild vessels World Navigator (2021), World Voyager (2021/transferred from Nicko in 2023), World Traveller (2022), World Adventurer (2023), World Discoverer (2023).

In 2023, AOV's Epicurean Expeditions introduced the open-air dining concept "Alma Alfresco" on World Navigator and World Traveller. The experience is complimentary and includes a wine-pairing menu with traditional Portuguese dishes prepared from authentic recipes. The food is cooked using artisanal methods (oven-roasted), cookware (clay pots) and locally sourced ingredients (from places like Santa Luzia/Algarve, Mirandela/Norte, Setubal/Lisbon). AOV's Epicurean Expeditions also include wine tasting (of regional wines) and a guest chef (could be from a Michelin-starred restaurant or a local culinary celebrity). The sailings also provide tourists with the opportunity to participate in the culinary competition Yachtsman Cookoff and enjoy the complimentary poolside Josper Grill Dining.

Bookings on AOV's World Voyager cruises (Antarctica 2023-2024 itineraries) were opened on May 16, 2023. For Atlas Ocean, World Voyager's inaugural season starts on November 8th (2023) and is based on homeporting in Ushuaia Argentina . The voyages visit popular Antarctic destinations like Deception Island , Graham Land/Paradise Harbor , Wiencke Island/Port Lockroy , cruising the Lemaire Channel and the South Shetlands .

AOV World Voyager Antarctica 2023-24 program included 4x 9-day roundtrips from Ushuaia (departures Nov 8, Nov 28, Feb 27, Mar 18) and 6x 11-day roundtrips from Ushuaia (departures Nov 17, Jan 14, Jan 25, Feb 5, Feb 16, Mar 7). With World Voyager, Atlas Ocean introduced the brand's first fly-cruises. The fly-and-cruise deals are inclusive of direct charter flights from Punta Arenas Chile to King George Island Antarctica (Chile's Base Presidente Eduardo Frei Montalva) as well as optional 1-night hotel stays (pre- and post-cruise) on all cruisetours from/to Punta Arenas.

AOV itineraries 2024-2025

The brand's 2024 schedule (summer and fall) includes new itineraries in Europe (Mediterranean, also Holy Land and Egypt), South America. The program groups 41 voyages of which 9 are Extended Journeys visiting a total of 31 countries and featuring 19 overnight port stays.

AOV's Mediterranean 2024 schedule has 13x Western Mediterranean itineraries (all 7-night) leaving from Barcelona, Civitavecchia-Rome, Dubrovnik Croatia, Lisbon, Nice France, Palma de Mallorca, Valletta, Malta, Casablanca Morroco.

Two voyages to Holy Land and Egypt in July 2024 depart from Piraeus-Athens (9-night and 12-night) and visit Haifa plus ports in Greece (Greek islands, Cyprus), Turkey, Egypt. A 9-night Adriatic itinerary in August (Athens to Venice) visits ports in Greece, Albania, Montenegro, Croatia.

Two itineraries in Northern Europe and the UK/British Isles are scheduled for World Navigator in 2024 - one in May and the other in September.

AOV's South America and Amazon River program groups 8 itineraries (7- to 11-night long) visiting the Falklands UK, Chilean Fjords/Patagonia, and the Caribbean (French Guiana, Tobago, St Vincent and the Grenadines.

AOV's Transatlantic crossings in 2024 are four - 13-night (Rio de Janeiro to the Canaries/Gran Canaria), 12-night (Barbados to Lisbon), 21-night (Malaga to Montevideo), and 13-night (Gran Canaria/Canaries to Rio de Janeiro).

Antarctica-Arctic 2024-2025

AOV's 2024-25 Antarctic program is based on 3 ships (World Navigator, World Traveller, World Voyager), a total of 48 voyages and itineraries ranging between 5-18 nights (mostly roundtrips from Ushuaia).

Antarctic season's highlights include: 9-night "Antarctic Discovery" (departures in 2024 Oct 30, Nov 13 and 19, Dec 20 and 28 in 2024, and departures in 2025 Jan 5, 6, and 15, Feb 3, 4, 13, and 14, Mar 5, 11, and 22), 11-night "Crossing the Antarctic Circle" (departures in 2024 Nov 8 and 23, Dec 9 and 29, departures in 2025 Jan 9, 20, 24, and 31, Feb 22, Mar 14), 5-night "Drake Express" (roundtrip from King George Island (departures in 2024 Nov 27 and Dec 2), 18-night "Grand Antarctica & Beyond" (Antarctic Peninsula, the UK's South Georgia and Falkland Islands, South Orkney Islands/departure in 2025 Jan 16th from Ushuaia).

AOV also offers one East Coast South America voyage (10-night "Brazilian Allure" from Rio de Janeiro to Buenos Aires/departure October 28, 2024) and one Transatlantic crossing for ship relocation from South America to Europe (RepositionCruises.com) - the 14-night "Atlantic Adventurer" from Rio de Janeiro to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands Spain (departure April 8, 2025).

The 2024 Arctic Season features the debut of two yachts simultaneously exploring the region. The World Traveller  and  World Navigator embark on 11 expeditions ranging from 7 to 12 nights, delving into the captivating Arctic landscapes with departures from  Tromso ,  Oslo ,  Longyearbyen ,  Reykjavik , and  Kangerlussuaq . Select expeditions offer inclusive charter jet air service from either New York John F. Kennedy International Airport or Oslo Gardermoen Airport for added convenience.

Highlighted Itineraries include:

• Guests can embark on a 7-night expedition from Tromso to Longyearbyen departing on June 21, 2024. This voyage showcases ports along the magnificent Norwegian coast, including  Hammerfest  and  Skarsvag  ( North Cape ), Norway, before culminating in the breathtaking landscapes of Svalbard.
• The most sought-after Arctic adventure is a 9-night roundtrip from Longyearbyen, Svalbard, offering a tapestry of polar landscapes and wildlife encounters each day. Departures are available on June 28 and July 7, 2024, with an extended 11-night expedition departing on July 16, 2024.

New for 2024 are e xpeditions to Greenland, a first-time offering, allowing travelers to explore Svalbard, Iceland, and Greenland in one extraordinary journey. Whether marveling at towering icebergs, vibrant coastal villages, or the mesmerizing Northern Lights, each day promises a new and awe-inspiring experience. Choose from expeditions lasting 9 to 12 nights on August 5, August 15, August 21, August 25, September 1, and September 6, 2024.

In the peak of polar summer, passengers can embark on a unique expedition departing from Oslo to Reykjavik on August 10, 2024. This special journey features enchanting Norwegian coastal ports like  Bergen ,  Stavanger ,  Flam ,  Olden , and  Alesund  before crossing the Norwegian Sea. Explore Icelandic ports such as  Seydisfjordur ,  Akureyri ,  Isafjordur , concluding the adventure in Reykjavik.

Atlas Ocean Voyages related cruise news

AOV-Atlas Ocean Voyages announces 2024 Arctic season

AOV-Atlas Ocean Voyages, a pioneer in yacht expedition cruising, unveiled its 2024 Arctic Season, marking the debut of two yachts simultaneously...

Atlas Ocean Voyages/AOV and Poseidon Expeditions join Expedition Cruise Network

AOV-Atlas Ocean Voyages and Poseidon Expeditions have recently joined the Expedition Cruise Network (ECN), expanding the network to a total of 20...

Atlas Ocean Voyages/AOV's ship World Voyager named in Ushuaia, Argentina

Atlas Ocean Voyages/AOV officially introduced the World Voyager ship into its fleet on November 10th, during a naming ceremony in Ushuaia Argentina...

World Traveller's passengers met with cries of disapproval at Douarnenez port (Brittany, France)

On Sunday, October 8th, in Brittany France, the passengers of the World Traveller cruise ship disembarked to a gathering of approximately 80...

Godmother announced for Atlas Ocean Voyages/AOV's newest ship World Voyager

AOV-Atlas Ocean Voyages has chosen explorer Preet Chandi as the godmother for its upcoming vessel, World Voyager, scheduled to commence service in...

AOV-Atlas Ocean Voyages adding 26 expeditions for newest yacht, World Voyager

AOV-Atlas Ocean Voyages, the leading company in yacht expedition cruising, has announced the inclusion of 26 new expeditions for its latest yacht...

AOV-Atlas Ocean Voyages adds Starlink High-Speed Internet

AOV-Atlas Ocean Voyages has improved its onboard internet connectivity by partnering with Starlink, a high-speed Wi-Fi service provider for maritime...

AOV-Atlas Ocean Voyages open bookings for 18 cruises on World Voyager ship

AOV-Atlas Ocean Voyages, a leading provider of superyacht-style expedition cruises, has opened reservations for 18 expeditions on their 3rd vessel...

Nicko Cruises transfers World Voyager ship to AOV-Atlas Ocean Voyages

Nicko Cruises announced that it will temporarily exit the expedition cruise market by transferring its only expedition ship, World Voyager, to the...

Atlas Ocean Voyages launches 500+ shore excursions in Europe

AOV-Atlas Ocean Voyages (managed by Mystic Cruises USA) has launched a new program called "Epicurean Expeditions" that includes complimentary...

•   show more news

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• 9-Night Ushuaia Roundtrip 10.30.24
• 11-Night Ushuaia Roundtrip 11.8.24
• 9-Night Ushuaia Roundtrip 11.13.24
• 9-Night Ushuaia Roundtrip 11.19.24
• 13-Night Ushuaia Roundtrip 11.22.24
• 5-Night King George Island Roundtrip 11.27.24
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• 5-Night King George Island Roundtrip 12.2.24
• 11-Night Roundtrip Ushuaia 12.9.24
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• 11-Night Ushuaia Roundtrip 1.5.25
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• 8-Night Reykjavik to Dublin 9.15.24
• 24-Night Edinburgh To Longyearbyen 6.17.25
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• 9-Night Longyearbyen Roundtrip 7.11.25
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• 18-Night Copenhagen To Longyearbyen 8.8.25
• 10-Night Reykjavík To Kangerlussuaq 8.9.25
• 9-Night Tromso to Longyearbyen 8.17.25
• 10-Night Kangerlussuaq To Reykjavík 8.19.25
• 9-Night Longyearbyen Roundtrip 8.26.25
• 10-Night Longyearbyen to Reykjavik 9.4.25
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• 12-Night Longyearbyen to Oslo 6.18.26
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• 10-Night Longyearbyen To Reykjavík 7.29.26
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• 15-Night Reykjavík To Longyearbyen 8.15.26
• 11-Night Reykjavik to Kangerlussuaq 8.20.26
• View The Arctic
• 8-Night Reykjavik to Amsterdam 9.12.24
• 9-Night Dublin to London 9.23.24
• 10-Night London to Glasgow 5.26.25
• 12-Night Edinburgh to Trondheim 6.17.25
• 11-Night Reykjavik to Oslo 7.10.25
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• View Northern Europe
• 7-Night Reykjavik Roundtrip 6.19.25
• 8-Night Reykjavík To Dublin 9.14.25
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• 11-Night Kangerlussuaq to Reykjavik 8.31.26
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• 15-Night Valletta to Nice 9.1.24
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• 14-Night Lisbon to Rome 6.7.25
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• 8-Night Naples To Nice 7.12.25
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• 8-Night Nice To Barcelona 7.20.25
• 12-Night Barcelona To Athens 7.28.25
• 10-Night Santa Cruz (Tenerife) To Lisbon 4.9.26
• 7-Night Barcelona to Monte Carlo 8.9.26
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• 10-Night Montevideo to Ushuaia 11.3.24
• 10-Night Buenos Aires to Rio de Janeiro 3.16.26
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• All Destinations Antarctica  (65) Arctic  (24) Iceland and Greenland  (17) Mediterranean  (35) Northern Europe  (16) Patagonia and The Falklands  (4) South America  (3) Transoceanic  (2) Select
• All Yachts World Navigator  (55) World Traveller  (42) World Voyager  (48) Select
• All Ports Cruising Greenland Sea  (1) Otranto (Puglia), Italy  (1) Bastia (Corsica), France  (2) Rønne (Bornholm), Denmark  (1) Binz (Rügen), Germany  (1) Santa Maria Island (Azores), Portugal  (1) São Jorge Island (Azores), Portugal  (1) Palmeira (Sal), Cape Verde  (1) Exploring South Georgia – Captain’s Choice  (5) Banyuls-sur-Mer, France  (1) Solar Eclipse (At Sea)  (2) Nantes, France  (1) Brest, France  (1) Skjoldungen Island, Greenland  (2) Stykkishólmur, Iceland  (1) Finnsnes (Senja Island), Norway  (1) Åndalsnes, Norway  (2) Arsuk, Greenland  (1) Liepaja, Latvia  (1) Positano, Italy  (1) Piraeus (Athens), Greece  (2) Barcelona, Spain  (11) Búzios, Brazil  (2) Cartagena, Spain  (6) Chania/Souda, Crete, Greece  (1) Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy  (7) Capri, Italy  (4) Amalfi (Ravello), Italy  (1) Giardini Naxos (Taormina/Mt. Etna), Italy  (1) Syracuse (Sicily), Italy  (1) Valletta, Malta  (1) Lisbon, Portugal  (17) Gibraltar, UK  (7) Malaga, Spain  (8) Palma de Mallorca, Spain  (7) Mahon (Menorca), Spain  (4) Portofino, Italy  (6) Giardini Naxos (Taormina/Mt. Etna)  (1) Katakolon (Olympia), Greece  (1) Puerto Banus (Marbella), Spain  (3) Corinth Canal Transit  (1) Itea (Delphi), Greece  (1) Naples (Pompeii), Italy  (2) Livorno (Florence/Pisa), Italy  (8) Marseilles (Aix-en-Provence), France  (5) Valencia, Spain  (2) Rio de Janeiro, Brazil  (3) Funchal (Madeira), Portugal  (3) Santa Cruz (Tenerife), Canary Islands, Spain  (4) Recife, Brazil  (1) Ilhabela, Brazil  (1) Punta del Este, Uruguay  (2) Montevideo, Uruguay  (3) Ushuaia, Argentina  (64) Buenos Aires, Argentina  (3) Port Stanley, Falkland Islands  (8) Puerto Madryn, Argentina  (1) Exploring the South Sandwich Islands – Captain’s Choice  (6) Exploring the South Shetland Islands - Captain’s Choice, Antarctica  (61) Itajai/Florianopolis, Brazil  (1) Drake Passage Navigation  (61) Crossing the Antarctic Circle — Captain’s Choice  (31) Motril (Alhambra), Spain  (3) Praia (Santiago), Cape Verde  (2) Arrecife (Lanzarote), Canary Islands  (5) Casablanca, Morocco  (8) Portimão, Portugal  (13) Sagres, Portugal  (2) Seville, Spain  (7) Ibiza, Spain  (7) Saint Tropez, France  (2) Monte Carlo, Monaco  (3) Sorrento (Pompeii), Italy  (1) Porto-Vecchio (Corsica), France  (1) Sete (Montpellier), France  (2) Cadiz, Spain  (5) Leixoes (Porto), Portugal  (5) La Coruña, Spain  (4) Bordeaux, France  (5) St. Peter Port (Guernsey), Channel Islands  (6) London (Tower Bridge), England  (4) St Mary’s (Isles of Scilly), England  (2) Cork (Cobh), Ireland  (3) Galway, Ireland  (2) Killybegs, Ireland  (2) Londonderry, Northern Ireland  (2) Bangor (Belfast), Northern Ireland  (7) Dublin, Ireland  (10) Lerwick (Shetland Islands), Scotland  (2) Glasgow (Greenock), Scotland  (2) Fort William (Loch Ness), Scotland  (1) Stornoway (Isles of Lewis), Scotland  (4) Bergen, Norway  (3) Flåm, Norway  (3) Geiranger, Norway  (3) Kristiansund, Norway  (2) Trondheim, Norway  (5) Leknes (Lofoten Islands), Norway  (6) Arctic Circle Crossing  (2) Tromsø, Norway  (8) Longyearbyen (Svalbard), Norway  (19) Ny-Ålesund (Svalbard), Norway  (12) Ittoqqortoormiit, Greenland  (6) Isafjörður, Iceland  (5) Reykjavik, Iceland  (3) Heimaey (Vestmannaeyjar), Iceland  (4) Tórshavn (Faroe Islands), Denmark  (5) Kirkwall (Orkney Islands), Scotland  (2) Invergordon (Loch Ness), Scotland  (2) Leith (Edinburgh), Scotland  (5) Douglas, Isle of Man  (5) Liverpool, England  (1) Riga, Latvia  (1) Tallinn, Estonia  (1) Helsinki, Finland  (1) Stockholm, Sweden  (1) Gdansk, Poland  (1) Amsterdam, The Netherlands  (5) Honfleur (Normandy), France  (5) St. Malo, France  (2) Punta Arenas, Chile — Captain’s Choice  (1) Hydra, Greece  (1) Nafplion (Mycenae/Epidaurus), Greece  (1) Nice, France  (10) Antibes, France  (1) Ceuta, Spain  (2) Corfu, Greece  (1) Dubrovnik (Old Town), Croatia  (1) Las Palmas (Gran Canaria), Canary Islands, Spain  (8) Kotor, Montenegro  (2) Porto Santo, Madeira, Portugal  (2) Portoferraio (Tuscany), Italy  (2) Porto Venere, (Cinque Terre), Italy  (3) Saranda (Butrint), Albania  (1) Stromboli Volcano Circumnavigation  (1) Tangier, Morocco  (11) Venice, Italy  (1) Rabat (Casablanca), Morocco  (1) Glacier Alley - Captain’s Choice  (1) Magdalena Island, Chile — Captain’s Choice  (1) New Island, Falkland Islands — Captain’s Choice  (4) West Point Island, Falkland Islands — Captain’s Choice  (2) Lipari Island (Sicily), Italy  (2) Fiskardo (Kefalonia), Greece  (1) Saint-Tropez, France  (3) Port-Vendres, France  (5) Roses, Spain  (1) Alicante, Spain  (3) Almeria (Granada), Spain  (3) Puerto del Rosario(Fuerteventura), Canary Islands, Spain  (3) Safi, Morocco  (7) San Sebastian (La Gomera), Canary Islands, Spain  (4) Santa Cruz (La Palma), Canary Islands, Spain  (5) Santander, Spain  (2) Akureyri, Iceland  (3) Grundarfjörður, Iceland  (5) Kangerlussuaq, Greenland  (4) Nuuk, Greenland  (4) Narsarsuaq, Greenland  (1) Ilulissat (Disko Bay), Greenland  (1) Sisimiut, Greenland  (1) Kangaamiut, Greenland  (2) Tasiilaq, Greenland  (3) Patreksfjörður, Iceland  (6) Djúpivogur, Iceland  (3) Seyðisfjörður, Iceland  (3) Gudvangen, Norway  (5) Arendal, Norway  (1) Porto Cervo (Sardinia), Italy  (2) Zeebrugge (Bruges), Belgium  (1) Oslo, Norway  (3) Ilheus, Brazil  (1) Ålesund, Norway  (3) Exploring Greenland-Captain’s Choice  (3) Exploring Svalbard - Captain’s Choice  (19) Fjords of Greenland — Captain’s Choice  (6) Grímsey Island, Iceland  (2) Hammerfest, Norway  (3) Exploring the Antarctic Peninsula – Captain’s Choice  (65) Gijon, Spain  (5) Agadir, Morocco  (5) Split, Croatia  (1) Saint-Raphael , France  (2) Toulon, France  (4) Garibaldi Glacier, Chile — Captain’s Choice  (3) Skagen, Denmark  (4) Stavanger, Norway  (3) Praia da Vitoria (Azores), Portugal  (1) Bilbao, Spain  (4) Holyhead, Wales  (1) Eqi Glacier (Disko Bay), Greenland  (1) Prince Christian Sound – Captain’s Choice  (4) Reykjavik, Iceland  (14) Copenhagen, Denmark  (3) Mindelo (Sao Vicente), Cape Verde  (1) King George Island, South Shetland Islands  (8) Ilha Grande, Brazil  (1) Lofoten & Vaerøy Islands Cruising  (2) Skarsvåg (North Cape), Norway  (6) Qaqortoq, Greenland  (3) Paamiut, Greenland  (3) Akulleq, Greenland — Captain’s Choice  (1) Waterford, Ireland  (2) Bantry, Ireland  (3) Falmouth, England  (1) Poole, England  (1) Sao Francisco do Sul, Brazil  (1) Isla de los Estados, Argentina  (2) Magdalena, Chile - Captain’s Choice  (1) Exploring the South Orkney Islands - Captain’s Choice, Antarctica  (8) At Sea  (58) Aberdeen, Scotland  (3) Scrabster, Scotland  (3) Måløy, Norway  (4) Porto Santo Stefano, Italy  (1) Kongsbreen Glacier Cruising — Captain’s Choice  (2) La Rochelle, France  (1) Saint-Jean-de-Luz, France  (2) Bodø, Norway  (2) Alta, Norway  (2) Greenock (Glasgow), Scotland  (1) Tobermory, Scotland  (3) Ullapool, Scotland  (1) Tilbury (London), England  (1) Vilagarcía (Santiago de Compostela), Spain  (1) Zadar, Croatia  (1) Select
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• FREE cultural immersion
• FREE gourmet dining with ever-changing menus
• FREE unlimited beverages, including fine wines, spirits and craft beers
• FREE open bars and lounges, including 24-hour bar service with specialty canapés
• FREE stocked in-room minibar
• FREE specialty coffees, teas and fresh-pressed juices
• FREE afternoon and high tea
• FREE champagne and gourmet canapés during meet and greet
• FREE 24-hour room service, including spirits, wine and beer
• FREE L'OCCITANE bath amenities
• FREE pre-paid gratuities
• FREE use of walking sticks and binoculars
• FREE reusable water bottle
• FREE butler service and expanded room service menu in suites

Exclusively on Polar Expeditions

• FREE private charter jet service with private group transfers*
• FREE enrichment lectures and destination briefings
• FREE shore landings led by expert field guides
• FREE escorted sightseeing safaris by Zodiac
• FREE polar plunge
• FREE Atlas Ocean Voyages parka and vest
• FREE use of knee boots
• FREE 1-night pre-cruise hotel stay*
• FREE 1-night post-cruise hotel stay on select Antarctica expeditions

Exclusively on Epicurean Expeditions

• FREE cultural immersion includes culinary experience ashore, such as local market visits, specialty tastings and more
• FREE Josper Grill Dining Experience at 7AFT Grill
• FREE culinary presentations and wine tastings
• FREE cooking demonstrations and cuisine tastings
• FREE events hosted by a Tastes & Traditions Expert on select expeditions
• FREE Atlas Ocean Voyages backpack

Exclusively on Cultural Expeditions

• FREE enrichment programs and workshops on select expeditions
• FREE authentic, local experiences and on board events on select expeditions

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