Entertainment & Activities

Expedition Activities aboard World Traveller

On our Antarctica expedition, most of the onboard activities were educational lectures, and several films focused on the wildlife in this polar region and the history of exploration to Antarctica. Everyone on the expedition team gave at least one or two lectures focused on their specific area of interest. We learned about the various species of penguins in Antarctica, the different types of Artic birds, including the largest bird in the world, the Wandering albatross, and the whales found in the frigid Antarctic waters.

I was impressed by the Antarctica experience and knowledge of the expedition leader and many expedition team members. Jonathan Zaccaria, the expedition leader, spent one winter at Antarctica's Dumont d'Urville Station, known for the March of the Penguins, the 2005 National Geographic documentary about the annual migration of emperor penguins. He also spent another winter at the only international station in Antarctica and has led expeditions to the polar regions for the last 10 years. Other expedition team members also had extensive backgrounds in Antarctica and were incredibly knowledgeable.

Activities on the water or ashore depended on the ever-changing weather conditions. These could change between the time they were outlined in the prior evening's recap to the following morning when they were scheduled to take place. Captain's Choice on the itinerary means that the captain will determine the safest and best possible conditions for the passengers to either have a landing, take a Zodiac ride, go sea kayaking, or standup paddleboarding (although no one opted for that last option on our expedition).

Where the ship can go – and where the passengers can go ashore – are strictly monitored by IAATO (International Association Antarctic Tour Operators) and The Antarctic Treaty, so a limited number of passengers (no more than 100) can go ashore or be in the water at one time. That's why expedition teams divide up the groups and alternate activities throughout the day.

Water sports equipment on World Traveller in Antarctica includes 12 Zodiac Milpros, six solo and six tandem sea kayaks, and 12 paddleboards. The ship also carries two Zodiac pros for jetskiing and two Yamaha EX Sport Waverunners.

When the passengers were ready to head out each day (and twice a day on several occasions), the mud room was filled with excitement as everyone bundled up in their bright green parkas, boots, life jacket, and other winter gear while listening to fun tunes blasting from the speakers. There was always someone to help with the bundling up part (especially for the first time or two), including the cruise director, hotel manager, and even the guest piano player. It was a team effort to get everyone safely dressed and ready to head off the ship.

Brave (or insane) passengers – nearly half the number of guests on the ship – also took the polar plunge on the last day in Antarctica before heading back on the Drake Passage. Loud music, rum shots, and much ado surrounded what is considered "a rite of passage" on a voyage to Antarctica. I passed on the big event but watched from above indoors on Deck 4 as one passenger after another jumped into the icy waters (think: icebergs floating by) and were quickly retrieved by a safety harness and rope by the crew.

As a side note - Before we could leave the ship for the first time, we had a mandatory IAATO and Zodiac briefing and compulsory biosecurity check to examine the gear we brought with us. There was also a parka, life jacket, boot fitting, and mandatory watercraft briefing. Sea kayakers also had separate training before heading out in a kayak off the ship. Antarctica is a harsh environment with quickly changing weather. It's also home to incredible wildlife that we need to protect, so the expedition team and crew had to ensure that we were armed with the proper knowledge about everything from safety while riding in the Zodiacs to how many feet we needed to keep between the penguins and us while ashore.

Daily Things to Do on World Traveller

The expedition to Antarctica went by quicker than any other 9-night voyage I can remember. Even with almost four full days spent on the rough seas of the Drake Passage, the time on board the ship seemed to disappear, even when we didn't go ashore for a landing or take a Zodiac ride.

During the day, there are nearly back-to-back lectures or films in the Vasco da Gama Auditorium (Deck 4 forward). When the seas were incredibly rough, the auditorium was not the most comfortable place to be, so many passengers watched the activities from the comfort of their staterooms. Tea was also served in The Dome every afternoon at 4 p.m. Between 6 p.m. and 6:45 p.m., there was a daily expedition recap and briefing by the expedition leader and team, which was typically preceded by piano music by Chase Chandler and pre-dinner cocktails in the Atlas Lounge.

Our voyage also had a minister on the ship from the prior 3-night Naming Ceremony Voyage. He had been on board to bless World Traveller and continued on the inaugural voyage. It was thoughtful for the ship to host a short non-denominational service on Thanksgiving Day since many of us were on board with no family and were far away from home for the holiday. The guest entertainer, Asijah Pickett, also sang "What a Wonderful World" at the end of the service, a very appropriate song as we were traveling on one of the most magical places on Earth.

Nightlife on World Traveller

Dinner was usually a leisurely affair with several courses and wine, especially on nights like the Gala Dinner. After full days at sea (especially the rough ones) or active days in Antarctica, followed by a large meal, only some guests were up for the evening's entertainment every night. There were also a few movie nights if guests preferred watching a film over listening to live entertainment with movies like Shackleton's Antarctic Adventure or Around Cape Horn with John Irving.

I managed to rally for all but one night to listen to the music and singing of guest pianist Chase Chandler and songs performed by the cruise director, Michael Shapiro, and guest entertainer Asijah Pickett. There was also an entertaining crew talent show last evening, along with a raffle, and an auction for the navigational chart from our voyage, benefiting the Crew Welfare Fund.

World Traveller Bars and Lounges

The Atlas Lounge (Deck 4 forward) is the central gathering spot on the ship. The spacious public area is inviting, bright, and cozy, with many comfy sofas and chairs and several flat-panel televisions (for watching World Cup soccer on our voyage). The bar has limited seating with six stools, but there is plenty of space to spread out around the room.

This space is where pre-dinner cocktails are offered each evening and where guests tend to gather late afternoons after time spent off the ship. The lounge is just outside the Vasco de Gama Auditorium, so passengers will grab drinks before listening to the lectures or daily expedition recaps and briefings. There is always a drink of the day, but Champagne is another popular option, and the bartender always knows your name and beverage preference.

During the crew talent show, the seats in the lounge were rearranged into a cabaret-style setting so that the front of the room (opposite the bar) became the stage for the performers. The Captain's Welcome Reception and Farewell Cocktail Party were also hosted in the Atlas Lounge.

The Dome Observation Lounge sits at the front of the ship on Deck 7. It's also a beautiful and bright space, perfect for scenic cruising, reading a book, or having a glass of Champagne during High Tea or Name That Tune with Chase. The Dome is also where you can grab coffee and a Danish with a view in the morning and catch the evening's late-night entertainment with performances by the cruise director, Michael, the guest entertainer (Asijah on our voyage), and Chase, the piano player and singer.

Two outdoor venues, the 7-Aft Pool Bar and Zephyr Lounge (Deck 5 aft), were not open during the Antarctic cruise.

Public Rooms

Pools and Hot Tubs aboard World Traveller

World Traveller has one heated pool and two whirlpool hot tubs on Deck 7. The area is protected from the wind, so it's possible to use the hot tubs even in colder climates. You'll also find the 7-Aft Pool Bar and Grill in this space (open when weather permits).

Guests did use the hot tub during our sailing, but the pool deck wasn't set up with lounge chairs due to the cold weather and winds that brought snow for several days while we were in Antarctica.

Outdoor Decks on World Traveller

There is a sundeck and heated pool (as mentioned above) on World Traveller, but the only time I saw it was to go outside and take a photo of the area and the snowmen that a few guests had built on the deck.

I also didn't see people at Water's Edge on our sailing, the wildlife viewing area with heated seating at the ship's bow on Deck 5. There were rough days at sea and inclement weather, so the conditions were not ideal for sitting outdoors, even with the heated seats.

Bird watchers and photographers did head outdoors on Decks 4 and 5 aft to watch the Artic birds sailing alongside and above the ship, including several species of petrels and albatross.

Services and Wi-Fi on World Traveller

World Traveller has a friendly and attentive guest services staff, located at the Reception Desk on Deck 4 midship. They were accommodating with resetting the Internet on several occasions when it would go out on the iPhone or laptop. They were also a pleasure to chat with when I was camped out in the lobby during much of our time on the Drake Passage. Deck 4 was where I felt the least amount of motion on the ship. Also, the Internet seemed to work better in the public spaces on Deck 4.

The Internet was a challenge in Antarctica, although there were some moments during the worst weather conditions when it was faster than at any other time. Overall, I was expecting little Wi-Fi access, so it was good to travel to The Last Continent without real expectations for staying connected. And when it worked, and I could send emails or post a photo, it was a pleasant surprise. Loading websites, however, was nearly impossible.

The way the Internet is set up on World Traveller, it's only for one device, so you cannot switch between two devices if you need to. We were all given one complimentary voucher   to use with one device. You have to purchase another plan for the second device. It is not inexpensive at $45 for 500 MB or $80 for 1G on one device or $350 for 5G on two devices, but that's the price of staying in touch with those at home when you're traveling in the far reaches of the world. You will also want to log out every time you're finished, so you don't use up the package when you're not even online.

There is also a lovely boutique on the ship. I was told it wasn't fully stocked yet as this was the inaugural sailing, but I found several Christmas gifts and souvenirs (all things penguin). They have penguin Atlas branded mugs, two kinds of stuffed animals (penguins, of course), penguin stickers, and more. They also have waterproof and warm clothing (Marmot) is one brand, in case you've forgotten to pack your items, or require a larger size after several days of delicious food on the ship. There were quite a few other gift and memorabilia type items in the boutique.

There is also a medical center and a doctor who spends much of his time dealing with motion sickness en route to Antarctica. Should the need ever arise, the all-inclusive cruise fares cover emergency medical evacuation insurance. There's even a helipad to accommodate a helicopter in this type of situation.

Spa & Fitness

Spa & Fitness on World Traveller

World Traveller's Seaspa by L'Occitane (Deck 4) offers signature body and facial treatments using the popular products from Provence. There are two treatment rooms, and just one attendant was at the spa during the inaugural sailing. A second person was coming on board for the next cruise. The spa also features a lovely lounge area and an Infrared sauna with spectacular ocean views.

The Fitness Studio is small, but I never saw more than two people using the facility at the same time. The space is equipped with the machines and exercise gear I would use at home – treadmills, bikes, free weights, an adjustable bench, balance balls, and exercise mats. Guests can also head outdoors for a jog or walk around the jogging track on Deck 8. Twelve laps around the track are equal to 1 mile.

For Kids

Is World Traveller Family Friendly?

World Traveller's intimate yacht-style ship isn't the best cruise or expedition option for kids. While several children were on board the Antarctica expedition, the line does not offer programs designed for or babysitting services for kids. They also state that just a few rooms can accommodate families with children.