World Voyager Review

World Voyager is the third ship in Atlas Ocean Voyages fleet of expedition yachts, which offer a hybrid of sorts between luxury and traditional expedition cruising,

While most of its cruises in 2024 will sail the Arctic and Antarctica, it will also sail several South America, Caribbean, Northern Europe and transoceanic itineraries between the polar seasons.

Like most ships its size, onboard entertainment and dining options are limited, but the ship has more than ample comfortable public spaces with large windows from which to take in the views. In fact, there are good views from just about every public spot on the ship – including the dining room, the two lounges, the sauna and its adjacent sitting area with warmed day beds and, of course, the Dome Observation Lounge, which offers 360-degree views off the front of the ship.

Like Sylvia Earle and Ocean Victory, the ship is among a new breed of small expedition ships that combine all the benefits of more traditional small ship polar adventures with relaxed luxury.

It’s perfect for travelers who want adventure without giving up creature comforts.

Atlas World Voyager’s Deck Plans are Easy to Navigate

This eight-deck ship is easy to get around. All of the bars, lounges, dining, spa and other public spaces are on the fourth and seventh floors.

The top deck is a partial deck with a running track along the perimeter that overlooks the pool, hot tubs and bar on Deck 7. Also on Deck 7, at the very front of the ship, is the glass-walled Dome Observation Lounge that is surrounded by a spacious viewing deck with heated benches. Afternoon tea, nighttime entertainment and activities like trivia contests rotate between The Dome and the Atlas lounge on Deck 4. There is also a casual dining venue, 7Aft, adjacent to the lounge, although like the pool and pool bar it is generally not used during polar sailings.

All but 14 cabins are on Decks 5 and 6, with easy access to 4 and 7 seven from two center staircases with elevator banks situated forward and aft. There are no public venues on these floors, so they are very quiet. The lower level cabins are on Deck 3.

The main dining room, Atlas Lounge, lecture hall, spa, fitness center, Paula’s Pantry grab-and-go snack bar and gift shop and reception desk are all on Deck 4, which sits right above the water line, offering great views from virtually every seat. Adjacent to Paula’s Pantry and reception area there also a few small seating areas with partial walls that are great for tucking away to read, play a game, have a semi-private conversation or simply taking in the views.

Expeditions launch from a mudroom on Deck 3 that has plenty of space for suiting up. There are lockers for every cabin so you don’t have to lug your outdoor gear back and forth to your cabin. There are also benches, a restroom and plenty of crew at the ready to help you get suited up.

World Voyager has Spacious, Well-appointed Rooms

For a ship its size, World Voyager has a nice variety of rooms, including four different types of suites and deluxe staterooms with oversized balconies and separate sitting and sleeping areas.

Deciding which are the best or which are the best to avoid is largely a matter of personal preference, as the bulk of the staterooms are fairly big, by both traditional cruise ship and particularly expedition ship standards. All but the 14 Deck 3 cabins have balconies or floor to ceiling windows that retract with the push of a button.

I was in a Horizon Stateroom, which had the retractable window, or what Atlas calls a Juliette balcony. While some travelers want a balcony at any cost – even in Antarctica -- I preferred my cabin because the lack of on outdoor balcony gave me a larger seating area, complete with a small sectional and unobstructed views.

While the suites come with butler service and extra perks like an expanded room service menu, all cabins – even at the lower level – otherwise have the same amenities, including 24-hour room and cocktail service and large spa showers.

World Voyager has Limited Food Venues, But Plenty of Choices – 24/7

Like most ships its size, there aren’t a lot of places to get food. The good news is that between the main dining room, Madeira, Paula’s Pantry coffee, juice and snack bar and 24-hour room service, it’s easy to satisfy most food cravings. On non-polar sailings, the 7Aft grill and pool bar are generally open. Need a burger on a polar cruise? Just call room service. They are amazing.