World Traveller Review May 2024

I recently had the pleasure of going on a Mediterranean adventure with Atlas Ocean Voyages aboard their elegant yacht, the World Traveller. We set sail from the beautiful city of Barcelona, Spain, and ended our journey in the lovely Nice, France. 

About Atlas Ocean Voyages

In 2021, Atlas Ocean Voyages set sail with their shiny new yachts. These aren’t just ships—they’re sleek, intimate yachts, each catering to fewer than 200 passengers. Designed for adventures in Arctic/Antarctic waters and gentler seas alike, they’re named World Navigator, World Voyager, and World Traveller. Recently, Ian, our Commercial Director at The Cruise Line, was on board the World Voyager as it sailed towards Antarctica. He described the journey as “the most fulfilling holiday of our lives”—a statement that speaks volumes!

Different types of Expeditions

Atlas’ Cultural Expeditions take you through the vibrant history, art, architecture, and local communities of Northern Europe, Iceland, South America, and the Caribbean and on Transoceanic adventures. 

For the adventurous, Atlas’ Polar Expeditions explore the remote areas of Antarctica, Patagonia, the Falklands, and the High Arctic regions of Svalbard, Norway, and Greenland.

Food and wine lovers will enjoy Atlas’ Epicurean Expeditions, which dive into the culinary cultures of Italy, Spain, France, the Greek Isles, and hidden gems in the Mediterranean.

Accommodation

I was assigned a Veranda Stateroom on Deck 6, room #623, boasting a spacious balcony. This 270-square-foot cabin featured a roomy bathroom, double-bed with storage space underneath for my luggage, a generous wardrobe space, a comfortable living area, and a small desk with two chairs. In the spacious bathroom, the rain head shower was a standout feature, equipped with body jets and stocked with L’Occitane products.

In an effort to reduce plastic usage, each stateroom comes with a rucksack and a water bottle, which you can refill with fresh filtered water from world-renowned ‘Vero’ at Paula’s Pantry.

Crew / Guests onboard

The crew are absolutely fantastic—friendly, pleasant to talk to, and always ready to help. Their service went above and beyond, and they were very approachable. I loved how they addressed everyone by name; it was refreshing and made the experience feel very personalised.

 

From my experience on board the World Traveller, most guests were around 40 years old or older. There were a few younger guests, mainly families traveling together. Although Atlas Ocean Voyages doesn’t actively promote itself as a family-friendly cruise line or offer children-specific programs, I noticed that the families on board seemed to enjoy themselves, and the staff were excellent with the kids. The minimum age requirement for polar cruises is eight, but due to the potentially risky conditions in Antarctica, it’s advisable to bring older children.

Food and Drink Options

All meals are served in the main dining room, Lisboa Restaurant, which boasts floor-to-ceiling windows with stunning views. From buffet breakfasts with a selection of limited menu options to buffet lunches and a variety of à la carte dinners, each evening brings a new international theme. Hot stations change for every breakfast and lunch buffet, offering delectable options like freshly made pasta stations, make-your-own salad stations, and carving stations. 

Vegetarians will find the Lisboa Restaurant exceptionally accommodating, with a dedicated section on the left side of the menu—just veg/plant-based options. Those who prefer dining al fresco can enter the Lisboa Al Fresco patio for a delightful outdoor dining experience.

If hunger strikes between meals, don’t worry! There’s 24-hour room service available, as well as a grab-and-go café at Paula’s Pantry, serving everything from paninis to salads, pressed juices, and coffee drinks—a perfect solution for those light snack cravings. Additionally, afternoon tea offers a delightful selection of sandwiches and sweets to satisfy your cravings.

Let’s not forget about the bars—the true highlights of the yacht! Indulge in the multi-page cocktail menu at both the Dome Observation Lounge and the main Atlas Lounge. My personal favourite? The one-and-only Espresso Martini is a true delight for the taste buds.

Outdoor Spaces/Amenities

Let’s talk about the yacht’s cosy nooks and sunny spots! The Zephyr Lounge on Aft Deck 5 Terrace is a perfect blend of fresh air and friendly chats with fellow travellers. I then ventured to Deck 6 and discovered the serene Small Sundeck Terrace, a peaceful oasis where guests could unwind and soak up the sun.

And who could resist the allure of the Pool Area on Deck 7? With its refreshing cold water pool (perfect for hot days) and a boiling jacuzzi (great for warming up after a swim), it was the ultimate spot for relaxation. Plus, the nearby open bar at 7 Aft made indulging in delicious treats like cheeseburgers and hot dogs—just what you might need for a satisfying poolside snack.

Of course, no cruise is complete without a bit of pampering. While the L’Occitane-branded spa may have been on the smaller side, but it offers a tranquil escape with its cosy treatment rooms, lounge area, and rejuvenating sauna—a blissful retreat.

Immersions/Entertainment

World Traveller spends time between warmer destinations like the Mediterranean and the polar regions. While Antarctica beckons with Zodiac cruises, polar plunges, and other chilly adventures, my journey took me on a delightful seven-night escapade from vibrant Barcelona to charming Nice around the Mediterranean, which is also known as an Epicurean Expedition. 

The excursions were as diverse as the wines I sampled and the chocolates I indulged in. From cook-offs to scenic tours of St Tropez, every day brought a new adventure. And let’s not forget the friendly games of Petanque under the Mediterranean sun!

Onboard, the expedition staff entertained and enlightened us with their engaging lectures. As part of an Epicurean Expedition, you have the opportunity to savour each port’s culinary delights, a feast for both the taste buds and the soul. I also attended an Epicurean Wine Tasting with Sophie Miranda and Oliver Clausse – the Corsican Wines are amazing!

But the fun didn’t stop there! Evenings were filled with musical performances by talented artists like Anne Steal and the incomparable Julie May Huchington, our joyful Cruise Director. And who could forget the guest storyteller’s tales of rubbing elbows with legendary artists like John Lennon? Talk about a voyage to remember!

World Traveller Mediterranean Itinerary

Sun-kissed Barcelona

It was a sun-kissed day in Barcelona, the starting point of my journey aboard World Traveller. I started my adventure with sail away drinks in The Dome and later indulged in a delightful dinner at the Lisboa restaurant, the main dining venue on the yacht. Known for its buffet breakfast and lunch spreads, the Lisboa transforms into a sit-down restaurant in the evenings, offering a tempting three-course meal. 

However, the beauty of it all lies in its flexibility—you can order as many dishes as you like! This evening, I savoured a delicious salad, followed by a succulent steak with dauphinoise potatoes. I didn’t feel like dessert, but the options included a brownie, mousse, or a fresh fruit salad with ice cream! After dinner, I went to The Dome for some evening entertainment and drinks, a ritual that quickly became a highlight of my nights aboard.

Discovering Palamos

Our first stop was Palamos. My day started at Paula’s Pantry with an assortment of coffees, freshly pressed juice, and delicious immunity shots. I then ventured into Palamos town, enjoying wine, shrimps, and calamari at a local restaurant before heading back to the yacht for a buffet lunch in the Atlas Lounge. Dinner that night was a culinary delight: chicken Caesar salad, ribeye steak, and truffle fries followed by a nostalgic performance by guest artist Anne Steele, who brought the 70s and 80s to life.

A Relaxing Sea Day

During a sea day en route to Propriano, I attended a morning meeting, explored the yacht, and relaxed by the pool on Deck 7 under the stunning weather. I even went to the jacuzzi, which was brilliant! Dinner in the Atlas Lounge featured a unique Quiche Lorraine soup, truffle beef wellington, and a delectable chocolate brownie. Our cruise director’s evening performance of beloved musical theatre songs, including hits from Les Miserables, Waitress, and Wicked, was spectacular.

Exploring Propriano

In Propriano, I enjoyed a delightful room service breakfast before exploring the charming coastal town. You could order various things, from a healthy breakfast that includes fruits, smoothies, and pastries to a full English (I ended up ordering room-service breakfast almost every day, it was that delicious). I visited beaches, traditional houses, bars, and cafes before returning to the yacht for an Epicurean Wine Tasting with Sophie Miranda and Oliver Clausse. I discovered my new favourite wine, Muscat Du Cap-Corse DPO, with its sweet honey and exotic fruit notes.

After the wine tasting, I participated in a ‘Meet Your Neighbour Cocktail’ event, mingling with fellow guests while enjoying cocktails and canapés. Dinner that night was a feast: onion soup, potato and sausage soup, rack of lamb with dauphinoise potatoes, and a glass of Muscat Du Cap-Corse wine instead of dessert, the perfect sweet replacement. The evening concluded with drinks (Espresso Martini, of course) and entertainment by musician William TM Hall at The Dome, recreating a New York City-style piano bar atmosphere.

Scenic Ile-Rousse

The next day, I woke up in the beautiful, laid-back seaside town of Ile-Rousse. Naturally, I enjoyed a breakfast via room service in the morning – care to guess what I had? Then, I took a stroll to the town square, where I settled down at a lively café and savoured a delicious coffee before exploring the Greek-style covered marketplace and Caribbean-looking beaches – it was truly surreal. I later stopped off at a local bar and ordered a pina colada while I admired the view, which was made even better with World Traveller in the background!

After a lovely walk, I returned to the yacht for a buffet lunch before heading to the pool deck to soak up some sun – the weather was too sunny to resist! After a relaxing afternoon, I returned to my cabin to prepare for an evening of fun.

Before the night started, I enjoyed dinner at the Lesboa Restaurant, starting with the delicious Arancini balls for starters. I couldn’t decide on a main course, so I ordered both—the breaded chicken on a bed of rice and seasoned vegetables and the mouthwatering tofu noodles with vegetables. The meal’s highlight was undoubtedly the pistachio mousse with fruits and a sprinkle of white chocolate—it was absolutely divine!

After a night filled with indulgent food, I made my way to The Dome to watch guest performer Anne Steele perform, accompanied by William TN Hall on the piano – what a fantastic Broadway night it turned out to be!

Picturesque Saint-Tropez

After a night filled with music and good vibes, I woke up in the picturesque coastal town of Saint-Tropez on the French Riviera. Eager to explore, I hopped on a tender and set off for a leisurely wander through the sunny streets. I couldn’t resist poking around the St. Tropez Market, treating myself to a few little treasures along the way.

After my mini adventure, I returned to the yacht, knowing a delicious buffet awaited me – and it did not disappoint! One highlight was watching the chef craft fresh pasta right before my eyes – it was as mesmerising as it was mouthwatering. Perfectly al dente, it was pasta perfection!

After a brief respite, I ventured out again for a cultural immersion. I took a stroll around St Tropez, tried my hand at Petanque, and savoured some French wine and canapés. It was a delightful experience that immersed me thoroughly in the local atmosphere.

Returning to the yacht, I prepared for dinner, indulging in not one but two starters – a comforting chicken soup that reminded me of home, paired with a flavour-packed shredded beef bao bun that exceeded all expectations. For my main course, I couldn’t resist ordering both the coq au vin and the pad thai, each bursting with bold, unforgettable flavours. And dessert? I couldn’t resist the allure of the chocolate soup, a close contender for my favourite onboard treat.

To cap off the evening, I attended Dancing Under The Dome, hosted by our excellent Cruise Director, Julie May Hutchinson. Her energy and enthusiasm made for an unforgettable night of dancing and fun!

Glamorous Cannes

After a night of dancing to the incredible voice of Julie, I woke up the following day in Cannes, one of the jewels of the French Riviera. Famous for its international film festivals (and yes, I did indulge in some celebrity spotting!), as well as its iconic Boulevard de la Croisette, Cannes did not disappoint. The journey from the yacht to Cannes via tender was a bit bumpy but added to the fun!

Upon arrival, I explored the Cannes Market before leisurely strolling through the modern yet chic streets, with a quick pit stop for a drink at the Manolands Irish Pub.

After a delightful afternoon of potential celebrity sightings (though none confirmed!), I returned to the yacht to prepare for the Captain’s Farewell toast. Captain Vitaliy, Yacht General Manager Jorge, Cruise Director Julie, and the entire staff bid us farewell with a heartwarming crew parade. It was a touching moment.

I opted for 7AFT on the pool deck for my last dinner onboard. For starters, the chicken and avocado salad followed by succulent ribs with truffle mash and sautéed mushrooms were an absolute treat. And dessert? The chef’s special, a freshly made vanilla soufflé, was simply mouthwatering. The standard and quality of the food throughout the cruise truly impressed me.

To cap off the evening, I spent my last night onboard in The Dome, enjoying the soothing melodies of Luis Nadar. It was a bittersweet moment, but the perfect way to end the last full day of the cruise.

Rising bright and early in Nice on disembarkation day, my heart overflowed with gratitude for the incredible experience aboard this intimate 5-star expedition yacht.

Is World Traveller Sustainable?

After spending a week onboard one of Atlas Ocean Voyages’ yachts, I noticed that Atlas has banned the use of single-use plastics. The only use of plastics that I found onboard were the straws used for cocktails. The yachts also benefit from the latest hybrid power management and propulsion system, which consumes as little as one-fifth of the fuel a conventional cruise ship consumes. Atlas’s yachts alternate hydro-jet propulsion, which means they can quietly cruise up to five knots without disturbing sensitive marine wildlife. 

That’s a wrap!

All in all, this yacht-inspired ship seamlessly balances expedition and traditional cruising. My favorite highlight from the week onboard was the exceptional staff, particularly the reception team and the cleaners on my deck. They always addressed me by name and engaged in friendly conversation—there’s truly no other crew like the one on Atlas Ocean Voyages. They truly exceeded my every expectation I had.

Any changes to World Traveller?

Besides World Traveller being an exceptional expedition yacht, there are a few notes I want to point out as constructive criticism. Firstly, having the option of a buffet during dinner time would elevate the dining experience, providing more variety and flexibility compared to the sit-down meal. Another point is that there are two quiet areas where guests can relax and read, but they were rarely busy during my visits. These spaces could potentially be repurposed into a dedicated restaurant or evening buffet area to better utilise the space.

Any Questions?

If you have any questions at all, please don’t hesitate to email me at Rashmi@cruiseline.co.uk. Alternativly, call one of our Voyage Consultants on 0808 239 7844 for more information.

For more insight, I have also made a video talking about my expierence on World Traveller.