Atlas is Exceptional – Cruise Traveller’s MD reports

Atlas Ocean Voyages’ expeditions are a perfect fit for Australians
according to Cruise Traveller MD on his first journey with the youthful brand

“A perfect fit for Australians,” is how small ship cruise expert, Joseph O’Sullivan, describes one of the world’s newest luxury cruise fleets, Atlas Ocean Voyages, after returning from a journey aboard one of the company’s boutique expedition ships in northern Europe.

Mr O’Sullivan is the head of Cruise Traveller – Australia’s largest, small ship cruise agency and, since last year,  the exclusive Australian representative for Atlas Ocean Voyages.  To define and capture the cruise brand’s place in the increasingly growing expedition space, Mr O’Sullivan recently travelled to Europe with his teenage daughter to experience for himself a journey with Atlas Ocean Voyages, joining a seven-day sailing aboard one of the company’s three ships, the 198-guest World Voyager, from Scotland to the Faroe Islands in the North Atlantic.

“The experience was exceptional and tailor-made for Australians who value no-fuss, effortless elegance, an abundance of space, efficient service, affordability, and a focus on discovering the destination,” said Mr OSullivan.  “A total absence of queues allowed us to maximise our time in port and on ship,” he said. “The relaxed and carefree ambience onboard cultivates genuine connections with fellow travellers young and old.  It’s just the right fit for Australians who want an incredible experience in amazing places but an affordable price without fuss and formality,” he said.

“Everything onboard was seamless, simplified, intimate and so elegantly easy with great food and entertainment and great crew.  On an Atlas voyage, it’s not just about luxury, even though Atlas’ vessels are certainly beautiful and luxe. It’s about the quality of the expedition, a joy of discovery and enriching experiences at captivating destinations, and this attracts the sort of people discerning Australians love to journey with.”

Atlas Ocean Voyages’ three identical, 10,000-ton expedition ships each carry 198 guests and 130 crew, with a passenger to crew ratio of 1.5 guests for every one crew member, resulting in a high level of personalised and friendly service, according to Mr O’Sullivan. “I can’t stress enough how easy it was to get off and on the ship because of the small number of guests the ship carries. That means buying time, which means less stress and more time genuinely experiencing the destinations you are visiting. There were never any line-ups for anything. After more than 30 years experiencing the best the industry has to offer, the breakfasts, showers, observation lounge, viewing decks and cafes aboard this Atlas ship were the best I’ve encountered at sea.  And because fares are all-inclusive, you didn’t have to put your hand in your pocket all the time.

“And being on a smaller vessel means the fabric of the small towns you visit doesn’t alter – you get to experience a place at its authentic best without a sudden inundation of tourists.    

“In a nutshell,  Atlas is a brilliant expedition  product and one Australians will love as they get to know more about this brand, which we are very proud to represent,” Mr O’Sullivan said.

To book, call the Australian representative for Atlas Ocean Voyages, Cruise Traveller, on 1800 507 777, or visit www.cruisetraveller.com.au/atlas-ocean-voyages .

* Atlas Ocean Voyages operates three, luxe, state-of-the-art expedition ships, each carrying up to 198 guests – World Voyager, World Traveller and World Navigator, with two more luxe ships on order – World Adventurer and World Discoverer. The award-winning company has quickly established itself as a leader in luxury, boutique-ship expedition cruises, drawing discerning, inquisitive and spirited explorers on authentic, all-inclusive adventures to pristine, almost out of reach destinations which larger ships cannot access. The company’s immersive nature and culture experiences embrace the very essence Antarctica, the Arctic, Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, Caribbean and South America.