Everything you’ll want to know before you sail.
Prices and availability are subject to change at any time.
Thank you for your interest in Atlas Ocean Voyages! I’ve gathered the most important details in one easy place, so you can see exactly what’s included, what you may want to add, and what to expect before, during, and after your voyage.
Atlas sails small, all-inclusive luxury yachts year-round, from the Mediterranean and Northern Europe to Antarctica and the Arctic. Take a look through the sections below, and whenever you’re ready, I’d love to help you choose between a polar, epicurean, or cultural expedition, and find the yacht, suite, and season that fit you best.
What’s included, where you’ll stay, and how you’ll spend your days.
Atlas is an all-inclusive line of small luxury yachts, so the essentials are part of your fare from the moment you step aboard. Fine wines and cocktails, five-star dining, and gratuities for the onboard staff are all taken care of, whether you’re bound for Antarctica or the Amalfi Coast.
Here’s what you can look forward to.
Imagine afternoon tea in The Dome, a glass of wine as the yacht slips out of harbor, and nothing to sign for along the way.
A signature cultural experience on every expedition, onboard or ashore.
Ever-changing menus at every meal, plus 24-hour room service.
Fine wines, craft cocktails, spirits, craft beers, and canapés.
Specialty coffees, fresh-pressed juices, and a daily afternoon tea service.
With a Nespresso machine and Vero Water.
Already part of your fare.
Ready for wildlife spotting and walks ashore.
An Emergency Medical and Trip Delay plan, included with your fare.
Ashore up to twice a day when conditions allow, led by the expedition team.
On Antarctica and High Arctic expeditions, plus knee boots to wear on shore landings.
On Antarctica expeditions from Ushuaia or King George Island: private charter air, group transfers, and a pre-expedition hotel night.
Expert briefings each day, and an evening gathering with cocktails and canapés.
Inclusions are set by Atlas and may vary by expedition and suite. Shore excursions on Epicurean and Cultural Expeditions, polar kayaking and camping, SeaSpa treatments, and premium Wi-Fi packages are available at an additional cost.
When you compare small-ship luxury lines, look at what’s included as well as the fare. With Atlas, wine, cocktails, gratuities for the onboard staff, and an Immersive Experience are already part of your voyage, and on polar expeditions, so are your parka and your Zodiac landings.
Atlas calls every voyage an expedition, because each one explores a corner of the world in depth. There are three styles to choose from, all with the same all-inclusive approach. Here’s a quick way to picture which one fits the trip you have in mind.
| At a Glance | Polar ExpeditionsAntarctica & the Arctic | Epicurean ExpeditionsThe Mediterranean & Asia | Cultural ExpeditionsNorthern Europe, Africa & the Caribbean |
|---|---|---|---|
| Days Ashore | Zodiac landings, up to twice daily | Small-group food, wine and history excursions | Small-group excursions with local experts |
| Signature | A polar parka and vest to keep | Guest chefs, vintners and the Josper grill at 7AFT | Expert lectures, workshops and local performances |
| Always Included | An Atlas Immersive Experience | An Atlas Immersive Experience | An Atlas Immersive Experience |
| Best For | Wildlife and wild landscapes | Travelers who love food and wine | Culture, music and history |
Three yachts with 100 suites each, built in Portugal with a Polar Category C and Ice Class 1B designation, so they sail from pole to pole.
The first Atlas-class yacht, described by Atlas as the world’s first luxury expedition sailing yacht, with 200 suites. Its first voyages, in Asia and Africa, begin in late 2028.
An intimate atmosphere with personal, unhurried service, on and off the yacht.
Antarctica in the austral summer, the Arctic in the northern summer, and the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean in between.
Atlas Adventurer is a new yacht, and its details are subject to change before it enters service.
Every Atlas suite has a queen bed that converts to two singles, a marble spa bathroom with L’OCCITANE amenities, and a stocked minibar. Suites are grouped into three collections, each adding its own extras.
Adventure Ocean Suites with a large window, and Veranda Suites with a private veranda. In-room minibar, Nespresso coffee, 24-hour room service, bathrobes, slippers, and binoculars.
Horizon and Deluxe Suites, with a floor-to-ceiling window that opens to a Juliet balcony or a private veranda. Adds a welcome treat, priority access to experiences such as a galley tour, complimentary wash-and-fold laundry, and 10% savings in the boutique, the SeaSpa, and on premium Wi-Fi.
The Journey, Discovery, and Navigator Suites, with separate living areas. Adds a personal butler and an expanded in-suite dining menu with premium beverages.
Suite names, sizes, and layouts vary by yacht. Select suites accommodate a third guest. There are two accessible suites, and no connecting suites.
Life aboard an Atlas yacht feels more like a private yacht club than a cruise ship: relaxed, social, and close to the sea, with open decks that bring the scenery and wildlife within easy reach.
An open deck about 30 feet above the sea, with heated seating, for close-up views of wildlife and scenery.
Stargazing, a pianist, and evening entertainment in The Dome, and pre-dinner cocktails in the Atlas Lounge.
Lectures, guest speakers, and polar briefings in the auditorium, and enrichment tailored to each destination.
At the Captain’s discretion, guests are welcome on the bridge.
Optional treatments, plus a sauna with panoramic windows.
A fitness studio, a running track on the top deck, and a pool and hot tub on the sun deck.
Each guest receives a complimentary 1 GB voucher for one device, and larger packages are available onboard.
Relaxed resort wear by day, and slacks, skirts, or dresses in the evening. There are no formal nights.
After a day of exploring, the sauna’s panoramic windows keep the view in sight. Spa treatments are an additional cost, and Concierge and Reserve guests save 10% at the SeaSpa.
Onboard facilities and venue names vary by yacht.
Dining is relaxed and refined, with ever-changing menus by well-traveled chefs, and wines, cocktails, and beer included throughout your voyage.
Wine from AshoreFound a bottle you love in port? You’re welcome to bring wine purchased ashore back aboard, with no corkage fee.
The main restaurant, serving globally inspired dishes from breakfast through dinner, with a plant-based option every night.
Poolside lunches by day, and an open-air steak and seafood grill on a charcoal Josper oven by night, on Epicurean and Cultural Expeditions, weather permitting.
Afternoon tea, espresso drinks, and pre-dinner cocktails with canapés.
A casual café with pastries, fresh juices, and sandwiches.
On polar expeditions, an optional omakase-style tasting menu with premium wines for up to 10 guests.
Including wine, beer, and spirits.
Guest chefs and visiting vintners join the voyage, with cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, and a friendly Yachtsman Cookoff, all included.
Share any dietary preferences or allergies with me when we book, and I’ll pass them along so the kitchen is ready for you from day one.
Dining venues and menus vary by yacht and expedition.
Every Atlas voyage is built around time ashore, in small groups and with expert guides. What a day looks like depends on the style of expedition you choose.
An expedition team of up to 17 naturalists, biologists, mountaineers, historians, and photographers leads Zodiac safaris and landings, up to twice a day when conditions allow.
Sea kayaking and an overnight camp on the Antarctic ice are optional, at an additional cost and subject to conditions. Atlas also offers a Polar Plunge for the brave.
Optional small-group shore excursions, from truffle hunting in Tuscany to a safari in Tanzania, are available at an additional cost.
On Cultural Expeditions, curated experiences ashore and onboard, such as stargazing workshops.
Every expedition includes one, onboard or ashore. It might be an evening concert in the citadel of Kotor, an after-hours visit to Ephesus with a chamber orchestra, Highland dancing to live bagpipes in Stornoway, or a visit to a national park near Ushuaia.
Shore excursions are operated by independent local companies. Activities vary by itinerary and season, and all polar activities depend on weather and ice.
Arrive early, stay a little longer, or add a land journey before you sail, all arranged around your Atlas expedition.
Ask Me AboutStarting or ending in Amsterdam? See my guide to Amsterdam’s canals, museums, and day trips for ideas on how to spend your extra days.
Pre- and post-expedition programs are an additional cost and carry their own terms. I’ll share exactly what’s included for the voyage you’re considering.
Ways to save, from current offers to the Atlas Yacht Club.
Atlas offers promotions that change throughout the year, often including bonus savings, air credits, or a complimentary amenity matched to your style of expedition. An experienced advisor can make sure you receive the strongest value for your voyage.
Reserve ahead for the best choice of yacht, suite, and date, often at the best fare.
Limited-time savings and added value on select departures.
Reduced or waived single supplements on select sailings, when available.
Special value for milestone trips and travel with family and friends.
A complimentary amenity chosen to suit Polar, Epicurean, or Cultural Expeditions, on select voyages.
Current offers: Atlas Ocean Voyages offers
Offers are capacity controlled and change often. Tell me who’s traveling and your target dates, and I’ll apply every offer and benefit you qualify for.
After your first expedition, you’re welcomed into the Atlas Yacht Club, Atlas’s program for returning guests.
Up to 5% savings on expeditions to Antarctica, the Arctic, the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, South America, and the Caribbean.
Annual voyages for club members to travel together again.
Share Atlas with friends and family and earn rewards when they sail.
Membership benefits are set by Atlas and may change without notice. Details: Atlas Yacht Club
Deposits, gratuities, check-in and the paperwork to have in order.
For voyages booked more than 120 days ahead, Atlas asks for a 25% deposit within three days of booking. Final payment is due about 120 days before departure, and bookings made inside that window are paid in full at booking. I’ll confirm the exact amounts and dates in writing before you commit.
Cancellation charges begin at $250 per person and become a percentage of the cruise fare as departure approaches. Government taxes and fees are refunded.
| More than 120 days before | $250 per person |
|---|---|
| 120 to 91 days | 25% |
| 90 to 76 days | 50% |
| 75 to 46 days | 75% |
| 45 days or less | 100% |
Cancellations must be made in writing. Pre- and post-expedition programs and some excursions have their own deadlines.
Unless otherwise listed, all pricing is per person, based on double occupancy, specific to the suite category quoted, and subject to availability at the time of booking.
Because Atlas sails limited-inventory yachts, prices and availability can change without notice. By booking, you agree to the supplier’s terms, available on its website.
Cruise lines reserve the right to add surcharges for items such as fuel increases, port fees, or government requirements. Additional fees may apply from Avoya Travel or the cruise line if a cancellation occurs.
Please review Atlas’s full cancellation policy before final payment, available in its Terms & Conditions.
I recommend travel protection for every trip, and I’m happy to provide quotes so you can compare coverage before final payment.
Atlas Terms & Conditions: Terms of Use and Booking Terms
If you ever need help with payments, or would like me to walk you through your options, I’m always here.
Gratuities for the onboard service staff are already included in your Atlas fare, so there’s nothing to calculate for the crew who look after you.
Gratuities at a GlanceIf someone goes above and beyond and you’d like to show extra appreciation, you’re welcome to, but it’s never expected.
Your shipboard account is in U.S. dollars and linked to your card at embarkation. Mastercard, Visa, Discover, and American Express are accepted, and there is no currency exchange onboard.
Guides and drivers ashore work for independent local companies, and customs for thanking them vary. I’ll share local practices as we plan.
Wondering how much cash to bring for tips and incidentals? My guide to cash, cards, and currency in Europe has practical pointers.
Gratuity inclusions are set by Atlas and may change. I’ll confirm what’s included for every part of your journey.
In the months and weeks before departure, a few simple steps get you ready:
Embarkation is usually between 3 and 5 PM, unless your Expedition Documents say otherwise.
A little preparation makes embarkation day effortless. Keep these details handy:
I’m glad to walk through every step with you.
It is each traveler’s responsibility to carry proper documentation. Here’s what to have in order before you go.
Names on reservations must match your passport exactly.
Since May 2025, U.S. travelers need a REAL ID-compliant license or other accepted ID, such as a passport, for domestic flights and certain federal facilities.
Many voyages visit several countries, each with its own entry rules. South Georgia requires a visitor permit, applied for at least 8 days before arrival, and U.S. citizens visiting Brazil’s side of Iguazu Falls need a Brazilian visa. Verify requirements through CIBTvisas, and I’ll confirm exactly what your itinerary needs.
Europe’s new travel authorization for U.S. visitors is not yet in effect, and no launch date has been announced. I’ll let you know if it applies to your trip.
An Electronic Travel Authorisation is required for entry to the United Kingdom.
Europe’s border system now registers non-EU visitors with fingerprints and a photo, so allow a little extra time at passport control on your first entry.
I strongly recommend reviewing travel advisories and health guidance before your trip so you’re fully prepared.
A few things that are helpful to know before you sail.
Expeditions are, by nature, a partnership with the weather. Atlas plans every voyage carefully, and a little flexibility goes a long way.
Itineraries, landings, and Zodiac outings may change with ice, weather, and safety conditions, and the Captain and expedition team adapt each day.
Polar charter flights limit bags, typically one checked bag of 42 to 50 lb and one carry-on of 11 to 17 lb, depending on the route.
Guests must be at least 12 months old on Epicurean and Cultural Expeditions and 8 years old on Polar Expeditions, and guests under 18 share a suite with an adult.
A licensed doctor is onboard, and medical care carries an additional cost.
Suites have both 110V and 220V outlets and a USB port.
All travel is subject to schedule adjustments, itinerary changes, weather disruptions, and operational delays.
The sea sets the course. All you have to do is enjoy the view.
Whether you already have a destination in mind or are just beginning to dream, I’d love to help you find the Atlas expedition that fits you best. I’ll compare itineraries and suites, apply every savings offer you qualify for, and take care of the details from your first question to your welcome home.
Prices and availability are subject to change at any time. Amenities, offers, and policies are set by Atlas Ocean Voyages and may change without notice. Photography courtesy of Atlas Ocean Voyages.