I was on the Virtuoso Cruise Committee when Atlas was introduced as a new cruise partner. I did not offer them for some time as I have seen upstarts under perform. I watched the Virtuoso Verified Reviews and finally decided to offer Atlas Shortly afterwards I booked a cruise to try them for myself.
Atlas features 3 types of sailings: Expedition, Epicurean and Cultural. Sustainable practices are evident and a consistent part of the Atlas culture.
I sailed on an 11-night cruise Cultural itinerary sailing Iceland and Norway which was on my wish list. July is a wonderful time to visit these far north destinations. I quickly discovered that if I took photos of beautiful scenery and waterfalls that those photos would overwhelmingly dominate my post.
James Rodriquez, CEO, was on our sailing and during his talk he said that the Atlas demographic is 52-55. Most are new to cruise and their first sailing was to Antarctica or the artic. There is high repeat from previous passengers. By 2030 they expect a total of 5-6 vessels. The next new market is Asia off season from Antarctica. Expect interesting repositioning itineraries as they transit to and from Asia. Soon to come will be new Wi-Fi packages as Wi-Fi is consistently the lowest rated aspect in client feedback.
Although we were told WiFi was Starlink it was hard to believe as throughout the trip WiFi was inadequate. One of the passengers we traveled with purchased the most expensive plan and still had to find cafes with internet to send her work in on time.
Many of the shore excursions from other suppliers have buses with WiFi. Not one of my Atlas shore excursions offered WiFi on the bus and it was accurately not mentioned in the shore excursion description. With the unsatisfactory WiFi on ship, it would be advantageous to have WiFi on tours if available.
Shore excursions appear to be sourced and delivered by the same operators as the huge ships. We missed one of our independent shore excursions as the ship arrived at port hours late due to rough seas. Although the crew knew we were not told in time to reschedule. Fair warning but if you want a better experience with a private guide, it is still worth the risk. Bottled water is not offered or available on tours. We were given a reusable water bottle, but it was large and awkward. Better to bring a smaller, more easily washed one.
Shore excursions descriptions were poorly written, in particular walking distances Do note that if adequate participant numbers are not reached the ship shore excursions will be canceled but you will be offered a substitute if available.
If booking northern Europe destinations just like Alaska aim for later start times to let the fog/mist burn off (hopefully). Always pack or wear a waterproof (not water resistant) outer layer. Oh and wool socks….underappreciated until you wear them, perfect for both cold and hot climates.
In many ways Atlas reminds me of Viking as it is adult oriented although passengers under 18 are allowed, however, there are no special accommodations for children or teens.
Entertainment consists of musical performances, reading, games and puzzles, afternoon tea and lectures. It has been some time since a crew talent show was the evening entertainment in my decades of cruising, however, the passenger engagement at the Atlas crew talent show was impressive. We found the quality impressive and the enthusiasm remarkable. There was a raffle after the talent show that benefited the Crew Welfare Fund. A few movies were played in the theater during the cruise but with sparse attendance. Trivia was also offered at times with good participation.
The bar service is robust, efficient and friendly. Suggestions are taken seriously throughout the ship but when I mentioned that with the breathtaking views in Iceland that I wished to enjoy the views rather than the drapes, the drapes were then left open in the lounge on deck 4.
Afternoon tea has only a few options to order from a menu. I did not make it every day but did not see scones.
In Bergen the aft dining area on deck 4 was open for lunch and dinner. Delightful. In the Med I can see this being THE place for meals. Arrive early for a choice location.
Do check out the forward area on deck 5, the Waters Edge is an open observation space just below the bridge. Aft on deck 5 is a lovely relaxing outdoor but shaded with comfy couches overlooking the wake.
The Bridge is often open on deck 6 forward no appointment needed. If not a good time there will be a sign up indicating it is closed. On sea days there is a good chance to spend time on the bridge if the weather is good.
Standard balcony cabins are very comfortable. The closet area is unusual but with a little creativity we had enough storage for an 11-night cruise even packing many layers. Oddly there are two very comfortable easy chairs that would be good for watching TV but the TV does not pivot and is directly in front of the bed. The intercom speakers in the cabin are terrible and unfortunately all announcements are played in the cabins with no way to mute them. With the exception of the door opening inward rather than into the hall, the bath is amazingly well designed.
Food is of the highest quality, exceptional ingredients expertly prepared. However, there is minimal seasoning in particular salt. Portion sizes are appropriate and the number of options at each dinner are numerous. Lunch and dinner finds at least 4 choices of ice cream in addition to the other offerings. Ice cream is also available near the pool during the day. Ice cream is a very popular option all day.
Evening Dining improved significantly once I found Marcelo an assistant waiter, he took a personal interest in our dining and made spot on recommendations as well as assuming personal responsibility for ensuring our dishes were received hot. Delightful.
Room service is delivered promptly, very helpful for early morning excursions. The hamburger and fries were so popular that I saw them frequently ordered in the dining room for lunch. The bars do not offer potato chips and snacks such as nuts and pretzels are no salt or low salt. However, you can request French fries delivered to the lounges. They arrived with salt and ketchup in a box.
The true soul of Atlas is her crew and staff. The kindest and the most accommodating people you will ever meet. I will put them above my previous personal favorites of Crystal and Azamara. When you have crew and staff that treat their passengers so well it can only mean that the owner and management team does a very good job of treating their employees well. Wonderful crew, all inclusive on board experience, captivating itineraries and exceptional small vessels make Atlas one of the best kept cruise secrets.
TIPS
- There is not a 110 outlet by the bed so if you require one bedside pack a European converter.
- The rain shower head is adjustable as are the sprayers mounted in the wall. Raising the wall jets up for the upper back….delicious.
- The wool blankets provided in the cabin is the best way to warm up if chilled. They are somewhat hidden in the top of the rounded wardrobe.
Atlas World Navigator, Iceland/Norway, July 2024
Suggestions:
- Atlas would have the perfect shower in my standard balcony cabin with just the addition of a bar to adjust the handheld spray shower up and down.
- Standard height chairs and tables are needed in the lounge area for picture puzzles, cards and games. Sitting on the floor to put together a picture puzzle does not attract much of their demographic.
