Atlas Ocean Voyages unveils new alfresco dining concept

The complimentary wine-pairing menu offers an authentic Portuguese dining experience, echoing the line’s heritage, with recipes passed down for generations and prepared using artisanal techniques, cookware and ingredients.

The gastronomic soul of Portugal

'Alma means "soul" in Portuguese and our new venue showcases the gastronomic soul of Portugal,' said James Rodriguez, the line’s president and CEO. In addition to learning about Continental cuisine from guest chefs on Atlas' new Epicurean Expeditions, travelers will get an introduction to Portuguese culinary traditions.

Atlas first talked about the Alma concept as an alternative main dining room menu on certain evenings when World Navigator debuted in 2021.

Sample delicacies

Selections may include Polvo à Lagareiro, oven roasted octopus and potatoes in a bath of olive oil and roasted garlic, from Santa Luzia; Alheira de Mirandela, traditional Portuguese sausage, sauteed radish greens and potatoes, from Mirandela; and Torta de Azeitão, a rolled sponge cake dessert filled with egg custard cream, from Setúbal.

Visiting vintner and gastronomic guest

Atlas’ Epicurean Expeditions feature onboard enrichment from a 'visiting vintner,' who may conduct a tasting of regional wines, and a 'gastronomic guest,' who might be a renowned chef from a Michelin-starred venue or a local culinary rock star. In addition to highlighting their signature dishes on restaurant menus during the voyage, guest chefs will conduct live cooking demonstrations and travelers will be able to take home recipes from the presentations.

The gastronomic guest will also participate, along with the ship’s executive chef, in the Yachtsman Cookoff – Atlas’ version of a culinary 'Ironman' competition, and accompany the complimentary, culinary-focused Cultural Immersion tour.