WestSea Viana floats out World Navigator, lays World Traveller keel

World Navigator and World Traveller are scheduled to enter service in July 2021 and mid-2022, respectively. Three additional expedition ships for Atlas are on order for delivery by the end of 2023.

World Navigator is 'spot on time,' Atlas President Alberto Aliberti said during a news conference on the opening day of Seatrade Cruise Virtual.

How Atlas is positioned

Atlas promises a 'luxe-adventure' product, and Aliberti said the new brand is positioned between the 'strong expedition, science focus' and the 'top luxury' products. The line's 'All Inclusive All the Way' pricing proposition bundles in air, drinks, emergency evacuation insurance and 'one fun, communal' excursion per trip.

Adventure excursions

Aliberti said the reason daily excursions aren't included is because Atlas offers such a wide range of more unusual, active programs. Examples include a visit to the infamous Chernobyl nuclear power plant including going into the reactor (Russia), glamping under the stars at Petra (Jordan), white-water rafting to a wine tasting (Geogia), sand surfing beyond the pyramids (Egypt), hot-air ballooning (Turkey), a mud-buggy adventure (Israel).

In the 'Max Shore' program, a multi-day overland adventure is included when travelers book an extended regional trip.

Antarctica demand

World Navigator will debut in the Mediterranean, Black Sea and Holy Land next summer before crossing to the Caribbean and South America en route to Antarctica in late 2021.

Brandon Townsley, VP sales, said Atlas is being 'inundated' with requests to participate in virtual consumer travel shows in order to specifically highlight Antarctica.

Given the upcoming 2020/21 Antarctica season is in doubt for many operators, Townsley said there's pent-up demand for the 2021/22 program.