6 minute read
SAINT MARTIN
Atlas Ocean Voyages
The Luxe-adventure Cruise Line Calling All Stylish Thrill-Seekers
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BY BETTY TAYLOR
For thrill-seekers who are looking to explore the world in style, Atlas Ocean Voyages has one of the world’s safest, most sustainable, and of course, sleekest ships around. In fact, this self-proclaimed luxury adventure cruise line is the coolest new kid on the luxury travel block in over two decades. Headquartered in South Florida, Atlas Ocean Voyages, which proudly waves the Portuguese flag of its parent company, is determined to get you to your destination differently than you’ve ever experienced before.
This first of its kind cruise brand, which regularly visits remote locations, is now taking their groundbreaking philosophies and ideals to the seas. From hiking the Inca Trail in Peru to learning falconry in Ireland, or traveling from Casablanca to Marrakech atop 4X4’s and camels and glamping under the stars, their exciting excursions are meant to ensure that you live in the moment for the most memorable experience possible - this is not your grandparents’ cruise line. Aside from city tours aboard motorcoaches, a complimentary land excursion is offered at every port. Atlas continuously aims to take your travel to new - and more exciting heights.
The fun doesn’t end when you return to your ship, either. Rather, guests can gather in one of their lounges while recapping their sightseeing and discoveries over a drink. As they like to say - think Apres Ski at sea. “We
encourage our guests to laugh and just have fun,” explains Alberto Aliberti, President of Atlas Ocean Voyages. “We have created a society at sea of like-spirited travelers. Usually, they’re more experienced and slightly younger compared to other luxury lines. Atlas is always trying to create the most unique experiences for our guests.”
After a long 19 months, why wait to hit the waterways when you can wake up in this laidback yet luxe line’s first vessel, World Navigator, which launched in August 2021. With popular itineraries, including Antarctica, travelers can check off a few – or all - of their bucket list items. Featuring six general categories of staterooms and suites with high-end bath products and robes, you’ll have all the comforts of home on the high seas. While plans for their floorplans got underway well before COVID-19 changed the world, Atlas Ocean Voyages, whose tagline is ‘small is the new big’ was pandemic proof before there was a pandemic. Each ship only has 98 rooms with less than 196 guests on board. This intimate and safe environment will allow you to leave your worries behind the moment you hit the water. Atlas Ocean Voyages, which is an all-inclusive luxury cruise line - that means roundtrip air travel, prepaid gratuities (no having to split the bill amongst friends), emergency medical evacuation insurance, unlimited soft drinks, wine and beer, entertainment, and enrichment lectures - will be a fleet of five by 2024.
When traveling to Antarctica on World Navigator, your adventure begins before you even arrive on your vessel. That’s because Atlas Ocean Voyages charters their own private jet to bring guests from Orlando to Ushuaia, Argentina, minimizing exposure to other travelers in foreign airports while maximizing comfort and safety. This also allows for more efficient connections, especially since commercial routes usually require an extended layover in Buenos Aires or Santiago de Chile.
Aliberti was also determined to ensure that all guests onboard his ships remain comfortable. While you can easily get stuffed from their regionally influenced cuisine, the atmosphere is anything but stuffy. Staff wear khakis rather than suits and guests can remain ‘cozy chic’.
From retro decor which is stylistically chic without taking itself too seriously - think rich, wood walls with light floors and marble - to SeaSpa by L’OCCITANE, the first ever L’OCCITANE spa at sea, World Navigator is both stylish and more importantly, sustainable. The brand goes above and beyond the necessary guidelines in order to be the best cruise line that they can be, both for their guests as well as the planet. They even incorporated a unique hydro jet propulsion system in addition to each ship’s twin propellers. When the hydro jets are engaged themselves, the vessel can cruise up to 5 knots in almost complete silence. This leads to less stressed fish and more satisfied passengers who can view various sea life a bit longer. Their ships also feature the lowest forward observation bow of any other watercraft called the Water’s Edge, allowing guests to get closer to marine life. This is in addition to consuming the lowest sulfur marine diesel, one of the cleanest fuels available for marine shipping.
Atlas Ocean Voyages wants to provide a unique and elevated guest experience. Let’s just say that while everyone else is going to Alaska this summer, they are traveling to the Mediterranean. “We do things which make us distinctive,” explains Aliberti.
Though currently sailing Antarctica expeditions, World Navigator will explore the British Isles and Ireland, plus the Norwegian Fjords, Svalbard, Iceland and Greenland, as well as voyage to the Baltic for summer 2022. World Traveller, Atlas’ second ship, which will launch in July of 2022, will sail the Costa del Sol, French Riviera, Adriatic and Greek Isle voyages for her inaugural season.
They might go their own way, but Atlas Ocean Voyages, the alternative - or perhaps only - luxury adventure cruise line, always gets to their destination the right way. P
atlasoceanvoyages.com
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LThe French Caribbean Haven BY SUCHETA RAWAL
ocated in the northeast Caribbean Sea, east of Puerto Rico, the island of St. Martin is a unique destination in more ways than you may know of. Its 37 square miles are shared by the Dutch (Sint Maarten) and the French (Saint-Martin), devoid of country borders, but with distinct languages, currencies and cultures. The highly diverse society lends to a rich gastronomy scene, friendly citizens, and a laid-back atmosphere. The surroundings are marked by 37 beaches dotting the coasts of the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. It is no surprise then, that St. Martin has been a popular vacation destination for discerning American and European travelers since the 1950s. You ‘‘PASTEL AND WHITE VARNISHED might, perhaps, catch a glimpse RESORTS AND VILLAS BLEND of celebrities like Diana Ross, INTO THE LUSH TROPICAL HILLS Usher, Alicia Keys, and John ON THE NORTHERN FRENCH SIDE Legend sailing in their mega-yachts OF THE ISLAND.’’ or taking refuge at their private beach villas.
Pastel and white varnished resorts and villas blend into the lush tropical hills on the northern French side of the island. The most popular area for visitors is Orient Bay Village, home to several sparsely crowded and clothing-optional white sand beaches, cozy familyfriendly cottages and aparthotels, as well as easygoing cafes and international restaurants.
At Cul de Sac Bay, you will find the all-inclusive adult-only Secrets St. Martin Resort and Spa that draws inspiration from the island’s stylish Caribbean and European roots to adorn its 258 ocean, marina and mountain view suites. For a more intimate escape, stay at a villa located at the boutique Karibuny Hotel, fitted with personal plunge pools and private boat service. For a longer stay, head to the Lowlands area, known for its secluded beach villas overlooking turquoise waters and lush gardens. Here you can rent a three-to-fifteenbedroom private home, fully endowed with a private butler, concierge and resident caretaker.
