Atlas Ocean Voyages Will Require Guests Be Vaccinated
by Daniel McCarthy /
Atlas Ocean Voyages, the new luxury cruise line, announced on Thursday that it will require proof of vaccination for all its guests.
The mandate, which will require guests to have received the last of their COVID-19 vaccinations at least 14-days prior to sailing, will start with World Navigator’s Oct. 4 itinerary.
Atlas will also administer a mandatory antigen test at embarkation and require guests to show proof of a negative PCR test taken up to 72 hours, or a negative antigen test taken up to 48 hours, prior to embarkation.
The line said the decision was made “to meet the ever-changing local destinations’ COVID protocols and to best ensure an uninterrupted and safe guest experience.”
World Navigator made its debut earlier this month, hitting the water as one of the most highly anticipated new product offerings in the cruise industry over the past few years.
World Navigator, the first of five ships on order from the line, officially kicked off its inaugural summer season of 7- to 12-night Egypt and Greek Island voyages. The ship will remain in Europe through the summer before repositioning to Antarctica via the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and South America this fall.
In total, the ship offers 98 suites and staterooms ranging from 183-sq.-ft. to 466-sq.-ft. While there will be no solo suites at first, the plan is for World Navigator to begin offering them in March 2022.
Outside of accommodations, guests will be able to enjoy the first L’OCCITANE spa at sea that includes two different therapy rooms, an infrared sauna, and a serenity lounge. For entertainment, guests will be able to see live performances in two lounges, the Atlas and Dome lounges, which will offer pop, stage, and American classics sing-alongs.
All bookings are done with Atlas’ all-inclusive fare that includes round-trip airfare, gratuities, WiFi, shore excursions, and more. Last month, the line also announced that its all-inclusive fare will include emergency medical evacuation and return-home insurance when the line launches next year.
The fare will include emergency medical evacuation from the ship to a hospital or treatment center onshore, along with the cost of returning home or to a different medical facility close to home.
Atlas is also offering a 15% commission for its advisor partners on all bookings.