Overview
World Traveller is an impressive expedition ship and I was lucky enough to spend 9 nights on board. My voyage sailed from the Spanish Mediterranean to the Canary Islands with stops at exotic destinations like Casablanca and the Madeira Islands. Indeed, it is the combination of unique itineraries and on board luxury that makes all the difference.
The 198-guest World Traveller is small enough to visit rarely seen locales, yet big enough to offer resort-style amenities. A nautical decor makes World Traveller feel like a yacht, while attention to detail marks it out as a very special cruise ship.
Pros
- Fascinating tours and expeditions
- Feels like a private yacht
- Great food
- Friendly service
Cons
- No cons worth mentioning
World Traveller
at a glance
- Guests:198
- Crew:127
- Decks:8
- Year launched:2022
- Ticket price:$$$$
- Standard:Ultra-luxury
World Traveller FAQs
Ship tour video
Our review ratings
| Staff | Rating |
|---|---|
| Service | (4.5) |
| Enthusiasm | (5.0) |
| Problem solving | (4.5) |
| Language skills | (5.0) |
| Amenities | Rating |
|---|---|
| Rooms | (5.0) |
| Dining | (4.5) |
| Nightlife | (4.0) |
| Wellness | (4.5) |
Get to know World Traveller
The Portuguese-built World Traveller entered service in 2022, the second vessel in the Atlas Ocean Voyages fleet.
At just 129 m. / 423 ft. long World Traveller feels intimate. More like a yacht than a cruise ship, it nonethless boasts two restaurants and lounges, a luxe spa and boutique, as well as a swimming pool and gym. There are also eye-catching details at every turn, from engraved cutlery to overstuffed damask cushions.
World Traveller deck plan
The World Traveller deck plan is mostly easy to get around.
- Reception: Deck 4
- Main dining room: Deck 4
- Theatre: Deck 4
- Accommodation: Decks 3 to 6
- Observation lounge: Deck 7
What’s the food like on World Traveller?
The chefs on World Traveller serve mouthwatering cuisine inspired by the places they visit. Indeed, my voyage was an epicurean adventure filled with new taste sensations and culinary classics. There were two restaurants to choose from – the alfresco 7AFT Grill and the Lisboa Restaurant.
The Lisboa Restaurant is named for the capital city of Portugal, where Atlas Ocean Voyages was born.
Foodies will delight in the five course dinner menu with perfectly cook scallops and indulgent Beef Wellington. I also relished desserts like the devilishly delicious Portuguese Egg Custard Pastry Tart.
Not to be outdone the 7AFT Grill serve jumbo shrimps as well as signature charcoal-grilled salmon fillets. Although I recommend the succulent steaks from France; they are especially good.
In addition, there are light bites and sweet treats at the Paula’s Pantry cafe.
Entertainment on World Traveller
The after-dark entertainment on World Traveller is curated for small ship cruising. There are no clichéd stage shows, rather a talented duo provide the nightly entertainment; a wonderful pianist and a fabulous vocalist.
In the Atlas Lounge the pianist takes requests while passengers enjoy pre-dinner cocktails. Later in the Dome Observation Lounge, the vocalist (who is also the Cruise Director) joins the pianist for a sparkling cabaret performance peppered with showbiz anecdotes. On my voyage the entertainment in the Dome was always popular.
There are also big screen movies in the theatre.
Daytime activities
The daytime activities on World Traveller help you make the most of each port-of-call. In the theatre there are informative presentations by cultural and wildlife experts, as well as destination information sessions by experienced guides. On polar voyages there are also expedition briefings.
In addition World Traveller has cooking demonstrations, culinary presentations and wine tastings. There is a boutique, as well as tours of the bridge, team trivia and a selection of books and board games in the Atlas Lounge.
Staterooms and suites explained
All the staterooms and suites on World Traveller have a fabulous nautical decor in shades of blue and cream as well as timber finishes with chrome highlights.
Most passengers stay in a Veranda Stateroom. These have a separate sitting area which leads on to the veranda. I liked the wonderfully luxurious bathroom as well as the thoughtful touches like a coffee machine. There were also binoculars for scenic cruising.
The Horizon Stateroom is almost identical, but without the veranda. Instead, floor-to-ceiling glass ensures panoramic ocean views, with the added benefit of a much bigger interior space.
There are also larger rooms and suites available, like the top-of-the-range Navigator Suite. It has a separate living area and includes butler service.
Expeditions and excursions
The expeditions and shore excursions vary depending on where World Traveller sails. For instance, on polar voyages there are daily Zodiac safaris; it is an opportunity to see the landscape and wildlife up close. If you are brave enough you can even take a polar plunge in the icy waters.
In warmer climates there are panoramic bus trips and walks around UNESCO sites, as well as hiking and sail boat adventures. Not to mention chefs market tours and cultural explorations.
Fitness on World Traveller
The range of wellness options on World Traveller is impressive. There is a modern gym with TechnoGym fitness machines and free weights. On the open decks there are exercise machines as well as a jogging track. Also, World Traveller has an outdoor heated swimming pool and a whirlpool tub.
Inside, the SeaSpa by L’Occitane has a selection of indulgent treatments designed to soothe tired muscles and relax the mind. I recommend the sauna which has a magnificent ocean view, as well as the comfy loungers in the relaxation suite. The SeaSpa by L’Occitane was very popular on my voyage, so it’s worth booking treatments early.
What’s included on World Traveller
A World Traveller cruise fare is all-inclusive. All meals are included. So too are beverages like fine wines, spirits, craft beers and there is even a stocked in-room minibar. Gratuities are also included.
A unique cultural immersion event is included on each voyage too. On my sailing it was the evening of the Los Indianos Carnival, celebrating the ties between Cuba and the Canary Islands.
Additionally, polar voyages include a private charter jet service as well as shore landings and Zodiac safaris led by expert guides.
It’s worth noting that there are no self-service laundries on World Traveller. So laundering your clothes will cost extra.
What to wear on board
The passengers on World Traveller tend to dress for comfort. During the day they like to wear light shirts and pants on board.
However, on tour in the polar regions it’s all about layers; from thermal underwear to sweaters and waterproof outers. On the other hand, in warmer climates light clothing is appropriate.
In the evening the dress code is ‘smart-comfortable’, so I recommend slacks or skirts, with sweaters or jackets being optional.
It’s worth noting that there are no formal nights on World Traveller.
Who sails on World Traveller?
An intriguing mix of passengers sail on World Traveller. There are first time adventurers as well as Abercrombie & Kent aficionados. On my voyage most guests came from the USA, although there were also people from the UK and Europe; a small number of Australians were on board too. Guests usually range in age from 50 to 75-years old. World Traveller is gay friendly.
Conclusions
Sailing on World Traveller is a special experience. It can take you places you’ve never been while pampering you with superb cuisine and great service in luxurious surroundings. In short, World Traveller is a perfect expedition ship.
The author sailed as a guest of Atlas Ocean Voyages.
About the Author: Jason Kerr
