Age Policy
Atlas Ocean Voyages has specific age requirements that vary depending on the type of expedition you are booking. Because they focus on luxury adventure and polar exploration, their policies are stricter than standard commercial cruise lines.
Minimum Age Requirements
- Epicurean & Cultural Expeditions: The minimum age is 12 months at the time of boarding.
- Polar Expeditions (Antarctica & Arctic): The minimum age is 8 years old. This is due to the physical demands and safety requirements of zodiac landings and polar environments.
Supervision & Accommodations
- Minors (Under 18): Any guest under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult (18+) and must occupy the same suite or stateroom as that adult.
- Shore Excursions: Guests under 18 cannot participate in any shore excursions or land tours unless accompanied by an adult.
- Onboard Facilities: Atlas is an adult-oriented line. They do not provide childcare, nurseries, supervised children’s clubs, or dedicated youth entertainment.
Additional Policies
- Excursion Discounts: Children aged 2 years and younger can join shoreside excursions for free on Epicurean and Cultural expeditions.
- Alcohol Policy: The legal drinking age on board is 18. The ship will not serve or sell alcohol to anyone under this age.
- Pregnancy Policy: Atlas Ocean Voyages cannot accommodate guests who have entered their 24th week of pregnancy by the beginning of or at any time during the cruise.
Dining Information
Atlas Ocean Voyages focuses on Always Included luxury, meaning all dining venues, specialty restaurants, and even 24-hour room service are included in your cruise fare. The dining experience is inspired by the line’s Portuguese heritage and changes based on the region you are visiting.
Onboard Dining Venues
Each ship features a main restaurant named after a Portuguese city, but the menu concepts remain consistent across the fleet:
The Main Restaurant (Porto, Lisboa, or Madeira):
- Breakfast & Lunch: Offers a mix of indulgent buffets and made-to-order items like omelets and waffles.
- Dinner: A formal, multi-course affair featuring global cuisine. A highlight is the Alma menu on select nights—a traditional Portuguese dining experience featuring family-style recipes and artisanal techniques.
7AFT Grill:
- Daytime: A casual poolside spot for gourmet burgers, hot dogs, and fresh salads.
- Evening (Epicurean & Cultural Expeditions): Transforms into an open-air chophouse using a Josper Grill (high-end charcoal searing) for premium steaks and seafood.
Paula’s Pantry
A grab-and-go café perfect for early risers or quick snacks. It serves specialty coffees (Caffè Milano), fresh-pressed juices, muffins, wraps, and salads.
The Dome Observation Lounge
The go-to spot for a traditional Afternoon Tea with finger sandwiches and pastries. In the evening, it serves pre-dinner canapés and cocktails with 270-degree views.
Key Dining Policies
- Cost: All dining is complimentary and included in the fare.
- Room Service: 24-hour room service is free for all guests. Reserve Collection suites receive an expanded menu and butler service.
- Dietary Needs: Plant-based and vegetarian options are available on every dinner menu.
- Beverages: Unlimited premium wines, spirits, and craft cocktails are included at all meals and bars.
- Alcohol: Guests may bring their own wine on board from port, with no corkage fees when enjoying it in the restaurants.
Specialty Experiences
On Epicurean Expeditions (mostly in Europe), the dining experience is elevated with:
- Gastronomic Guests: Onboard celebrity chefs and visiting vintners.
- Wine Tastings: Often included as part of the Concierge Collection or special events.
- Après Expedition: A social hour with gourmet snacks and drinks to discuss the day’s adventures.
Fuel Surcharge Policy
Like most luxury cruise lines, Atlas Ocean Voyages includes a right to surcharge clause in their terms and conditions to protect against extreme fluctuations in global oil prices.
The Right to Surcharge Clause
Atlas Ocean Voyages reserves the right to impose a fuel supplement if the price of fuel increases significantly. Specifically:
- Threshold: A surcharge is typically considered if the price of light sweet crude oil on the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX) exceeds a certain price point (often around $65 to $70 per barrel, though the exact trigger can vary by year).
- Applicability: This surcharge can be applied to both new and existing bookings, even if the cruise fare has already been paid in full.
- Maximum Charge: If implemented, the fee is usually capped at approximately $9 to $15 per person, per day.
Current Status
- Inclusive Pricing: Currently, Atlas heavily markets their Always Included luxury, and they strive to absorb minor fuel fluctuations to maintain price stability.
- Notification: If a fuel surcharge is ever activated, Atlas is required to notify guests and travel advisors. Typically, you would see this as a separate line item on your final invoice.
Pro-Tip for Travelers
If you are concerned about unexpected costs, check your travel insurance policy. Some Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) upgrades allow you to cancel your trip if a cruise line imposes a significant surcharge after you’ve booked, though standard policies usually do not cover fuel price increases.
Payments / Refunds
Deposits & Payments
- Deposit Requirement: Standard reservations require a deposit of 25% of the total cruise fare, due within 3 days of booking (for reservations booked more than 120 days prior to sailing).
- Final Payment Deadline: Strictly due 120 days prior to departure. Bookings made within 120 days require immediate payment in full.
- Modifications & Land Programs: Any reservation modification incurs a $50 per guest fee. Hotel packages and land programs carry a strict 90-day cancellation window, with a 100% penalty assessed inside that period.
Cancellation & Refunds
Cancellation penalties apply on a progressive scale based on the number of days prior to departure:
Smoking Policy
Atlas Ocean Voyages prioritizes a smoke-free environment to maintain the luxury and comfort of its small-ship experience. Like many expedition lines, the rules are strict, particularly regarding indoor areas and private spaces.
Where You Cannot Smoke
Smoking is strictly prohibited in the following areas:
- All Guest Suites & Staterooms: This is a firm rule for safety and air quality.
- Private Balconies/Verandas: Guests are not permitted to smoke on their private balconies, as smoke can drift into neighboring suites.
- Indoor Public Spaces: This includes all restaurants, lounges, bars, hallways, elevators, and the fitness center/spa.
Where You Can Smoke
- Designated Outdoor Areas: Smoking is only permitted in specifically marked areas on the outside decks. These areas are equipped with ashtrays and are situated to minimize the impact on non-smoking guests.
- Electronic Cigarettes & Vapes: The same rules apply to e-cigarettes, vaporizers, and heat-not-burn products. They are only allowed in the designated outdoor smoking zones.
Important Safety & Environmental Notes
- Overboard Policy: Under no circumstances should cigarette butts or any other smoking materials be thrown overboard. In regions like the Arctic or Antarctica, this is a significant environmental violation; globally, it is a major fire hazard, as butts can be sucked back into the ship’s intake vents.
- Refueling (Bunkering): Smoking is typically forbidden on all open decks while the ship is fueling in port. The crew will make an announcement when these restrictions are in place.
- Cleaning Fees: If evidence of smoking is found in a suite or on a balcony, the cruise line will charge a significant cleaning and sanitization fee (typically $250–$500) to the guest’s onboard account.
Travel Protection
Atlas Ocean Voyages strongly advises all guests to purchase comprehensive travel protection to cover unforeseen personal or medical interruptions, baggage loss, and emergency medical evacuation. The cruise line recommends plans designed exclusively for their guests, but specific pricing and exact coverage criteria must be obtained through the guest’s travel advisor.
Tipping Policy
Standard shipboard gratuities for housekeeping, dining, and bar staff are fully included in the base cruise fare. Separate gratuity service charges are not added to the guest’s onboard folio. There is no mechanism for guests to adjust, opt out of, or prepay these tips, as they are part of the base fare. Guests may offer additional discretionary cash tips to individual crew members for outstanding service.
Dress Code
The dress code onboard Atlas Ocean Voyages is “yacht-club casual.” During the day, guests are dressed in casual touring or resort attire suited to the destination’s weather. In the evening, the atmosphere remains relaxed but polished, with guests wearing slacks, skirts, or dresses, with sweaters or jackets being optional for men.
Formal Nights
- Atlas Ocean Voyages does not host any formal nights. The onboard experience is designed for casual relaxation and comfort after intensive days of expedition exploration.
Excursions
- Enhance your cruise vacation by pre-booking your excursions (recommended for most savings and to guarantee availability) via the cruise line app or book while onboard. Space is limited and popular excursions sell out fast!
Why Atlas?
True Luxury Expedition Experience
Atlas seamlessly blends adventure with comfort, offering Zodiac landings, guided expeditions, and polar exploration paired with elegant onboard amenities.
Intimate Yacht-Style Ships
With fewer guests onboard, Atlas delivers a highly personalized experience and access to destinations larger ships cannot reach.
All-Inclusive Value
Fares include dining, beverages, gratuities, enrichment programs, and expedition gear on select voyages, creating a worry-free travel experience.
Expert-Led Exploration
Voyages are guided by seasoned expedition teams, naturalists, historians, and scientists who provide meaningful insight into each destination.
Extraordinary Destinations
From Antarctica and the Arctic to remote islands and culturally rich regions, Atlas focuses on places that inspire discovery.
FAQ
What is included in an Atlas Ocean Voyages cruise fare?
Cruise fares typically include accommodations, all meals, complimentary beverages, gratuities, enrichment programs, and expedition activities.
Are shore excursions included?
Yes, guided shore landings and expedition activities are included on expedition itineraries.
Is Atlas Ocean Voyages all-inclusive?
Yes, Atlas offers an all-inclusive experience, including dining, drinks, gratuities, and expert-led programming.
What is the dress code onboard?
The dress code is casual and practical during the day, with smart-casual attire recommended for evenings.
Does Atlas Ocean Voyages offer Wi-Fi?
Wi-Fi is available onboard; however, connectivity may be limited in remote regions.
Are medical facilities available onboard?
Ships are equipped with medical centers staffed by qualified medical professionals.
Is Atlas suitable for first-time expedition cruisers?
Yes, Atlas is an excellent choice for travelers new to expedition cruising who want adventure paired with luxury.
Are gratuities included?
Yes, gratuities are included in the cruise fare.
Do I need special gear for expedition cruises?
Atlas provides essential expedition gear on select voyages, though personal gear recommendations will be provided before departure.
How large are Atlas Ocean Voyages ships?
Atlas ships are small and intimate, typically accommodating fewer than 200 guests.
