Atlas Ocean Voyages’ Arctic Journeys: Where Rare Access Meets Refined Travel
The high Arctic is home to an array of breathtaking sights, unique wildlife, and remarkable terrain that can only be experienced by traveling to the chilly region, and Atlas Ocean Voyages wants to take you there in style.
Setting sail in summer 2026, dive into the enchanting worlds of Svalbard, Greenland, and the Canadian Arctic. These stunning locales offer more than just incredible views — a luxurious, intimate polar-class yacht catering to fewer than 200 guests that will take you to each of these destinations so you can authentically experience the region and all of the magic it has to offer.
“The intimate scale of our ships makes an enormous difference, especially in the remote regions we explore,” said Jonathan Zaccaria, Expedition Team Leader at Atlas Ocean Voyages. “With fewer than 100 suites, we can create a truly personal experience, both on board and ashore. Every guest has direct access to our expedition team, whether that’s during a landing, on the bridge, or over a cup of coffee. That connection allows us to share our knowledge and passion for these incredible environments in a much deeper, more meaningful way.”
Zaccaria has made over 170 journeys into the Arctic and is passionate about creating a special and meaningful experience for guests.
“With fewer guests, every landing is uncrowded. There’s space to experience the stillness, hear the ice crack, or watch wildlife without distraction,” Zaccaria said. “That sense of peace and exclusivity — of truly being part of a small group of explorers — is something you can only experience aboard a vessel of this size.”
The smaller-sized yachts also give staff more flexibility to adapt itineraries based on weather and chances to spot wildlife, as well as other unique opportunities.
“We can navigate into a narrow fjord or spend extra time with a pod of whales,” Zaccaria said. “It’s a style of exploration that feels spontaneous and authentic, much closer to the spirit of true expedition travel.”
A Day in the Life of an Arctic Traveler
Guests can expect a prompt 7 a.m. wake-up call that will include weather and scheduling updates. From there, guests can settle in to watch for wildlife from the yacht — a wide array that includes:
- Seals
- Walruses
- Reindeer
- Blue whales
- Beluga whales
- Polar bears
- Arctic foxes
- Penguins
- Puffins
- Musk oxen
If there’s something fun or particularly unique to see, guests have the option to deboard the yacht and get into Zodiacs. Zodiacs are smaller, inflatable boats that can easily cut through and navigate the icy waters. Because these cruises are for a smaller group of travelers, the team is able to give a more focused and guided tour of the Arctic.
Atlas expedition staff members — all experts who know the region intimately — can provide insight into the ecosystems, plants, wildlife, and indigenous communities (such as the Inuit villages guests can visit) that help the Arctic thrive while maintaining the landscape. It’s vital to the Atlas Ocean Voyages team that travelers enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime chance to observe and experience the quiet serenity and breathtaking views of the Arctic.
After reboarding the yacht, guests will enjoy a delicious lunch, followed by even more sightseeing and onshore adventures. Dinner is a fun time for travelers to debrief about the day before getting prepped for the next day.
One unique thing about the Arctic, Zaccaria added, is that it’s an unpredictable place. But that unpredictability lends itself to a truly immersive experience.
“We go to the polar region to discover what it is, not to see it the way we would like it to be,” he said. “What will happen during the voyage in the Arctic will be created on the spot, to offer the best possible overview at that moment. The weather is unpredictable, as is the ice, and the migration of polar bears, foxes, and whales is also affected.”
That means every trip is entirely different, something guests say makes it even more memorable.
“The high Arctic is a surprise,” Zaccaria said. “Patience is rewarded with fantastic moments. And these moments are even more incredible because we never know when and where they happen.”
Always Included by Atlas
After a full day of exploration, guests return to a magical, luxurious hospitality experience. The suites are complete with plenty of impressive amenities, like:
- Atlas Immersive Experience on board or ashore
- Five-star dining with ever-changing menus
- Bars and lounges serving fine wines, spirits, craft beers, and canapés
- Specialty coffees, fresh-pressed juices, and afternoon tea service
- In-room stocked minibar, Nespresso® coffee and Vero Water®
- 24-hour room service
- L’OCCITANE bathroom amenities
- Gratuities for onboard service staff
- Use of binoculars and walking sticks
- Butler service in Reserve Collection Suites
- Trip delay and medical evacuation coverage
With even more onboard amenities, including a gym, fitness track, a pool, and two hot tubs, plus the first and only Sea Spa by L’OCCITANE, travelers will be treated like royalty aboard Atlas Ocean Voyages yachts.
Guests can also expect an environmentally friendly trip, with yachts being completely plastic-free. The ships also utilize low-emission fuel, recycle water, and separate waste effectively to keep these voyages from harming the region they care for.
Unearth the explorer inside you with stunning, all-inclusive offerings from Atlas Voyages. Arctic 2027 voyages are live — Search Expeditions | Atlas Ocean Voyages — with new ports and destinations open to guests (like the Canadian Arctic provinces of Newfoundland and Labrador). Let Atlas Ocean Voyages help you explore the world with a trip you will remember for the rest of your life. To book, contact your Travel Advisor or call (844) 442-8527.
This story was originally published October 30, 2025 at 4:30 PM.