Atlas Ocean Voyages has confirmed plans for a major leap forward with Atlas Adventurer, a newbuild expedition sailing yacht set to debut in late 2028. Ordered by parent company Mystic Invest Holding and currently under construction in China, the ship will become the world’s largest expedition sailing yacht. Atlas wants to redefine what sustainable luxury exploration looks like at scale. Soon to become the 4th ship in the Atlas fleet.
The Atlas Adventurer will be nearly double the size of Atlas’ current ships which all hold 199 guests. Instead, the Atlas Adventurer will accommodate up to 400 guests, Atlas Adventurer will be double the size of Atlas’ current 10,000‑gt expedition vessels. But this announcement isn’t about size alone. The new ship has been designed from the ground up with sustainability as its core principle. After all, it is a sail boat! And if all goes well, there’s options for 3 more!
A New Benchmark in Sustainable Design
Atlas Adventurer will combine French SolidSail wind technology, dual‑fuel Wärtsilä engines, and ABB electric‑hybrid propulsion, supported by a powerful 9MW battery system. The result is a vessel designed to dramatically reduce fuel use without sacrificing speed or global range. Great for those with sustainability in mind while traveling.
The ship is expected to operate under sail 40–50% of the time, depending on itinerary. In strong wind conditions of around 35 knots the Atlas Adventurer can cruise at 14–15 knots without using engines at all. When wind conditions are lighter, the onboard battery system can power the thrusters, allowing for nearly silent sailing. Pretty cool if you ask me!
The Atlas Adventurer yacht will feature three composite fiber SolidSail masts, rising 150 feet above the deck. Fully automated and controlled by embedded AI, the system uses sensors atop the masts to continuously optimize sail trim. The goal is not only efficiency, but what Mârio Ferreira, chairman, founder and owner of Mystic Invest, Atlas’ parent company; describes as “magical moments”– gliding through open water without vibration or engine noise.
Polar Capabilities Built for Global Exploration
Despite the sailing yacht designation, Atlas Adventurer will be a polar ice‑class, capable of operating worldwide. The Atlas Adventurer will be a Ice Class 1B (Polar Category C) ship similar to the other three Atlas ships: World Navigator, World Traveller and World Explorer. Its inaugural deployment will focus on Asia, expanding Atlas’ reach into Southeast Asia, Japan, China, the Indian Ocean, and East Africa, before repositioning to the Mediterranean in summer 2029.
I personally am excited to see Atlas extend into Asia. Most cruise companies send older ships to Asia and Africa, so this is a huge win for people looking to travel on a new ship in these regions.
According to Atlas President and CEO James Rodriguez, the only region where Atlas Adventurer will overlap with the existing fleet is the Mediterranean and even there, the experience will be clearly differentiated. Which tells me for now there’s no plans to take this ship to the Arctic or Antarctica.
Expedition Meets Mega‑Yacht Design
Atlas Adventurer blends serious expedition capability with luxury yacht elements rarely seen in this segment.
Highlights of this new ship include:
- A stern marina platform with a protected ocean pool
- Side platforms on both port and starboard, typical of mega‑yachts
- Kevlar‑reinforced Zodiacs with specialized propellers
- Luxury tenders for select shore excursions or as Atlas calls them “Private, elegant luxury motorboats for shoreside transfers and coastal cruising”
This hybrid approach underscores Atlas’ positioning as a boutique expedition brand with strong yacht‑inspired DNA.
All‑Suite Accommodations and Expanded Dining
The vessel will be all‑suite, with accommodations ranging from Horizon Suites similar in size to those on Atlas’ current ships to larger junior suites and a significantly expanded top suite. Full suite details are expected to be released in April. We are expecting 200 suites with limited suites which can sleep 3.
Dining will be a notable step up, with seven dining venues onboard. These will include specialty restaurants and a culinary studio featuring chef‑led programming, cooking stations, and a chef’s table focused on destination‑inspired cuisine.
Fan‑favorite Paula’s Pantry will evolve into Paula’s Café, and guests can expect five lounges and cocktail bars, along with two outdoor bars.
One standout venue is a double‑height aft lounge, inspired by Cunard’s classic Vistafjord and Sagafjord. Designed for cabaret‑style entertainment, piano, and jazz performances, it reflects Ferreira’s early career roots as a Cunard waiter. Expect more entertainment as Atlas expands and ships get larger. Blending luxury cruising with expeditions.
Wellness, Crew, and Onboard Experience
Atlas Adventurer will feature a large spa, an expanded fitness and wellness center, and a spacious outdoor pool. The ship will carry 275 crew, with Ferreira emphasizing high‑quality crew accommodations. Why does this matter? Happy crew = happy guests. So if the crew has good accommodations they are likely to be happier and you’re onboard experience will be elevated.
Pricing, Demand, and Early Access
When the Atlas Adventurer opens for sales, Atlas is saying the average per diems to be on par with Atlas’ existing fleet, Commonly around $750-$1200 a night per person. Prices on Atlas have already risen substantially in recent seasons, but as the name has become more familiar Atlas no longer has to discount. Their product demands a higher price.
Even with the higher prices, Atlas continues to see strong demand, achieving over 90% occupancy during the 2025/2026 Antarctica season.
Atlas has opened early‑access priority reservations for Atlas Adventurer’s inaugural season, sailing November 2028 through April 2029. Refundable deposits are $2,000 per request, or $5,000 for the top suite, allowing interested travelers to secure priority access as details continue to roll out. If you are interested, contact me for more information. I’d love to help booky our adventure!
For Atlas Ocean Voyages, Atlas Adventurer represents a decisive next step — positioning the brand at the intersection of sustainable innovation, expedition credibility, and yacht‑level luxury, with a clear focus on the voyage itself.
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