World Navigator

The 2021-built MS World Navigator cruise ship is a newbuild passenger vessel designed for operations in the polar regions (Arctic and Antarctica). The vessel is owned by Mystic Invest Holding (via the subsidiary Mystic Cruises USA) and operated year-round under charter by the subsidiary AOV-Atlas Ocean Voyages (USA-based travel company/brand owned by Mystic Invest).

World Navigator is the third boat in an initially planned 10-ship fleet of Mystic Cruises, grouping the sisterships World Explorer (2019), World Voyager (2021), World Navigator (2021 July), World Traveller (2022), World Discoverer (2023), World Adventurer (2024), Star Seeker (2025).

The shipbuilder is WestSEA (naval shipyard in Viana do Castelo, Portugal).

In November 2019 was announced the ship's exclusive charterer AOV (USA-based travel company and new cruise travel brand). Bookings for AOV World Navigator 2021-2022-2023 sailings were opened in January 2020. In mid-January 2021, AOV announced a promotion for all World Navigator 2021 bookings to receive a complimentary shore excursion in each call port of the itinerary. The boat's inaugural program included a total of 107x ports and 285x "Atlas Ashore"/land tours in Southern Europe (Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea), the Caribbean, and South America/Antarctica.

The vessel (IMO number 9871531) is currently Portugal-flagged (MMSI 255806207) and registered in Madeira/Funchal.

Ship history and ownership

The vessel is owned by the Portugal-based company Mystic Cruises and exclusively chartered by Atlas Ocean Voyages (for polar cruises). The ship charterer Atlas Ocean Voyages (2019-established) is a polar travel company specializing in expedition cruises to Antarctica using vessels with ice-strengthened hulls. The company's first boat is World Navigator, to be followed in 2022-2023 by the sisterships (fleetmates) World Traveller, World Seeker, World Adventurer, World Discoverer.

AOV-Atlas Ocean Voyages is managed by Alberto Aliberti (President) and Brandon Townsley (VP of Sales and Trade Partnerships), plus two Sales Managers - Alyssa Logan (North America West) and Richard Sims (North America East, former Sales Manager of NCL-Norwegian, Holland America and Seabourn).

Mystic Cruises is a new brand owned by the Portuguese entrepreneur Mario Ferreira - president of Mystic Invest SGPS (group of companies) and best known as CEO of the Portuguese river cruise company Douro Azul, operating on Douro River roundtrips from Oporto. Mario Ferreira is also famous for being Portugal's first space tourist (traveling on Virgin Galactic's Spaceship One / owned by Richard Branson).

The shipowner Mystic Invest is a Portuguese family-owned financial holding that fully owns several brands specializing in the travel and tourism businesses (cruises, tours, hotels) and real estate. The list of brands (subsidiaries) owned by the parent company Mystic Invest includes DouroAzul (Portugal), Mystic Cruises (Portugal), Nicko Cruises (Germany), Priority Dolphin (shipbuilding), Mystic Tua (Portugal), Mystic Adventure (tour agency in Barca d'Alva), World of Discoveries (theme park in Porto Portugal), Helitours (Porto and Douro Valley), BlueBus (Porto), hotels and resorts (Hotel do Cais, Monumental Palace Hotel, Douro Marina Hotel, Wine Lodge Hotel), Caminho das Estrelas (suborbital and Zero-G flights), Mystic Real Estate.

Decks and Cabins

World Navigator staterooms (98 total) are all in Suite categories and with step-out balconies, providing max passenger capacity 200 (max 140 on polar cruises). The boat has 8 decks, of which 6 are passenger-accessible and 3 with cabins.

Each of the staterooms offers as standard (complimentary / price-inclusive) amenities en-suite bathroom (shower, WC-toilet, washbasin, hairdryer, plush bathrobes, slippers, premium bath products), separate bedroom (Queen-size double bed convertible to 2 single beds, bedside cabinets, bedside USB charging ports, wall-mounted lamps), mirrored dressing table with armchair, lounge area (2-seater sofabed, coffee table, chairs/Horizon and Veranda cabins additionally have a plush loveseat), smart HDTV (infotainment system, Internet, on-demand movies, Bluetooth connectivity), large wardrobe, electronic safe box and lifejackets (in the closet), minibar (fully-stocked refrigerator), individual air-conditioning, LED lighting, daily turndown service.

Still and sparkling bottled water is provided complimentary and replenished twice daily. Towels (excluding those on the rack) and bedsheets are changed every 3rd day (depending on cruise itinerary length). Shipboard laundry and ironing services are available at extra cost. Laundry bags are provided in the cabins and collected each morning.

Each cabin is equipped with orange-colored lifejackets, which are used in cases of emergencies and during lifeboat drills. The ship's electrical supply is 220 V (50 Hz). The electrical outlets (found in all cabins and throughout the ship) are standard European 2-pin plugs. A total of 5 USB ports (per cabin) are for digital devices (cameras, smartphones, tablets, etc). Each cabin is also fitted with a total of 5 power outlets (110V / 220V).

Most cabins (~90%) are with private step-out balconies, except only the aft-located (decks 5-6) "French Balcony" cabins, which are with a sliding window opening to a railing (Juliet balcony). Cabin balconies are furnished with 1 low table and 2 deckchairs.

MS World Navigator has 7 cabin categories ranging in sizes from 185 ft2 (17 m2, Adventure Stateroom) to 465 ft (43 m2, Owner/Navigator Suite). French Balcony cabins (Horizon/Infinity Stateroom) are sized 270 ft2 (25 m2) and feature a floor-ceiling glass wall with a slide-opening window (upper panel). Balcony cabins (Veranda Stateroom) are same-sized (25 m2) but with a step-out balcony.

A total of 12x "Solo Suites" (Porthole cabins on Deck 3) are with a large non-opening window.

• In June 2021, the company announced "Solo Cruises" on offer starting March 22, 2022, onward.
• AOV's "single cruise" deals are available on a regular basis (on each voyage/itinerary) via dedicated "Solo Suites".
• The accommodations are sized 185 ft2 (17 m2) and can be booked without a single supplement.
• Each "Solo Suite" is fitted with a Queen-size double bed, two bedside cabinets (USB chargers, power outlets, sconces/reading lamps), a 42-inch smart HDTV, recessed ceiling lights, mirrored wooden writing desk, mini-fridge (custom-stocked with beverages), ample storage (two wardrobes, separate shoe closet), marble-walled bathroom (L'OCCITANE products, glass shower with rain-shower and body-jet system).

The boat's all 10x suites (top-tier cabins) are in categories Journey Suite (380 ft2 / 35 m2), Discovery Suite (445 ft2 / 41 m2) and Navigator Suite (465 ft2 / 43 m2), plus 2x Junior Suites (300 ft2 / 28 m2). All suites are 2-Room (1-Bedroom) and with step-out balconies (sized 110 ft2 / 10 m2) furnished with 2 sun loungers, 2 teak deckchairs and 1 low table. Each suite has 2x closets and 2x smart HDTVs (wall-mounted in the bedroom/living room). Both Junior Suites are in different configurations - one with an outdoor balcony, one with French Balcony.

Cabin bathrooms are with spa showers (rain shower head, handheld showerhead, 4x adjustable body jets), L'OCCITANE bath products (shampoo, conditioner, body wash, handwash, hand lotion). Navigator Suites and Discovery Suites bathrooms are with double basin vanity (his-and-hers sinks) and separate WC. Navigator Suites bathrooms have bathtubs.

Shipboard facilities and activities

The ship offers plenty of public areas, including Observation Lounge (glass-domed, with a surrounding outdoor terrace), Navigator Lounge (a multi-purpose and full-bar venue with floor-ceiling windows and comfortable seating), Library (reading lounge), Lecture Theatre (24-hour open Auditorium serving cruise company's enrichment program with daily scheduled activities, including port talks, discussions, media presentations), aft-located Dining Room Restaurant (with floor-ceiling windows and an outdoor terrace for alfresco dining/weather permitting).

The onboard dining options (5) include 4 restaurants (named Porto, 7AFT Grill, Paula's Pantry, The Dome) plus Room Service (in-cabin dining).

Porto Restaurant (MDR/main dining room) serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and features indoor and outdoor/alfresco seating. Breakfast is both a la carte and buffet-style. The lunch menu includes both international and local (itinerary-based) cuisine specialties, also plant-based foods, smoked vegetables, cheeses, soups, cold and carved meats. Dinners are themed (traditional dishes from Greece, Spain, Italy, Peru, Mexico, Japan).

7Aft Grill restaurant is unique for its Josper-grilled specialties (food prepared by grilling over charcoal). The menu includes Black Angus filet mignon, Dover sole, New York strip steak, grilled shrimp, lobster, saddle of grass-fed lamb. Dinner reservations are required. Lunch (served on pool deck) offers contemporary gastropub fare (fresh-made Angus beef burgers, smoked bread, beer-marinated chicken, smoked ribs, hot dogs, soups, pizzas, vegetables.

The Dome (270-degree forward observation lounge) serves light food.

Paula's Pantry (open from early morning thru 6 pm) offers grab-and-go style food (including cold sandwiches, salads, soups, cupcakes) and beverages (including espresso, brand coffees, organic coffees, Kusmi Tea, fresh-squeezed juices).

Room Service menu includes organic tomato soup, eggplant-based vegan burgers, beef burgers, club sandwiches, Buddha Bowl/healthy salad, Classic Breakfast, Healthy Breakfast).

Navigator Lounge doubles as a multi-purpose room hosting special events (anniversaries, birthdays, group and private meetings, etc). Fresh-baked cookies and pastries are offered in the afternoons. Hot and cold snacks are available during the evening cocktail hour (activities permitting) and special occasion events. Lounge's Bar is staffed by a professional bartender serving a selection of liquors, spirits, premium beers, wines and champagnes (by the glass). Complimentary beverages include soft drinks, juices, water, coffee, tea.

Polar Library is well stocked with books and popular board games. The Library is open 24 hours. Its collection includes books in various languages and themed on wildlife, history, marine biology, geology, ecology, also field guides, picture- and reference books.

Polar Boutique is the ship's gift shop selling travel essentials and souvenirs, as well as a selection of expedition gear (clothing, waterproof pants, gloves, hats). The Shop's opening hours are based on the daily scheduled cruise activities.

In the Lobby area is the Reception/Guest Services Desk served by dedicated staff that assists passengers with information, purchasing PIN cards (Internet / email access, phone cards), arranging wake-up calls. The Reception also doubles as the Cashier's Office for setting shipboard accounts and making payments of these accounts towards the end of the cruise. Also on Lobby Deck are the ship's two entrance areas (portside and starboard) used for passenger embarkation/disembarkation in ports of call where pier/quay/wharf is available for docking.

Wellness facilities include an outdoor jogging track (on top-deck), small gym, Sauna Room, Spa (room for massages/SeaSpa by L'OCCITANE treatments, showers, changing / locker rooms), Hairdresser. On Sun Deck is the outdoor heated swimming pool surrounded by a sunbathing area with loungers. The pool has a kids (shallow) area separated from the deeper saltwater plunge pool. The ship doesn't provide lifeguards on duty.

On top-deck (aft) is a Helideck - helipad used in cases of emergencies.

As complimentary shoreside activities are offered camping, seakayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, Zodiac boat tours.

Itineraries

With Atlas Ocean Voyages (USA) the ship operates mainly in Europe (Mediterranean Sea, Atlantic Coastal, Baltic Sea, Norwegian Fjords), Iceland and Greenland. During winter months, the ship operates on polar cruises - to Antarctic and Arctic destinations. Atlas Ocean Voyages is a fully-owned subsidiary company and travel brand managed by Mystic Cruises USA (parent Mystic Invest).

AOV-Atlas Ocean Voyages deals are inclusive of complimentary roundtrip flights (from/to major airports in Canada and the USA) included in the ticket prices for all cabin categories and on all cruise itineraries. Price-included are also the prepaid gratuities, gourmet dining, drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), Wi-Fi, premium brand cabin bath products (by L'Occitane en Provence), 1x shore excursion (per itinerary), in-cabin use binoculars, dedicated butler service (Suites only), medevac (emergency medical evacuation insurance) and return-to-home insurance. AOV's cruise insurance policy covers medevac transportation (from the ship to a local treatment center) plus return transportation (back home or a medical facility close to home).

Itineraries 2021-2022

Bookings for Atlas Ocean Voyages (World Navigator ship) were opened on January 2, 2020. The company's passenger shipping operations were scheduled to start in July 2021 (with World Navigator). AOV's inaugural cruise season (2021) included 66x different port destinations in Europe and Asia (Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea, Holy Land) visited on a total of 10x itineraries (7- to 15-nights long). However, this program was canceled in June and replaced with Greece-Egypt roundtrips.

• (canceled) The Maiden Voyage (11-night itinerary, July 17th) was planned to depart from Valletta Malta and visit Piraeus-Athens, Zakynthos Island, Katakolon-Olympia, Elafonisos Island, Chania (Crete), Sitia (Crete), Rhodes Island, Mykonos Island, Siracusa (Sicily), Kusadasi.
• (canceled) Black Sea cruise (7-night itinerary, July 28th) was planned from Piraeus-Athens and visiting Kusadasi, Nessebar, Bucharest, Odessa (2 overnights). Black Sea cruise (9-night itinerary, August 4th) from Piraeus-Athens visited Novorossiysk, Batumi, Sinop, Amasra, Sochi (overnight), Istanbul (overnight). Both Black Sea cruises were combinable into a B2B (16-night).
• (canceled) Three Holy Land cruises offered overnights in Israel (Haifa-Tel Aviv, and Ashdod-Jerusalem).
• (canceled) Mediterranean (September 18, 7-night itinerary) from Piraeus-Athens to Civitavecchia-Rome visited Corinth Canal (passage), Itea-Delphi, Katakolon-Olympia, Taormina (Sicily), Agropoli, Amalfi, Ravello, Positano, Naples.
• (canceled) Mediterranean (September 25, 7-night itinerary) from Civitavecchia-Rome to Lisbon visited Livorno, Marseilles, Barcelona, Valencia, Malaga, Gibraltar.

World Navigator's Maiden Voyage was eventually rescheduled for August 4, 2021. AOV's updated inaugural season was based on alternating homeporting/roundtrip departures from Greece (Piraeus-Athens) and Egypt (Alexandria-Cairo). The 5x itineraries had lengths between 7-12-nights and included 14 seaports, with overnights in either Alexandria (port to Cairo City) or Mykonos Island.

Followed a 17-night "Europe to South America"/Transatlantic crossing (October 4, from Lisbon to Rio de Janeiro) with call ports Funchal (Madeira Island) and Mindelo (Sao Vincente Island, Cape Verde) before Brazil (Fernando de Noronha Island, Natal, Recife, Salvador, Buzios). An 8-night itinerary (Rio de Janeiro to Montevideo) visited Buzios, Paraty, Ilhabela, Porto Belo, Imbituba, Punta del Este.

Two longer roundtrips in 2021 departed from Ushuaia Argentina.

• (November 19, 2021) Maiden Voyage to Antarctica/12-night itinerary
• (November 28, 2021) 12-night itinerary to Antarctica (solar eclipse on Dec 4), South Shetland Islands, Paulet Island, Brown Bluff (Tabarin Peninsula), UK's South Georgia & the Sandwich Islands.
• (February 2, 2022) 9-night itinerary crossing the Antarctic Circle and themed on wildlife viewing.

On November 11, 2021, World Navigator departed from Montevideo Uruguay to Ushuaia. The 8-night itinerary visited Buenos Aires, Patagonia (Puerto Madryn), Port Stanley (Falkland Islands UK).

In mid-May 2020 were open for booking the following voyages:

• (October 4, 2021) 13-night Transatlantic from Lisbon to Bridgetown Barbados, visited Madeira, Tenerife, St Lucia, Barbados.
• (October 19, 2021) 10-night from Bridgetown to Recife Brazil, visited Tobago Island, Devil's Island (French Guiana), Brazil (Fortaleza, Natal, Belem/Amazon River).
• (October 29, 2021) 13-night from Recife to Montevideo Uruguay, visited Brazil (Buzios, Paraty; Salvador de Bahia), Uruguay (Punta del Este), and featured overnights in Rio de Janeiro and Itajai.
• (November 11, 2021) 8-night "Patagonia and the Falkland Islands" from Montevideo to Buenos Aires, visited Puerto Madryn (Argentina) and the UK's Falklands (coastal cruising for wildlife-viewing).
• World Navigator then went to Tiera del Fuego for the inaugural winter 2021-2022 Antarctica season.

In late-September 2020, AOV announced two new "MAX SHORE" itineraries. For summer-2021, MS World Navigator had planned 7- to 24-night long voyages in Europe (Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea, Holy Land) followed by a Transatlantic repositioning crossing and 9- to 13-night long voyages (Caribbean, South America, Antarctica) planned for winter 2021-2022 season.

(August 4, 2021) The 24-night "MAX SHORE" itinerary departed from Odessa (Ukraine) and featured cruising through 3x seas (Black-Aegean-Mediterranean), 19x ports (7x countries), 2x complimentary excursions (each 3-night in length).

• AOV customers were able to choose one of two MAX SHORE itineraries - "Magical Cappadocia - Russia to Israel" (Holy Land) or "Hidden Histories and The Pamukkale Hot Springs" (thermal pools/natural site in Denizli Turkey). Each land tour started on the itinerary's 9th day and departed from Istanbul Turkey. Tour experiences included a hot-air balloon ride (over Pamukkale or Gerome) and visiting Pamukkale's Salt Springs. World Navigator was then reboarded in Kepez. If passengers decided to stay onboard in Istanbul, for 3 days they enjoyed complimentary tours.
• The list of call ports included Novorossiysk Russia, Batumi Georgia, Paphos Cyprus and in Turkey were visited Sinop, Amasra, Bozcaada Island, Dikili, Kusadasi, Bodrum, Marmaris, Fethiye, Kekova Island, Demre. Overnights are in Sochi Russia, Ashdod Israel, Haifa Israel.
• The pricing was inclusive of a domestic flight from Istanbul to Kayseri City (Cappadocia). The Pamukkale itinerary visited Hierapolis (UNESCO site), included the hot-air balloon ride (over the archeological site) and visited Isparta City (shopping).

On November 30, 2020, AOV announced a charter flight contract for all Antarctica 2021-2022 World Navigator cruises. The company's private charter jet flights shorten (with a day minimum) the homeport's travel time (North America-South America) and also avoid inconvenient airline schedules. The roundtrip air travel is also included in the AOV's cruise fares. The complimentary flights are offered from 16 major airports (in Canada and USA) while the AOV's charter jet service links Orlando Florida directly with Ushuaia (homeport). Starting November 19, 2021, World Navigator's 2021-2022 Antarctica schedule (November-March) included a total 12x 9-day itineraries all visiting the Antarctic Peninsula.

In September 2021 AOV announced the 10-night "Caribbean Golfing Tour" roundtrip from Bridgetown Barbados.

• The itinerary's call ports were Anguilla Island, St Barthelemy Island, St Kitts Island, Nevis Island, Antigua, St Lucia Island, St Vincent Island.
• The voyage allowed travelers to play at five of the Caribbean's top golf courses - Royal St Kitts Golf Club, Sandals Golf Club St Lucia, Cedar Valley Golf Club Antigua, Four Seasons Resort Nevis, Canouan Estate Resort St Vincent.
• All arrangements (onboard and ashore) were covered by the AOV company, including golf club fees, golf carts, land transportation, onboard services (golf equipment storage, clubs polishing, shoe shining).
• The golf-themed voyage departed on October 19, 2021. The all-inclusive golf cruisetour prices started from USD 3240 (EUR 2745 / GBP 2350) per person with double occupancy.

Itineraries 2023

The ship's 2022 deployment in Europe included a summer program with voyages to Iceland, Greenland and the European Arctic (Norway). The August-September schedule included a 12-day Norwegian Fjords itinerary (Aug 26, Hamburg roundtrip) and two relocation itineraries (RepositionCruises.com) - 12-day Hamburg to London (Sept 7) and 13-day London to Oporto (Sept 19). The autumn program included Central and South America destinations, while the winter 2022-23 season was to Antarctica (out of Ushuaia Argentina).

In March 2022 AOV was announced World Navigator's 2023 program in Europe (Mediterranean-Adriatic-Aegean). The deployment included an 8-night "Grand Prix Voyage" (May 21, 2023) with an overnight in Monte Carlo (Monaco) for the car race and the following celebrations. The Antarctic 2023 season (roundtrips from Ushuaia) starts on November 3rd.