In Conversation with James Rodriguez

Vanessa Lee asked James Rodriguez, President of Atlas Ocean Voyages about the company’s momentum, a new ship and the booming Expedition and Exploration market.

James, Atlas Ocean Voyages has evolved its brand this year. What’s at the heart of that transformation?
Our evolution reflects who we’ve always been at our core: intimate, yacht-style journeys that combine luxury with authentic discovery. Earlier this year, we refined how we communicate that, emphasizing our boutique travel experience and immersive expedition approach. Guests are not just visiting destinations; they’re engaging with them in meaningful ways, whether through cultural connections, guided exploration, or expert-led enrichment.

You’ve also made updates to how you describe the onboard experience. Can you tell us more?
Absolutely. In April 2026, we elevated how we define our accommodations by introducing all-suite categories: Signature, Concierge, and our Reserve Collection, each offering increasing levels of personalization and value. Our Signature Collection is the perfect introduction, featuring our Always Included amenities, such as premium wine and spirits and gratuities. Concierge Collection suites build on that with added savings and enhanced in-suite touches, while our Reserve Collection o‘ers our most spacious suites, along with butler service and premium amenities for a more refined experience.

There’s a lot of excitement around Atlas Adventurer. What can travellers expect? Atlas Adventurer is a major milestone for us. Debuting in November 2028, this new luxury expedition yacht expands our reach into Asia and Africa, opening entirely new horizons for our guests. Bookings open June 10, and the response has already been incredibly strong. The ship will sail from November 2028 and as the world’s first luxury expedition sailing yacht, it represents the next evolution of our fleet, blending the romance of sailing with our signature intimate scale and expanded destination diversity.

How far ahead can guests currently plan their journeys with Atlas?
We’ve recently opened availability through summer and fall 2028, including our 2028 Arctic Expeditions. This gives travelers the opportunity to plan well in advance for some of the world’s most extraordinary destinations. With the addition of Atlas Adventurer itineraries opening in June, guests can now secure our voyages across multiple destinations and seasons, from polar exploration to warm-weather journeys.

Can you share more about your specialty expedition experiences outside of the polar regions, particularly around cuisine? Our Epicurean Expeditions continue to resonate strongly with travellers who want to explore destinations through food and culture. We still have limited availability for late summer 2026, and we’re seeing great interest in 2027 Mediterranean expeditions as well. These voyages feature guest chefs and immersive culinary programming, including chef-led market visits, onboard culinary demonstrations, and tastings, creating a deeper connection to each destination through its flavours.

Cultural immersion is also a big focus. What stands out in your upcoming Cultural Expeditions?
Cultural discovery is a defining part of what we do. Our itineraries in Northern Europe and the Caribbean are designed to bring destinations to life through our Afar Recommends program, which includes astronomy experiences, storytellers, and regional experts. One standout this year is our October 14, 2026, Caribbean sailing, which o‘ers a particularly rich blend of cultural engagement, seasonal timing, and unique onboard programming. It’s a wonderful example of how we combine relaxation with meaningful exploration.

Finally, James, what added value can guests expect when booking now?
We’ve introduced our Explorer’s Choice o‘er, which gives guests the flexibility to select the amenity that matters most to them, whether that’s an air credit, a pre-cruise hotel night, or unlimited Wi-Fi. For a limited time, we’re also enhancing that value with Double Air Credits on a selection of 2026 journeys, creating even greater savings opportunities. It’s all part of our commitment to giving guests more control, more choice, and a more personalized experience from the very beginning of their journey.