Cruise

Atlas adds astronomy workshops for 2024/2025

Atlas Ocean Voyages is enhancing its Cultural Expeditions‘ Atlas Focus Lab programming by introducing new stargazing and astronomy workshops on select 2024 and 2025 expeditions.

Atlas will also feature two special voyages highlighting the total solar eclipse scheduled on August 12, 2026World Navigator will be positioned in the Arctic region off Patreksfjordur, Iceland, and World Traveller will be positioned in the Mediterranean off Palma de MallorcaSpain, ensuring optimal viewing locations centered in the path of totality for each location.

Throughout each Stargazing and Astronomy Workshop, guests will engage in conversations about the cosmos with fellow explorers while viewing the galaxy with advanced telescopes on deck. Talks and lectures will cover topics ranging from the birth of the universe to the latest astronomical discoveries, leaving guests with a greater appreciation for the sky above. Featured on three expeditions in 2024 aboard World Navigator, guests will have the opportunity to enrich their journey with talks led by astronomer Jonathan H. Ward.

Available departures

Reykjavik to Amsterdam (8-Nights) Departure September 12, 2024
     Amsterdam to Lisbon (10-Nights) Departure September 20, 2024
     Las Palmas to Rio De Janeiro (13-Nights) Departure October 14, 2024

Astronomer Charles Barclay will lead the World Voyager expedition in 2025, departing on June 10, 2025, for 12 nights from Leith (Edinburgh) to Trondheim. Additional Stargazing and Astronomy Workshop expeditions to Northern Europe in 2025 will be announced soon.

“There has always been a close connection to stargazing and the sea, from captains navigating with the stars to novice astronomers gazing at the night sky on deck,” shares James Rodriguez, president and CEO of Atlas Ocean Voyages. “The Atlas Ocean Voyages team looks forward to welcoming Jonathan Ward and Charles Barclay onboard as our expedition guides to the galaxy as we further elevate the onboard experience for our guests to new heights.”

2026 Eclipse expeditions

World Navigator will mark the August 12, 2026, solar eclipse in Patreksfjordur, Iceland, while World Traveller will sail the Mediterranean Sea between Palma de MallorcaSpain, and Banyuls Sur Mer, France. Both itineraries have been carefully curated to position the vessels in the most optimal locations on the globe for viewing the eclipse.

Reykjavik roundtrip (9 nights) Departure August 9, 2026
     Barcelona to Montecarlo (7 nights) Departure August 11, 2026

Both journeys will feature expert astronomers serving as expedition guides. They will share their knowledge of the solar eclipse and detailed descriptions of the uninterrupted views of the stars above.

Guests will enjoy special lectures, advanced telescopes on deck, and engaging conversations about the cosmos with fellow explorers. These expeditions are expected to be popular and anticipated to sell out quickly.