Atlas doubles Drake fly-and-cruise departures for 2028/29
Atlas Ocean Voyages has doubled its fly-and-cruise Drake departures for the 2028/29 Antarctic season and added South Georgia and Falklands extensions. The change adds polar capacity at a point when inventory for that season is only starting to build.
For advisors, the extensions are the commercial hook. They lengthen the itinerary and give you a higher-value option to put in front of clients who want more than a standard Antarctic Peninsula crossing. Fly-and-cruise formats also avoid the Drake Passage crossing by sea, which is often a deciding factor for hesitant first-time polar travelers.
With 2028/29 inventory this early, clients who want prime dates can be placed well ahead of the usual sell-out window. Confirm pricing, ship assignments and air terms with Atlas before quoting, because the source gives no fares or departure dates.
Explora III debuts in New York as the fleet plan comes into focus
Explora III, the brand's first LNG-powered ship, made its maiden call in New York City. It is in North America for its inaugural season, sailing East Coast and Canada itineraries before moving to Miami for the Caribbean. Advisor ship tours are underway.
The stated pipeline is what matters for planning. Explora IV is due in early 2027, with V and VI following through 2028, which would bring the fleet to six ships. That is a meaningful amount of new ultra-luxury inventory over a short period.
The New York and Miami positioning gives advisors North American departure points, which suits clients who prefer not to fly overseas to embark. Ask Explora about ship inspections while the vessel is in port. Separately, the brand's president is set to host a voyage in December, a possible opportunity to meet leadership at sea.