Atlas Orders 400-Guest Sail-Assisted Expedition Ship for 2028

Atlas Ocean Voyages is pressing ahead with a new 400-guest luxury expedition sailing ship, the Atlas Adventurer, targeting delivery in November 2028 as it looks to expand beyond its current fleet of three 200-guest vessels.

James A. Rodriguez, president and CEO of Atlas Ocean Voyages, described the project as the company “expanding with a newbuild” that will be “a totally new class of vessel” for the brand. The ship has been presented as Atlas Adventurer, and it has also appeared as Atlas Adventure in published design information tied to the project.

Order, shipyard, and where the newbuild fits in Atlas’s fleet

Atlas’s parent company, Mystic Invest, placed the order with China Merchants in December, with construction planned in China and entry into service expected in late 2028. Atlas currently operates three 200-guest expedition ships sailing itineraries in Antarctica, the Arctic, Europe, and other regions.

Rodriguez said Atlas previously leaned toward adding more ships at the 200-guest scale before shifting plans. “From a financial standpoint, it makes a bit more sense to go larger,” he said, adding that the 400-guest size aligns with the travelers the brand is aiming to attract.

Size, sail plan, and polar capability

The Atlas Adventurer is planned as a 26,000-gross-ton ship measuring about 690 feet (210 meters) in length. The three-masted design and large sails are expected to bring the air draft to about 225 feet (68.5 meters).

For expedition operations, the yacht is intended to feature an Ice Class 1B hull (Polar Category C), positioning it for Arctic and Antarctic itineraries. Rodriguez said longer-term planning includes deploying the ship to Antarctica.

Rodriguez has framed the vessel as purpose-built for the brand’s target customer. “This is a world-class vessel that is specifically designed to cater to high-net-worth expedition travelers,” he said, adding that the Ice Class 1B rating is expected to “unlock unique polar expedition opportunities.”

Hybrid propulsion, battery power, and fuel-saving claims under sail

Atlas is highlighting the newbuild’s sail-assisted and hybrid approach as a core differentiator, pairing wind power with electric capability and conventional engines. Rodriguez said, “We will have 40 percent fuel savings when the wind is available,” and added that the ship will include a 9-megawatt battery pack.

Design information released for the project describes a hybrid configuration combining dual-fuel engines with electric-hybrid capability supported by the large marine battery. The ship is expected to sail at 14 knots, with a design speed up to 16 knots, while stabilization equipment is listed as including zero-speed stabilizers and vertical fin stabilizers.

Atlas has also said the vessel is intended to comply with future zero-emission port regulations. The company has described the sailing and battery-supported operating modes as enabling “near-silent operation,” alongside ambitions to call in smaller or more restricted ports.

Onboard venues and expedition equipment

Published design details point to a mix of traditional luxury amenities and expedition hardware intended to support water-level operations and shore activity.

• Dining and lounges: Seven dining venues (including specialty restaurants and a culinary studio) are planned, along with five lounges and bars plus two outdoor bars.
• Wellness and outdoor spaces: Plans include an expanded fitness and wellness area and a large swimming pool.
• Expedition and marina operations: The ship is expected to carry Zodiacs for shore landings and exploration, motorboats positioned for higher-end expedition use, and a marina platform with an ocean pool for water-based activity.

Debut season: Asia to Africa, then the Mediterranean

Rodriguez said the debut season will include 15 cruises as the ship repositions from Asia to Africa and then onward to the Mediterranean, with a 128-day sailing from Japan to South Africa planned as part of the initial offering.

Itinerary information shared for the launch period shows the ship starting from Japan in November 2028, calling in multiple Asian destinations, including ports in China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and the Philippines, before moving toward the Indian Ocean and Africa. Early 2029 sailings are expected to include the Seychelles as well as destinations in South and East Africa.

On the commercial side, Atlas said guests can book priority access for 13 sailings, with two additional voyages set aside for past Atlas guests. Rodriguez said the company has already published turn ports and dates, while transit ports are expected to be added in the weeks ahead.

Sales momentum, core source markets, and support for travel advisors

The fleet expansion comes as Atlas reports record commercial performance. The company said it delivered a 22 percent year-over-year increase in sales revenue in 2025 and ended the year with its strongest booked position to date, with demand described as steady across its Polar, Epicurean, and Cultural Expeditions.

“2025 was a milestone year for Atlas Ocean Voyages,” Rodriguez said, adding that availability is now open through March 2028 and that the company is entering the new year “well-positioned for further growth.” He attributed the performance to long-term planning and investments tied to guest services and trade partnerships.

Kristian C. Anderson, executive vice president of global sales, said those investments included new staffing for guest experience and additional support for advisors. “We expanded our guest services capabilities with the introduction of a dedicated concierge team,” Anderson said, adding that Atlas strengthened its sales organization in support of its “Trade First commitment to travel advisors.”

Rodriguez said the United States remains Atlas’s core market, while the company is also seeing interest from the United Kingdom and Australia.

Brand identity update alongside the newbuild push

Atlas has also unveiled an evolved brand identity intended to better reflect what it describes as boutique hospitality and transformational travel, including a new logo, refined visual elements, and a verbal identity centered on connection, discovery, and immersion. “This evolution articulates what has always made Atlas unique,” Rodriguez said. “Boutique hospitality transforms expeditions into experiences that foster deeper connections.”

The rebranding was developed in partnership with New York-based creative studio Astronaut Monastery, with Atlas linking the effort to its focus on personalized service, cultural immersion, and sustainable tourism, as well as what Rodriguez described as an exceptional return-guest ratio.

Mario Ferreira, founder, owner and chairman of Mystic Invest, positioned the ship as a step-change in technology and concept. “With the Atlas Adventurer, we are introducing a new generation of luxury expedition sailing yachts,” Ferreira said. He also described the project as a bridge between traditional wind power and contemporary propulsion solutions, including electric capability.

With delivery targeted for November 2028, Atlas has said additional voyage details will be released as transit ports are finalized, while longer-term planning includes polar deployments, including Antarctica.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When is the Atlas Adventurer scheduled to be delivered?

Atlas Ocean Voyages has set a delivery target of November 2028, with entry into service expected in late 2028.

How many passengers will the Atlas Adventurer carry?

The ship is planned to accommodate up to 400 guests, compared with Atlas’s current fleet of three 200-guest expedition ships.

What makes the Atlas Adventurer environmentally friendly?

Atlas has highlighted sail-assisted operation, a 9-megawatt battery system, and hybrid-electric capability as key components, including a claim of 40 percent fuel savings when wind is available. The company has also said the ship is designed to comply with future zero-emission port regulations and to support near-silent operation under wind power and battery support.

Where will the ship sail in its debut season?

Atlas has outlined a launch program beginning from Japan in November 2028, with calls across Asia before moving toward the Indian Ocean and Africa in early 2029, followed by repositioning toward the Mediterranean. The debut season is expected to include 15 cruises, including a 128-day sailing from Japan to South Africa.

Who owns Atlas Ocean Voyages?

Atlas Ocean Voyages is owned by Mystic Invest, a Portuguese tourism and travel investment company with holdings that include river cruising and German-based Nicko Cruises.