Australia is now Atlas Ocean Voyages’ fastest growing market, with Australians attracted to the cruise lines’ elegant expedition style and itineraries to exotic destinations.
Australians have jumped on board with one of the world’s freshest luxury expedition cruise lines, Atlas Ocean Voyages. In a swift move up the charts, Australia now sits as the brand’s third biggest source market, trailing only North America and the UK. The reason? Australians have found their stride with Atlas, and the numbers back it up.
Bookings boom as Aussies embrace adventure cruising
In 2024, bookings from Australia shot up by a staggering 600 per cent compared to the previous year. Two-thirds of Australian bookings sailed in groups, and Antarctica was the standout favourite, with the Arctic not far behind. There’s also a growing appetite for Atlas’s special epicurean expeditions across Europe. Clearly, when it comes to adventure coupled with a splash of luxury, Aussies like what Atlas is offering.
Atlas offers small ships with big experiences
Atlas Ocean Voyages is represented exclusively in Australia by Cruise Traveller, the nation’s largest small ship cruise agency. The US-based cruise line operates a trio of identical expedition ships, each carrying just 198 guests. The first ship launched in 2021, followed by sister ships in 2022 and 2023, with last year marking the brand’s first full season.
These boutique, all-inclusive ships are purpose-built for exploring nature’s wild frontiers and soaking up cultural gems. Antarctica, the Arctic, Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, and South America are all part of Atlas’ voyages. If it’s a remote and remarkable region, Atlas is likely headed there.
Authentic adventure strikes a chord with Aussie cruisers
Bernie Carter, Atlas Ocean Voyages’ International Sales Director, is upbeat about the rapid rise in Aussie bookings. “Australia is now our third largest source market and fastest-growing,” he says.
“Our brand’s tone of authentic adventure, cultural interaction and casual luxury really resonates with Australians not keen on formality and fuss.”
It’s not just a one-off, either. Atlas already boasts a worldwide return passenger ratio of 28 per cent in just a few years. Carter expects loyalty among Australians to grow as more travellers tick off bucket-list destinations like Antarctica, then come back to discover new horizons.
“We are delighted with the progress we have seen in the Australian market,” Carter says.
“Through Cruise Traveller we are working to support the Australian travel agency community to further develop awareness of the unique, luxury expedition yacht experience that Atlas Ocean Voyages provides.”
Atlas attracts the non-cruiser
Cruise Traveller’s Managing Director, Joe OSullivan, sees a distinct cruising trend. Atlas Ocean Voyages isn’t just attracting seasoned sailors. The brand is reeling in a new breed of travellers who’ve never cruised before.
“Atlas Ocean Voyages has pioneered authentic, bucket-list exploratory journeys to destinations around the globe, and Cruise Traveller has been successful in attracting to this brand a growing demographic that previously may not have considered travelling by ship,” O’Sullivan says.
These are curious, adventurous souls, keen to keep travel simple, but who are bold enough to get off the beaten track and travel to remote destinations. They’re pushing the boundaries, heading for the world’s farthest flung corners, and sharing the journey with other like-minded explorers.
Atlas offers effortless elegance in expedition style
Atlas Ocean Voyages is striking a deep chord with Australians for it’s style of cruising. No-fuss, effortless elegance. Loads of space. Top-tier cuisine. Service that’s both efficient and friendly. Sensible value, too. All this, with a focus on authentic, low-impact visits to smaller ports and pristine places around the globe. For Australians keen to explore remote regions in comfort, it’s the perfect fit.
Bonus offer for Australians on Antarctica expedition
As the favourite Atlas Ocean Voyages destination for Australians, Antarctica features in a new bonus offer from Cruise Traveller that provides a US$400 onboard credit per couple (over A$600), a complimentary bottle of champagne, and access to reduced fares on selected 2026 voyages
Such as is a 12-night sail and stay package aboard the 198-guest World Navigator to Antarctica departing from Buenos Aires on February 19, 2026. The package includes a night in Buenos Aires, return charter flights from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia and an 11-night expedition south from Ushuaia to Antarctica. Reduced fares start at US$13,609, per person twin-share in a Veranda Stateroom.
With demand showing no signs of slowing, now’s the time to introduce your clients to the Atlas Ocean Voyages experience. For more information or to discuss partnership opportunities, reach out to Cruise Traveller.
