ocean voyager trips

• CruiseMapper
• American Queen Voyages

Ocean Voyager

Former names: ms victory i, ms saint laurent, sea voyager, cape may light.

Cruise line American Queen Voyages

Ocean Voyager current position

Ocean Voyager current location is at US East Coast (coordinates 43.64072 N / -70.26647 W) cruising en route to Portland ME. The AIS position was reported 6 minutes ago.

Current itinerary of Ocean Voyager

Ocean Voyager current cruise is 15 days, one-way from Savannah GA to Halifax . The itinerary starts on 18 May, 2024 and ends on 02 Jun, 2024 .

Specifications of Ocean Voyager

•   Itineraries
•   Review
•   Wiki

Ocean Voyager Itineraries

Ocean voyager review, review of ocean voyager.

The 2001-built Ocean Voyager cruise ship (fka "MS Victory I"/until 2021, and "MS Saint Laurent" until 2015) was initially owned by the company Haimark Line (subsidiary of the luxury river cruisetour operator Haimark Travel). Haimark declared bankruptcy in the end of 2015. Currently, the ship is owned by Clipper Group and chartered to AQSC/American Queen Voyages . Launched in 2016, this new cruise brand operates itineraries on the Great Lakes (USA and Canada) during summer, and to Caribbean roundtrips from Florida (during fall and winter months).

After resuming service in 2022 (following the 2-year hiatus due to the Coronavirus crisis) the boat was renamed from "Victory 1" to "Ocean Voyager".

From the same series (sistership) is the fleetmate Ocean Navigator (formerly Victory 2, Cape Cod Light, Sea Discoverer). Both were built in resemblance to the traditional US coastal steamboats of the late-19th century. They both started operations on itineraries on the Great Lakes, Canadian Maritime, East Coast USA and Southern USA.

The vessel (IMO number 9213129) is currently Bahamas- flagged (MMSI 311050400) and registered in Nassau .

History - construction and ownership

The 210-passenger ship Ocean Voyager was launched as "Cape May Light" by Atlantic Marine (shipyard Jacksonville Florida / now BAE Systems Southeast Florida). The vessel was originally built for Great Lakes Cruises (USA-based company) and designated for expedition voyages with itineraries in Central and South America.

The cruise ship was built under as "Clipper Voyager" for the based in Copenhagen Denmark -based company Clipper Group AS. The company specializes in marine shipping, cruise shipping, and also car and passenger ferries . The vessel was operated under charter by Haimark Line - specializing in small ship expedition cruise touring. Before entering service for Haimark, the vessel was extensively refurbished in Charleston SC .

The vessel's current owner is the Copenhagen -based company Albatros Travel, which specializes in polar expedition cruises and tours. The company Cruise Management International Inc provides the ship's deck and engine management, while the sister-company CMI Leisure Management Inc handles the onboard hotel operations.

MS Saint Laurent ship's inaugural cruises for Haimark was on May 30, 2015, leaving from homeport Montreal Canada . Before the launch, Haimark Line invested USD 3,5 million for an extensive drydock refurbishment of all interior spaces. Then the ship was renamed from "Cape May Light". Unfortunately, on June 18, 2015, with all 274 people on board, the St Laurent cruise ship collided with the concrete wall bumper of Eisenhower Lock ( Saint Lawrence Seaway ) located near Massena NY. The number of injured was 21.

In April 2016 was announced that vessel's operator Haimark Line Ltd had cancelled all scheduled voyages. All booked Haimark customers were refunded, but the company didn't provide reimbursement for air travel payments, hotels or other expenses that don't constitute water transportation or related services. Booked travelers who have previously obtained a refund from their travel insurance or credit card issuer were not eligible.

In November 2018, American Queen Voyages (AQSC) signed an agreement to purchase the brand "Victory Cruise Line", as well as its chartered (from Sunstone Ships) vessels. Victory Cruise Line has a separate fleet and management and operates as a subsidiary company of AQSC/AQV.

Victory Cruise Line/AQV fares are inclusive of all daily-scheduled tours (excursions ashore), including full-day Niagara Falls and Mackinac Island (Lake Huron) . Deals are also inclusive of alcohol (beer and wine) at lunch and dinner.

Decks and Cabins

MS Ocean Voyager ship features a beautifully appointed interior with only 105 staterooms . Its stylish staterooms offer high thread-count bedding, premium mattresses, pillow menus and L'Occitane bath amenities. Passengers enjoy free WiFi Internet access and 24-hour room service, as well as nightly turndown service. The stateroom entertainment systems feature LCD-TVs with satellite programming and radio/alarm clocks with Ipod Docking Station. Outside staterooms include armoires and picture windows for panoramic views.

The boat has 5 passenger decks , of which 4 are with cabins.

Shipboard facilities and amenities

MS Victory 1 ship's dining options include the Shearwater Dining Room, Tavern and Outdoor Grill. Guests can enjoy fine a la carte dining in the main restaurant or the outdoor Cliff Rock Grill & Bar. they can treat themselves to fresh "hot rock" cooking at Cliff Rock, savor regionally inspired cuisine and western classics at Shearwater Dining Room, indulge in delightful afternoon tea service, complete with cakes and cookies, mingle with friends at the British-style Seascape Tavern.

The boat has an Observation Lounge, Sun Deck, Terrace, Boutique Shop. Expertly guided shore excursions are included. Learn Aboard (shipboard enrichment program) is hosted by experts in culture, history and natural wonders of the places visited.

Itineraries

MV Ocean-Voyager itinerary calendar has regularly scheduled Great Lakes and St Lawrence Seaway cruises in the USA and Canada. The ship also operates regular cruises to Cuba leaving round-trip from Miami Florida . The newly refurbished ship entered service on July 8, 2016.

• AQV/Victory Cruise Line's USA-Canada itinerary program offers 15-day itineraries leaving out of Chicago (Navy Pier) , Toronto and Montreal . Cuba cruises from Miami started on October 28, 2016. The roundtrip itineraries range from 4-days (Miami to Havana ) to 14-days (around Cuba / circumnavigation itinerary.
• In October 2017 was announced the inaugural Cuba cruise season will offer 13- to 15-night island circumnavigation itineraries starting in March 2018. All the themed "Cuba 360-degree" itineraries circumnavigate Cuba and visit UNESCO sites as part of the company's shore excursions program. All-inclusive fares (per person, double occupancy) started from USD 7,000, with promo prices from USD 5,500 plus USD 400 airfare credit.
• The inaugural Cuba cruise departed from Miami on April 20, 2018. The 15-night itinerary visited 4 Cuban ports - overnights in Havana (3 overnights) and Santiago de Cuba (1), plus Trinidad , Cienfuegos and Maria la Gorda . Following the maiden voyage, Victory 1 operated out of Miami on 5 more roundtrip itineraries.
• 2018 Cuban season ended with an 11-day repositioning cruise (May 5) with included flight Miami to Havana and an overnight.

Victory Cruise Lines itinerary program (January-April 2019) included 13- and 14-night Cuba circumnavigation cruises on MS Victory I. For the winter, the company offered reduced pricing plus early booking discounts on all Miami-Cuba cruises. All-inclusive fares for 13-night itineraries started at USD 6,000 pp (included early-booking discount). Select departures had an overnight hotel or air credit of USD 500 pp.

The ship's Cuba circumnavigation itineraries were Miami roundtrips - 2019 departures Jan 29, Feb 15, Mar 1, 15, 29. Each voyage features educational activities (interactions with Cuban artists, musicians, naturalists, entrepreneurs).

For season 2019 (May through October), Victory Cruise Line scheduled 10-day "Great Lakes" cruises operated with all-inclusive deals. Victory 1 ship was homeported in Toronto and Chicago , with route ports Port Colborne ON , Cleveland OH , Detroit MI , Lake Huron (scenic cruising), Little Current (Manitoulin Island) , Soo Locks (connecting Lake Superior with Great Lakes). Sault Ste Marie , Mackinac Island , Lake Michigan. This "Great Lakes Grand Discovery" itinerary on MS Victory 1 in 2019 is offered on (departures) May 13-22-31, June 9-27, August 11-20-29, October 4-13. Signature destinations are Georgian Bay, Niagara Falls, Southern Canadian coastal cruising. Prices started at USD 6390 per person (double occupancy fares).

Ocean Voyager's "maiden season" (inaugural cruise under the new ship name) started on January 4, 2022. The program was based on Yucatan Mexico itineraries. The roundtrips from Cozumel visited three Yucatan ports (Campeche, Progreso , Valladolid) and as complimentary shore excursions - visits to Malecon de Campeche (beach resort tourism area), Chichen Itza (El Castillio, La Piramide/aka Kukulkan Temple, with Mayaland Hotel overnight stay), Merida (Gran Museo del Mundo Maya).

Victory Cruise Lines deals

Follows the list of onboard amenities and services offered complimentary to all passengers (cruise price inclusive) regardless of cabin grades:

• accommodation: sleeping area (2 twin beds or 1 queen bed / excepting Owners Suites and Category E (with 1 fixed queen bed, 100% Egyptian cotton bedding sets, premium mattresses), en-suite bathroom (robes, slippers, make-up mirror, hairdryer), electronic safe (in the closet), individual climate control, flat LCD TV (satellite programming), direct dial phone (outside line), radio (alarm, docking station)
• daily housekeeping, nightly turndown service
• daily tour (1 excursion in each cruise port)
• complimentary drinks (coffee, tea, bottled water, soft drinks, house brand beers and wine by the glass with all lunches and dinners)
• all onboard meals
• brunch time Consume and Afternoon Tea service

Not included in the cruise deals are:

• flights (domestic or international airfare to and from the port destination)
• Other beverages (not mentioned above)
• gratuities (onboard and on shore excursions), port charges, cruise insurance.

Victory Cruise Line's closest competitor (in both USA and Cuba) is Pearl Seas Cruises.

Ocean Voyager - user reviews and comments

Photos of ocean voyager.

Ocean Voyager ship related cruise news

ACL-American Cruise Lines acquires 4 paddlewheelers/riverboats from AQV-American Queen Voyages

ACL-American Cruise Lines has completed the acquisition of all four paddlewheelers previously belonging to the AQV-American Queen Voyages fleet...

American Queen Steamboat Company (American Queen Voyages/AQV) ceased operations

On February 20, 2024, (at 5 pm Indiana time/12:00 UTC) American Queen Steamboat Company LLC (which operates under the travel brand American...

AQV's ship Ocean Voyager is the last to dock in Escanaba Michigan

The final docking of an AQV-American Queen Voyages ship in Escanaba (Michigan USA) occurred on October 2, marking the conclusion of the 2023 season...

AQV-American Queen Voyages cancels Great Lakes cruises, sells Ocean Navigator and Voyager ships

American Queen Voyages (AQV) has unveiled its plans to shift its focus to river cruises, implementing a series of changes and updates that will...

American Queen Voyages celebrates maiden arrival of Ocean Navigator at Chicago’s Navy Pier

AQV-American Queen Voyages celebrated the maiden arrival of its Ocean Navigator ship, with her first passengers arriving at Navy Pier in downtown...

American Queen Voyages marks the return of its final Lakes & Oceans ship, Ocean Navigator

AQV-American Queen Voyages marked the return of Ocean Navigator, the final Lakes & Oceans ship to be added back to the fleet, as she welcomed her...

American Queen Voyages to rename Victory I & Victory II ships to Ocean Voyager & Ocean Navigator

AQV-American Queen Voyages announced that ms Victory I and ms Victory II would be renamed Ocean Voyager and Ocean Navigator, respectively, when they...

AQSC-American Queen Steamboat Company and VCL-Victory Cruise Lines release 2023 season

In response to demand for the 2022 cruise season, AQSC-American Queen Steamboat Company and VCL-Victory Cruise Lines, Hornblower Family Companies...

AQSC-American Queen Steamboat Company and Victory Cruise Lines launch 2021 promo campaigns

AQSC-American Queen Steamboat Company and its fully-owned subsidiary and brand VCL-Victory Cruise Lines (both part of Hornblower Group Inc...

AQSC cancels the entire 2020 season for Victory Cruise Lines ships

AQSC-American Queen Steamboat Company cancelled the entire 2020 season for its Victory Cruise Lines ships, ms Victory I and ms Victory II, and pushed...

•   show more news

Other American Queen Voyages cruise ships

• American Countess
• American Duchess
• American Empress
• American Queen
• Ocean Discoverer
• Ocean Navigator
• Ocean Victory

Ocean Voyager Wiki

In 2015 Haimark Line invested USD 3,5 million for the refurbishment of the "Cape May Light" ship and renamed it to "MS Saint Laurent". The ship was previously operating also under the names "Clipper Voyager" and "Sea Voyager". The vessel was built in 2001 for the USA line Great Lakes Cruises, which specialized in expedition voyages in Central and South America.

On May 30, 2015, after changing its name from "Cape May Light", the ship started its inaugural season for the Haimark Line with 10-day Canada to USA "Inaugural Cruise" (itinerary May 30 to June 8) leaving from Montreal Quebec to Portland Maine .

Soon after the collision accident (June 18, 2015), Haimark Line filed for bankruptcy. In June 2016 was announced that Victory Cruise Line intends to rename the vessel to "MS Victory I" and start operations with departures from Montreal (Quebec, Canada) to ports in Canada and Great Lakes (USA). The inaugural cruise was scheduled for July 8. Also were announced further plans for Florida to Cuba cruise itineraries.

Ship's first scheduled Cuba cruise was a 7-day / 6-night itinerary round-trip from Port Canaveral (Orlando) Florida (departure Oct 28, 2016). Ship's winter 2016-2017 itinerary program included 3-day to 14-day roundtrips to Cuba out of Miami (through April 2017).

On April 19, 2018, was boat's maiden call at PortMiami, which started Victory Cruise Line's Cuba program. On board were hosted ship tours for travel agents and sales seminar. The inaugural Cuban cruise was on April 20 (themed "Cuba 360" / circumnavigation itinerary). The 15-night roundtrip visited Cuba's 4 main seaports and featured 3 overnights in Havana. The repositioning cruise back to Canada was scheduled for May 5. In 2019 (January through April) were scheduled 13-14-night roundtrips from Miami to Cuba.

In mid-November 2018, the shipowner AQSC (now American Queen Voyages) announced an agreement to acquire the brand "Victory Cruise Line", that includes purchasing its two chartered (Sunstone Ships-owned) vessels Victory I (2001-built) and Ocean Navigator (2004-built). To AQSC fleet was also added the newbuild Ocean Victory (2021) - Sunstone-owned vessel operated under charter. All the 3 ships stay in a separate fleet - under the "Victory Cruise Line" brand. Transaction terms (and price) were not disclosed. The acquisition deal was closed in mid-January 2019.

Ocean Voyager

The intimate 202-passenger Ocean Voyager is a small and agile coastal cruising ship that can easily navigate canals, locks and hidden ports where larger ships dare not go.

The Ocean Voyager is skillfully designed to foster a friendly atmosphere. You are invited to relax and unwind as you discover the world’s most remarkable coastal regions. Enjoy quiet time in a cozy corner, stretch your legs on deck or gather with friends as you watch the world go by. No matter where you are, you’ll find perfectly designed spaces for every mood and possibility.

On the comfortable Sun Deck, tuck into some vacation reading, look ahead on where you’re headed or reminisce on where you’ve been. Sink into a comfy sofa or chair, and appreciate the breeze as we sail along, or gather near the bow to watch the spectacle of passing through a lock.

Step into the well-appointed fitness area to rev up your metabolism with a satisfying workout. This space offers all you need for exercising at any level – just a brisk treadmill trek or a challenging session with free weights.

Pamper yourself with one or a bundle of the luxurious services offered at Th Spa. A massage, essential-oil-treatment – even an on-trend new hairstyle – will leave you refreshed and ready for your next adventure.

The Compass Lounge is the heart and soul of the social spaces, you’ll find enriching lectures by our knowledgeable onboard staff or esteemed guest experts. It’s the place to gather for morning coffee and pastries, fun interactive games or just quiet chats with friends. Ample windows allow those enjoying the space to watch the world go by.

The Tavern is the place to be in the late afternoon and early evening. Mingle over exquisite passed hors d’oeuvres and your signature cocktail – which the bartender will know by heart – as you share tales of the day’s adventures in a richly decorated setting with views of the horizon beyond.

Meals in the Coastal Dining Room are events to be shared. Stellar service enriches the flavors of each region and season, from a delicately smoked trout rillette to a succulent rack of lamb to some of the best soups you’ve ever savored.

The casual atmosphere of The Grill lacks none of the attentive service you’ll find in the main dining room. Buffet-style meals feature favorite main dishes such as roast prime rib and line-caught haddock alongside irresistible sides – roasted new potatoes, classic mac-and-cheese and the freshest of salads. A delectable selection of cheeses, breads just from the oven and dazzling desserts round out the experience.

Ocean Voyager Details

Accommodations.

All rooms include a full bathroom with shower, an amoire and a chest of drawers, a flat-screen TV, a hair dryer and a safe, for your comfort and convenience.

Specifications

About sunstone tours & cruises.

• About Sunstone Tours & Cruises
• Accessibility
• Privacy Policy

First look at World Voyager, the stylish new expedition cruise ship from Atlas Ocean Voyages

Editor's Note

You can tell a lot about an expedition ship from the way it handles rough seas and storms.

World Voyager, the third ship for fast-growing newcomer Atlas Ocean Voyages, was put through its paces during a tempest of wind and waves on its recent nine-day maiden voyage to Antarctica.

It handled it with ease.

That's thanks to the ship's new, state-of-the-art stabilizing dual Rolls-Royce retractable fins and advanced hydrodynamic design.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Crossing the fearsome Drake Passage — the violent confluence of three seas between the tip of South America and Antarctica — the ocean pitched, rolled and yawed. It was the dreaded Drake Shake. Waves leapt to 39 feet, but we were buffered against the worst of it as we zig-zagged to briefings, polar gear fittings, welcome drinks and dinners.

I got to see those stabilizers in action again in the white continent, flying on the coattails of 100-knot winds. Snow fell sideways. Spectral winds chased jitterbug seas. Onboard, there was nothing but smooth sailing, even on the treadmill in the gym.

Introducing World Voyager

World Voyager is an intimate ship designed for what Atlas Ocean Voyages likes to call "expedition yachting" in some of the most remote pockets of the globe. Right now, that's Antarctica. Like sister ice-class ships World Traveller and World Navigator , this ship has state-of-the-art sonar that allows it to travel deep into polar regions and Zodiac inflatable boats on board for exploring off the ship.

But the ship doesn't offer immersive travel only in far-flung locales. In the coming months, World Voyager will head north for warm-weather sailings in the Mediterranean, northern Europe and the British Isles; there, it will swap the Zodiacs for Jet Skis, kayaks and paddleboards.

The ship can maneuver into small harbors and narrow rivers that bigger ships can't. This is something Atlas is keen to capitalize on during the coming year with warm-water sailings that invite a deeper connection to food culture and history. New Epicurean Expeditions will be centered on food tours, cooking demonstrations, local chefs and vintners, and wine tastings. I got to sample some of these wines — including a Miraval rose from Provence, France — and can vouch for their excellence.

One of the biggest differences between an expedition ship and some of the bigger luxury cruise ships is the expert team of marine biologists, ornithologists, glaciologists and historians onboard; they enrich daily outings with talks and daily recaps. World Voyager travels with up to 14 expedition leaders. Still, its program is lighter than what you'll find on the expedition vessels of more established players in the space, such as Lindblad Expeditions, Silversea Cruises and Quark Expeditions.

Still, the enrichment offerings from World Voyager's expedition team are just part of a wider entertainment program. The program includes afternoon tea, trivia, evening movies, late-night cabaret shows and an always-open and lively Dome observatory bar — an array of diversions you don't always find on expedition ships.

In this way, the ship straddles big-ship entertainment and small-ship adventure. It's early days, and the team is still finding its sea legs — not unusual for a new ship. However, there is talk of getting the expedition team to dine with guests.

Related: The ultimate guide to Atlas Ocean Voyages

It's good value

Traveling to far-flung places with an intimate coterie of like-minded travelers is one of the luxuries of expedition cruising. Atlas Ocean Voyages' World Voyager is one of the smallest ships of its kind. The 9,935-ton ship has the capacity for 198 passengers, but that number drops to a mere 178 people in Antarctica, with cabins given to guest lecturers and entertainers. Our maiden voyage had only 138.

For such a big-ticket cruise, the crowd was relatively young. I put this down to Atlas' current offer that allows the second guest to sail free; the deal includes overnight accommodation and return private charter flights from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, Argentina. It's a striking value for a nine-night Antarctica trip that, after adjusting for the second guest traveling free, starts at just $6,299 per person.

Like most ships at the high end, Atlas includes a lot in its base price. Onboard accommodations, all meals, most drinks, gratuities and shore excursions are part of the ticket price, plus round-trip airfares from select U.S. and Canadian gateways. Emergency medical evacuation insurance is also included — something few other expedition companies offer.

What's not included in Atlas fares are shelf liquors (a shot of Belvedere vodka will set you back $7), premium wines or Champagne. Shipboard Wi-Fi also comes at a steep price after an initial 1GB of data that is included in the fare (500MB for an additional $45, 1GB for $80 or 5GB for $350) and can only be used on one device. It's an irritation when you consider most ships let you switch between devices — and that many luxury expedition ships in the same space offer shipboard Wi-Fi for free.

Related: I jumped off a cruise ship in Antarctica and lived to tell the tale

World Voyager is made for design lovers

Cruise ship decor switches from cookie-cutter elegance to such dizzying colors and patterns you'd be forgiven for thinking a toddler was let loose in the craft cupboard.

Not World Voyager. The ship exudes sophistication.

Built in 2020, the ship initially sailed for Germany-based Nicko Cruises, owned by the same Portuguese company that owns Atlas Ocean Voyages. When the ship switched allegiances, it also received a design refresh.

The result is a meet-cute of Scandinavian minimalism and art deco gorgeousness that wouldn't look out of place in a boutique hotel.

It marks a departure for Atlas, which partnered on its first two ships with Portuguese design firm Oitoemponto. The glossy mahogany wood paneling and decorative European fabrics are gone, traded for a lighter, more pared-back look; it favors Scandi-inspired blonde wood, black and white marble floors, geometric carpets, rich rust velvet feature lounges, gilt highlights and glorious pops of gemstone color.

The ship is easy to navigate, with a floor plan that flows seamlessly between venues. Deck 4 is home to the main public spaces, including the lecture auditorium, lounge bar, lobby, cafe (a quick stop for juice shots, smoothies, espresso coffee, pastries and hearty snacks), a small shop and the main dining room.

A small, well-equipped gym is tucked away on the port side. Meanwhile, the aft is home to a tiny L'Occitane spa with two treatment rooms, the gifted hands of masseur Akom, a chill lounge and a sauna with a glass wall.

The ship offers views for days

Nature is the star attraction on any expedition cruise, something Atlas knows well. The entire ship is dripping with indoor and outdoor spaces that deliver dress-circle views of icebergs, whales, birdlife and dazzling sunsets.

The Dome observatory lounge offers views in spades. Situated at the front of the ship, on the highest deck, the lounge boasts curved floor-to-ceiling glass and a glorious wraparound viewing platform, both of which serve up spectacular 270-degree views.

Two decks below is Water's Edge: another stunning spot at the ship's bow, with magical views on three sides and a heated wraparound bench (a welcome seat on cold polar days). Three other viewing platforms — at the rear of Madeira restaurant on Deck 4 and on passenger decks 5 and 6 — make for an easy exit whenever nature beckons.

Related: Antarctica gear guide: What you need to pack for a trip to the White Continent

Cabins offer front row seats to the action outside

In polar climates where the temperature regularly dips below 32 degrees, a private balcony would seem unnecessary. No surprise then that the ship's Horizon Staterooms — the type of cabin that I experienced while on board — earn points for their generous 270 square meters of temperature-controlled bliss. A step up from the Veranda Staterooms with their standard cruise ship balconies, these rooms claw back 55 square meters of icy outdoor space for just a little more money.

The Horizon Staterooms feature what Atlas calls a Juliette balcony — a wall of floor-to-ceiling glass with an electric top-drop window, easily controlled by the touch of a button. (Some river cruise ships have these, and they're akin to the "infinite verandas" on Celebrity Cruises' Edge Class ships.)

The experience was like being in an IMAX Theatre. From my room, I had a front-row seat to Antarctica's larger-than-life natural drama. Window down, I watched petrels coast the Drake Passage, the roar and tang of the sea outside delivered to me in 3D to counteract the pitching swell. I saw whales, cartwheeling penguins and an iceberg bigger than an apartment block.

Cabins come with a queen-size bed and Portuguese linens, a stocked minibar (beer and soft drinks only), Ksumi teas, still and sparkling water in reusable glass bottles, and a Nespresso machine. In-room binoculars are a nice touch.

Bathrooms feature L'Occitane toiletries and a walk-in mosaic glass shower with a rain head, handheld wand and body jets. Storage overall seemed on the small side for two people, but the main drawback was noise. My room was portside in the back, and it was so noisy that the clanking of the engine regularly woke me up.

World Voyager offers two- and three-person Horizon and Veranda staterooms, along with three categories of one-bedroom suites. These upgraded rooms feature extra floor space, a large balcony, a luxuriously deep bath, additional wardrobe space and the greatest luxury of all: a personal butler.

Related: Everything you want to know about cabins and suites on Atlas Ocean Voyages ships

The food onboard is sustainable — and delicious

I found a lot to love about the food on board World Voyager, including the plant-based and zero-waste menus rolled out across the fleet.

It's the kind of sustainable dining that is on trend with luxury travelers wanting to tread more lightly.

Austrian-born executive chef Rene Aflenzes is behind the holistic menus found throughout the ship that champion slow food, molecular gastronomy and zero-waste principles. It's truly a root-to-stem and peel-to-core mindset about food prep. Vegetable skins are dehydrated and turned into soup seasonings and garnishes. Whole fruit is magicked into delectably sweet concoctions.

It's part of an ambitious long-term plan to bring a true nose-to-tail food philosophy to the high seas.

Juice shots, smoothies, house-made Bircher muesli, vegan oat slices, nutritious muffins and hearty snacks are the mainstay at the grab-and-go cafe, Paula's Pantry; it also offers espresso coffee, donuts and pizza slices.

The buffet lunch in the Madeira dining room features a dedicated vegan salad station. Madeira becomes an a la carte restaurant in the evening. Along with a modern menu, it offers a selection of plant-based starters, mains and desserts, an "always available" plant-based steak and a good sprinkling of zero-waste dishes. Most were good. The salads were a bit hit-or-miss.

In a nod to Atlas' Portugal-based parent company, Mystic Cruises, the menu also features a handful of typical Portuguese dishes.

Meat lovers will enjoy meals in the main dining room and at Deck 7's poolside 7Aft Grill, where meat is seared over Josper coals until smoky. In a coup for Atlas, the beef is from the same butcher as Argentina's famed Don Julio restaurant, ranked number 19 on the 2023 list of the World's 50 Best Restaurants.

Bottom line

Atlas Ocean Voyages' new World Voyager is built for adventure, without the stuffiness that can come from more serious expedition ships. It strikes the right balance between an expedition cruise vessel and a more traditional luxury ship, with late-night entertainment and daily Zodiac outings. Give it a go while fares remain one of the better values in expedition cruising.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

Review: World Voyager

Reviewed by Celeste Moure

What is the line?  Atlas Ocean Voyages

Name of ship? World Voyager

Passenger occupancy?  198

Itinerary?  9-Night Ushuaia Roundtrip

Start out with the big picture—what is this cruise line known for?

Traditional expedition ship meets luxury yacht in Atlas Ocean Voyages’ small fleet of vessels. This relatively new line, which sails under the Portuguese flag and currently offers three ships, approaches expedition cruising with the ethos of a luxe but relaxed all-inclusive resort: the décor is contemporary modern, the staff is affable and proficient, the complimentary cocktails flow freely, and much of the cuisine is farm-to-table.

Tell us about the ship in general:

World Voyager , the third ship in Atlas’ fleet, accommodates 198 passengers and offers a one-to-one guest-to-staff ratio, which means you’ll likely be on a first-name basis with the expedition crew and front-of-house staff by the second day of a sailing. Much like sister ship World Traveller , the interior design of this vessel favors a subdued palette in shades of vanilla and taupe with pops of cerulean blue, buttery yellow, and ochre. There are plenty of spaces to spread out and take in the spellbinding views, including a relaxed lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows, by the outdoor pool and hot tub, and, my favorite, in the spa’s relaxation room and sauna.

Who is on board?

I was surprised at the diversity of the crowd, which included a handful of twenty-somethings and solo travelers, older Millennials from the US, India, Australia, Canada, and Europe traveling with friends or with parents, newly retired couples, and a few honeymooners. I traveled with my teenage daughter, and though there were no kids or other teens on the ship, she quickly became part of a clique of younger adults who dined together and played cards in the lounge.

Describe the cabins .

World Voyager has 100 cabins spread across decks 3, 5, and 6. My daughter and I stayed in a Horizon Stateroom, a cozy 270-square-foot room with two single beds (which can be converted to a queen) separated from a sitting area with a sofa and coffee table, swivel chair, and a desk fitted with a mini fridge and Nespresso machine. The marble bathroom featured not only L’Occitane products and a walk-in rain shower with body jets but also enough space to store our personal toiletries. A highlight of our cabin was the Juliette balcony, featuring floor-to-ceiling glass and a top-drop electric window we could open at the touch of a button from a panel by the bed. A step up in category, the Veranda Deluxe and Horizon Deluxe cabins are configured to fit a separate sitting area and walk-out balcony.

Tell us about the crew.

From the cabin and kitchen staff to the waiters, bartenders, and spa attendants—everyone I encountered on this voyage was gracious and eager to help. However, it was clear that this was an inaugural Antarctica voyage not just for the ship but also for many of the crew, some of whom seemed to struggle to find their sea legs as we crossed a tempestuous Drake Passage. Service at mealtimes was spotty during those first few days of our journey, but things got better as the days went on. The expedition staff, led by an entertaining Polar veteran from France, was an interesting mix of experienced and more novice guides, all of whom were not just thrilled to be working on the ship and headed to Antarctica but also to share their expertise in wildlife, the environment, and the geopolitical history of the continent.

What food and drink options are available on board?

Unlike a big ship with tons of restaurant options, this yacht-like vessel offers a main dining room, called Madeira, serving three meals a day. At breakfast there’s a combination of buffet and standard menu items (made-to-order pancakes, omelettes, and French toast) while lunch is a buffet-only affair. Dishes get an elevated treatment at dinnertime, with five-course menus offering a variety of rotating international cuisine options, including an always-present section of Portuguese dishes (a nod to Portugal-based parent company Mystic Cruises).

Sustainable dining is a focus on all Atlas ships, which is highlighted by slow food and zero-waste principles, as well as tasty vegetarian options, such as the always-present plant-based steak. Surprisingly, given that the ship departs from Ushuaia, there were no wines from Argentina or Chile on the menu; the wine list focused on European labels, with many hailing from Portugal.

Paula’s Pantry is a grab-and-go café that serves caffeine drinks as well as smoothies, juice shots, house made muesli and yogurt, tasty granola bars, and heartier snacks like pizza and paninis. The 7Aft Grill by the pool is not open on Antarctica itineraries, but the menu focuses on barbecue fare and grilled meats. And, of course, there’s 24-hour complimentary room service. There are two bars on the ship: the spacious Atlas Lounge, outfitted with plush sofas and swivel chaises surrounding a variety of coffee tables, is perfect for an anytime drink and conversation; and on the top deck, the Dome Observation Lounge is the place to go for afternoon tea and evening cocktails.

Is there a spa on board and is it worth visiting?

What the spa lacks in space, it more than makes up for in the L’Occitane-branded treatments and the stellar service. I spent many hours just daydreaming and marveling at the sea from a heated lounger bed in the relaxation room, as well as unwinding in the sauna, which I particularly appreciated after doing the polar plunge.

What about activities and entertainment?

You won’t find any aqua fitness classes, aerobics, or conga lines on this ship. Instead, you can hit the small gym, which is fitted with a pair of treadmills and stationary bikes as well as free weights, yoga mats, and exercise balls. On the top deck you can do laps on the outdoor running track, featuring arguably the most mesmerizing views on the planet.

If the weather isn’t cooperating, which it probably won’t be on an Antarctica journey, the expedition staff offers daily lectures, as well as afternoon documentaries—pick up a bag of popcorn and a drink on the way into the auditorium. There are also evening performances, such as ballads sung in English, French, and Portuguese by a skilled guest singer who was accompanied on the keys by the ship’s pianist. On other occasions, there might be trivia nights based on Antarctica knowledge. One night, the staff and crew performed a variety show—some performed traditional dances from their respective countries; others played an instrument; some brave souls sang a capella.

How was the experience for families?

I can’t imagine many parents would want to bring kids younger than 12 to Antarctica, and indeed Atlas only welcomes children eight and older. When not out on an expedition or dining with other guests, my fifteen-year-old spent the time reading in the lounge, working out, or watching movies in our cabin.

Where did it sail and how were the excursions? Did anything stand out?

I sailed to Antarctica from Ushuaia on a nine-night itinerary, though taking into consideration that expeditions rely on perfect conditions, I would highly recommend Atlas’ 11-night journey. Every day, the captain decides where the ship will navigate according to local conditions, and the expedition staff briefs guests on the planned activities for the following day. There are typically two excursions per day, which might include Zodiac cruises, landings, and water sports. During my November sailing, I had signed up for optional activities (offered at an additional cost), such as kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, and camping, all of which were canceled due to rough weather. The ability to be flexible, to be patient, and go with the flow is paramount on an Antarctica expedition.

Are there any stand out sustainability or green initiatives about this cruise?

Atlas puts considerable effort on its zero-waste principles and plant-based dining options, which aligns with the philosophy of a growing number of travelers—and not only in the luxury segment. The long-term plan from Atlas’ Executive Chef, Rene Aflenzes, is to bring a bit of the slow-food philosophy to the high seas.

Finally, give a sentence or two on why the cruise is worth booking.

If you are keen on an all-inclusive polar adventure that is at once intimate yet casually elegant, World Voyager is a worthy choice. This young cruise line attracts an equally young (the average age on my sailing was around 40) audience of adventurers; their idea of dressing up for cocktails means pairing an Arc’teryx jacket with a telephoto lens camera or binoculars to not miss a wildlife encounter.

All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

By CNT Editors

PART 3: REVIEW: ATLAS OCEAN VOYAGES’ WORLD VOYAGER

The Right Ship for the White Continent

Since its debut only two years ago, Atlas Ocean Voyages, the luxury/expedition arm of Portugal-based Mystic Cruises, best known for its fleet of riverboats, has intrigued this small-ship fan. The line launched in 2021 with World Navigator and World Traveller followed in 2022. My sailing today is the maiden voyage of the line’s third yacht, the 9,935 grt, 198-guest World Voyager which, on Antarctica sailings, has a guest capacity of 176 due to the accommodation of an expanded team of expedition leaders.

Atlas Ocean Voyages is an all-inclusive experience with unlimited beverages (fine wines, spirits, craft beers and 24-hour bar service), all dining, pre-paid gratuities, specialty coffees and teas, fresh pressed juices, L’Occitane bath amenities, stocked in-room mini-bar and more. Antarctica expeditions include a free pre-night hotel stay in Buenos Aires, a free charter flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, transfers, a high-quality parka, use of waterproof Muck Boot Company knee boots, walking sticks, binoculars, and zodiac excursions. Where conditions are suitable, optional kayak and camping excursions are available.

THE SHIP: 10/10

Despite its status as a polar category C Ice Class 1B certified vessel, board World Voyager and you just might think you’re on the way not to the icy Antarctic but to a glamorous world capital.  The atmosphere exudes understated elegance, a clean Nordic feel with blonde woods predominating. From the spacious reception area, manned round the clock, I peek into The Atlas Lounge and find the living room I’d love (if I had a really, really big apartment): plush beige couches and armchairs with throw pillows adding pops of color and golden cocktail and side tables topped with quirky lamps that cast a warm glow.

It doesn’t take me very long to realize that World Voyager might be my favorite size ship of all. With just six passenger decks, and only decks 3, 4 and 7 featuring public spaces, her layout is intuitive from the get-go. Continue forward through the Atlas Lounge, and you’ll find the Amerigo Vespucci Auditorium, “auditorium” being way too cold a word to describe this intimate little theater, if you ask me. Backtrack aft and you’ll find Paula’s Pantry, the grab-and-go (or eat in) coffee/tea/snack/sandwich spot, with Voyager Choice Boutique, L’Occitane Sea Spa (which offers facials and massage only) and the Fitness Studio further along.

Even on our cold-weather itinerary, some guests head to deck 7 and its pool area for a dip into the ship’s hot tubs, but they are in the minority (and certainly braver than I).  For most, deck 7’s greatest draw is The Dome Observation Lounge where guests flock like cape petrels at any time of day. With its 270- degree views, it’s the perfect place to watch a spectacular sunrise, scan the waters for whales or catch an albatross soaring through the sky. Tea time at The Dome means a wide selection of teas and coffees, along with tiered trays of sweets, canapes and finger sandwiches (I swiped every lemon macaron on offer). But The Dome really comes to life after dinner with its lights turned low, unobtrusive music forming a relaxing backdrop and the cocktail menu (available all day) transforming this magical space into the social heart of the ship.

Yes, World Voyager is clearly a stylish and sophisticated luxury yacht but make no mistake: She has not in her design abandoned her commitment to expedition! Nowhere is that more evident than her ample observation areas, whether floor-to-ceiling windows, open decks or designated observation platforms like Water’s Edge on deck 5 forward which features bench seating that is heated from within! And, deep down on deck 3 is the greatest example of her dedication to expedition: The Mud Room, with a separate parka and boot storage compartment for each suite and stateroom and where guests suit up before heading out to zodiac cruises and shore landings.

ACCOMMODATIONS: 10/10

Suites aboard World Voyager include the 465 square-foot Navigator Suite, the 445 square-foot Discovery Suite and the 382 square-foot Journey Suite, all with private balconies, butler service and expanded room service menu.  Stateroom options range from the 183 square-foot Adventure Oceanview to the 300 square-foot Horizon Deluxe.

I am ensconced in a spacious 270 square-foot Horizon stateroom, with sitting area, sectional, chairs and vanity, coffee/tea maker, stocked mini-bar, firm queen bed with luxury linens and, thank you God, a full-length mirror (why are these becoming so rare on ships??). The top panel of my floor-to-ceiling window opens with the press of a button and the marble bath features a shower with rain head, hand-held and body jet options. A large wall-mounted interactive TV lets me view live lectures and briefings from the comfort of my stateroom, watch movies or TV, and view the day’s menus. And here’s a surprise: One doesn’t require a PhD in electronics to figure out the intuitively placed light switches in the stateroom!

DINING: 10/10

It’s 6:00 a.m. and I shuffle down to Paula’s Pantry for coffee. Half asleep, I am confronted with twelve choices and, it seems, nearly as many choices of milk—seriously? When did coffee become so complicated? I go with the Americano and a splash of regular milk and, since the breakfast buffet doesn’t kick off until 8:00 a.m., pick up a plant-based oat power bar which I immediately become addicted to, despite that “plant-based” thing.

As an early riser, I quickly fall in love with Paula’s Pantry, a simple counter with casual table seating, stocked full of breakfast pastries, yogurts, chia pots, muesli, muffins, donuts, whole fruit and fresh-squeezed juices. And I mean fresh-squeezed. Sure, orange is the go-to, but if you’ve never experienced fresh-squeezed apple juice, it’s life changing. The Pantry stays open until evening with its offerings changing throughout the day: sandwiches and pizza, wraps, salads, and cookies appear close to noon and, in a nod to the line’s heritage, they even serve those delicious little Portuguese custard tarts, pastel de nata.

But Paula’s Pantry is just the appetizer, so to speak. Madeira (another nod to Atlas Ocean Voyages’ Portuguese heritage) is where the real culinary adventures unfold. The sole formal restaurant aboard World Voyager , this spacious and comfortable ocean-view dining room serves up breakfast and lunch buffet style, with a supplemental menu of made-to-order hot dishes like omelets, waffles and frittatas at breakfast and, on my sailing, a fresh and smoky leg of Spanish cinco jotas ham, the world’s most exclusive gourmet ham, cut paper thin by an attendant.

At lunch, you might be tempted to head straight for the ice cream bar, with its rich, creamy and innovative selections (blueberry muffin ice cream, anyone?) served in a crispy waffle-cone bowl, but exercise some control. While no separate menu supplements World Voyager’s lunch buffet, who really needs one when the offerings are plentiful (with a special Vegan section) and include a carving station that offers delectable steaks, rack of lamb or carved pork roast and, at the live cooking station, dishes like an earthy and rich truffle risotto or Asian specialties?

In the evening, Madeira really shines with a menu of globally inspired cuisine, beautifully prepared and artistically presented and, with World Voyager an all-inclusive experience, specially selected wines are offered to complement each course.

All the special occasion favorites are here: Dover sole almondine, beef Wellington, poached lobster, rack of lamb and slow-cooked venison, among them, along with a couple of Italian-accented pasta dishes and always-available choices that include 7 oz. black angus steak, lemon-crusted salmon steak and, for vegans, plant-based mountain steak. In fact, plant-based diners have options at every meal aboard World Voyager and I, a devoted carnivore, found myself intrigued by a few of these offerings myself: the rich pumpkin soup generously garnished with pumpkin seeds and the plant-based crepes Suzette among them.

Aboard World Voyager , however, beef lovers are the biggest winners of all, thanks to the tender and flavorful cuts the line sources from Argentina. While that alone can make a steak-lover’s mouth water, this luscious beef is typically prepared on a Josper grill, a charcoal oven that combines innovation and tradition to impart a barbecued smokiness to the perfectly grilled steak without the flames that are, of course, banned at sea! Ole’!

(Note: For those who prefer expeditions of a more culinary nature, Atlas Ocean Voyages will offer a number of warm-weather “Epicurean Expeditions” in the Mediterranean this summer featuring guest chefs and winemakers, cooking demonstrations, culinary experiences ashore and more. When looking at Atlas cruise offerings, ask about Epicurean Expeditions on Atlas Ocean Voyages.

ENTERTAINMENT: 6/10 (aboard an expedition in Antarctica, you’d need a Rolling Stones concert or  Madonna to come anywhere near the entertainment that is provided by the destination itself)

The Crew Show is World Voyager’s Glastonbury, a tremendously entertaining program starring exceptionally gifted crew members who, when they’re not on stage, serve your drinks, deliver your meals, greet you at the entrance to the restaurant or even work behind the scenes in the laundry. With highlights that include a humorous rendition of “Tequila,” a stirring version of Green Day’s “Wake Me Up When September Ends,” a hypnotic Balinese traditional dance and the—I’m not kidding—tear-jerking performance of Josh Groban’s “You Raise Me Up” by the ship’s way-too-talented-to-be-a-cruise-ship-maitre d’ Maitre d’, I’d pay to see this show!

Like most small ships and expeditions, production shows and glittering musical extravaganzas won’t be found aboard World Voyager . Count on a handful of evening cabarets featuring vocalists performing show tunes or pop standards, a performance by the ship’s resident pianist, a dance night and perhaps a film shown in the Americo Vespucci Auditorium.

But it’s not surprising…aboard an expedition in Antarctica, you’d need a Rolling Stones concert or  Madonna to come anywhere near the entertainment that is provided by the destination itself. In fact, the greatest entertainment is sharing the day’s experiences and wildlife sightings with your fellow guests.

For years, I’d always associated the word “expedition” with images of challenge and difficulty but now, after experiencing World Voyager and her maiden voyage to Antarctica, the word conjures different images: Comfort, beauty, luxury, fine dining…and a whole lot of champagne.

COMING SOON!: Part 4: Atlas Ocean Voyages’ World Voyager: Getting My Feet Wet: An Introduction to Antarctica Expedition

Also see: PART 1: WORLD VOYAGER: Atlas Ocean Voyages’ Newest Ship and   PART 2: WORLD VOYAGER: En Route to Ushuaia

Photos credit Judi Cuervo

Cover photo World Voyager, credit Atlas Ocean Voyages

See cruises:  World Voyager  and all  Atlas Ocean Voyages Cruises

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

All Things Cruise is dedicated to the joy of travel. Specializing in ocean, river, ultra-luxury, small ship and expedition cruises.

We would love to have you subscribe for travel updates, news and great offers directly from the cruise lines!

LOG IN TO MAKE A PASS RESERVATION

View account, livestream ocean voyager, explore the ocean’s great depths, virtually.

Dive into vast, open waters in Ocean Voyager to learn about our whale sharks, manta rays, and over 90 other species that live in this 6.3-million-gallon exhibit.

Journey With Gentle Giants in Ocean Voyager

This Ocean Voyager experience is the world’s only opportunity where you’re guaranteed to swim with a whale shark, manta rays, and more.

Explore Ocean Voyager Built by the Home Depot

Find out more about Ocean Voyager, one of the largest single aquatic exhibits in the world.

Voyage Deeper Into Other Aquarium Experiences

Set sail on a virtual field trip.

Georgia Aquarium offers educational virtual programs for grades K-12. Educators can immerse their classrooms in the Aquarium today.

Enjoy Virtual Yoga by the Water

Channel the energy of the ocean in Atlanta’s most unique yoga class. Beginner to intermediate yogis can tune in virtually for stunning views.

Shop Ocean Voyager Souvenirs

Support Georgia Aquarium and make sure you’re always whale-dressed with this comfy, vintage t-shirt featuring the majestic whale shark.

The Home Depot Kids Workshops at Georgia Aquarium

Keep little builders busy with a fun, hands-on Kids Workshop kit and introduce them to basic building skills. Our free monthly Kids Workshops Kits can be picked up at your local Home Depot store the first Saturday of every month, while supplies last.

Support Georgia Aquarium

Please consider supporting the Aquarium today so we can continue delivering amazing animal experiences for everyone.

More Webcams

Experience More Wonders

Need a moment of zen or just a daily dose of cuteness? See what our animals are up to in real-time, from anywhere when you live stream Georgia Aquarium galleries.

Livestream Sharks! Predators of the Deep®

Sit back and watch as sharks swim through the shadowy depths in one of the largest and most dynamic shark exhibits in North America.

Livestream Jellies

Dive below the surface of our Tropical Diver Gallery and zone out to the other-worldly beauty of Georgia Aquarium’s jellies.

Livestream Southern Sea Otters

Check in on our sea otters as they dip and dive in their rocky, cold water alcove at Georgia Aquarium.

Livestream Beluga Whales

Watch these playful beauties in the frigid depths as you dive beneath the waves of the Cold Water Quest Gallery.

Livestream California Sea Lions

If you can’t make it to the Aquarium or the Pacific Coast, check out our California sea lion webcam to enjoy some of Georgia Aquarium’s most charismatic characters.

Roundtrip Jacksonville

• Get inspired by the possibilities.
• Build your ideal trip.
• Experience a new brand of Southern hospitality in Jacksonville
• Explore the beautiful parks and squares of Savannah, Georgia
• Admire the pastel-colored architecture of Charleston, South Carolina
• Soak up sun on the sandy beaches of the Bahamas
• Archaeological Site Visits
• Urban Exploration
• Small Ship Cruises
• Atlantic Coast
• East Coast of US
• North America
• United States
• Greater Antilles
• Amelia Island
• Cape Canaveral
• Jacksonville
• North Carolina
• South Carolina

Full Itinerary

Day 1: hotel stay in jacksonville, fl, day 2: jacksonville, fl | embark.

• 1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner

Day 3-4: Savannah, GA

• 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners

Day 5: Charleston, SC

• 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

Day 6: Brunswick, GA

Day 7-8: fernandina beach, florida, day 9: port canaveral, florida, day 10: freeport, grand bahamas, day 11: scenic sailing on the atlantic ocean, day 12: jacksonville, florida | disembark.

• 1 Breakfast

Ocean Voyager

Dates & prices, my preferred start date.

Initial deposit is $250 per person, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.

Final payment is due 71 days prior to departure by Check, VISA, MasterCard, or Discover

See our general terms and conditions:

• Adventure Life Terms & Conditions

We are an agent for one or more providers on this trip with specific cancellation policies and terms:

• American Queen Steamboat Company - Terms and Conditions 2022 - American Queen Voyages

For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.

• 11 Breakfasts, 10 Lunches, 11 Dinners
• 11 Nights Accommodations
• Accommodations as listed
• Ground transportation as listed
• Activities as listed
• Meals as listed
• Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
• Unlimited Wifi
• Gratuities to Onboard Crew
• Port Taxes & Fees
• Open Bars & Lounges throughout the vessel including a juice bar every morning
• In-Room Dining
• Bicycles & Hiking Sticks equipment if needed
• Live, Daily Onboard Entertainment & Enrichment
• Locally Sourced & regionally Inspired Cuisine from land and sea
• Gourmet Selections of freshly prepared choices for breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Unlimited Beverages including an extensive wine list, choice spirits, local craft beers and specialty coffees
• Unlimited Guided Tours designed with your comfort in mind aboard private, deluxe motorcoaches
• 1-night Pre-cruise Hotel Stay with free ground transfers between hotel and vessel
• Travel Insurance
• Personal Expenses
• Flight costs (please request a quote)
• Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
• Optional Premium Shore Excursions - highly recommend booking these in advance. If interested, ask us for a detailed list of premium excursions for your cruise as these vary depending on your departure date.
• Transfers to and from the airport
• Mandatory Gratuities

We Love to Talk Travel

Atlantic coast travel guide.

• All Atlantic Coast Trips
• New England
• Niagara Falls
• Saint Lawrence River

Favorite Atlantic Coast All Trips

• Boston, MA to Nassau, Bahamas
• Boston to St. John
• Mighty Saint Lawrence

Why Travel With Adventure Life

Recognized by.

800-221-2216

Great lakes explorer.

Overall Rating based on 43 Reviews

Our Distinctive A+R Style

• Immerse in the Victorian-era ambiance of Mackinac Island as you explore by horse-drawn carriage and visit historic Fort Mackinac. 
• Delve into fascinating chapters of music history at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, designed by I.M. Pei. 
• Cruise through the Great Niagara Gorge to feel the spray and mighty roar of Horseshoe Falls. 
• With a pre-cruise night at our deluxe hotel and 9 nights your choice of outside stateroom; Open Bar; 27 meals; a complete program of shore excursions; and chauffeured airport transfers

Show all itinerary details

Welcome to Toronto

Intercontinental Toronto Center - Toronto, Canada

On arrival, you’ll be met and chauffeured to our deluxe city-center hotel for your pre-cruise stay in Toronto. The balance of this day and evening are yours to relax and enjoy as you wish in this cosmopolitan city.

Enjoy Toronto + Embark the mv Ocean Voyager

Ocean Voyager

After breakfast, A+R guests have this morning at leisure to discover the sights and charms of Toronto at their own pace. Later this afternoon, we’ll take you to the pier where the intimate and stylish mv Ocean Voyager  awaits. Settle in to your outside stateroom and then join your fellow travelers for an elegant dinner with wines, cocktails and beverages.  Meals B+D

Thrill to Niagara Falls

A thrilling Hornblower Cruise will take you through the Great Niagara Gorge and past Bridal Veil Falls into the very heart of Horseshoe Falls - where the mighty spray and thundering roar of Niagara will virtually envelope you!  Meals B+L+D

Fine Art + Rock & Roll

Surprising detroit.

America’s source of industrial innovation and creativity, Detroit has figured both in the development of the automobile and in the “Motown” sound during the 20th Century. Embark on a narrated driving tour through Detroit, the largest city in Michigan. Brimming with renewed energy, Detroit is made up of unique cultural communities and architectural wonders. As you traverse the city streets, your local guide will provide thoughtful commentary that will allow you to discover the many marvels of the city from exquisite art to innovative engineering. Visit the Fisher Building, one of the most recognizable towers in Detroit’s skyline. Explore the Arcade and see why this National Historic Landmark is considered an artistic masterpiece. At the Ford Piquette Plant, dive deep into the history of the Ford Motor Company as your local guide shows you how this factory put the world on wheels. Meals B+L+D

Cruising Lake Huron

Enjoy this day of cruising – enriched by our shipboard experts, fine dining, congenial camaraderie with your fellow passengers and our Open Bar. Meals B+L+D

The Soo Locks + Sault Ste. Marie

You might wish to arise early this morning as the  mv Ocean Voyager  transits through the historic Soo Locks where freighters, barges and tugboats traverse the 21-foot drop of the St. Mary’s River between Lake Superior and Lake Huron. The first lock here was built in 1855 and the canal was navigated by 27 vessels during its first year of operation. Today, more than 10,000 ships hauling 86 million tons of cargo pass through these historic parallel locks each year, even though they’re closed during the winter when ice shuts down shipping on the upper Great Lakes! 

Today you can join your fellow passengers for flexible Hop-on Hop-off touring. Exploring at your own pace, you’ll be able to visit a number of the town’s highlights including the Valley Camp Museum. Here in the enormous hold of a cargo ship that plied the Great Lakes from 1917 through 1966, you’ll find fascinating exhibits that trace the rich maritime history of the Great Lakes. Other sightseeing stops afford the chance to visit the River of History Museum, to see the historic homes of Water Street, and to marvel at the Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church, one of the oldest churches in the United States.  Meals B+L+D

Mackinac Island

With no cars allowed on the island, your horse-drawn carriage tour is a great way to experience the Victorian ambience of this National Historic Landmark. Learn about the island's history and see spectacular turn-of-the-century summer homes built by early captains of American industry. High atop a bluff overlooking the Straits of Mackinac, your tour of Fort Mackinac delves into its strategic importance during the War of 1812.   The  Grand Hotel is famed for its colonnaded verandah. Opened in 1887, it’s still the longest front porch in the world. As you take in the breathtaking views from this hilltop setting and walk through the Grand’s elegant interior spaces, you may recognize them from  Somewhere in Time , the 1980 film starring Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour that was filmed here. Meals B+L+D

Escanaba “Esky” Michigan

Cruising on lake michigan.

Delight in another day of cruising as we navigate south toward Chicago . Take in the scenery from the expansive Observation Deck, enjoy congenial conversation in the Lounge, or join a final talk with our engaging Great Lakes experts. Elegant dining in two distinct venues – the Coastal Dining Room and the casual al fresco Grill - and our Open Bar enhance your day at sea.   Meals B+L+D

Step off in Chicago

After a final breakfast onboard, you’ll step off the ship in Chicago and be chauffeured to the airport for your homeward flight.  Meals B

13-Day Voyages including Montreal and the 1,000 Islands  

Please note, we carry more than 16 guests on this program. Port charges $459 per person are not included

Family + Friends

Pay-in-full.

Every A+R Journey is carefully crafted with more than 7 decades of expertise helping our guests to experience the world in a more authentic and caring way. Choose from more than 105 Original Journeys With Never More than 16 Guests or book your tour as a Completely Private Experience – whether it’s just the two of you, a small group of friends, or your entire family.

Exciting Discoveries on our Small Ship Cruise

Our a+r library, about your journey... america's great lakes, similar trips.

Discover the Great Lakes + St. Lawrence

Starting from Chicago, our exclusive journey across all five of our Great Lakes and down the storied St. Lawrence is highlighted by our 11-night cruise aboard the stylish, 202-guest Ocean Voyager . Enriched by a complete program of shore excursions showcasing the history, beauty and rich maritime heritage of the region, our all-inclusive cruise is enhanced by elegant shipboard dining, an Open Bar and engaging shipboard experts.

Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

UK Edition Change

• UK Politics
• News Videos
• Paris 2024 Olympics
• Rugby Union
• Sport Videos
• John Rentoul
• Mary Dejevsky
• Andrew Grice
• Sean O’Grady
• Photography
• Theatre & Dance
• Culture Videos
• Food & Drink
• Health & Families
• Royal Family
• Electric Vehicles
• Car Insurance deals
• Lifestyle Videos
• UK Hotel Reviews
• News & Advice
• Simon Calder
• Australia & New Zealand
• South America
• C. America & Caribbean
• Middle East
• Politics Explained
• News Analysis
• Today’s Edition
• Home & Garden
• Broadband deals
• Fashion & Beauty
• Travel & Outdoors
• Sports & Fitness
• Sustainable Living
• Climate Videos
• Solar Panels
• Behind The Headlines
• On The Ground
• Decomplicated
• You Ask The Questions
• Binge Watch
• Travel Smart
• Watch on your TV
• Crosswords & Puzzles
• Most Commented
• Newsletters
• Ask Me Anything
• Virtual Events
• Betting Sites
• Online Casinos
• Wine Offers

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in Please refresh your browser to be logged in

Voyager 1 may be nearly 50, but it’s still bringing us surprises from the very edge of our solar system

The spacecraft, located more than 24 billion kilometres away, was feared lost to the cosmic ocean after decades of travel. but, thanks to a daring feat of human ingenuity from nasa scientists, the voyager is now back in contact with earth, writes andrew griffin, article bookmarked.

Find your bookmarks in your Independent Premium section, under my profile

V oyager 1 – and its sibling, Voyager 2 – were always meant to be a testament to humanity’s ingenuity. When they left Earth in the summer of 1977, they did so carrying a record that was supposed to be a message to anyone who found it.

It was intended to “communicate a story of our world to extraterrestrials”, Nasa says. The record itself includes instructions on how to play it, and anyone who did would find 115 images including information intended to show what our planet is like and how its inhabitants lived, ate and travelled.

It was a message of hope about humanity, said Carl Sagan, who led the committee that decided on its contents. “The spacecraft will be encountered and the record played only if there are advanced spacefaring civilizations in interstellar space ,” he said. “But the launching of this bottle into the cosmic ocean says something very hopeful about life on this planet.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article

Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.

New to The Independent?

Or if you would prefer:

Want an ad-free experience?

Hi {{indy.fullName}}

• My Independent Premium
• Account details
• Help centre

Forget the beach: How you can experience the real Maldives

I was on a boat in the middle of the Indian Ocean, about to taste real life in the Maldives .

A crew of fishermen from Sun Siyam Iru Veli, located in the Dhaalu Atoll, set up the fishing lines. We were anchored off the shores of the nearby local island Bandidhoo, where people fish tuna for money and smaller reef fish for their tables. 

The task seemed simple enough: bait attached to a hook tied to the end of a fishing line, which I was to hold by hand. As the line dropped to the reef, I was to wait for the feel of a fish nibbling on the bait. Then I’d just pull the line by hand, and voilà: a catch. No poles or spears required. 

Long-line fishing is a generations-old tradition in the Maldives, a way of life for its people. Living in an island nation where not much grows, Maldivians sustain themselves off of fish and coconuts. Not only is it an ancient practice, but long-line fishing is sustainable, taking just a few fish at a time with minimal damage to coral reefs or bycatch. 

I quickly learned that I was not a natural long-line fisher. For the next hour, I mistook the moving current for a gullible fish when I was actually the gullible one. Other times, the fish was stealthy enough to take the bait without me feeling anything at all. 

Learn more: Best travel insurance

Instead, I watched the fishermen work their magic. The line danced in their hands, flying up and down. Sensitive to the slightest movement going on 65 feet underwater, they knew the exact moment to start pulling the line up and win the battle against the fish. 

As the sun set over the water, we caught a total of nine fish, including emperor fish, batfish and humpback snapper. 

Although the rest of the fish went to the fishermen to enjoy at home, one snapper would make a reappearance the following day. For lunch, I enjoyed the red snapper, grilled to perfection and sliced raw into sashimi. 

While the Maldives is renowned as a romantic, luxurious destination where people can enjoy the sunshine, soft white sand and gentle lapping turquoise waters, it’s also packed with history and culture. While everyone should spend some time relaxing at the beach , the atoll nation offers way more for travelers to do – and learn more about life in the Maldives. 

Like most things in the Maldives, most activities are unfortunately pricey, especially since booking through a resort is pretty much your only option.

Long-line fishing is just the beginning. Here are eight other activities in the Maldives beyond simply lounging on the beach.

Go fish, Maldivian-style

Sunset fishing was hands-down my favorite excursion in the Maldives. Watching the fishermen in action was exhilarating, even though I couldn’t get the long line fishing down myself. Partaking in the ancient fishing tradition was a peek into real Maldivian life – and against the most gorgeous of backdrops: the sun setting over the ocean. To pick which fish to eat the next day and how it would be prepared made the experience extra rewarding.  

Check out the marine life

The Maldives is rich in marine biodiversity. Guests can snorkel and dive with whale sharks in southern waters and alongside manta rays in the north. At Sun Siyam Iru Veli, I went on an afternoon snorkeling tour, a 20-minute boat ride from the resort, and swam along the reef, an uninhabited island. Dropping about 100 feet, the reef was overflowing with marine life. I spotted a plethora of tropical reef fish along with three Hawksbill turtles – the most common type in the Maldives – and a white-tip reef shark. 

Even on resort grounds, travelers have plenty of opportunities to easily witness marine life – I spotted a pod of dolphins swim past me on my sunset fishing excursion and baby reef sharks around the shoreline by my villa at Sun Siyam Iru Veli in the mornings. 

Are there blind scuba divers? Here's the accessible way anyone can explore the ocean.

Explore the ocean … at night

Most resorts in the Maldives also have a house reef, where colorful clownfish and triggerfish swim around anemones and soft coral. At Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, guests can request a nighttime snorkeling activity, where they dive in after the sun sets to see the reef in another light, literally. 

The gear was simple. I slipped an orange filter over my snorkel mask, secured with a band, to eliminate the fluorescence caused by my blue light flashlight. This light source would make all the difference, as the soft coral and anemones absorbed the blue light, casting neon greens and reds back. The bright red anemones swayed in the dark and soft coral glowed, showcasing intricate brain-like textures and patterns not noticeable in daylight. 

Help restore some coral

Coral reefs play a critical role in the very existence of the Maldives; without them, the islands would be damaged by strong waves. Maldivians also rely on the fish from reefs for their livelihoods. Guests can participate in coral restoration alongside on-staff marine biologists at multiple Sun Siyam Resorts with coral planting. In this activity, I fastened coral fragments to a metal frame that’s later placed in the ocean to hopefully regrow and thrive. 

Visit a local island 

Sun Siyam Resorts offers travelers the chance to get off the resort island and witness everyday life for Maldivians. Guests can sign up for a local island tour, which takes them to a local fishing village to meet community members and see the school and local shops. I went on a local farm tour, where I got to see how some of the produce, such as papaya, that’s served in the resorts are grown. 

Watersports galore

In the Maldives, the ocean is the main attraction. Siyam World Maldives way offers more than the typical jetskis, paddleboards and kayaks. Guests of all ages can clamber around on the Indian Ocean’s biggest floating waterpark, made up of inflatable obstacles. There are also electric surfboards, kite surfing, banana boats and underwater jetpacks. I rented a seabob, a diving scooter that let me glide up and down underwater like a dolphin at up to 13 miles per hour. It was a strange sensation, but definitely took snorkeling to the next level. 

Visit an uninhabited private island

Over 83% of the Maldives’ 1,192 islands are uninhabited, allowing travelers to bask in unspoiled tropical landscapes. At Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, I was able to enjoy untouched nature and be the only present human there. Sun Siyam Iru Fushi and its sister resort, Siyam World, also share a small private island where only palm trees exist (and a restroom facility, so don’t worry about that). Guests can book the private island for picnics and photoshoots, which willand it’ll be exclusively theirs for the entire time. During the picnic, staff set up a tent for respite from the afternoon sun and served lunch and even champagne. No roughing it here.

Learn more about Maldivian culture

Every Friday night at Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, Maldivian staff share a piece of their culture with guests through traditional song and dance – of course, guests are invited to learn the dance, too. In Boduberu , dancers move energetically to the beat of coconut drums and folk singing. The dancing style is said to have come from African sailors who reached the Maldives many centuries ago, and is typically performed at special occasions and celebrations. The resort also offers cooking classes, where guests can learn how to make traditional Maldivian dishes, and free workshops such as making your own coconut oil, a staple product for cooking in the country. 

Kathleen Wong is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Hawaii. You can reach her at [email protected] .

THE 10 BEST Moscow Boat Rides & Cruises

Boat rides & cruises in moscow.

• Boat Rentals
• Scuba & Snorkeling
• Fishing Charters & Tours
• Stand-Up Paddleboarding
• Water Sports
• Surfing, Windsurfing & Kitesurfing
• Kayaking & Canoeing
• Waterskiing & Jetskiing
• River Rafting & Tubing
• Parasailing & Paragliding
• Dolphin & Whale Watching
• Speed Boats Tours
• Submarine Tours
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3rd Transport Ring (TTK)
• District Central (TsAO)
• Garden Ring
• District Northern (SAO)
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Couples
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Kids
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Adventurous
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Flotilla Radisson Royal

2. Moscow River Boat Tours

3. Sup-Club

4. Akvanavt Diving Centre

5. Diving Center Crocus City Oceanarium

6. CheapRussia Tours

7. Kite School Kiteclass

8. SUP Center

9. Erwin. Reka

11. Easy Russia Tour Guide

12. Lovely Russia Tours

13. Capital River Boat Tours - Moscow Centre

14. Alfa Centr

15. Diving Club Divers

16. Sup Outdoor

17. MORE MOSCOW

19. Soho Sailing Style

20. Diving Center Crocodile

21. Mosparokhodstvo

22. Dive-Project

24. Kosinskiy Children Marine Club

25. Kayak Moscow

26. DIVECLUB CHE

27. FLOW Moscow

28. Moswake

29. Morskiye Volki

30. S-cruises

What travelers are saying

• CheapRussia Tours
• Easy Russia Tour Guide
• Lovely Russia Tours
• MORE MOSCOW
• Insider Moscow Tours
• Flotilla Radisson Royal
• Moscow River Boat Tours
• Capital River Boat Tours - Moscow Centre
• Diving Center Crocus City Oceanarium

Subscribe or renew today

Every print subscription comes with full digital access

Science News

‘humanity’s spacecraft’ voyager 1 is back online and still exploring.

After five months of glitching, the spacecraft is talking to Earth again from interstellar space

The Voyager 1 spacecraft (illustrated) is back online after a few months of transmitting garbled data. It’s now poised to continue its exploration of interstellar space.

JPL-Caltech/NASA

Share this:

By Ramin Skibba

April 26, 2024 at 11:45 am

After months of challenging trouble-shooting and suspenseful waiting, Voyager 1 is once again talking to Earth.

The aging NASA spacecraft, about 24 billion kilometers from home, began transmitting garbled data in November. On April 20, NASA scientists got the probe back online after uploading new flight software to work around a chunk of onboard computer memory that had failed. They’re now receiving data about the spacecraft’s health and hope to hear from its science instruments again in a few weeks, says Suzanne Dodd, the mission’s project manager at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif.

That means the iconic craft could be on a path to recovery — and to continue its exploration of interstellar space.

Launched in 1977, Voyager 1 briefly visited Jupiter and Saturn before eventually departing the solar system. It and its twin, Voyager 2, are the longest-operating space probes, now tasked with studying far-flung solar particles and cosmic rays. In particular, the probes have been monitoring the changing of the sun’s magnetic field and the density of plasma beyond the solar system, yielding information about the farthest reaches of the sun’s influence .

“The spacecraft is really remarkable in its longevity. It’s incredible,” Dodd says. “We want to keep Voyager going as long as possible so we have this time record of these changes.”

Voyager 1 and 2, cruising along diverging paths, made history by crossing the heliopause in 2012 and 2018 , respectively ( SN: 9/12/13; SN: 12/10/18 ). At nearly 18 billion kilometers from the sun, that’s long been considered the outer extent of our star’s magnetic field and the solar wind, the boundary before interstellar space.

Since then, Dodd says, the science team has made some surprising findings ( SN: 11/4/19 ). For one, they’ve determined that the heliosphere, the huge bubble of space dominated by the solar wind, might not be spherical but have one or two tails, making it shaped like a comet or a croissant.

And thanks to Voyager, scientists now know that, despite expectations otherwise, the sun’s magnetic field and charged particles actually remain significant even beyond the heliopause, says David McComas, a Princeton University astrophysicist not involved in the mission.

Some theories predicted a serene environment in the distant oceans of interstellar space, but the Voyagers keep passing through waves of charged particles, indicating that the solar magnetic field still holds some sway there. What’s more, the probes’ data have shown how ripples in the field form bubbles at the edge of the solar system, which is more frothy and dynamic than expected.

Other missions have begun building on Voyager’s solar physics research. These include NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, and the Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe, or IMAP, which is set to launch next year. Earth-orbiting IBEX has been measuring high-energy particles to map the heliosphere for 15 years, whereas IMAP will orbit between the sun and Earth, giving it an uninterrupted view of the sun as it monitors the galactic cosmic rays that manage to filter through the heliosphere.

“There’s a huge synergy between the Voyagers and both IBEX and IMAP,” says McComas, principal investigator of the latter two missions. “We were all really scared when Voyager 1 stopped phoning home.”

It will be decades until another mission could accomplish what the Voyagers have done. NASA’s New Horizons soared by Pluto in 2015 and kept going ( SN:8/9/18 ). It’s heading toward the edge of the solar system, but it’s cruising slowly and will run out of power before it can collect data beyond the heliopause.

The Voyagers can fly forever, but power for their instruments is waning. Over the next few years, NASA will shut some down to conserve energy for the rest.

That means Voyager 1’s days of collecting science data are numbered. “It’s a very beloved mission,” Dodd says. “It’s humanity’s spacecraft, and we need to take care of it.”

More Stories from Science News on Space

Separating science fact from fiction in Netflix’s ‘3 Body Problem’ 

Pluto’s heart-shaped basin might not hide an ocean after all

Our picture of habitability on Europa, a top contender for hosting life, is changing

Jupiter’s moon Io may have been volcanically active ever since it was born

50 years ago, scientists found a lunar rock nearly as old as the moon

How a sugar acid crucial for life could have formed in interstellar clouds

What  Science News  saw during the solar eclipse

​​During the awe of totality, scientists studied our planet’s reactions

Subscribers, enter your e-mail address for full access to the Science News archives and digital editions.

Not a subscriber? Become one now .

More From Forbes

7 international destinations perfect for a golf trip.

• Share to Facebook
• Share to Twitter
• Share to Linkedin

You’ve played some of the best golf courses in the United States . Now, you’re looking to pack your clubs, rally some friends, and hit the links on an international golf trip. But which parts of the world boast the best collection of golf courses?

Top Golf Destinations

From Latin America to the South Pacific — and, of course, Scotland — here’s a list of seven international destinations perfect for a golf trip.

1. Scotland: The Birthplace of Golf

The famous Swilcan bridge on the 18th hole of the Old Course links in St Andrews, Scotland. Many ... [+] famous golfers have traditionally posed for photographs on this bridge at the end of their tournament rounds, thanking the crowds for their support. The Royal & Ancient clubhouse can be seen towards the left of the background.

The Scottish seaside town of St. Andrews is known around the world as the birthplace of golf, and the iconic Old Course headlines most golfers’ bucket lists. Book a stay at the golf-inspired Rusacks St Andrews, where rooms come with views of the hallowed turf.

Even if you can’t score a tee time at the Old Course, there’s plenty more courses beckoning. In fact, Scotland has more golf courses per person than anywhere else in the world. From the links of Fife to courses along the dunes of Aberdeenshire’s coast, the country has more than 550 courses.

Scotland’s weather is known to fluctuate, but the golf season is typically April to September.

2. Ireland: A Links Paradise

Google issues ‘critical’ chrome update for all windows users, new ios 18 ai security move changes the game for all iphone users, world war i tactics make a comeback as a ukrainian gunner in the back of a propeller plane shoots down a russian drone.

Adare Manor in Ireland.

Ireland is nicknamed the “green of dreams” and the island is home to more than 400 golf clubs. A third of the world’s natural links courses are here, and more than 240,000 golfers make the pilgrimage to Ireland each year to play on the unforgiving fairways.

In County Limerick, Adare Manor is a coveted stay for golfers. The championship golf course designed by golf architect Tom Fazio will host the 2027 Ryder cup.

While most courses are open all year round, the best time for Ireland golf trips is from April to October. In peak summer, it stays light out until 10 p.m., which means you can play a couple of rounds and make the most of your golf vacation.

3. Fiji: Luxury Private Island Greens

Denaru Golf & Racquet Club

Fiji is a draw for all types of vacationers, from honeymooners to scuba divers. But it’s also a golfer’s paradise in the South Pacific, with more than a dozen courses scattered across the islands and stunning fairways lined with palm trees.

For those coming for golf, Viti Levu, the main island, is home to three championship courses: Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course, which is located at the InterContinental Resort and comes with Pacific Ocean views, Denarau Golf & Racquet Club, and The Pearl South Pacific Golf Course.

Fun fact: The country has even produced one of the world’s top golfers, Vijay Singh, who fell in love with the game at the Nadi Airport Golf Course.

4. New Zealand: Dramatic Scenery

Te Arai Links in Tomarata, New Zealand

In New Zealand, golf is the sport with the highest participation among both men and women. The country has more than 400 golf courses, and the dramatic landscapes — from craggy, isolated coastlines tracing the greens to soaring mountains in the alpine areas — make it one of the most idyllic destinations for golfers.

Renowned architect Tom Doak has said “no country has seen its golf courses improve more over the past 20 years than New Zealand.” One of his famous New Zealand courses is Cape Kidnappers, which is perched above the ocean on clifftops, and built on ridge-and-valley landscape.

A 90 minute drive from Auckland (or 25 minutes via helicopter), Te Arai Links , which has two links golf courses along the coastline is also a sought-after destination. One course was designed by Doak, and the other is from Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw. In between tee times, the area is known for its surf breaks and lively nearby market towns, Mangawhai and Matakana, as well as its vineyards and olive groves.

October through April is considered high season, and golfers will pay less the other times of year.

5. Mexico: Mountain, Desert And Ocean Landscapes

Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto

Los Cabos and the Baja Peninsula have long dominated as one of the best golf destinations in not just Latin America, but the world, thanks to its mountain-desert-ocean landscape, gentle sea breezes, and a collection of cacti-studded courses designed by some of the world’s greatest golf architects, like Jack Nicklaus, Tom Fazio, Greg Norman and Robert Trent Jones, Jr.

In Loreto, which is on the Eastern coast of Baja California Peninsula, golfers can tee off in a UNESCO World Heritage site when they play a round at Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto by Danzante Bay, which overlooks the turquoise waters of the Sea of Cortez. Travelers can book packages Unlimited Golf or Spa that comes with unlimited rounds for three days.

Golf continues to grow and get better throughout Mexico, with more than 200 courses to play. Beyond the Baja Peninsula, some other top golf spots in Mexico include the courses dotting the Pacific Coastline and in the Riviera Maya, like El Camaleón, an 18-hole, Greg Norman-designed course that moves through tropical jungle, mangroves, and past freshwater canals. It’s also the first PGA Tour Course in Latin America.

6. Vietnam: A Fast-Growing Golf Destination

Hoiana Shores in Vietnam

For golfers looking for the next ‘it’ destination, turn your attention to Vietnam, where some of the world’s best golf architects are designing courses in the mountains, jungles, and along its coastline. Before 2020, there were about 80 golf courses in Vietnam, many attached to luxury resorts. By 2025, more than 200 courses will be built out.

Golfers can find year-round golf in Vietnam, heading into the highlands like Dalat for a cool mist and mountain breezes and hitting and booking tee times in Ho Chi Minh City and Southern Vietnam throughout the year. November to April is dry and cool in Northern Vietnam, and the same goes for Central Vietnam from February to May.

Hoina Shores Golf Club , designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., is a must-play for any golf enthusiast visiting Vietnam. It’s located within the $4 billion Hoiana Casino and Resort development on the Vietnamese coast south of Danang.

7. Mauritius: Bucket List Golf Destination

Anahita Golf Club

Mauritius is known for its stunning beaches and lush rainforests and unofficial world wonders like the Chamarel Seven Colored Earth Geopark, a sand dune bursting with colors. But this island in the Indian Ocean also has a history of golf. The tourism office claims that in 1844, when it was under British rule, Mauritius was the third country in the world to be introduced to the sport and Gymkhana Golf Club was the fourth country club in the world where golf was played

Today, Mauritius has 10 18-hole courses and three 9-hole golf courses, including the bucket-list worthy Iles aux Cerfs Golf Club at Shangri-La Le Touessrok, Mauritius . Golfers take a complimentary boat shuttle to the golf course where 18 holes come with scenic ocean views. The resort’s second course is Anahita Golf Club, which is set on a former sugar plantation and backed by mountains and fringed by a lagoon.

• Editorial Standards
• Reprints & Permissions

Destination guides

Download free Russia travel guides

• St Petersburg
• Golden Ring
• Lake Baikal
• Murmansk (Kola Peninsula)
• Moscow & St Petersburg
• Russia River Cruises
• Expedition Cruises
• Trans-Siberian Tours
• Northern Lights Tours
• Siberia Tours
• Winter Tours
• Students Trips
• Luxury Tours
• Plan My Tour

Start planning my tour

Your Russia, your dates, your mates

• Destination Guides
• Russia Travel Tips
• Russian Visa
• Travel Insurance
• Why 56th Parallel
• Traveller Reviews

Moscow Vibes – Three Day City Escape

Duration 3 days

Price from USD $730 ? Currency Conversion Converted from USD based on the latest exchange rate. Final amount and payment will be in USD. Final conversion rate is determined by your bank.

Trip Style Sightseeing

Time of year All Year

Home / Moscow Tours / Moscow Vibes – Three Day City Escape

• Dates & Prices

This short Moscow tour will give you a true taste of the history, culture and incomparable urban vibe that define one of the world’s largest metropolises. In just three days, this Moscow itinerary takes in all the most iconic sights of this attraction-packed destination. After two and half days getting acquainted with the city, we’ve set time aside for you to explore Moscow your way and discover your own favourite hang-outs in a city overflowing with hidden treasures

3-Day Moscow Tour Highlights:

• Panoramic Tour of Moscow: See Moscow beyond the postcard images on a private excursion by car through the city streets including a drive along the banks of the Moskva River. Visit the famous Bolshoi Theatre, pass by Gorky Park and the Novodevichy Convent, and admire the city from on high at the Sparrow Hill observation platform.
• Moscow Historical City Centre Guided Walking Tour : Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of one of the world’s biggest metropolises and discover local haunts on foot, including the Red Square, the Kremlin and the multi-coloured domes of St Basil’s Cathedral.
• Armory Chamber tour: Explore the endless treasures of this unique museum, displaying the wealth accumulated by Russian rulers from the 12th century until the October Revolution of 1917. Walking through the exhibition halls is a journey through the centuries.
• Moscow Metro Tour : Go deep underground on a subway tour of the famous Moscow metro. The world’s deepest metro system is renowned for its palatial, art-adorned stations, complete with marble columns and chandeliers.

On your first day, you’ll be treated to a panoramic, drive-by tour of Moscow to get a feel for the immense scale of one of the world’s most rapidly developing urban centres. The city’s history unfolds in real-time as you pass lavish imperial mansions, solemn Soviet structures and luxurious modern shopping centres.

Day two kicks off exploring Moscow’s historic centre on foot, followed by a tour of the Kremlin, the seat of Russian power and political intrigue for centuries. Stand in the Red Square, surrounded by the stunning architecture as you hear stories of the people and events behind many of Moscow’s most iconic landmarks.

On your final day, we’ll head beneath the city for a tour of the Moscow Metro and its famously ornate underground stations. Art lovers should hit up one of Moscow’s many world-class galleries such as the Tretyakov State Gallery, the Pushkin Museum or Garage, Moscow’s cutting-edge contemporary art museum. History fans can follow a Soviet trail through the city including Stalin’s Bunker, while those seeking a more indulgent experience can browse trendy neighbourhoods like Kitay Gorod or shop for everything from fashion to kitsch souvenirs at the enchanting Izmaylovo Flea Market. Foodies can head to one of the countless speciality stores sampling vodka, caviar and chocolate.

If you only have a few days to spend in Moscow, this tour will ensure you make the most of your time in the city. Let the experts navigate you through this complex and occasionally overwhelming capital, giving you plenty of time to soak up the city’s most unmissable attractions.

Accomodation

Not Included

Sightseeing

Action rating ?

Type of tour

3 days / 2 nights

Private - Any Date

Day 1 Panoramic city tour

Welcome to the glorious capital of Russia, Moscow! You’ll be met by your driver at the airport and taken to your centrally located hotel.

After check-in and rest, meet your private guide at the hotel lobby for a comprehensive tour of Moscow by car. Visit the starkly contrasting Theatre Square to see the stunning Bolshoi Theatre, pass Tverskaya Street, the city’s main boulevard and home to the landmark Yeleseyevskiy Grocery Store.

You’ll enjoy a panoramic drive along the Moskva River, where a huge, controversial state of Peter the Great was erected. Pass by the legendary Gorky Park and the White House before a stop at the architecturally stunning Novodevichy Convent, and the observation platform at Sparrow Hills, for a bird’s eye view over this staggering megalopolis.

Day 2 Red Square and Kremlin

After breakfast at the hotel, your guide will take you on a walking tour of the historical city centre. Stroll through the Red Square, the hub of cultural life in Moscow, with its elaborate ‘stone flower’ fountain and fantasy-like St Basil’s Cathedral – a postcard-perfect symbol of the nation. Admire the grandiose façade of GUM, the city’s most luxurious shopping centre, and visit Alexander’s Garden, with its eternal flame and the chance to watch a changing of the guards.

Break for lunch before continuing on a tour of the Kremlin and Armoury Chamber, famous of its collection of tsarist fashion, with regalia such as jewel-encrusted crowns, orbs and sceptres as well as arms and armour, exotic gifts from the leaders of faraway lands, and an illustrious case of Imperial Faberge eggs.

As an option* spend an evening on a sumptuous dinner cruise, taking in the stunning sights and city lights of this mesmerising metropolis by night.

Day 3 Metro and Arbat Street

Start a day with a tour of Metro, stopping on the way to marvel at some of the most elaborately decorated stations of the world-famous Moscow subway system. Take a stroll along Old Arbat street - the most famous street in Moscow. Through the centuries Arbat used to be one of the most bohemian places in Moscow. Today Arbat is a promenade full of small cozy cafes and street life.

The afternoon is free for you to either enjoy the rest of the day on your own or choose among optional excursions to explore more of Moscow. Visit the Tretyakov Gallery or Pushkin State Museum to admire Russian art. Join locals for a stroll at the Gorky or VDNH park.

Visit beautiful Kolomeskoye Estate or Izmailovo Kremlin, or spend a day exploring the beautiful city of the Golden Ring (Russian province) - Sergiev Posad. In the evening you will be transferred to the airport for your departure to your next destination.

Print this page

Save a printed version of this tour, so you can make a decision later

Send to my inbox

Email yourself or a friend the link for this tour

Ask a question

Have a question about this tour? Our experts will be happy to help

Group airport/train-station arrival and departure transfers

All transportation according to the itinerary with a private driver

4* hotel accommodation in the historical city center (twin/double)

Local licensed English-speaking guide

All activities, indicated in the itinerary, except optional

Entry fees according to the itinerary (skip-the-lines policy)

Russian visa support document

Travel insurance

Russian visa and visa fees. Russian visa can be arranged by 56th Parallel for an additional cost (for Australian citizens only). Apply for concierge visa service here .

Optional excursions/activities

*Private tour. Price is per person, based on min 2 people

Similar tours

Highlights of moscow & st petersburg.

Immerse yourself in the art, history and culture of Russia and explore the contrasting styles of Moscow and St Petersburg in just one week. Experience the iconic landmarks of ...

Golden Ring at a Glance

Take a short detour from Moscow to discover the age-old allure of Russia. Travelling from the capital to the countryside, where golden spires and the onion-shaped domes of ...

Treasures of St Petersburg

This in-depth tour is a fun and fascinating discovery of the legacy of Imperialist Russia, just in one week. A showcase for the wealth and tastes of the Emperors of Russia from ...

Classic Moscow – Art, History and Culture

Breathe in the history of Moscow, explore its Imperial and soviet past, dynamic contemporary culture and lifestyle. On this 5-day tour of Moscow, you'll visit the must-see sights ...

Why travel to Russia with 56th Parallel?

Destination Specialists

Our team offers over 18 years of experience travelling and planning travel in Russia. Delivering outstanding travel experiences in Russia’s capitals and in some of the most stunning & remote locations takes experience, special access and the right connections. We make sure that all the fine details are handled perfectly so you can enjoy your Russia travel experience.

Group & Private Tours

The choice to join a small group on a guaranteed departure or chose to travel on your own dates with your own mates. Each destination we travel to in Russia offers an option between private tours and small group tours. Please note: on our adventure tours in remote destinations, we mostly run group tours to keep the cost down.

Bonded & Licensed

56th Parallel is a fully licensed, insured and accredited travel provider.

From USD $730

Day 1: Panoramic city tour

Day 2: red square and kremlin, day 3: metro and arbat street, not included, start planning your tour.

A destination specialist will follow up on you enquiry shortly. Prefer to chat? Call us on +61 412 587 785 we will be delighted to be of service.

Email this tour to:

Have a question or need specific information.

Send us a note below or call us

Country * Afghanistan Albania Algeria American Samoa Andorra Angola Anguilla Antarctica Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Aruba Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bermuda Bhutan Bolivia Bosnia and Herzegowina Botswana Bouvet Island Brazil British Indian Ocean Territory Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burundi Cambodia Cameroon Canada Cape Verde Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad Chile China Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia Comoros Congo Congo, the Democratic Republic of the Cook Islands Costa Rica Cote d'Ivoire Croatia (Hrvatska) Cuba Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic East Timor Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Faroe Islands Fiji Finland France France Metropolitan French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Gibraltar Greece Greenland Grenada Guadeloupe Guam Guatemala Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana Haiti Heard and Mc Donald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras Hong Kong Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iran (Islamic Republic of) Iraq Ireland Israel Italy Jamaica Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kiribati Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Lao, People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macau Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania Mauritius Mayotte Mexico Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco Mongolia Montserrat Morocco Mozambique Myanmar Namibia Nauru Nepal Netherlands Netherlands Antilles New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria Niue Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway Oman Pakistan Palau Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Pitcairn Poland Portugal Puerto Rico Qatar Reunion Romania Russian Federation Rwanda Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Samoa San Marino Sao Tome and Principe Saudi Arabia Senegal Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia South Africa South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain Sri Lanka St. Helena St. Pierre and Miquelon Sudan Suriname Svalbard and Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland Sweden Switzerland Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand Togo Tokelau Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkey Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States United States Minor Outlying Islands Uruguay Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela Vietnam Virgin Islands (British) Virgin Islands (U.S.) Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Yugoslavia Zambia Zimbabwe

If you have any urgent questions or enquiries, please give us a call +61 412 587 785

NASA Hears From Voyager 1, the Most Distant Spacecraft From Earth, After Months of Quiet

NASA has finally heard back from Voyager 1 in a way that makes sense

This illustration provided by NASA depicts Voyager 1. The most distant spacecraft from Earth stopped sending back understandable data in November 2023. Flight controllers traced the blank communication to a bad computer chip and rearranged the spacecraft’s coding to work around the trouble. In mid-April 2024, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory declared success after receiving good engineering updates. The team is still working to restore transmission of the science data. (NASA via AP)

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — NASA has finally heard back from Voyager 1 again in a way that makes sense.

The most distant spacecraft from Earth stopped sending back understandable data last November. Flight controllers traced the blank communication to a bad computer chip and rearranged the spacecraft’s coding to work around the trouble.

NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California declared success after receiving good engineering updates late last week. The team is still working to restore transmission of the science data.

It takes 22 1/2 hours to send a signal to Voyager 1, more than 15 billion miles (24 billion kilometers) away in interstellar space. The signal travel time is double that for a round trip.

Contact was never lost, rather it was like making a phone call where you can’t hear the person on the other end, a JPL spokeswoman said Tuesday.

Launched in 1977 to study Jupiter and Saturn, Voyager 1 has been exploring interstellar space — the space between star systems — since 2012. Its twin, Voyager 2, is 12.6 billion miles (20 billion kilometers) away and still working fine.

Photos You Should See - April 2024

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

Copyright 2024 The  Associated Press . All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation

Tags: Associated Press , science

America 2024

Health News Bulletin

Stay informed on the latest news on health and COVID-19 from the editors at U.S. News & World Report.

Sign in to manage your newsletters »

Sign up to receive the latest updates from U.S News & World Report and our trusted partners and sponsors. By clicking submit, you are agreeing to our Terms and Conditions & Privacy Policy .

You May Also Like

The 10 worst presidents.

U.S. News Staff Feb. 23, 2024

Cartoons on President Donald Trump

Feb. 1, 2017, at 1:24 p.m.

Photos: Obama Behind the Scenes

April 8, 2022

Photos: Who Supports Joe Biden?

March 11, 2020

Fed to Meet Amid Inflation Spike

Tim Smart April 29, 2024

RFK Jr.: By the Numbers

Laura Mannweiler April 26, 2024

Biden’s Student Loan Chief to Step Down

Lauren Camera April 26, 2024

What to Know: Bird Flu Virus in Milk

Cecelia Smith-Schoenwalder April 26, 2024

Inflation a Stubborn Foe for the Fed

Tim Smart April 26, 2024

The Curse of the Modern Vice President

Nonprofit to showcase results of Bermuda research trip during For the Ocean Gala

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - Plastic Ocean Project returned earlier this month from a 10-day research trip to Bermuda, and the findings of the trip will be revealed during the third annual For the Ocean Gala on Saturday, May 4.

Three staff members, two UNCW students and a high school student took a 171-foot-long research vessel called the R/V Atlantic Explorer, which is part of the University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System fleet. The expedition was a collaboration with Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute’s Ocean Flux Program.

“When it comes to plastic debris in the ocean, there are assumptions that ocean plastics are unique to the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. However, our latest research in the North Atlantic Ocean gyre-just over 700 miles off the NC coast, revealed serious accumulations of plastic in a marine nursery that is detrimental to fish stocks, marine mammals, and sea turtles. This is a worldwide problem which affects us all,” said POP Director Bonnie Monteleone.

The For the Ocean Gala will run from 7 to 10:30 p.m. at the Aloft Wilmington at Coastline Center. WECT Jon Evans will be emceeing the event.

The gala will have a cocktail hour, a live and silent auction, hors d’oeuvres and dessert, preview designs from the Trash’n Fash’n show, and a downtown dance party ending the night hosted by NYC DJ Chesco Fifi aka The Sicilianaire .

Proceeds will benefit POP’s programs, including the Trees4Trash program, free internships for students, Ocean Friendly Establishments, educational outreach, research and documentary projects.

You can learn more and get tickets online here .

Copyright 2024 WECT. All rights reserved.

Police: Wilmington man in custody following chase from Carolina Beach to Monkey Junction

‘What’s in the sky?’: Southeastern NC gets great view of SpaceX launch

UNCW taking steps to reduce out-of-state freshman enrollment

Wildlife experts give update on bear cub taken out of tree for photo

Wilmington company files civil action for $75,000 in damages for bottles of tequila gone missing in transit

Latest news.

“May the 4th Beach Cleanup” set for this weekend at Fort Fisher

President Joe Biden to visit Wilmington to talk about environmental issues, infrastructure

‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse Live in Concert’ coming to the Wilson Center

Highway 6: Cottle Farms gives a glimpse into strawberry season preparations

Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow: The Best of Moscow!

I just got back from one week in Moscow. And, as you might have already guessed, it was a mind-boggling experience. It was not my first trip to the Russian capital. But I hardly ever got enough time to explore this sprawling city. Visiting places for business rarely leaves enough time for sightseeing. I think that if you’ve got one week in Russia, you can also consider splitting your time between its largest cities (i.e. Saint Petersburg ) to get the most out of your trip. Seven days will let you see the majority of the main sights and go beyond just scratching the surface. In this post, I’m going to share with you my idea of the perfect travel itinerary for one week in Moscow.

Moscow is perhaps both the business and cultural hub of Russia. There is a lot more to see here than just the Kremlin and Saint Basil’s Cathedral. Centuries-old churches with onion-shaped domes dotted around the city are in stark contrast with newly completed impressive skyscrapers of Moscow City dominating the skyline. I spent a lot of time thinking about my Moscow itinerary before I left. And this city lived up to all of my expectations.

Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow

Day 1 – red square and the kremlin.

Metro Station: Okhotny Ryad on Red Line.

No trip to Moscow would be complete without seeing its main attraction. The Red Square is just a stone’s throw away from several metro stations. It is home to some of the most impressive architectural masterpieces in the city. The first thing you’ll probably notice after entering it and passing vendors selling weird fur hats is the fairytale-like looking Saint Basil’s Cathedral. It was built to commemorate one of the major victories of Ivan the Terrible. I once spent 20 minutes gazing at it, trying to find the perfect angle to snap it. It was easier said than done because of the hordes of locals and tourists.

As you continue strolling around Red Square, there’s no way you can miss Gum. It was widely known as the main department store during the Soviet Era. Now this large (yet historic) shopping mall is filled with expensive boutiques, pricey eateries, etc. During my trip to Moscow, I was on a tight budget. So I only took a retro-style stroll in Gum to get a rare glimpse of a place where Soviet leaders used to grocery shop and buy their stuff. In case you want some modern shopping experience, head to the Okhotny Ryad Shopping Center with stores like New Yorker, Zara, and Adidas.

Read Next: Things To Do on Socotra

To continue this Moscow itinerary, next you may want to go inside the Kremlin walls. This is the center of Russian political power and the president’s official residence. If you’re planning to pay Kremlin a visit do your best to visit Ivan the Great Bell Tower as well. Go there as early as possible to avoid crowds and get an incredible bird’s-eye view. There are a couple of museums that are available during designated visiting hours. Make sure to book your ticket online and avoid lines.

Day 2 – Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, the Tretyakov Gallery, and the Arbat Street

Metro Station: Kropotkinskaya on Red Line

As soon as you start creating a Moscow itinerary for your second day, you’ll discover that there are plenty of metro stations that are much closer to certain sites. Depending on your route, take a closer look at the metro map to pick the closest.

The white marble walls of Christ the Saviour Cathedral are awe-inspiring. As you approach this tallest Orthodox Christian church, you may notice the bronze sculptures, magnificent arches, and cupolas that were created to commemorate Russia’s victory against Napoleon.

How to Get a Decent Haircut in a Foreign Country

Unfortunately, the current Cathedral is a replica, since original was blown to bits in 1931 by the Soviet government. The new cathedral basically follows the original design, but they have added some new elements such as marble high reliefs.

Home to some precious collection of artworks, in Tretyakov Gallery you can find more than 150,000 of works spanning centuries of artistic endeavor. Originally a privately owned gallery, it now has become one of the largest museums in Russia. The Gallery is often considered essential to visit. But I have encountered a lot of locals who have never been there.

Famous for its souvenirs, musicians, and theaters, Arbat street is among the few in Moscow that were turned into pedestrian zones. Arbat street is usually very busy with tourists and locals alike. My local friend once called it the oldest street in Moscow dating back to 1493. It is a kilometer long walking street filled with fancy gift shops, small cozy restaurants, lots of cute cafes, and street artists. It is closed to any vehicular traffic, so you can easily stroll it with kids.

Day 3 – Moscow River Boat Ride, Poklonnaya Hill Victory Park, the Moscow City

Metro Station: Kievskaya and Park Pobedy on Dark Blue Line / Vystavochnaya on Light Blue Line

Voyaging along the Moscow River is definitely one of the best ways to catch a glimpse of the city and see the attractions from a bit different perspective. Depending on your Moscow itinerary, travel budget and the time of the year, there are various types of boats available. In the summer there is no shortage of boats, and you’ll be spoiled for choice.

Travel Itinerary for One Week in Beijing

If you find yourself in Moscow during the winter months, I’d recommend going with Radisson boat cruise. These are often more expensive (yet comfy). They offer refreshments like tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and, of course, alcoholic drinks. Prices may vary but mostly depend on your food and drink selection. Find their main pier near the opulent Ukraine hotel . The hotel is one of the “Seven Sisters”, so if you’re into the charm of Stalinist architecture don’t miss a chance to stay there.

The area near Poklonnaya Hill has the closest relation to the country’s recent past. The memorial complex was completed in the mid-1990s to commemorate the Victory and WW2 casualties. Also known as the Great Patriotic War Museum, activities here include indoor attractions while the grounds around host an open-air museum with old tanks and other vehicles used on the battlefield.

How I Planned My Trip to Vietnam

The hallmark of the memorial complex and the first thing you see as you exit metro is the statue of Nike mounted to its column. This is a very impressive Obelisk with a statue of Saint George slaying the dragon at its base.

Maybe not as impressive as Shanghai’s Oriental Pearl Tower , the skyscrapers of the Moscow City (otherwise known as Moscow International Business Center) are so drastically different from dull Soviet architecture. With 239 meters and 60 floors, the Empire Tower is the seventh highest building in the business district.

The observation deck occupies 56 floor from where you have some panoramic views of the city. I loved the view in the direction of Moscow State University and Luzhniki stadium as well to the other side with residential quarters. The entrance fee is pricey, but if you’re want to get a bird’s eye view, the skyscraper is one of the best places for doing just that.

Day 4 – VDNKh, Worker and Collective Farm Woman Monument, The Ostankino TV Tower

Metro Station: VDNKh on Orange Line

VDNKh is one of my favorite attractions in Moscow. The weird abbreviation actually stands for Russian vystavka dostizheniy narodnogo khozyaystva (Exhibition of Achievements of the National Economy). With more than 200 buildings and 30 pavilions on the grounds, VDNKh serves as an open-air museum. You can easily spend a full day here since the park occupies a very large area.

Places to Visit in Barcelona That Aren’t Beaches

First, there are pavilions that used to showcase different cultures the USSR was made of. Additionally, there is a number of shopping pavilions, as well as Moskvarium (an Oceanarium) that features a variety of marine species. VDNKh is a popular venue for events and fairs. There is always something going on, so I’d recommend checking their website if you want to see some particular exhibition.

A stone’s throw away from VDNKh there is a very distinctive 25-meters high monument. Originally built in 1937 for the world fair in Paris, the hulking figures of men and women holding a hammer and a sickle represent the Soviet idea of united workers and farmers. It doesn’t take much time to see the monument, but visiting it gives some idea of the Soviet Union’s grandiose aspirations.

I have a thing for tall buildings. So to continue my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow I decided to climb the fourth highest TV tower in the world. This iconic 540m tower is a fixture of the skyline. You can see it virtually from everywhere in Moscow, and this is where you can get the best panoramic views (yep, even better than Empire skyscraper).

Parts of the floor are made of tempered glass, so it can be quite scary to exit the elevator. But trust me, as you start observing buildings and cars below, you won’t want to leave. There is only a limited number of tickets per day, so you may want to book online. Insider tip: the first tour is cheaper, you can save up to $10 if go there early.

Day 5 – A Tour To Moscow Manor Houses

Metro Station: Kolomenskoye, Tsaritsyno on Dark Green Line / Kuskovo on Purple Line

I love visiting the manor houses and palaces in Moscow. These opulent buildings were generally built to house Russian aristocratic families and monarchs. Houses tend to be rather grand affairs with impressive architecture. And, depending on the whims of the owners, some form of a landscaped garden.

During the early part of the 20th century though, many of Russia’s aristocratic families (including the family of the last emperor) ended up being killed or moving abroad . Their manor houses were nationalized. Some time later (after the fall of the USSR) these were open to the public. It means that today a great many of Moscow’s finest manor houses and palaces are open for touring.

20 Travel Tips I’ve Learned From Travelling The World

There are 20 manor houses scattered throughout the city and more than 25 in the area around. But not all of them easily accessible and exploring them often takes a lot of time. I’d recommend focusing on three most popular estates in Moscow that are some 30-minute metro ride away from Kremlin.

Sandwiched between the Moscow River and the Andropov Avenue, Kolomenskoye is a UNESCO site that became a public park in the 1920’s. Once a former royal estate, now it is one of the most tranquil parks in the city with gorgeous views. The Ascension Church, The White Column, and the grounds are a truly grand place to visit.

You could easily spend a full day here, exploring a traditional Russian village (that is, in fact, a market), picnicking by the river, enjoying the Eastern Orthodox church architecture, hiking the grounds as well as and wandering the park and gardens with wildflower meadows, apple orchards, and birch and maple groves. The estate museum showcases Russian nature at its finest year-round.

12 Stunning National Parks and Regional Parks In France

If my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow was a family tree, Tsaritsyno Park would probably be the crazy uncle that no-one talks about. It’s a large park in the south of the city of mind-boggling proportions, unbelievable in so many ways, and yet most travelers have never heard of it.

The palace was supposed to be a summer home for Empress Catherine the Great. But since the construction didn’t meet with her approval the palace was abandoned. Since the early 1990’s the palace, the pond, and the grounds have been undergoing renovations. The entire complex is now looking brighter and more elaborately decorated than at possibly any other time during its history. Like most parks in Moscow, you can visit Tsaritsyno free of charge, but there is a small fee if you want to visit the palace.

How To Stop Procrastinating When Trip Planning

Last, but by no means least on my Moscow itinerary is Kuskovo Park . This is definitely an off-the-beaten-path place. While it is not easily accessible, you will be rewarded with a lack of crowds. This 18th-century summer country house of the Sheremetev family was one of the first summer country estates of the Russian nobility. And when you visit you’ll quickly realize why locals love this park.

Like many other estates, Kuskovo has just been renovated. So there are lovely French formal garden, a grotto, and the Dutch house to explore. Make sure to plan your itinerary well because the estate is some way from a metro station.

Day 6 – Explore the Golden Ring

Creating the Moscow itinerary may keep you busy for days with the seemingly endless amount of things to do. Visiting the so-called Golden Ring is like stepping back in time. Golden Ring is a “theme route” devised by promotion-minded journalist and writer Yuri Bychkov.

Having started in Moscow the route will take you through a number of historical cities. It now includes Suzdal, Vladimir, Kostroma, Yaroslavl and Sergiev Posad. All these awe-inspiring towns have their own smaller kremlins and feature dramatic churches with onion-shaped domes, tranquil residential areas, and other architectural landmarks.

Two Weeks In Thailand: The Perfect 14-Day Itinerary

I only visited two out of eight cities included on the route. It is a no-brainer that Sergiev Posad is the nearest and the easiest city to see on a day trip from Moscow. That being said, you can explore its main attractions in just one day. Located some 70 km north-east of the Russian capital, this tiny and overlooked town is home to Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, UNESCO Site.

You Will Also Like: 3-Day London Itinerary

Sergiev Posad is often described as being at the heart of Russian spiritual life. So it is uncommon to see the crowds of Russian pilgrims showing a deep reverence for their religion. If you’re traveling independently and using public transport, you can reach Sergiev Posad by bus (departs from VDNKh) or by suburban commuter train from Yaroslavskaya Railway Station (Bahnhof). It takes about one and a half hours to reach the town.

Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius is a great place to get a glimpse of filling and warming Russian lunch, specifically at the “ Gostevaya Izba ” restaurant. Try the duck breast, hearty potato and vegetables, and the awesome Napoleon cake.

Day 7 – Gorky Park, Izmailovo Kremlin, Patriarch’s Ponds

Metro Station: Park Kultury or Oktyabrskaya on Circle Line / Partizanskaya on Dark Blue Line / Pushkinskaya on Dark Green Line

Gorky Park is in the heart of Moscow. It offers many different types of outdoor activities, such as dancing, cycling, skateboarding, walking, jogging, and anything else you can do in a park. Named after Maxim Gorky, this sprawling and lovely park is where locals go on a picnic, relax and enjoy free yoga classes. It’s a popular place to bike around, and there is a Muzeon Art Park not far from here. A dynamic location with a younger vibe. There is also a pier, so you can take a cruise along the river too.

How to Save Money While Traveling in Europe

The Kremlin in Izmailovo is by no means like the one you can find near the Red Square. Originally built for decorative purposes, it now features the Vernissage flea market and a number of frequent fairs, exhibitions, and conferences. Every weekend, there’s a giant flea market in Izmailovo, where dozens of stalls sell Soviet propaganda crap, Russian nesting dolls, vinyl records, jewelry and just about any object you can imagine. Go early in the morning if you want to beat the crowds.

All the Bulgakov’s fans should pay a visit to Patriarch’s Ponds (yup, that is plural). With a lovely small city park and the only one (!) pond in the middle, the location is where the opening scene of Bulgakov’s novel Master and Margarita was set. The novel is centered around a visit by Devil to the atheistic Soviet Union is considered by many critics to be one of the best novels of the 20th century. I spent great two hours strolling the nearby streets and having lunch in the hipster cafe.

Conclusion and Recommendations

To conclude, Moscow is a safe city to visit. I have never had a problem with getting around and most locals are really friendly once they know you’re a foreigner. Moscow has undergone some serious reconstruction over the last few years. So you can expect some places to be completely different. I hope my one week Moscow itinerary was helpful! If you have less time, say 4 days or 5 days, I would cut out day 6 and day 7. You could save the Golden Ring for a separate trip entirely as there’s lots to see!

What are your thoughts on this one week Moscow itinerary? Are you excited about your first time in the city? Let me know in the comments below!

JOIN MY FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER!

Email Address *

YOU WILL ALSO LIKE

10 Dishes You Must Try When Going To Moscow

15 Fantastic and Easy Day Trips Close to Moscow

When Is the Best Time To Visit Russia

24 comments.

Ann Snook-Moreau

Moscow looks so beautiful and historic! Thanks for including public transit information for those of us who don’t like to rent cars.

MindTheTravel

Yup, that is me 🙂 Rarely rent + stick to the metro = Full wallet!

Mariella Blago

Looks like you had loads of fun! Well done. Also great value post for travel lovers.

Thanks, Mariella!

I have always wanted to go to Russia, especially Moscow. These sights look absolutely beautiful to see and there is so much history there!

Agree! Moscow is a thousand-year-old city and there is definitely something for everyone.

Tara Pittman

Those are amazing buildings. Looks like a place that would be amazing to visit.

Adriana Lopez

Never been to Moscow or Russia but my family has. Many great spots and a lot of culture. Your itinerary sounds fantastic and covers a lot despite it is only a short period of time.

What was their favourite thing about Russia?

Gladys Parker

I know very little about Moscow or Russia for the\at matter. I do know I would have to see the Red Square and all of its exquisite architectural masterpieces. Also the CATHEDRAL OF CHRIST THE SAVIOUR. Thanks for shedding some light on visiting Moscow.

Thanks for swinging by! The Red Square is a great starting point, but there way too many places and things to discover aside from it!

Ruthy @ Percolate Kitchen

You are making me so jealous!! I’ve always wanted to see Russia.

Moscow is in my bucket list, I don’t know when I can visit there, your post is really useful. As a culture rich place we need to spend at least week.

DANA GUTKOWSKI

Looks like you had a great trip! Thanks for all the great info! I’ve never been in to Russia, but this post makes me wanna go now!

Wow this is amazing! Moscow is on my bucket list – such an amazing place to visit I can imagine! I can’t wait to go there one day!

The building on the second picture looks familiar. I keep seeing that on TV.

Reesa Lewandowski

What beautiful moments! I always wish I had the personality to travel more like this!

Perfect itinerary for spending a week in Moscow! So many places to visit and it looks like you had a wonderful time. I would love to climb that tower. The views I am sure must have been amazing!

I was lucky enough to see the skyline of Moscow from this TV Tower and it is definitely mind-blowing.

Chelsea Pearl

Moscow is definitely up there on my travel bucket list. So much history and iconic architecture!

Thumbs up! 🙂

Blair Villanueva

OMG I dream to visit Moscow someday! Hope the visa processing would be okay (and become more affordable) so I could pursue my dream trip!

Yup, visa processing is the major downside! Agree! Time and the money consuming process…

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Privacy Overview
• Strictly Necessary Cookies

My website uses cookies so that I can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to my website and helping me to understand which sections of Mind The Travel you find most interesting and useful.

You can adjust all of your cookie settings by navigating the tabs on the left hand side.

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that I can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, I will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit my website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

Watch CBS News

Most distant spacecraft from Earth sends data to NASA for first time in 5 months

By Kerry Breen

Updated on: April 23, 2024 / 8:45 PM EDT / CBS News

The most distant spacecraft from Earth has resumed sending data after a five-month gap, NASA said Monday. 

NASA's Voyager 1 spacecraft was launched in 1977, about two weeks after the launch of its twin, Voyager 2. The spacecraft has spent over 45 years studying the outer solar system and has made flybys of Jupiter and Saturn and traveled more than 46,000,000,000 miles . 

In November 2023, the spacecraft stopped sending "readable science and engineering data," NASA said in a news release . Mission controllers were able to determine that Voyager 1 was still receiving commands from Earth and operating normally, but the science data could not be read and researchers did not know the status of the craft's onboard engineering systems. 

Last month, the craft's engineering team was able to confirm that the issue was related to one of the three onboard computers that make up Voyager 1's flight data subsystem. That system is what packages science and engineering data into a readable format before sending it to Earth. The team determined that "a single chip responsible for storing a portion of the (system's) memory," including some computer software code, wasn't working. 

The chip couldn't be repaired and the code was too large to place in one new location, NASA said, so the team worked to relocate the affected code into multiple sections of the flight data subsystem. It took weeks to repackage the code, NASA said, and last Thursday, the new location was communicated to Voyager 1. 

It takes about 22 and a half hours for a radio signal to reach Voyager 1 in interstellar space , or the space between stars, NASA said. On Saturday, the spacecraft's mission team received a response, confirming that the code modification had worked. 

Engineers celebrated receiving new data for the first time in almost half a year, but the work isn't done yet. NASA said that in the coming weeks, the mission team will "relocate and adjust the other affected portions" of the software, including portions that will start returning science data. Meanwhile, Voyager 2 continues to operate with no issues, and both craft will continue to report back on the distant reaches of the solar system. 

Kerry Breen is a reporter and news editor at CBSNews.com. A graduate of New York University's Arthur L. Carter School of Journalism, she previously worked at NBC News' TODAY Digital. She covers current events, breaking news and issues including substance use.

More from CBS News

Olympic gold medalist Gabby Douglas competes for first time since 2016

Hamas hostage's niece worries a deal isn't in Netanyahu's "political interest"

Pope Francis makes first trip outside of Rome in seven months

Military families feel betrayed over jet fuel-tainted water at Hawaii base

• Atlas On Board
• Atlas Ashore ™

Always Included

• Antarctica Expedition Team
• Arctic Expedition Team
• Atlas Yacht Club
• 9-Night Ushuaia Roundtrip 10.30.24
• 11-Night Ushuaia Roundtrip 11.8.24
• 9-Night Ushuaia Roundtrip 11.13.24
• 9-Night Ushuaia Roundtrip 11.19.24
• 13-Night Ushuaia Roundtrip 11.22.24
• 5-Night King George Island Roundtrip 11.27.24
• 11-Night Ushuaia Roundtrip 11.28.24
• 5-Night King George Island Roundtrip 12.2.24
• 11-Night Roundtrip Ushuaia 12.9.24
• 11-Night Ushuaia Roundtrip 12.9.24
• 11-Night Ushuaia Roundtrip 1.5.25
• 9-Night Ushuaia Roundtrip 1.6.25
• 11-Night Ushuaia Roundtrip 1.9.25
• 9-Night Ushuaia Roundtrip 1.15.25
• 18-Night Ushuaia Roundtrip 1.16.25
• 11-Night Ushuaia Roundtrip 1.24.25
• 11-Night Ushuaia Roundtrip 2.3.25
• 9-Night Ushuaia Roundtrip 2.4.25
• 11-Night Ushuaia Roundtrip 2.11.25
• 9-Night Ushuaia Roundtrip 2.13.25
• 10-Night Ushuaia Roundtrip 1.5.26
• 10-Night Ushuaia Roundtrip 1.6.26
• 18-Night Ushuaia Roundtrip 1.8.26
• 9-Night Ushuaia Roundtrip 1.15.26
• 9-Night Ushuaia Roundtrip 1.16.26
• 9-Night Ushuaia Roundtrip 1.24.26
• 11-Night Ushuaia Roundtrip 1.25.26
• 11-Night Ushuaia Roundtrip 1.26.26
• 11-Night Ushuaia Roundtrip 2.2.26
• 9-Night Ushuaia Roundtrip 2.5.26
• View Antarctica
• 7-Night Tromso to Longyearbyen 6.21.24
• 9-Night Longyearbyen Roundtrip 6.28.24
• 9-Night Longyearbyen Roundtrip 7.7.24
• 11-Night Longyearbyen Roundtrip 7.16.24
• 10-Night Reykjavik to Kangerlussuaq 8.5.24
• 10-Night Kangerlussuaq to Reykjavik 8.15.24
• 11-Night Reykjavik to Kangerlussuaq 8.21.24
• 12-Night Reykjavik to Longyearbyen 8.25.24
• 11-Night Kangerlussuaq to Reykjavik 9.1.24
• 9-Night Longyearbyen to Reykjavik 9.6.24
• 24-Night Edinburgh To Longyearbyen 6.17.25
• 12-Night Trondheim to Longyearbyen 06.29.25
• 9-Night Longyearbyen Roundtrip 7.11.25
• 11-Night Longyearbyen Roundtrip 7.20.25
• 18-Night Copenhagen To Longyearbyen 8.8.25
• 10-Night Reykjavík To Kangerlussuaq 8.09.25
• 9-Night Tromso to Longyearbyen 8.17.25
• 10-Night Kangerlussuaq To Reykjavík 8.19.25
• 9-Night Longyearbyen Roundtrip 8.26.25
• 10-Night Longyearbyen to Reykjavik 9.4.25
• View The Arctic
• 17-Night Lisbon to Dublin 5.7.24
• 8-Night London to Dublin 5.16.24
• 8-Night Dublin to Reykjavik 5.24.24
• 11-Night London to Tromso 6.10.24
• 11-Night Oslo to Reykjavik 8.10.24
• 8-Night Reykjavik to Amsterdam 9.12.24
• 9-Night Dublin to London 9.23.24
• 10-Night London to Glasgow 5.26.25
• 12-Night Edinburgh to Trondheim 6.17.25
• 11-Night Reykjavik to Oslo 7.10.25
• 9-Night Stockholm To Copenhagen 7.30.25
• 9-Night Copenhagen to Tromso 8.8.25
• 14-Night Reykjavík to Dublin 8.29.25
• 7-Night Reykjavík to Dublin 8.29.25
• View Northern Europe
• 8-Night Reykjavik Roundtrip 6.1.24
• 9-Night Reykjavik to Bergen 6.9.24
• 9-Night Reykjavik Roundtrip 7.3.24
• 11-Night Reykjavik to Oslo 7.12.24
• 7-Night Reykjavik Roundtrip 6.19.25
• 8-Night Reykjavík To Dublin 09.14.25
• View Iceland & Greenland
• 7-Night Barcelona Roundtrip 5.6.24
• 9-Night Lisbon to London 5.7.24
• 7-Night Barcelona to Nice 5.13.24
• 9-Night Nice to Venice 5.27.24
• 21-Night Lisbon to Tromso 5.31.24
• 10-Night Lisbon to London 5.31.24
• 9-Night Venice to Athens 6.5.24
• 10-Night Athens to Valletta 6.14.24
• 7-Night Valletta to Dubrovnik 6.24.24
• 7-Night Dubrovnik to Athens 7.1.24
• 12-Night Las Palmas to Casablanca 4.15.25
• 15-Night Barcelona to Rome 05.05.25
• 17-Night Lisbon to Zeebrugge 5.20.25
• 7-Night Rome to Barcelona 05.20.25
• 7-Night Lisbon To Bordeaux 5.20.25
• 14-Night Barcelona To Venice 5.27.25
• 10-Night Bordeaux to Zeebrugge 5.27.25
• 11-Night Venice To Rome 6.10.25
• 8-Night Naples To Nice 7.12.25
• 16-Night Naples To Barcelona 7.12.25
• 10-Night Santa Cruz (Tenerife) To Lisbon 4.9.26
• View Mediterranean
• 10-Night Montevideo to Ushuaia 11.3.24
• 13-Night Ushuaia to Buenos Aires 4.2.25
• 10- Night Buenos Aires to Rio de Janeiro 3.16.26
• 14-Night Rio de Janeiro to Tenerife 3.26.26
• View South America
• 13-Night Bridgetown to Lisbon 5.16.24
• 16-Night Palma de Mallorca to Las Palmas 9.23.24
• 13-Night Las Palmas to Rio de Janeiro 10.14.24
• View Transoceanic
• 7-Night Bridgetown to Philipsburg 5.2.24
• 7-Night Philipsburg to Bridgetown 5.9.24
• 20-Night Philipsburg to Lisbon 5.9.24
• View The Caribbean
• 13-Night Ushuaia to Buenos Aires 3.3.26
• View Patagonia & The Falklands
• Polar Expeditions
• Epicurean Expeditions
• Cultural Expeditions
• Accommodations

Conscious Navigation

• Our Company
• Executive Team
• Our Partners
• Adventure Beyond Savings
• New 2025 2026 Antarctica Expeditions
• Academia Barilla
• New 2025 Expeditions
• Second Guest Sails Free
• New 2025 Arctic Expeditions
• Sail More Save More
• Single Explorer Savings
• Military Edge

Intimate Yacht Captivating Expeditions

Your Private Haven at Sea

A Global Culinary Adventure

Onboard life, make yourself at home.

An innovative hydro-jet propulsion system allows the purpose-built  World Navigator  to bring you closer to the environment and wildlife. The system keeps our yachts quieter and lets us get closer to the environment and wildlife without disturbing their habitat, making for up-close and personal encounters that leave you in awe.

Intimate Yachting Expeditions ™

To Book, Call your Preferred Travel Advisor or our Voyage Specialists at 1.844.44.ATLAS (28527)  

• FREE cultural immersion
• FREE gourmet dining with ever-changing menus
• FREE unlimited beverages, including fine wines, spirits and craft beers
• FREE open bars and lounges, including 24-hour bar service with specialty canapés
• FREE stocked in-room minibar
• FREE specialty coffees, teas and fresh-pressed juices
• FREE afternoon and high tea
• FREE champagne and gourmet canapés during meet and greet
• FREE 24-hour room service, including spirits, wine and beer
• FREE L'OCCITANE bath amenities
• FREE pre-paid gratuities
• FREE use of walking sticks and binoculars
• FREE reusable water bottle
• FREE butler service and expanded room service menu in suites

Exclusively on Polar Expeditions

• FREE private charter jet service*
• FREE enrichment lectures and destination briefings
• FREE shore landings led by expert field guides
• FREE escorted sightseeing safaris by Zodiac
• FREE polar plunge
• FREE Atlas Ocean Voyages parka and vest
• FREE use of knee boots
• FREE private group transfers between airport and yacht*
• FREE 1-night pre-cruise hotel stay on all Antarctica expeditions
• FREE 1-night post-cruise hotel stay on select Antarctica expeditions

Exclusively on Epicurean Expeditions

• FREE cultural immersion includes culinary experience ashore, such as local market visits, specialty tastings and more
• FREE Josper Grill Dining Experience at 7AFT Grill
• FREE culinary presentations and wine tastings
• FREE cooking demonstrations and cuisine tastings
• FREE events hosted by a Tastes & Traditions Expert on select expeditions
• FREE Atlas Ocean Voyages backpack

Exclusively on Cultural Expeditions

• FREE enrichment programs and workshops on select expeditions
• FREE authentic, local experiences and on board events on select expeditions

JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST.

Atlas experience, travel advisors, media center.

Sign up and be the first to know about special offers, new itineraries and more.

I am a Travel Advisor

Agency Name

• All Destinations Antarctica  (70) Arctic  (20) Caribbean  (3) Holy Land and Egypt  (0) Iceland and Greenland  (19) Mediterranean  (52) Northern Europe  (21) Patagonia and The Falklands  (4) South America  (6) Transoceanic  (4) Select
• All Yachts World Navigator  (57) World Traveller  (57) World Voyager  (62) Select
• All Ports Cruising Greenland Sea  (1) Otranto (Puglia), Italy  (2) Bastia (Corsica), France  (2) Koper, Slovenia  (1) Rijeka, Croatia  (1) Navigating the Strait of Messina  (1) Ajaccio (Corsica), France  (1) Rønne (Bornholm), Denmark  (1) Binz (Rügen), Germany  (1) Sandnes, Norway  (2) Santa Maria Island (Azores), Portugal  (1) São Jorge Island (Azores), Portugal  (1) Palmeira (Sal), Cape Verde  (1) Exploring South Georgia – Captain’s Choice  (1) Positano, Italy  (2) Amalfi/Salerno, Italy  (1) Piraeus (Athens), Greece  (9) Barcelona, Spain  (13) Búzios, Brazil  (2) Cartagena, Spain  (4) Chania/Souda, Crete, Greece  (2) Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy  (13) Capri, Italy  (8) Ravello, Italy  (2) Giardini Naxos (Taormina/Mt. Etna), Italy  (2) Syracuse (Sicily), Italy  (3) Gozo, Malta  (2) Valletta, Malta  (8) Lisbon, Portugal  (21) Gibraltar, UK  (7) Malaga, Spain  (8) Palma de Mallorca, Spain  (7) Mahon (Menorca), Spain  (6) Portofino, Italy  (6) Giardini Naxos (Taormina/Mt. Etna)  (1) Zakynthos, Greece  (2) Katakolon (Olympia), Greece  (3) Puerto Banus (Marbella), Spain  (2) Trapani (Sicily), Italy  (3) Patmos, Greece  (1) Corinth Canal Transit  (4) Itea (Delphi), Greece  (3) Naples (Pompeii), Italy  (2) Livorno (Florence/Pisa), Italy  (9) Marseilles (Aix-en-Provence), France  (5) Valencia, Spain  (1) Rio de Janeiro, Brazil  (2) Funchal (Madeira), Portugal  (3) Santa Cruz, Tenerife, Canary Islands  (4) Recife, Brazil  (1) Ilhabela, Brazil  (1) Punta del Este, Uruguay  (3) Montevideo, Uruguay  (4) Ushuaia, Argentina  (69) Buenos Aires, Argentina  (4) Port Stanley, Falkland Islands - Captain’s Choice  (9) Puerto Madryn, Argentina  (1) Exploring South Sandwich Islands - Captain’s Choice  (8) Exploring the South Shetland Islands - Captain’s Choice, Antarctica  (65) Bridgetown, Barbados  (4) Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey  (1) Itajai/Florianopolis, Brazil  (1) Drake Passage Navigation  (65) Crossing the Antarctic Circle - Captain’s Choice  (31) Santorini, Greece  (2) Motril (Alhambra), Spain  (1) Praia (Santiago), Cape Verde  (2) Arrecife (Lanzarote), Canary Islands  (5) Casablanca, Morocco  (8) Portimão, Portugal  (10) Sagres, Portugal  (2) Seville, Spain  (6) Ibiza, Spain  (4) Saint Tropez, France  (1) Monte Carlo, Monaco  (3) Sorrento (Pompeii), Italy  (1) Porto-Vecchio (Corsica), France  (2) Cannes, France  (1) Sete (Montpellier), France  (3) Cadiz, Spain  (3) Leixoes (Porto), Portugal  (10) La Coruña, Spain  (8) Bordeaux, France  (10) St. Peter Port,( Guernsey) Channel Islands  (9) London (Tower Bridge), England  (10) St Mary’s (Isles of Scilly), England  (4) Cork (Cobh), Ireland  (5) Galway, Ireland  (2) Killybegs, Ireland  (2) Londonderry, Northern Ireland  (2) Bangor (Belfast), Northern Ireland  (7) Dublin, Ireland  (13) Lerwick (Shetland Islands), Scotland  (3) Glasgow (Greenock), Scotland  (3) Fort William (Loch Ness), Scotland  (2) Stornoway (Isles of Lewis), Scotland  (5) Bergen, Norway  (8) Flåm, Norway  (8) Olden, Norway  (1) Geiranger, Norway  (7) Kristiansund, Norway  (1) Trondheim, Norway  (5) Leknes (Lofoten Islands), Norway  (4) Arctic Circle Crossing  (3) Tromsø, Norway  (8) Longyearbyen (Svalbard), Norway  (14) Ny-Ålesund (Svalbard), Norway  (10) Ittoqqortoormiit, Greenland  (3) Isafjörður, Iceland  (9) Reykjavik, Iceland  (9) Heimaey (Vestmannaeyjar), Iceland  (7) Tórshavn (Faroe Islands), Denmark  (6) Kirkwall (Orkney Islands), Scotland  (2) Invergordon (Loch Ness), Scotland  (2) Leith (Edinburgh), Scotland  (5) Douglas, Isle of Man  (7) Liverpool, England  (1) Riga, Latvia  (1) Tallinn, Estonia  (1) Helsinki, Finland  (1) Stockholm, Sweden  (1) Gdansk, Poland  (1) Ijmuiden (Amsterdam), The Netherlands  (5) Honfleur (Paris/Normandy), France  (8) St. Malo, France  (6) Le Palais, Belle Isle, France  (2) Punta Arenas, Chile - Captain’s Choice  (1) Hydra, Greece  (1) Nafplion (Mycenae/Epidaurus), Greece  (3) Cassis (Aix-En-Provence), France  (1) Nice, France  (12) Gustavia, St. Barts  (3) Corfu, Greece  (3) Dubrovnik (Old Town), Croatia  (7) Las Palmas (Gran Canaria), Canary Islands, Spain  (8) Hvar Island, Croatia  (4) Kotor, Montenegro  (10) Porto Santo, Madeira, Portugal  (2) Portoferraio (Tuscany), Italy  (3) Porto Venere, (Cinque Terre), Italy  (4) Sanary-Sur-Mer (Bandol), France  (1) Saranda (Butrint), Albania  (3) Stromboli Volcano Circumnavigation  (2) Tangier, Morocco  (9) Trogir, Croatia  (2) Venice, Italy  (8) Rabat (Casablanca), Morocco  (1) Glacier Alley - Captain’s Choice  (1) Philipsburg, St. Maarten  (3) Magdalena Island, Chile - Captain’s Choice  (2) New Island, Falkland Islands - Captain’s Choice  (6) West Point Island, Falkland Islands — Captain’s Choice  (3) Lipari Island (Sicily), Italy  (5) Fiskardo (Kefalonia), Greece  (3) Sibenik, Croatia  (1) Monopoli, Italy  (1) San Remo, Italy  (1) Saint-Tropez, France  (3) Port Vendres, France  (3) Roses, Spain  (2) Alicante, Spain  (3) Almeria (Granada), Spain  (3) Puerto del Rosario(Fuerteventura), Canary Islands, Spain  (3) Safi, Morocco  (7) San Sebastian (La Gomera), Canary Islands, Spain  (4) Santa Cruz (La Palma), Canary Islands, Spain  (5) Santander, Spain  (2) Port Medoc (Bordeaux), France  (3) Akureyri, Iceland  (8) Grundarfjörður, Iceland  (6) Kangerlussuaq, Greenland  (6) Nuuk, Greenland  (6) Narsarsuaq, Greenland  (3) Ilulissat (Disko Bay), Greenland  (4) Sisimiut, Greenland  (1) Kangaamiut, Greenland  (1) Arsuk, Greenland  (3) Nanortalik, Greenland  (1) Itilleq, Greenland  (1) Crossing N80 Moffen,Captain’s Choice  (8) Patreksfjörður, Iceland  (1) Seyðisfjörður, Iceland  (7) Gudvangen, Norway  (7) Kristiansand, Norway  (2) Arendal, Norway  (2) Porto Cervo (Sardinia), Italy  (4) Zeebrugge (Bruges), Belgium  (2) Oslo, Norway  (3) Ilheus, Brazil  (1) Ålesund, Norway  (7) Exploring Greenland-Captain’s Choice  (3) Exploring Svalbard - Captain’s Choice  (14) Fjords of Greenland - Captain’s Choice  (3) Eskifjordur, Iceland  (2) Grimsey, Iceland  (2) Hammerfest, Norway  (3) Exploring the Antarctic Peninsula – Captain’s Choice  (69) Gijon, Spain  (5) Agadir, Morocco  (5) Palamos, Spain  (2) Propriano, Corsica, France  (1) Ile-Rousse, Corsica, France  (1) Parga, Greece  (2) Split, Croatia  (1) Saint-Raphael , France  (2) Toulon, France  (2) Garibaldi Glacier, Chile - Captain’s Choice  (4) Skagen, Denmark  (2) Stavanger, Norway  (5) Sisimiut, Greenland  (2) Ponta Delgada (Azores) Portugal  (2) Praia da Vitoria (Azores), Portugal  (3) Bilbao, Spain  (8) Holyhead, Wales  (3) Surtsey Island Scenic Navigation  (2) Eqi Glacier (Disko Bay), Greenland  (4) Prince Christian Sound - Captain’s Choice  (6) Reykjavik, Iceland  (13) Copenhagen, Denmark  (3) La Goulette, Tunisia  (1) Mindelo (Sao Vicente), Cape Verde  (1) Collioure, France  (1) Peniscola, Spain  (1) Menton, France  (1) Mykonos, Greece  (3) Igoumenitsa, Greece  (2) King George Island, South Shetland Islands  (8) Ilha Grande, Brazil  (1) Rodney Bay, Saint Lucia  (3) Les Trois-Ilets, Martinique  (3) Pointe-á-Pitre, Guadeloupe  (3) Carambola Beach, St. Kitts & Nevis  (3) Sandy Ground, Anguilla  (3) Lajes do Pico (Azores), Portugal  (2) Newcastle upon Tyne, England  (2) Molde, Norway  (3) Reine, Norway  (2) Lofoten & Vaerøy Islands Cruising  (2) Skarsvåg (North Cape), Norway  (3) Qaqortoq, Greenland  (2) Paamiut, Greenland  (2) Akulleq Island, Greenland  (2) Waterford, Ireland  (2) Bantry, Ireland  (3) Falmouth, England  (1) Poole, England  (1) Ancona, Italy  (3) Durres (Tirana), Albania  (3) Sao Francisco do Sul, Brazil  (1) Isla de los Estados, Argentina  (3) Magdalena, Chile - Captain’s Choice  (1) Exploring the South Orkney Islands - Captain’s Choice, Antarctica  (8) At Sea  (80) Spetses, Greece  (1) Messina (Sicily), Italy  (1) Aberdeen, Scotland  (3) Scrabster, Scotland  (3) Måløy, Norway  (3) Crotone (Calabria), Italy  (1) Porto Santo Stefano, Italy  (1) Kongsbreen Glacier Cruising — Captain’s Choice  (2) Caen (Normandy), France  (2) Dunkirk, France  (2) La Rochelle, France  (1) Rouen (Paris), France  (2) Saint-Jean-de-Luz, France  (4) Bodø, Norway  (2) Alta, Norway  (2) Höfn, Iceland  (3) Siglufjörður, Iceland  (1) Greenock (Glasgow), Scotland  (1) Tobermory, Scotland  (3) Ullapool, Scotland, UK  (1) Tilbury (London), England  (1) Klaipeda, Lithuania  (1) Vilagarcía (Santiago de Compostela), Spain  (2) Zadar, Croatia  (1) Select
• All Offers Drake Fly & Sail  (0) Fall Savings Event  (0) Select

We're here for you!

Let us connect you with an Atlas Ocean Voyages expert to help you plan the best vacation today.

Phone Number

For immediate assistance call us at 1.844.44.ATLAS (28527).

I am a Travel Advisor I am working with a Travel Advisor I am not working with a Travel Advisor

Privacy Policy

• Election 2024
• Entertainment
• Newsletters
• Photography
• Personal Finance
• AP Investigations
• AP Buyline Personal Finance
• AP Buyline Shopping
• Press Releases
• Israel-Hamas War
• Russia-Ukraine War
• Global elections
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East
• Election Results
• Delegate Tracker
• AP & Elections
• Auto Racing
• 2024 Paris Olympic Games
• Movie reviews
• Book reviews
• Personal finance
• Financial Markets
• Business Highlights
• Financial wellness
• Artificial Intelligence
• Social Media

NASA hears from Voyager 1, the most distant spacecraft from Earth, after months of quiet

This illustration provided by NASA depicts Voyager 1. The most distant spacecraft from Earth stopped sending back understandable data in November 2023. Flight controllers traced the blank communication to a bad computer chip and rearranged the spacecraft’s coding to work around the trouble. In mid-April 2024, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory declared success after receiving good engineering updates. The team is still working to restore transmission of the science data. (NASA via AP)

• Copy Link copied

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — NASA has finally heard back from Voyager 1 again in a way that makes sense.

The most distant spacecraft from Earth stopped sending back understandable data last November. Flight controllers traced the blank communication to a bad computer chip and rearranged the spacecraft’s coding to work around the trouble.

NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California declared success after receiving good engineering updates late last week. The team is still working to restore transmission of the science data.

It takes 22 1/2 hours to send a signal to Voyager 1, more than 15 billion miles (24 billion kilometers) away in interstellar space. The signal travel time is double that for a round trip.

Contact was never lost, rather it was like making a phone call where you can’t hear the person on the other end, a JPL spokeswoman said Tuesday.

Launched in 1977 to study Jupiter and Saturn, Voyager 1 has been exploring interstellar space — the space between star systems — since 2012. Its twin, Voyager 2, is 12.6 billion miles (20 billion kilometers) away and still working fine.

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.