jwsfun

Joining Muse in Melbourne for a 14 day and reading about your dining issues has me concerned.  Hoping I made the right choice of cruise line.

How was it Irvington???

Awesome report.  Will board in Feb 2024 in Melbourne.  Looks like fun!

100 percent agree with the above!  Well said. 

On 11/17/2021 at 11:08 PM, hackncobra said:

We are traveling on the December 18 sailing to Antarctica.  In reading reviews, I'm nervous that we have made a mistake going with a "new" company - we didn't receive 40% off and are paying our fair share for what should be a once in a lifetime experience.  I'm nervous that my gambling will not have paid off this time.

Please leave a post cruise review.  We had an ok experience but really are looking to hear back from more folks like you.  

18 hours ago, anonymousegirl said:

Oh dear, such horrible news. Mr. Anonymouse and I are booked on the Antarctic Discovery on December 18th. There is talk of a bubble from the charter plane to the ship so no chance to purchase any Argentinean wines (I don't even dare tell my husband about this thread!). I have just seen that we have a three hour layover in Chile. Maybe we can find a wine ship airside to buy some Chilean nectar. 

Honestly, I am not fussed about the laundry and wifi. I know it was promised, but I can let those slide. The substandard alcohol and meals are hugely disappointing, however. Especially as we have no chance to stock up on goodies on shore excursions.

The White wines and Rose were decent but I'm a red wine drinker and not at all a snob about wine but curious if those who left from Portugal saw improvements?  anyone????

On 9/26/2021 at 9:44 AM, andiamo76 said:

Hope your return home went smoothly.  Thanks for responding.  I did read your very well written recap of the cruise.  Wow.  I greatly appreciate your honesty and observations.  While disappointing, sadly I am not surprised as it as we had begun to suspect when thinking things through.  Seemingly "little things" like the laundry, internet, and room service not being as advertised and which have been so swiftly swept aside by Atlas and not dealt with in a professional manner nor consistent with how a true "luxury" line deals with things, often can be good indicators of other and bigger things.   I just wish people would read and think before making a booking or getting into the refund penalty period.  Unfortunately we ignored initial gut instincts and red flags when booking our upcoming cruise and the realities didn't start really hitting until shortly after we were in the 100% penalty phase.  Oh well.  We shall make the best of it and learn from this.  One and done.  Far worse things in life.  

Meanwhile I have done some quick research of Portuguese wines and wine shops in Lisbon to hopefully do a little stocking up before embarking.  But not a full case worth!

 

 

It was my pleasure and I appreciate you recognizing my attempt at being balanced in my commentary.  The Rose, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc were all pretty decent.  ( including the 6 hats ones) I’m a Red wine person and the reds really missed the mark. I think…., no, I know you will have a great time. Just try to let the limitations of the brand go and you will have a great time. I can’t wait to hear your thoughts. 

On 9/25/2021 at 11:48 PM, amburfin said:

For two people who live in the gym, that will be interesting. We’re not much for entertainment, but it’s nice to know what’s available 🙂 Thank you for sharing!

My traveling companion believes it was two people allowed in the gym with reservations not one. My apologies   However the 2 may need to be from the same cabin. 

16 hours ago, amburfin said:

Assuming it’s even open, do you have any information about the spa?

The Spa was open and there were two therapist and several traveling companions had massages that they said were some of the best they ever had. I believe you can get a facial too. 

Let me also share entertainment. Gino the Pianist was the first person we met upon arrival at the pier in Athens. This guy can play almost any song. He was just a great guy with an incredible voice and some amazing playing skills.  Run don’t walk to Dome Lounge to hear him. Other than that the Cruise Director had a show and there was a singer Named Aaron from the X factor who appeared. He was good. Then one night a crew show.  This really isn’t a cruise to take if you expect entertainment. 

5 minutes ago, amburfin said:

Appreciate all the info. Do you have a photo of the daily schedule? Hubs and I are on the 10/4 sailing and I’m curious about onboard activities, entertainment, etc. 

 

Thanks! 

There was no yoga or Pilates classes. Not even out on deck.  Due to Covid one person at a time was allowed in the gym and you needed to make a reservation.  The activities were mostly meals and high tea. No trivia, but at least one or more lectures on history or some other topics.  The program is a short one page and is mostly shore ex departure times and Food and beverage hours. We had a port intensive itinerary so perhaps that changes on a voyage with more time at sea. We did like that the only announcements were mainly from the Captain.  Really not much to show you in terms of activities. 

4 hours ago, keokukjoe said:

So sorry that you experienced this. We are leaving in a week and hoping that the electrical issues and provisioning problems will be corrected while the ship in is Lisbon. Since there are known electrical problems (ie WiFi issues and now reported lack of AC in some of the cabins), perhaps the food refrigeration system is also affected. Earlier reviews said that the cuisine was excellent so I can only imagine that whoever was in charge of provisioning needs to be replaced. No reputable chef would ever send out spoiled food hoping that the guests wouldn't notice. This is a health concern. 

Did they move the guests who were in cabins without AC to other cabins? How much was your original allotment of WiFi before you had to purchase more?

Perhaps Atlas can supply the guests with fishing rods so we can catch our own dinner, ha.

Did you receive any apology or compensation for having to tolerate this substandard cruise?

Thank you for your honest review.

 

The guests we chatted with who had AC problems  said that they were asked if they wanted to move but ivy then we were heading North and my assumption was it was getting cooler and they could leave the balcony on. They were not complainers at all and said that engineers had been to their cabin multiple times. Our traveling companions also had slight AC issues for the first half of the cruise but just muddled through
 

original allotment of WiFi is 500 MB. Yet friends onboard worked from laptops everyday and never had to pay anything. Not sure how well this system is working for them. I was paying for my package and another guest was challenging the Purser when she said, “ You ran out of available data on the 17th”. His reply was interesting I boarded on the 18th. I laughed a bit (insider at that exchange. 
 

there is a dining room manager named Justin.  I’m not sure what he does. Mostly walk from table to table but when you ask him a hard question he’s never come back with an answer. For example one night we were told there is not Cabernet at all in the dining room to offer you. I mentioned it to Justin.  He looked puzzled said he’d xheck and we saw him a night later for his usual chat and gab table side. If you figure out what his role is while onboard. Please let me know.

I actually don’t want any compensation. What was good was great. The crew and the destinations and the ship itself. For us at least, as everything functioned. We made some great memories and Sean (Cruise Director) was doing everything he could, like getting 3 Zodiacs dropped into the ocean one day for an impromptu tour around the bay in Agropoli. 
 

 I continue to say the more they surprise and delight the more people will flock to this product. I certainly think 99% of this is fixable and most likely will be   I want this company to really soar as the size and personal interactions with the crew were priceless. 

3 minutes ago, amunhbuu said:

Ugh, we leave in a week and that is not what we were hoping to hear.  Stinks that they are not living up to expectations.  Sounds like they went all out when the owner and his friends and then the paid TAs were onboard.

 

Sounds like we might have to purchase some wines in port before the crossing.

Yes. You will. I’m sorry to say. 

So just off today and to say it’s a mixed bag is an understatement. The ship is pretty and the staff can’t do enough for you. The food got much worse as the week went on and many guests were heard roundly complaining to any manager who they could catch. The farewell dinner last night featured a shrimp and lobster thermador and obviously the shrimp ( or Lobster) had spoiled and smelled to high heaven we saw at least 10 people send it back including everyone at our table. Of course the staff graciously replaced with a steak or whatever one chose as a second option but the fact that this entree selection was even allowed to leave the kitchen was shocking.  We pulled a waiter aside and he said everyone he served it to sent it back. 
 

So let’s recap:

ship design and decor: Amazing
(However we heard several guests who were having AC problems. We did not)

staff: over the top. They are there to please but can’t change what they don’t control. I truly felt sorry for them as some guests were so unhappy. 
 

Cabins: Fantastic. Best shower at sea.   Hands down. 
 

Food: sadly a massive miss here. We gave the food overall just 2 stars. Nothing was great. Mostly just OK.  We were far from Wowed and I think we were in the minority as most guests were far less kind that we were. 
Restaurants:  basically there is one and a coffee grab and go spot and a barbecue spot outdoors that seems really not worth the bother.   The only room service is breakfast or ( if dining rooms are closed), you can get pastries/cold Sandwiches/salads/ cookies sent up from Paula’s pantry. The Portuguese restaurant is non existent. At least now. 

the seven aft lunch seems like an afterthought Burgers we’re not openly being prepared and we’re dry. The buffet lacked choice and get this. No dessert unless you asked and someone went down to the dining room  why not an ice cream station or a plate of cookies up there?

Wines. again..huge miss here. Whoever did purchasing for both Food and Beverage needs some help. most  were just passable.  Not a Luxury Pour. 
Most of the steaks were fatty and full of gristle.  Certainly not worthy of a Luxury moniker. 
Bar service:  almost comical as we received a different included constantly changing vodka. Once they only had Citron Vodka and a traveling companion had that made into a dirty Martini (ugh). Can you imagine?

There was no personalized stationary as notes on the website. No biggie but….

more frustrating is that I Paid 45 dollars for WiFi for the last two days of the cruise. Don’t know how I ran out of my allotment. A source of frustration to be sure. 
 

kudos to the medical staff as the testing was handled well for Covid 19. 
 

Sadly I wanted to love this and I didn’t. We spent a lot of money and could have done the Silver Moon or Regent for just slightly more. Atlas just doesn’t seem quite ready for prime time, just yet. 

On 9/23/2021 at 9:45 PM, kseattle said:

Thanks. My parents are on board so I am curious and following!

Curious what the parents have to say. 

So we got off today ( 9/25) and we did end up buying wine as we tried to settle on one or two wines but all the reds were pretty bad.  See my “Live from” for more updates. 

Dining:  ok so the number of Venues has been slightly over hyped. There is Porto the main dining room and 7 aft and that’s pretty much it. Yea the grab and go coffee is great for. Doughnut and coffee but calling it a restaurant is a stretch. The Portuguese mini section of the main dining room has never been mentioned. There is no rom service menu just a lovely breakfast one but other than that you can look at the Paula’s pantry and I guess get something like a sandwich or a salad but it’s super limited. Still its totally fine with us as we’ve really enjoyed the main dining room   Breakfast and lunch are self serve buffets primarily.  For those of you having sailed river ships very much like that. The bar situation is sort of made us laugh. They seem to be having a supply issue on vodka as the “included” vs. “Paid” vodka changes from bar to bar and sometimes even within the same day.  We were told Kettle one is extra but that’s what’s delivered to our room. Then we had a Bloody Mary at the pool and the server poured  stoli. That night we asked for a stoli and soda and was told there was a charge.  It’s minor but could be eliminated if they just did away with this single brand included thing.  
 

We are having a great time and any negative comments are minor compared to the lovely food, crew and overall experience. Worth noting from a Covid protocol is all the public restrooms are closed. It’s not too much of a distance to any cabin on this intimate vessel but thought that was noteworthy. Also, tip: at the very back of deck five is, as someone has coined it, the living room and it’s super comfy. Beautiful outdoor sofas and chairs to read or lounge. We’ve sat there watching the wake several times. It’s magical. More to come. 

Currently there are 134 guests aboard. Certainly the most they have had in weeks and the service has been outstanding. Some of the protocols are odd.  All Public restrooms are closed and in Italy ( where most of the cruise is occurring, we can only get off the ship on a ship shore excursion but we will survive. Just disappointed as we learned of this days before boarding and had some things planned ashore in Italy. Further, we debark in Rome and will be alone there for a few days  ( on our own). Oh well onward.  Sitting here on the aft section of the ship…grateful 

So after months of anticipation, here we are aboard World Navigator.  
 

First impressions: The ship is gorgeous. It has a modern chic feel. A city resort feel with a 40 retro chic layer about it.  The staff is so lovely ( at least thus far) , you can tell they are smiling under those masks. Joseph and Rami in the main dining room already making us feel so welcome. The cabins have ample storage and our mini bar was set up upon arrival with all kinds of choices in the fridge and kettle one waiting for us instead of Tito’s vodka along with a note apologizing that they had to make the switch. Sadly, the issue that has plagued the line from the start WiFi and laundry is still unresolved. We have just  500 mg for the entire voyage that is complimentary. With packages ranging from $45 up to $350 for the voyage. Laundry also now has pricing sheets in the cabin. I’ve uploaded pics of that. As for included wines there are about 4 or 5 various white and about 4 reds, a champagne and a rose. All seem decent but I’ll keep you posted. Waiter said he will present all the wines so I can take pics. Need to unpack but wanted to give you some first impressions.  Lunch was a buffet and was fantastic.  

I'm on the World Navigator starting Saturday and plan to give some good updates on many facets of the trip! 

So I've gotten some mixed reviews on included wine-Everything from "there was only one red and White included each evening" ( The Points Guy) to "On the wine menu there are 6-10 complimentary reds. My husband didn’t look at the whites on the menu but he likes wines and he says their choices are  acceptable".  (Joyce from Ottowa).  I am sailing with a group next week and a few are "wine centric" folks.  Any wine notes on included wines are appreciated!

11 hours ago, saddledowndani said:

I forgot to mention here about a special occasion we alerted both our TA and the my atlas form about - we were celebrating our anniversary on board during our trip. The night of our anniversary we were getting ready for dinner and at about 6pm our phone rang in our state room. They informed us that they overlooked our anniversary and asked if we would like a cake in Porto the following night. We agreed even though we had planned to go to Aft7 that night. The next night we went to dinner and when our server asked what we wanted for dessert we had to inform him that it was our anniversary the previous night and that we were told there would be a cake for us. He jumped in and made us a few really cool napkin sculptures which we totally appreciated. But this was still a big “miss” as it felt like we were asking for extra attention (not our style) and with only 50 or so people on board I think behind the scenes a few more people should have been alerted (like the dining room manager) which would have made it a little more special. As this was our first cruise I don’t know what other cruise lines do but I’m pretty sure it’s more than what we received. A card in our room maybe? Bottle of something with some glasses when we returned from our excursion? Hoping they can figure out a way to make these occasions a little more special as we booked our trip over these dates because of it. 

Wow- It's these little things that make the difference.  I mentioned earlier, that to justify per-diems in the $800 plus arena, you need to make service, food and the overall experience beyond what else is in the marketplace.  Just the fact that the ship is only carrying less than 196 Guests, isn't enough. I'm sure that these notifications will be streamlined eventually, but I am truly sorry that the line missed your Anniversary.  Happy Anniversary to you!  Here's to many more.

Documents just arrived and they are stunning.   Athens here we come. ( unless the US gets closed out of the EU, which is a thing right now).  I’ll be keeping you all informed along the way when we sail on 9/18. I’ll be looking for those unexpected surprises, that will delight and wow. I’m letting go of the Laundry/ Wifi stuff but wish we could get an update on the progress of wifi and an ETA on the “wiring” issue being fixed. I need this vacation and I’m pulling for you Atlas.  Please come through with an amazing product worthy of these price points. 

2 hours ago, keokukjoe said:

Besides removing most of the alcohol choices, the fruit basket options and pillow menu now gone. No biggie. 

Docs just arrived they are Gorgeous and I’m hoping that the ship will overdeliver but I have to say the My Atlas interface has been a bit disappointing as it relates to recording preferences.  Anxious to see how the onboard staff delivers  on the newly limited choices. I’m pulling for them. 

4 minutes ago, sand2sea01 said:

The following appears on the Atlas website undre FAQ's:   Guests who have paid in full and cancel their applicable voyage at least 15 days or more prior to the voyage date are eligible to receive a 100% Future Cruise Credit.  For bookings not paid in full, standard cancellation penalties apply.  Future cruise credits are transferable and applicable to any voyage departing within one year from the original cancelled voyage date.   Therefore, you are not crazy!  Indeed, given the constraints expressed in the above (15 days or more prior to the voyage), notification of ANY itinerary change should be communicated to the guest asap.  This is just another failure of Atlas to communcate effectively.  We still have not heard how they will handle the promise of free laundry to those who have fully paid for their cruise.  The limitations on wi-fi is also disappointing.  Many cruise lines include a true free wi-fi for the entire voyage.  While itinerary changes are probably not the fault of Atlas given the on-going COVID pandemic and ever changing regulations, they really should be communicated as early as possible.

No you are correct and not trying to "blame" Atlas at all, but for me - the big draw was going through the Corinth Canal ( Sort of a Bucket list thing) - which has in fact been closed sinceJanuary due to a rock slide ( However Cruise booked in June - final in October) .  I'm sure they figured it would be repaired by September ( It won't) and thus we'd go.  They obviously had to "make a call" at some point as to reshuffling ports and now were missing Dephi  a casualty of the situation as well.  Now they may in fact have advised my travel agent,  so again Atlas may not be at fault.  I'll let the TA take it from there but suffice to say I'm sorry we are not going to sail through the Corinth Canal.   With the Corinth being a marquee event I would have though there would have been a little more of an update to the guests who've paid in full.  the only itinerary I have is now wrong ( as are the shore excursions which show Delphi).   Saddledowndani said it best - we are going with the flow,  but that still doesn't mean we are disappointed.