The new luxury adventure cruise line, Atlas Ocean Voyages, has new leadership at the helm, effective 01AUG. James Rodriguez has been named President and CEO of Atlas Ocean Voyages, replacing outgoing president, Alberto Aliberti.
A 20-year North American cruise industry veteran, Rodriguez began his cruise industry career with Crystal Cruises and subsequently joined Oceania Cruises in 2003 as a key founding team member. At Oceania, he served as Executive Vice President of Sales & Marketing and helped build the brand in the areas of omni-channel marketing, sales, corporate communications, loyalty programs, guest services, new product development, sustainability initiatives and corporate philanthropy.
“James’ entrepreneurial experience in helping build and market successful brands will be a key advantage as we continue to introduce our new brand to the North American market,” said Mário Ferreira, Chairman of Mystic Invest Holdings, parent company of Atlas Ocean Voyages.
“James has an unwavering passion for the cruise industry and a reputation for being a champion of travel advisors. We are confident that, under James’ leadership, Atlas Ocean Voyages will be the best small luxury expeditions cruise line in short order.”
“This is an extraordinary opportunity, and I am deeply honored to be joining the Atlas team,” said Rodriguez.
“Only one year in service, Atlas is already an established cruise brand with elegantly designed expedition ships that sail to bucket-list destinations and an exceptional staff and crew who deliver excellent service. Looking forward, we will continue to build upon that success by further enhancing the guest experience aboard our luxurious ships. In addition, we are committed to strengthening and expanding our relationships with the trade community, as we highly value our travel partners and are grateful for their support in recommending Atlas.”
The cruise line's first ship, World Navigator, debuted in 2021, and its second ship, World Traveller, is scheduled to launch in NOV. Both feature 98 suites, solo suites with no single supplements, and staterooms. The two small expedition ships transport travelers to "smaller, authentic, and exclusive locales," according to Atlas. Three additional sister ships, World Seeker, World Adventurer and World Discoverer, will join the fleet through 2024.
According to the company, Rodriguez' experience in the areas of sales, marketing, operations, human resources and guest experience will be "essential in propelling the brand forward in the areas of innovation, trade partnerships and guest acquisition" during its growth.
For more information about Atlas Ocean Voyages, visit www.AtlasOceanVoyages.com.
