The World Voyager is an expedition ship in the Mystic Cruises fleet, currently sailing for the German cruise line Nicko Cruises, a company specializing in river cruises that also offers ocean routes. The ship is part of a fleet of sister ships, some planned for the coming years, with a maximum capacity of 200 passengers and all the features of an expedition vessel.
Article from CruisesNews magazine no. 57 – June 2021
The cruise style is that of a yacht with all the comforts, casual luxury, and a strong focus on guest comfort, while sailing along less-traveled routes to discover natural sites, landscapes, and local wildlife. The size of the ships, just 126 meters in length with 98 cabins, allows access to smaller ports, providing the thrill of an intimate and secluded atmosphere.
All excursions are designed to provide an in-depth understanding of the places visited, with expert guides and unique itineraries. A selection of "active" excursions allows guests to try Zodiac boats, electric pedal bikes, hike in nature, swim in the waters surrounding the ship, and enjoy other experiences.
The World Voyager has six passenger decks with cabins in various categories, as well as public areas. Cabins range from the Expeditions Cabin on deck 3 to the luxurious Explorer Suites, and a selection of other categories in between, all with ocean views and plenty of space.
The main public areas are located on Deck 4. At the stern is Al Fresco Terrace, the outdoor section of the Mystic Restaurant. This is the main restaurant on board, open for all three meals daily without set dining times and with flexible service depending on the scheduled daily excursions. The style is simple yet elegant, featuring a beautiful glass wall overlooking the sea and a small central buffet area.
In the center of the ship is the small gym and spa. The gym features modern equipment and excellent ocean views. The spa has two small treatment rooms, a large relaxation area, and a beautiful sauna overlooking the sea. Between these two areas is the onboard boutique, offering clothing, perfumes, and gift items. A little further along is the Juice Bar, where you can enjoy freshly squeezed juices, smoothies, and shakes of all kinds. There's also the 24-hour Kafeesation, where you'll find tea, coffee, and snacks in the morning.
She sails for the German cruise brand Nicko Cruises, which specializes in river cruises and also offers ocean routes, and was acquired by Mystic Invest in 2015.
The Main Lounge at the bow is beautiful and very elegant, and the center of onboard nightlife, with live music, a wide selection of cocktails and drinks, and panoramic sea views. Each evening, they host meetings with officers, games, and other forms of entertainment here. Finally, at the very tip of the bow, is the Auditorium, a space dedicated to conferences, lectures, and presentations about the cruise itineraries.
Decks 5 and 6 are entirely dedicated to cabins, but feature beautiful panoramic seating on the aft terraces. The bridge is also located on deck 6 and is always open for guests who wish to observe the maneuvers and navigation.
Deck 7 houses the Lido area, featuring a raised pool in the center of the ship and two Jacuzzis. Surrounding the pool are sun loungers, some shaded by panoramic windows on either side of the ship. The area also includes tables for enjoying the Pool Bar and the Lido Café. The latter offers pizza, ice cream, a soup of the day, and a selection of desserts throughout the afternoon.
At the bow is the beautiful Observation Lounge, offering 270-degree sea views. A relaxing and bright atmosphere, furnished with books, comfortable sofas, and a bar. Here you can enjoy afternoon tea or a drink in the evening. It's the ideal setting for anyone who wants to enjoy sailing in peace and quiet, sitting quietly and gazing at the sea.
The cruise style is that of a yacht with all the amenities, informal luxury, and a great focus on customer comfort.
On the top deck, number 8, are the Zodiac boats used during port calls to help guests explore the nearby coastal areas. There is also a jogging track and a pleasant scenic promenade.
The World Voyager offers an intimate and family-friendly cruising experience, with communal areas perfect for meeting and making friends, as well as interacting with the officers, the Captain, and the entire crew. The staff is dedicated to ensuring passengers feel right at home throughout their voyage. This welcoming cruising style provides an excellent level of service that is anything but formal.
Dining aboard Nicko Cruises' ship features international cuisine, with a variety of dishes ranging from Italian to Asian. While the majority of the World Voyager's clientele is German, there is no noticeable regional preference, and all kinds of dishes can be enjoyed.
On board the World Voyager, there is only one main restaurant, The Mystic Restaurant, located aft on Deck 4. All three main meals—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—are served here with different menus each day. The dinner menu includes a selection of appetizers, a choice of soups or creams, a salad, a choice of main course, and dessert. The wine list features primarily Portuguese, Italian, French, and Californian labels.
During the cruise, there are sometimes themed menus or special events. For example, an evening filled with delicious specialties inspired by Italian cuisine. Another fun option is the poolside barbecue night, where all kinds of grilled dishes are served with enjoyable musical entertainment.
In the most remote destinations you can disembark in zodiacs, explore by electric bicycle or take a dip in the area surrounding the ship.
The World Voyager is a true expedition ship, though not with the highest Ice Class classification, and can offer an expedition-style cruise even on routes that aren't as extreme as the Arctic or Antarctic. Therefore, it offers the opportunity to thoroughly explore the Canary Islands, the Azores, as well as the Caribbean and South America. All of this takes place in an atmosphere of exceptional hospitality and, above all, a warm and friendly connection with the crew and fellow passengers.
Nicko Cruises
began by offering river cruises in Russia on chartered vessels. A decade later, it also began sailing on the Rhine, and in 2005 launched its first ship, the Flamenco, featuring French balconies in every cabin. In 2013, the Swiss private equity firm Capvis acquired a majority stake in the company, but just two years later, Nicko Cruises went bankrupt. Mystic Invest, the investment company of Portuguese businessman Mario Ferreira, then took over. Ferreira, with extensive experience in river cruises through his company Douro Azul, quickly turned Nicko Cruises around and added more ships, both for river cruises and for the new range of ocean cruises. This new range began with the World Voyager and will continue with the Vasco da Gama, acquired at auction after the bankruptcy of the British operator Cruise & Maritime Voyages.
