Atlas Ocean Voyages has named US cruise industry identity, Theresa Scalzitti of Cruise Planners, and adventurer, Karen Lundgren, as the godmothers of its two ships World Navigator and World Traveller.
The two yacht-style expedition vessels will uniquely be christened on 20 November 2022, at the Garibaldi Glacier as part of an invitation-only preview cruise to Chilean Patagonia.
“At the heart of the Atlas brand is a focus on exploration and excellence,” said James A. Rodriguez, the line’s President and CEO. “Karen is a fearless world traveller and Theresa is among the most respected professionals in the travel industry today.”
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World Navigator, which entered service in August 2021, was not officially named due to COVID precautions. To serve as godmother for World Navigator, Atlas selected Karen Lundgren, an intrepid explorer and adventurer who is only the 13th woman in the world to conquer the Seven Summits +1 – which includes the highest mountain peaks on each continent.
“You can imagine my surprise when I discovered where World Navigator cruises to,” said Lundgren. “I have personally been to many exotic and remote destinations and it’s exciting to know that curious travellers can explore many of the same places on this wonderful ship.”
Theresa Scalzitti has championed travel agents on both the supplier and agency sides of the travel industry for nearly three decades. She currently heads sales, marketing and business development at Cruise Planners, the nation’s largest home-based travel franchise organisation.
“It’s an honour to serve as godmother for World Traveller,” said Scalzitti.
“I am proud to represent the Cruise Planners network of highly distinguished advisors as well as the many women in travel who, like the ship’s officers, staff and crew, distinguish themselves daily by providing the very best in personalised service.”
Both vessels are Polar Category C- and Ice Class 1B-certified. The expedition ships offer every five-star comfort, from an all-inclusive onboard experience and luxurious accommodations to in-depth excursions and customised private tours.
With only 100 accommodations, guests enjoy nearly a 1:1 guest-to-staff ratio and a special camaraderie and bond with their fellow explorers.