World Voyager: the Nicko Cruises’ small unit


The World Voyager is an expedition ship in the Mystic Cruises’ fleet that currently sails for the German cruise brand Nicko Cruises, a company specialized in river cruises that also offers maritime routes. The ship is part of a fleet of twin sister constructions, some planned for the coming years, with a maximum capacity of 200 passengers and all the characteristics of an expeditionary unit.

The style of cruising is that of a small yacht with all the amenities, informal luxury and lots of attention paid to the comfort of the client, while sailing lesser known routes to discover natural places, landscapes and local wildlife. The size of the ships, just 126 meters in length with 98 staterooms, allows entrance to small ports, providing the thrill of an intimate and reserved ambiance.

The furnishings are very classic, with touches of modernity, and partly combine references to yachts of the past thanks to the use of wood and paintings that recall the navigation of other eras, to very modern environments, such as that of the Reception or the Observation Lounge.

The World Voyager has 6 passenger decks where there are rooms of various levels as well as common areas. On deck 3 there is the Zodiac excursion preparation area, with changing rooms and lockers where you can change, put on safety gear, etc.

The main public areas are all located on deck 4. On the stern is the Al Fresco Terrace, the outside portion of Mystic Restaurant. This is the main restaurant on board, open for all three daily meals each day without predetermined dining times and with flexible service depending on the programmed daily excursions. The style is simple but well-maintained and elegant with a beautiful glass wall with a sea view and a small central buffet area.

 

At the center of the ship there is the small gym and Spa. The gym has modern equipment and an excellent view of the sea. The Spa has two small treatment rooms, a large relaxation area and a beautiful sauna looking over the sea. Between these two areas you’ll find the onboard boutique, with clothing, perfume and gift items.

A little further on there is the Juice Bar where you can taste freshly squeezed juices, smoothies and shakes of every kind. There is also the Kafeestation, open 24 hours a day, where you will find tea, coffee and in the morning snacks as well.

As we continue walking up deck 4, on the left are the offices of the cruise director and the tour leaders, before arriving to the main hall with a gangway and two small lateral lounges. In the center there is a large LED screen where the various travel destinations offered by Nicko Cruises are featured. Also in the vicinity is the Reception area where it is always possible to obtain information as well as advice and suggestions for everything you need.

We have now arrived to the bow, passing the Medical Center, where we arrive to the Main Lounge. It is a beautiful lounge that is very elegant and the center of nightlife on board, with live music, a wide selection of cocktails and drinks and a panorama of the sea. Each evening here they host encounters with the officials, games and various other types of entertainment. Finally, on the very tip of the bow, there is the Auditorium, a space dedicated to conferences, talks and presentations of the cruise stopovers.

Decks 5 and 6 are entirely dedicated to cabins, but with beautiful panoramic seating on the terraces at the stern. The Command Bridge is also located on deck 6 and is always open for guests wishing to view maneuvers and navigation.

On deck 7 is the Lido area, with a raised swimming pool at the center of the ship and two Jacuzzis. Surrounding them are sun loungers and deck chairs, sheltered by panoramic windows on both sides of the ship. The area also has tables for enjoying the Pool Bar and the Lido Cafè. The latter offers pizza, ice cream, a soup of the day and some desserts throughout the afternoon.

On the bow is the beautiful Observation Lounge, with a 270-degree view of the sea. A relaxing, bright environment, with some books, comfortable sofas and a bar available. Here you can enjoy tea in the afternoon or have a drink in the evening. It is the ideal environment for anyone who wants to enjoy navigation in silence, calmly sitting and observing the sea.

On the highest deck, number 8, there are the Zodiac boats which are used during stopovers to help guests experience the coastal areas up close. There is also the jogging path as well as a pleasant scenic walk.

The dining on board the Nicko Cruises ship is based on international cuisine, with a choice of dishes that ranges from Italian to Asian. Although the majority of the World Voyager’s clientele is German, there isn’t a notable regional prevalence, and all kinds of dishes can be tasted.  During the cruise there are sometimes themed menus or special initiatives. For example, an evening filled with delicious specialties completely inspired by Italian cuisine. Another fun occasion is the barbeque night around the pool where all kinds of grilled dishes are served with pleasant musical entertainment.

 

All the excursions are organized to be able to offer a deep knowledge of the places visited, with expert guides and unusual itineraries. A selection of “Active” excursions allows guests to try out the Zodiac boats, pedal e-bikes, take a hike in nature and swim in the waters around the ship, as well as other experiences.

Despite the small number of cabins on board the World Voyager, there are 8 different categories to choose from. The simplest, but still large, cabins are the Expeditions-Kabine, located on deck 3: about 17 m2 with a coffee station and high non-opening window. On deck 5 and 6 are the Infinity Kabines, characterized by a beautiful electronically-controlled window that opens. In this category there are also some cabins dedicated to people with disabilities that are easily accessible. The Infinity Deluxe rooms offer an extra small sitting area that is separate from the bedroom.

The Veranda Kabine rooms are on decks 5 and 6 and are around 25 m2 in size with private balconies. The Veranda Deluxe rooms have an additional 3 m2 and feature a small relaxation area that is separate from the bedroom.

As part of the Suites, there is the Navigator Suite, with two separate rooms, a bedroom and a living room, with a total area of ​​36 m2. The bathroom is also spacious and above all the balcony is 6 meters in length, and equipped with armchairs, table and deck chairs. The Vip Suite, on deck 5, is slightly larger (41 m2) and has a large living room and bathroom, with the same balcony size.

And finally, the Explorer Suite, which is the highest level of room category on board. These suites are located on decks 5 and 6 and offer the sensation of a private apartment on the sea. The size is 44 m2 inside and almost 10 m2 outside, with a large entrance, a living room with a TV, a bedroom, a corridor with a closet that leads to the bathroom which is equipped with double sinks, a bathtub and a separate shower. There is also a large balcony, with two deck chairs and a pair of armchairs with a table.

The World Voyager offers an intimate and familial style of cruising, where it is common place to meet and make friends with the officers on board, with the Captain and with the entire crew. The personnel is at the complete disposal of passengers to make them feel at home during their journey. This friendly style of cruising offers an excellent level of service that is not rigid but rather pleasantly informal.

The World Voyager is a full-fledged expedition ship, albeit not with the maximum ice-class, and is able to offer an expedition cruise style even on routes that are not as extreme as the Arctic or Antarctica. It therefore offers the possibility of unprecedented discovery even in areas such as the Canary Islands, the Azores, but also the Caribbean and South America. All of this takes place with an ambiance of top hospitality and, above all, of cordial familiarity with the crew and other passengers.

Don’t miss more information and World Voyager Reviews on Cruising Journal, with Photos, Videos and Cruises on offer.

Gabriele Bassi

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