Founded in 2019, Secret Atlas is operated “by explorers, for explorers,” and offers what it calls “expedition micro cruises” to polar regions. These are intimate journeys — in the Arctic, just 12 guests are on a sailing; in Antarctica, only 48 guests are onboard.
Together, Secret Atlas’ founders have more than three decades of experience navigating the polar regions. We sat down with owner and co-founder Michele D’Agostino to learn more about the operation’s voyages to Greenland, Svalbard in the Norwegian Arctic, Antarctica and South Georgia Island, a remote island in the South Atlantic Ocean.
How would you describe Secret Atlas, and how does it differ from other expedition cruise lines and operators?
It's a good question, and the difference is dramatic.
When we launched Secret Atlas, there was a gap in the market. Until then, you could only go to the polar regions on large ships. We were all coming from small-group expedition sailings of five to 10 people, so we created the concept of expedition micro cruising.
Operationally speaking, we can launch zodiacs much faster than [crews] on a bigger ship can, and we don't have a set schedule. On a bigger ship, you have [to end an excursion] to go back for dinner. On our cruises, we [can] radio the ship [for] a delayed dinner if we are witnessing amazing scenery.
Clients don’t waste time, they don’t wait in a queue. You’re always out in the field, so I think we give more value in that sense.
Our product is perfect for families. Why would you go on a bigger ship when you can have the entire ship to yourself?
Are sailings only available as custom group charters, or do you sell to individual travelers as well?
We do all of it — groups or individuals, sold through trade partners, and private charters as well.
Our product is perfect for families. Why would you go on a bigger ship when you can have the entire ship to yourself? And budget-wise, we charge less than the big guys.
Michele D’Agostino, owner and co-founder of Secret Atlas
Credit: 2025 Secret AtlasYour fleet also looks different from what's on the market. What are your ships like, and how would you describe the onboard lifestyle?
Our ships are converted working ships [formerly] used for lighthouse maintenance. They are comfortable, [and they offer] large cabins and a jacuzzi. But, to me, you don't go to the polar region to have a sauna or sip wine. Are they five-star ships, like Scenic or Ponant? They are not. But they offer all the comfort you need to go to the polar region in safety.
We define luxury based on the experience. Luxury is the authenticity of the small-group dynamics and having the entire ship [to] yourself, like a private yacht. Luxury is in the use of time, and in going out as much as possible.
Does the line navigate to both poles?
We sail in both the Arctic and Antarctica.We did our first Antarctica season [in] 2023. The ship that we used down south is now decommissioned, so we lost supply, and we are skipping one season. Today, we offer the Arctic, and we are working on a project to bring a micro ship down to Antarctica.
Why should someone choose a micro cruise on one of your vessels over a traditional expedition cruise on a larger ship?
In Africa, have you ever seen a safari with 200 people on it? No — because they don't offer it. So, why would you go to the polar region with 200 people? It's beyond my understanding. The only reason [travelers would do so] is because they don't know that there’s an alternative. We are the alternative for the polar region.
Why would you go to the polar region with 200 people? The only reason [travelers would do so] is because they don't know that there’s an alternative.
How does the brand work with travel advisors, and what kind of commissions do you offer?
We do work with travel professionals, especially for private charters. We have a very limited supply, so it's not a mass-market product. Our commission varies based on volume.
A cabin onboard MV Freya
Credit: 2025 Secret AtlasHow else would you describe your target client?
If you are a travel professional and families, small groups or affinity groups [are among your clientele], you should recommend Secret Atlas.
We also book repeat visitors to Antarctica — they know what it’s all about. These are clients who might say, ‘I've been to Antarctica. I know all about the product. I want something smaller.’ That’s something we hear a lot from our guests.
