Intrepid Group and Chimu Adventures have revealed a new program of sustainable small-group polar expeditions with “five-star touches”, operated by the joint venture partners under the Peregrine Adventures flag.
Starting in October 2020, the charter will operate on the newly refurbished Ocean Endeavour and marks the next step in the joint partnership between Intrepid and Chimu, with the two companies now one of the largest sellers of Antarctica globally.
On offer are eight itineraries, with all but one operating roundtrip from Ushuaia, Chile. Depending on the itinerary, highlights include Drake Passage, the Antarctic Peninsula, South Shetland Islands, Elephant Island, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands.
The range is comprised of:
- 10-day Antarctic Whale Journey -Departing 23 February and 3 March, 2021
- 10-day Discover Antarctica -Departing 10 December 2020
- 11- day Discover Antarctica -Departing 4, 13, 22 November; 1 December, 2020 & 5, 14 February, 2021
- 11-day Christmas in Antarctica – Departing 18 December 2020
- 11-day New Year in Antarctica – Departing 27 December 2020
- 14-day Journey to the Antarctic Circle – Departing 5 January 2021
- 21-day Antarctica, South Georgia and Falklands Odyssey (which concludes in Puerto Madryn) – Departing 12 March, 2021
- 21-day Antarctica, South Georgia and Falklands Explorer – Departing 17 January 2021
The new range also marks the return of Intrepid Group’s Peregrine Adventures brand to Antarctic waters and makes Intrepid Group a truly seven continent operator, says Intrepid Group CEO James Thornton.
“We know there is a huge appetite for a more sustainable and experiential style of cruise, so we’re thrilled that this partnership will take Peregrine back to operating Polar expeditions in our own small group sustainable style,” said Thornton.The Ocean Endeavour carries 199 passengers and has a range of accommodation options, including single cabins, as well as a health and wellness centre on board with saunas, a well-equipped gym, yoga classes, and a salt water pool.
With an industry-leading ratio of one expedition leader to eight guests, a superb range of on- and off-board activities, and rigorous sustainability standards, Greg Carter, Co-Founder of Chimu Adventures says travellers can feel assured the most important details are taken care of.
Travellers will have the chance to explore the White Continent on a range of optional activities with specialised guides such as sea kayaking, snowshoeing, photography tours and even ice-camping. All departures will be carbon offset and eco-friendly measures will include no single-use plastic onboard, a reusable water bottle for every guest and only sustainable seafood will be served onboard.
“We are seeing an increasing appetite from travellers of all ages to visit Antarctica, they want to get closer to nature and understand the world we live in,” Carter said.
“Antarctica needs advocates and tourism creates a global constituency of people ready to support – and indeed fund – its preservation. When you’re there, you see how fragile the earth is and that really does inspire travellers to come back with a renewed momentum to protect the planet.”
Voyages range in price from $7,090 in a Category 2 room up to $27,416 in a Category 10 room on a three-week long ‘Explorer’ itinerary. Thornton said the new polar program makes the Antarctic more affordable than ever before, without compromising on sustainable tourism.
Peregrine Adventures is celebrating 27% growth in its 40th year, driven by growth in the brand’s Adventure Cruising range, including a new boat in the Galapagos Islands.