Intrepid and Chimu in joint partnership

#expeditioncruising .

The Intrepid Group has announced a strategic partnership with Polar and Latin American specialist, Chimu Adventures.

Intrepid has taken a 50 per cent stake in the Australian-owned company to meet a growing demand for sustainable travel experiences from increasingly adventurous travellers.

The investment from the Intrepid Group will fuel further growth for both companies, enabling Chimu Adventures to quickly scale globally and the Intrepid Group’s to further expand its tailor-made product offering across the multi-brand business.

Motivated by potential growth opportunities and shared business values, together, the two companies will be one of the largest sellers of travel to Antarctica globally.

James Thornton, the Intrepid Group chief executive explains that a priority for the new joint venture partnership is to launch a range of charter cruises to the Arctic and Antarctica.

“This year we launched our first Adventure Cruise range and had a phenomenal response.

“We know there is a huge appetite for a more sustainable and experiential style of cruise so it is our intention to expand in to polar charters as part of this cooperation.”

This is the Intrepid group’s first investment since the company returned to independent ownership two years ago when the original founders of Intrepid Travel bought back the company after a shareholder split, in order to grow the market for sustainable experience-rich travel.

The Intrepid Group has seen record sales since the split from TUI, with sales up by 19 per cent across the group this year.

The deal includes a 50 per cent stake in Chimu Adventures, Get About Asia, and three sales offices in the United Kingdom, Sydney and the Sunshine Coast.

In addition, the agreement will also include 50 per cent investment in Chimu’s three South American destination management companies, which will enable both companies to expand their global network of local destination management companies.

The addition of Chimu’s $30million business will add close to ten per cent of revenue to the Intrepid Group, which is already in excess of $300 million.

The Melbourne-based Intrepid Group, which employs 1,600 staff in 27 offices, is now one of the world’s largest provider of adventure travel experiences.

Chimu Adventures will remain independent of the multi-brand Intrepid Group under the new agreement, with co-founders Greg Carter and Chad Carey continuing to have complete autonomy to run the company where it will be business as usual.

“I am thrilled be partnering with the fantastic team at Intrepid Group, in order to grow the business that we started 13 years ago in a London apartment with a second hand laptop to a global level.

“We share many common ideas on sustainable travel and we believe it’s a perfect fit for both businesses,” said Greg Carter, Chimu Adventures co-founder

While the partnership is motivated by the potential growth opportunities for both Intrepid and Chimu and that the companies have many similarities including a network of local destination management companies, Thornton says it was shared values and culture that sealed the deal.

Ocean Atlantic renovated for Antarctic Cruising Season

Australians have more reasons than ever to get excited about the upcoming Antarctic cruising season with one of Antarctica's most iconic expedition cruise ships, the Ocean Atlantic*, revealing a brand new look after recently undergoing a full-scale refurbishment.

On top of featuring a range of brand new cabins, the overhaul included the transformation of all cabins, designed to provide guests with comfortable and stylish surroundings when cruising Antarctic waters.

Also renovated were the ship's common areas such as the restaurant, Veranda bar, and the lecture hall.

A relatively small ship with a capacity of 195 passengers, the Ocean Atlantic allows travellers to sail close to the shore and access narrow inlets enabling travellers to see the most untouched corners of the White Continent. As an ice-class vessel, the ship is one of the strongest ships operating in Antarctica.

"We're so pleased to see one of our favourite Antarctica vessels bring guest experience to new heights" said Greg Carter, co-founder of Polar Specialist Chimu Adventures.

"Cruising the glacier landscapes of this ultimate bucket list destination is an already largely inspiring experience in itself but these new improvements will really add that additional amount extra spark."

Super Early Bird Discounts of up to 35% can currently be enjoyed when booking Chimu's 10-day Discover Antarctica (now from AU$ 8,075* twin) on board the Ocean Atlantic. An exclusive Chimu charter, this voyage takes in the best of wildlife and scenery of the Antarctic Peninsula whilst being joined by special guest Campbell Remess, the 13-year old charitable teddybearmaker from Tasmania who has made a name for himself for his acts of kindness, making teddy bears every day and gifting them to sick and needy children across the globe.

For more information, visit http://www.chimuadventures.com/en-au/tour/discover-antarctica-cruise

Chimu Adventures
Suite 101 / 308 Pacific Highway
Crows Nest, NSW, 2065
Ph: (02) 9458 1213
www.chimuadventures.com

* Editor's note: Ocean Atlantic (IMO 8325432) was built in Poland in 1986 as a 140m 12800GT Roll On / Roll Off passenger ferry christened Konstantin Chernenko. 2017 marks her full conversion to expedition duties. Bureau Veritas: Ice Class 1B

Arctic cruise experiences off the beaten track in 2017

#expeditioncruising

Australian travellers will have more reasons than ever to go on a polar adventure this year with Polar Specialist Chimu Adventures expanding their travel options to include a variety of off the beaten track Arctic itineraries.

Whether it's crossing the magnificent scenery surrounding Greenland, spotting polar bears in the Arctic's 'capital of wildlife' Spitsbergen, or following the footsteps of the early Arctic explorers on a voyage across the iconic Northwest Passage, Chimu's Arctic experiences will appeal to discerning travellers who have their heart set on seeing and experiencing one of the most seldom visited destinations on earth.

Apart from taking in some of the planet's most inspiring sceneries, the journeys also offer wildlife excursions as well as cultural visits and on-board lectures about the Arctic's local history and culture.

Itineraries encompass a vast range of experiences in destinations including the North Pole, Greenland, Spitsbergen, the Canadian Arctic and the Russian Arctic.

Highlights include:

-         The 8-day Realm of the Polar Bear (on sale - now priced from AU$ 3,518), is the ultimate introduction to the Arctic taking in the Spitsbergen area in-depth that is commonly referred to as the Arctic's 'capital of wildlife'. On this best value trip, travellers have a high chance of seeing the elusive polar bear and other prominent wildlife species while cruising the region's scenic glaciers, fjords and ice fields.

-         On the 15-day Arctic Highlights (on sale - now priced from AU$ 5,660), travellers can tick off not just one but several bucket list items. Taking in the best of Spitsbergen, Greenland and Iceland, this trip provides guests with a great chance of seeing polar bears and the Northern Lights.

-         The 13-day Top of the World (early bird sale - now priced from AU$ 36,345) is the ultimate way to see the North Pole. Guests will cruise aboard a state-of-the-art icebreaker, crush through multiyear ice on the Arctic Ocean, take in the rarely visited Russian Arctic archipelago before being presented with the once in a lifetime opportunity of standing at the top of the world.

-        The 17-day Northwest Passage: Epic High Arctic (priced from AU$ 16,255) is an in-depth exploration of the High Arctic with the North West Passage and its history being a major focus of this voyage. Following the footsteps of Sir John Franklin, this cruise explores the stunning fjords and icebergs of the Canadian Arctic, and travellers will visit traditional Inuit communities and learn about the Arctic's history and culture.

 "We have seen huge organic growth in demand for our Antarctica cruises over the last 18 months with an increasing number of travellers returning from their trips hungry for their next polar adventure. With most of our Antarctica vessels already operating in the Arctic, it was the next logical step for us to expand into this new destination" said Chad Carey, co-founder of Chimu Adventures.

"Even the most seasoned traveller will be blown away by the inspiring features that make up the Arctic – its mind-blowingly distinctive wildlife, picturesque sceneries, fascinating history and culture. For us, we really want to provide our travellers with an immersive experience that goes beyond the 'ordinary' expedition cruise and our travel options perfectly reflect this mission."

For more information, visit: http://www.chimuadventures.com/destinations/arctic-cruises

*Prices are subject to change ; terms and conditions apply.

www.chimuadventures.com

Penguin-spotting in Antarctica

#expeditioncruising

Time to go penguin-spotting: Antarctica home to millions more penguins than thought

Antarctica is home to almost double as many penguins as previously thought, according to research data revealed by the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) last week, showing the population of Adélie penguins is nearly six million. This is 3.6 million more than previous estimates.

According to the AAD, the reason for the undercount was that previous population surveys had only taken into account breeding pairs but not non-breeding birds. This time, however, researchers counted both groups.

"Penguins are undoubtedly one of the most-loved species of wildlife in the world and a highlight of any Antarctica trip" said Chad Carey, co-founder of Australia's Antarctica specialist Chimu Adventures.

"At least one in three questions we get from clients booking a trip to Antarctica, involves penguins – where to see them, what species there are, how to interact with them, to name only a few. This shows us what a massive drawcard they are for Antarctica travel."

On top of Adélie penguins, there is a plethora of species to be found– from King Penguins to Macaroni Penguins, Rockhopper Penguins and Emperor Penguins, Antarctica has so much to offer for the wildlife lover.

Chimu Adventures has revealed a list of their top five hot spots for penguin-spotting in Antarctica and the Subantarctic:

1) South Georgia

This rugged and rarely visited Sub-Antarctic island lays about 800 miles east of the Falklands and is virtually unspoilt by man. Commonly referred to as the "Galapagos of the South", South Georgia is home to four breeding species of penguin and the largest colony of King Penguins (the second largest penguin) on the planet, as well as sheltering the Macaroni Penguin, a species that is not often seen on the Peninsula.

2) Ross Sea

Found off south western Antarctica, the Ross Sea is both the richest and most vulnerable ecosystem on Earth. Adélie is the most abundant species of penguin in the Ross Sea. Although smallest in size, the Adelie penguin is full of energy having been recorded swimming as far as 300km to forage for food for their chicks.

3) Macquarie Island

Located in the southwest corner of the Pacific Ocean, about halfway between New Zealand and Antarctica, Macquarie Island has been designated a World Heritage Site and is described by the United Nations Environment Programme as "the most diverse and extensive of all Sub-Antarctic archipelagos". Macquarie Island is home to the largest colony of Royal Penguins.

4) Snow Hill Island

An almost completely snow-capped island located off the east coast off the Antarctic Peninsula, Snow Hill Island is home to an Emperor Penguin Rookery – the tallest penguin on earth. Visiting the rookery in what is one of the world's most remote areas, is a memorable once-in-a-lifetime experience for many.

5) Falkland Islands

The Falkland Islands are a remote South Atlantic archipelago located east from South America's southern Patagonian coast. There are five penguin species breeding on the islands: King Penguins, Rockhopper penguins, Magellanic penguins, Gentoo penguins, and Macaroni penguins.

For more information on how to see Antarctica's penguins click here.

Chimu offers the Ultimate Way to See Antarctica in 2017

#expeditioncruising .

A new collection of Antarctica experiences has been launched by Chimu Adventures providing Australians with the most unique experiences in the off the beaten track glacier paradise.

Think camping on the ice, climbing an Antarctic mountain or skiing down the unbeatable scenery of Antarctica's inner remote regions, this new collection is a true showcase of the array of activities available to travellers in this extraordinary destination.

Whether it's exploring the treasures of Antarctica in the wake of Sir Ernest Shackleton, enjoying best-selling Australian author Peter FitzSimons' on-board lectures on a unique fundraising cruise or retracing the footsteps of Sir Douglas Mawson, the new programme is packed with a range of unique stand out experiences.

Shackleton's Antarctica (priced from AUD 18,050 per person): Travelling on an exclusive charter, unique to Chimu Adventures, this 18-day exploration cruises in the wake of Sir Ernest Shackleton taking in some of the world's most impressive views of inspiring scenery and wildlife.

Frozen Frontier (priced from AUD 11,799 per person): This exclusive 11-day fundraising voyage, organised by Chimu in conjunction with MAD Project, allows travellers to depart on the trip of their lifetime alongside one of Australia's favourite personalities, Peter FitzSimons, former Wallaby and best-selling non-fiction author of 'Mawson and the Ice Men of the Heroic Age: Scott, Shackleton and Amundsen.'

In the Wake of Mawson (priced from AUD 24,160 per person): This exclusive 26-day expedition, retracing the footsteps of Sir Douglas Mawson, is a collaboration between Chimu and Mawson's Hut Foundation, giving guests exclusive access to the very rare tourist ships departing Hobart, Australia for East Antarctica.

Interior Antarctic Experiences: Designed for those who want to venture beyond Antarctica's coast and experience adventure 'on the ice', the Interior Antarctic Experiences allow guests to explore the South Pole, take in spectacular views from some of Antarctica's highest peaks or pay a visit to an emperor penguin rockery.
New for 2017 is also the possibility to experience Antarctica in a day, a 12.5-hour sightseeing flight departing Sydney, Melbourne or Perth, a great way to explore Antarctica for those travellers that are limited on time and budget.

“With passenger numbers having doubled since 2008 and the upward trend climbing sharply over the past 18 months, there is no doubt that Antarctica is back on the bucket list for many Australian travellers” said Greg Carter, co-founder of Chimu Adventures.

“On top of our fantastic itineraries, we are incredibly thrilled and honoured to be collaborating with some of Australia's most renowned personalities and organisations on some incredibly unique ventures, making it even more appealing for both first time visitors and returning travellers to be inspired by this magnificent part of the world.”

“We are particularly excited about the opportunity of offering a fundraising voyage to travellers who want to give back while travelling. Making a difference to challenged communities, the environment and historical preservation are causes very close to our hearts that we will be proud to support through our partnership with MAD Project.”

Chimu Adventures specialises in personalised journeys, offering the client the flexibility of styling the itinerary to suit their needs. Chimu works with clients to fit their budget and taste.

For more information visit www.chimuadventures.com

Ski Antarctica With Chimu Adventures

#expeditioncruising



Chimu Adventures, Australia’s most diverse Antarctica operator, today launched an exclusive new sail and ski expedition to the icy continent.

Exploring virgin summits and skiing untouched slopes, the new tour is set to be the adventure of a lifetime for thrill-seeking and highly skilled skiiers.

Chimu’s Chad Carey said guests will see the dazzling landscapes and unique wildlife at the end of the earth from skis, kayaks and the deck of the expedition yacht, Icebird.

“As Australia’s leading Antarctica Travel Specialist we’re excited to be launching Ski Antarctica to the Australian market,” said Carey.



“This new tour cements our position as having Australia’s most diverse range of Antarctic travel options.

“For the adventurous at heart, climbing a virgin summit is a breathtaking prospect. And to then attach your skis and be the first person to ski down from the summit is just exciting beyond words.”

The 28-day adventure on board the centrally-heated, high-tech expedition yacht, departs from Ushuaia in Argentina on November 19, 2017.

Lead by highly experienced skipper, mate and expedition leader, this epic adventure is priced at $35,205, and includes training, safety gear, use of satellite phones and email, accommodation in Ushuaia, skis, kayaks, sleds, mountaineering equipment and meals.

Click here for full itinerary: http://www.chimuadventures.com/tour/ski-antarctica

Affordable Antarctica - Chimu Launches 10-day Antarctic Adventure for Just $5590

​
There's a reason Antarctica is on every serious traveller's bucket list – it's spectacular, dramatic, remote, beautiful, photogenic and teeming with extraordinary wildlife. The adventure of a lifetime.

But there's no getting around the fact that, due to its extreme isolation, a holiday to Antarctica can be relatively expensive, especially when compared with the el-cheapo flop and drop getaways so popular with many Australians.

Until now.

Chimu Adventures is disrupting the Antarctica pricing paradigm with the launch of its 10-day 'Images of Antarctica' cruise package which tours the Beagle Channel, the Drake Passage, the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula.

Departing from Ushuaia, Argentina, rates start at $5590 per person available until July 30 for the voyage aboard the MV Ushuaia (pictured right).

Navigating these glacier-strewn waterways, guests will see an incredible array of wildlife including penguins, seabirds, Weddell, Crabeater and Leopard seals as well as Minke, Killer and Humpback Whales – all in close proximity.

All meals are included as are up to two ship-to-land two zodiac tours a day led by expert guides in the South Shetland Islands and Antarctica, plus a complete program of lectures by noted naturalists.

Chimu believes this to be the best value trip to Antarctica – and is one past passengers have raved about.

"The MV Ushuaia is a fantastic trip. Food was excellent and the wildlife out of this world. Not to be missed. We will be back!" George H.

Package details: http://www.chimuadventures.com/tour/images-of-antarctica#Details

Galapagos On Sale - Save up to $10,000 on the Ulimate Family Adventure

Take the kids to the world's most famous outdoor zoo and save up to $10,000 for a family of four during Chimu Adventure's bucket list sale on cruises to the Galapagos Islands.

Next school holidays, the ultimate family adventure awaits as you snorkel near the equator, meet a host of unique animals and see the islands known as the birthplace of Darwin's theory of evolution.

On Chimu's four, five and eight-day itineraries, you'll sail the wildlife-packed islands on one of two luxury first-class Seaman Journey and Seastar Journey luxury catamarans.

With up to 35 per cent off family cruise departures in March and April it's the perfect time to experience these Equadorian islands, famed for the vast number of species not found anywhere else on earth.

The lead-in Seaman Journey four-day cruise now costs from $2450 per person (usually $3500 a head) while the eight-day expedition has been reduced to $5299 per person (reduced from $7570).

Even bigger savings are available on the six day Seastar Journey cruise, where the price has been reduced from $7500 per person to $4875, representing saving of $10,500 for a family of four.

It's the greatest gift any parent could give their family.

Through a blend of land and sea excursions, passengers will see legendary blue-footed boobies, colourful marine iguanas, sea lions, fur seals, tiny penguins and the giant tortoises that gave the Pacific islands their name.

"I liked it because you can see finches and boobies and also go in the ocean and see stingrays and sharks if you are lucky," said Sydney six year-old, Lachlan Hall, after cruising the Galapagos with brother Max, 9.

Chimu Marketing Manager and mother of Max and Lachlan, Meg Hall, said the trip gave her children the best classroom they'd ever been in.

"It's a destination we all enjoyed for the geography, wildlife and adventure. The Galapagos is an educational experience which our family will never forget."

Bookings for these special close on February 29.

For further details please visit http://www.chimuadventures.com/content/galapagos-specials or call 1300 211 805.

Icebergs Clear, First Cruise To Mawson's Huts in Five Years Leaves Hobart Saturday

#expeditioncruising


- Ice Shifts, Allowing Historic Journey -

Finally, two massive icebergs that have been blocking ship access to historic Mawson’s Huts in remote Commonwealth Bay, Antarctica, have broken up and shifted, enabling Chimu Adventures to run the first commercial expedition to the historic site in five years.

Cape Denison 2010, the last voyage to visit before ice blocked the bay. (R Eime)

The 26-day journey aboard the Akademik Shokalskiy, carrying 54 passengers, will also raise money for Mawson’s Huts Foundation, which has been maintaining the basic timber structures since 1997 at a total cost of more than $8 million.

The Akademik Shokalskiy leaves Constitution Dock Hobart at 4pm this Saturday, January 9, 104 years after Douglas Mawson stepped ashore in 1912 on “a charming ice-quay” – which he named Cape Denison – to establish a “station for scientific investigations”.

Mawson's Huts are an historic time capsule (R Eime)

It was the beginning of a legend that’s grown over time with Mawson’s Australasian Antarctic Expedition one of Australia’s greatest stories of adventure, resilience, desperation and survival. Harsh doesn’t begin to describe their experience in the coldest and windiest spot on earth.

The only remaining evidence of Mawson and his men’s occupation are two connected timber buildings (Mawson’s Huts) that passengers aboard the Akademik Shokalskiy will have the unique opportunity - subject to weather and ice conditions - to enter and explore.

“It’s so exciting to be going back after such a long time,” said Chimu co-founder Chad Carey, who will be joining the trip.

“As recently as last February, experts were saying the icebergs could stay jammed in the bay for a decade or more but fortunately those predictions have proved incorrect and expedition ships are now able to enter Commonwealth Bay.

“We’ve had a lot of interest in the trip and have a really interesting group of people on board united by their love of Antarctica and this history surrounding Mawson’s Huts.”

Mr Carey says Chimu believes strongly in the Mawson’s Huts Foundation, providing it with office space and facilities while donating more than more than $100,000 to the cause over the years.

Mawson’s Huts Foundation Chairman David Jensen added: “Mawson’s Huts are the birthplace of Australia’s Antarctic heritage and Chimu’s support for the Foundation is critical for conservation work to continue.”

To find out more about Chimu Adventures visit www.chimuadventures.com.au.

Aussies Antarctica bound

Australians are queuing up to cruise the world's southernmost continent with demand for bookings stronger than ever.

Passenger numbers for Chimu Adventures to the Antarctic Peninsula have more than doubled since 2008, says Chimu boss Greg Carter, with the upward trend climbing sharply over the past 18 months.

"This is a destination like nowhere else on the planet," he said.

"Untouched by humans, there is no development, the landscapes are ethereal, the wildlife abundant.

"This is one of the most wildly beautiful places to travel in the world and it is back on the bucket list for Australian travellers."

With limited cabins left for the 2015-16 Antarctica cruise season between now and March, Carter says bookings need to be made soon.

Special guest departures in 2017 are also on sale now:


*          Epic Antarctica with Samuel Johnson       March 2017

            Take a polar plunge with the Aussie actor behind breast cancer awareness charity, Love Your Sister, and help raise funds for the Garvan Institute of Medical Research. $5950 USD

            http://www.chimuadventures.com/tour/epic-antarctica


*          Pure Antarctica with Andrew Denton    Feb 2017

            Join much-loved media personalities and serious Antarctica          

            fans on what will be their 11th trip between them. Enjoy on board lectures from the pair and the rare chance to chat with     the vastly knowledgable world adventurers. From $7595 USD

            http://www.chimuadventures.com/pureantarctica


For this week's Chimu Adventures cruise special deals phone 1300 707 597 or see chimuadventures.com.au

Chimu Adventures celebrates Shackleton centenary with exclusive cruise to Antarctica

Clipper Adventurer, now renamed Sea Adventurer
(www.shippingdatabase.com)

Leading Antarctica specialists Chimu Adventures is offering the chance for budding adventurers to retrace the steps of one of history's greatest explorers, Sir Ernest Shackleton.

In 1914, polar explorer Ernest Shackleton led an expedition to cross the continent of Antarctica from sea to sea. Unfortunately, en-route to the continent his ship, Endurance, became frozen in an ice floe stranding Shackleton and his crew.

What followed was one of history's greatest survival stories, which saw Shackleton and his men cross the world's roughest seas in open life boats and traverse the most inhospitable of terrains. Incredibly not one crew member was lost, many owing their lives to Shackleton's leadership and survival instinct.

To celebrate the epic journey, Chimu Adventures has launched an exclusive Antarctica cruise on-board the Sea Adventurer, departing Ushuaia in southern Argentina on the 24 February 2014.

The 16-day cruise will retrace the path of Shackleton's expedition visiting the island of South Georgia, Shackleton's final resting place, the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula. The ship's zodiacs will also attempt a landing on the famous Elephant Island, the starting point of Shackleton's 800 nautical mile journey in an open life boat to South Georgia.

On-board the Sea Adventurer, passengers  will be entertained by a few special guests - Australian TV presenter and Golden Logie nominee Andrew Denton and award winning artists Wendy Sharpe and Bernard Ollis.

Commenting on the upcoming voyage Andrew Denton said: "I am a self-professed Antarctica enthusiast. So far I have visited the white continent four times, and I can't wait to go again. Antarctica is a true wilderness: beautiful, hostile, fragile. I'm always amazed at how many colours there are in the white."

Artist Wendy Sharpe said: "Seeing Antarctic was without doubt one the most incredible experience I have ever had. The colours of the ice, sea and sky are unimaginable. I can't wait to go back, especially as on this trip we will see more penguins and seals. Every photo I have seen is astonishing and I'm very much looking forward to painting it."

Artist Bernard Ollis said: "Antarctica still feels like the final frontier for an artist. The amount of paintings or drawings actually made there can still be counted by hand. I feel this voyage will be powerful on many levels and challenge my pre-conceived perceptions. I am looking forward to producing an exciting body of new work."

Funds raised by the cruise will be donated to the Mawson's Huts Foundation, which helps conserve the historic huts used by Australian Explorer Douglas Mawson in Cape Denison.