Chimu Adventures has announced that Albatros Expeditions (AE) is joining their parent network Nordic Expedition Cruise and Travel (NECT).
This development follows NECT’s complete acquisition of the expedition cruise firm, and this marks a milestone for both companies in the Australian market.
Leveraging the extensive network of NECT which also includes Polar Latitudes (PL), Albatros Expeditions and Polar Latitudes will join operational forces to enhance their respective cruise offerings to the Arctic and Antarctica which will be packaged with Chimu’s Latin America land product to offer Australian travellers the full travel package, door to door, across a growing fleet of ships.
This new acquisition will round out a strong global operations and sales group for NECT, in both the Polar and Latin America travel markets.
The combined fleet of Polar Latitudes and Albatros Expeditions will include the Ocean Albatros, Ocean Victory, MS Seaventure, and Ocean Nova.
By doing so, the combined firm leverages its strong collective experience in immersive polar journeys across diverse market sectors, while prioritising low-emission voyages.
According to Albatros Expeditions’ incoming chief executive Patrick Shaw: “Our ambition is to create the most trusted and reliable brand for all of our customers and business partners by learning from, and building on, each other’s strengths. Within our network, as we expand polar operations, we continue to leverage the Chimu brand as the complete package, both locally and globally. Chimu offers access to all the very best ships and deals in the polar regions, as well as a place to book flights and South America travel packages, all with only one phone call. This combination of expertise under one umbrella provides the perfect hub for travellers and agents alike to feel well taken care of, both now and in the future.”
A more sustainable way to cruise into Antarctica
According to Chimu Adventures’ managing director and NECT partner Chad Carey explained that they have spent the last few years trying to develop a reduced emission pathway in Antarctic operations for Australian travellers.
That said, this acquisition was the game-change they needed.
Carey said: “The addition of the X bow ships to the fleet, Ocean Albatros and Ocean Victory, operated by Albatros, are not only two of the most capable expedition cruising ships on the water, but their modern and efficient design will reduce our emissions per traveller significantly, compared to our previous operations on the Ocean Endeavour.”
Albatros Expeditions have been at the forefront of sustainable cruising for a number of years operating the emission efficient Ocean Albatros and Ocean Victory.
This combined with their extensive experience in polar operations and comprehensive green initiative onboard program where single used plastics are eliminated, biodegradable products are used, and sustainable food is served, puts Albatros in the top tier among polar operators.
These strengths complement those of Chimu’s sister company, Polar Latitudes, a US based expedition travel company recognised for their industry leading operations.
Polar Latitudes is known for its deeply immersive Antarctic experiences, strong leadership in Citizen Science, and ongoing support of NGOs committed to protecting the polar region’s fragile environment.
