CONGRATULATIONS ON BOOKING YOUR EXPEDITION TO THE ARCTIC WITH CHIMU ADVENTURES

We are thrilled that you have booked with Chimu for your incredible adventure to the Arctic. Here you will find the additional details that we require from you and information to help you plan for your trip.

Covid-19 Restrictions/Vaccinations & Pre-Existing Medical Conditions 

Please note that some expedition ships still require proof of vaccination and/or testing prior to boarding a ship, but many have now removed these requirements for future travel. If you test positive for Covid-19 you may be required to isolate onboard or may not be able to partake in the voyage. If you are unvaccinated or have any concerns about Covid-19 and/or underlying health conditions that may impact your ability to partake in an Arctic Expedition cruise, please speak to your booking agent at the time of booking. Please note: Certain conditions may preclude you from travelling to the Arctic and this is ultimately at the discretion of the operator. Chimu Adventures is not liable for additional costs if any pre-existing conditions are not disclosed at the time of booking and you are determined to be unfit to travel by the operator due to these conditions. 

Svalbard: New Regulations from January 2025 
On the archipelago of Svalbard there are new regulations coming into place to protect the delicate eco systems and wildlife in the region. Tourism in Svalbard has grown enormously over the past decade, and regulations are needed.

•    There will be a limitation of 200 passengers on board ships that can cruise in nature reserves and national parks.
•    Previously it was required to keep a distance of 300 meters from polar bears around the archipelago. From 2025 it will also be required to keep a distance of 500 meters from polar bears around the archipelago between 1 March and 30 June.  
•    From 2025 there will be a speed limit of 5 knots within 500 meters from land outside bird cliffs in the period April 1 to August 31.
•    From 2025 motor traffic at sea must keep a minimum of 150 meters distance from haul out sites for walruses and the speed limit for motor traffic is 5 knots at a distance of 300 meters from haul out sites for walruses.  

Please see the below links from Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO) for additional information
Guidelines: https://aeco.no/guidelines/ 
Polar Bear Viewing Guidelines: https://aeco.no/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/polar-bear-new-profile.pdf 

If you have additional questions or concerns please reach out to your booking agent. 

WHAT HAPPENS NOW

Book your International Flights

International flights to join your Arctic cruise will be available for booking approximately 11 months before departure. Please get in touch with your booking agent to discuss flight options. Arctic voyages embark and disembark in a number of different countries and cities. Some companies have compulsory charter flights that are booked as part of your expedition cruise package. Please contact your booking agent to confirm the best arrival/departure flights to book in conjunction with your cruise.

Please note: We recommend that you consider having a night before your cruise in the city of embarkation or that your charter flight departs from. This will allow a buffer for flight delays/cancellations and for any baggage delays. On the final day of your cruise please check with us to confirm if there is a time you need to depart after before booking your flights, or that you book an additional night of accommodation. We will not be held responsible for the late arrival of the ship from your voyage.

Organise Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is mandatory on all Antarctic voyages. This is a condition of carriage. Your final travel documentation cannot be released until you have provided us with your travel insurance details.

The requirements for travel insurance vary from operator to operator, but as a minimum we suggest that you ensure your insurance provides the following cover:

• > A minimum coverage of USD250,000 for medical expenses, evacuation (including ship to shore transfer) and/ or emergency repatriation
• > Cover for COVID-19
• > Cover for any pre-existing conditions.
• > Cover for any optional activities you wish to participate in eg. Kayaking, Snowshoeing, Skiing. Please ensure your policy has adequate cover for adventure activities if you are opting to partake. Some activities may require snow or winter activity cover. If in doubt please check with your travel insurance company.    

Please refer to your Arctic Travellers Guide below for more information and reconfirm on your final documentation you receive that you have adequate insurance as required by the ship operator you are travelling with.  

Book your Optional Activities

Activities like kayaking and snowshoeing have limited spots and can book out quickly.          
Contact your booking agent to confirm your spot to ensure you don't miss out. Please note that some activities may not be combinable.

Cruise Enrolment Forms (available 4-12 months prior to departure)

These forms will be sent to you by your booking agent when they are available. Is is mandatory you fill these out and send them back to us as soon as possible. Your documentation will not be released by some operators until they are completed and if they are not filled in before you are due to embark you will be denied boarding on the ship. 
You will need to provide:

• > Travel insurance details
• > Information on any health problems, disabilities, or pre-existing physical health conditions that potentially require emergency care. Certain conditions may preclude you from travelling on an Arctc expedition and this is ultimately at the discretion of the operator. Chimu Adventures is not liable for additional costs if any pre-existing conditions are not disclosed at the time of booking and you are determined to be unfit to travel.
• > Sizing for your provided expedition gear
• > Optional Activity Information

You will be notified by your booking agent once these forms are available.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Expedition Gear

Once onboard you will generally be provided with Rubber Muck boots.

Most ships provide an outer waterproof jacket. These may be on loan, or yours to keep. Please check with your booking agent to provide more details.

You must bring your own waterproof trousers. These are essential for all Zodiac & Shore excursions       
 

Please note that life jackets, Expedition Parka, insulated Inner Jacket, and Muck boots are generally unavailable on board for minors under 16 years of age at the time of travel or for some smaller or larger sizes; please get in touch with your booking agent, who can provide more details.

What to Pack

We have put together a checklist for What you should pack for an Arctic cruise

Please refer to your Arctic Travellers Guide for more information. 

Medical information

Arctic expedition voyage often travel to remote areas with limited or no sophisticated medical facilities. Should a medical emergency arise, we must be armed with the necessary information to help you. Hence, any health problems, disabilities, or pre-existing physical health conditions that potentially require emergency care must be covered by your travel insurance and brought to our attention before the voyage. Medical forms will be available approximately 4-12 months prior to departure as part of your Cruise Enrolment (see above). Some conditions may preclude you from traveling aboard select vessels. If you have a chronic illness or recent acute medical condition we ask that you let us know at the time of booking, as some operators may not allow you to travel or require a medical assessment. Please consider you are travelling to the most remote region of the world and it can be very difficult to obtain anything other than basic medical attention. If you have any concerns about your health the earlier you can let us know, the better placed we are to address any potential concerns and ensure you have a smooth, issue free trip.    
 

Fuel Surcharges

Please note that your cruise booking may be subject to fuel surcharges should world oil prices increase significantly before the time of your departure. Cruise operators do attempt to factor this price into your tour cost. However, unexpected rises in the cost of marine fuel can result in a fuel surcharge that will depend on the cost of oil per barrel. By booking a tour with us, you agree that this may be the case with your booking. If this situation arises, you will be advised of any surcharge once we have been notified of the surcharges.

Voyage Itineraries

All voyages are indicative only as the actual itinerary will be determined day to day by the Expedition Leader and ship’s Captain. They consider a number of factors including wind direction (and speed), rainfall, ice conditions and AECO permitting requirements. The focus of the Expedition Leader and the Captain will be to deliver the best possible experience for the conditions on the day and that may mean going to a different location than originally intended. It’s important to understand that dynamic itineraries like this an essential difference between expedition cruises and traditional cruises.

If you have charter flights included in your package, please note that the flights are subject to weather conditions and the timings may vary.

Terms & Conditions

By making the booking, you confirm that you have read and agreed to be bound by our terms and conditions. Please click here to view.