Media Release: Chimu Adventures Welcomes Albatros Expeditions into Parent Company Network

Chimu Adventures are excited to share this update regarding Albatros Expeditions. 

Sydney 03 April 2025, Chimu Adventures (Chimu) are thrilled to announce that Albatros Expeditions (AE) will join their parent network Nordic Expedition Cruise and Travel (NECT) following NECT’s complete acquisition of the company. This partnership 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 enhancing their cruise offerings to the Arctic and Antarctica plus combine with Chimu’s Latin America land product, presenting 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, pedestalling their strong experience in immersive polar journeys across diverse market sectors, while prioritising low-emission voyages.

"We've spent the last few years trying to develop a reduced emission pathway in Antarctic operations for Australian travellers and this transaction is exactly the gamechanger that we've been looking for,” said Chad Carey, Chimu Adventure’s MD and partner in NECT group. 

“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," added Carey. 

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 a top tier in terms of 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. 

“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,” says Patrick Shaw, incoming CEO of Albatros Expeditions.

"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,” concluded Carey.  

To celebrate this partnership, Chimu is launching an exciting incentive for travel agents. By booking clients on the partnership fleet, agents will have the chance to win a 10 day famil on the Ocean Albatros, departing in the ‘25/’26 season. More details to be released very soon, in the meantime agents are encouraged to email: agents@chimuadventures.com  for more information.

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ABOUT CHIMU ADVENTURES 
Founded in 2004, Chimu Adventures go-to for all Latin America, Antarctica and Arctic travel requirements, from small ship expedition cruises to personalised itineraries, plus all international and domestic flight and transfer arrangements. Our specialist knowledge means we can offer the best options for everything. We use our own operations on the ground to access to an immense range of accommodation and activities and work personally with our traveller's style and budget, tailoring to their individual needs. 

Our team is committed to the destinations which we operate in and are proud members of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO), the Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) International Galapagos Tour Operators Association (IGTOA) and Adventure Travel Trade Association. For more information visit www.chimuadventures.com.

ABOUT ALBTROS EXPEDITIONS

Albatros Expeditions is a pioneering polar expedition operator offering exceptional experiences onboard our modern, state-of-the-art vessels. We focus on creating unique small ship expedition experiences, while being dedicated to preserving the natural beauty of the remote regions we explore.

Our company was founded as part of the Danish family owned Albatros Group and has been offering expeditions to the most remote regions of the world since 1986. We are explorers ourselves and create life-changing memories for our guests. To learn more visit www.albatros-expeditions.com

ABOUT POLAR LATITUDES

Recognized as Best Expedition Cruise Operator 2024 by Expedition Cruise Network (ECN), Polar Latitudes is the established leader in the Antarctica cruise industry, focused on delivering a small ship, highly immersive experience, in an atmosphere of exploration, camaraderie, and shared fun. We remain founder-owned and operated, and we are committed to supporting critical scientific organizations and research in Antarctic waters. Our overall passenger satisfaction rating of more than 95% is something we take great pride in.

Polar Latitudes is proud to be a member of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO), the Adventure Travel Trade Association, and is a founding member of the Polar Science Collective. To learn more, visit www.polar-latitudes.com