Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, your Antarctica cruise ship can cater to any dietary requirements, including severe allergies, Halal, Kosher, and gluten-free or vegan requests. You'll provide your dietary requirements at the time of booking but you can also meet with your ship's Executive Chef or Head of Dining to ensure the team is aware of your needs. No matter your dietary requirements, you'll enjoy exceptional cuisine on your Antarctica cruise. 

Chimu Adventures only works with the top-rated Antarctic expedition operators. All of our partners take fewer than 200 passengers, ensuring you can maximise your time off the ship and on the ice, and each operator has been vetted extremely carefully to ensure they offer only the best possible experience for guests in terms of safety, off-ship experiences, comfort, and sustainability. Our team of Destination Specialists are glad to talk you through the best Antarctic options to suit your interests and budget.

On your Antarctic expedition cruise, twice-daily excursions off the ship are included, weather permitting. Your Antarctic activities may include a zodiac cruise, shore landing, guided hike, or research station visit. Many ships also offer optional activities that you can sign up for, at an additional expense, including kayaking, camping, or a comprehensive photography program.

East Antarctica expedition cruises usually depart from Invercargill or Christchurch in New Zealand or Hobart in Tasmania, Australia. East Antarctica cruises are longer in duration, often around 25-30 days, and are popular with travellers seeking a unique itinerary or with a strong history in Antarctic exploration history.

Overnight camping on the ice is one of the most popular Antarctic activities. It is offered by many ships, including the Ocean Albatros and the Discoverer. Camping in Antarctica is limited to a set number of participants, so it's recommended to book your place in advance. Camping is also weather dependent and may not be offered on all voyages, particularly those very late or early in the season. 

Chimu has access to a wide range of Polar expedition vessels and itineraries, so if you don’t see a trip that catches your eye, please give us a call, email, or chat with us. We have access to many more Antarctica deals than the ones on our website, so we’re happy to do the work to travel to Antarctica for the best possible price. We can include international flights, insurance, transfers, and everything else you need for your journey.

The Antarctic season runs during the Southern Hemisphere summer months, from late October through March. Any time during the season will bring amazing opportunities to see icebergs, wildlife, and incredible landscape and glacier views. 

Chimu specialise in small-ship Polar cruising and work with a range of handpicked vessels that take fewer than 200 passengers. Smaller ships offer more opportunities to get off the ship and on the ice, taking part in twice-daily shore landings and optional activities like kayaking and ice camping. We have over 20 years of Antarctic experience, so our Destination Specialists are here to help you find the perfect Antarctic ship for your schedule, budget, and interests. 

The Antarctic expedition cruise season runs from late October through March, but each month of the season is amazing for wildlife, icebergs, and landscapes—you can’t go wrong, no matter when you travel.

Expedition cruises to South Georgia and the Falklands depart in the Southern Hemisphere summer months, generally between late October through March. This time of year brings mild weather, longer days, and lots of wildlife activity. 

Yes! The Polar Plunge is a popular Antarctic tradition and is offered on most expeditions, included in your cruise cost. If you're willing to brave the icy waters for a few seconds, you'll create some amazing memories - and bragging rights for a lifetime!

It's said that the best camera is the one you have on you, and this is very true for Antarctica photography! Whether you use a mirrorless, a DSLR, or an iPhone, you'll be able to create magical photos and videos of your trip. However, if you have plenty of time to learn how to use it and want to invest in new gear before your trip, mirrorless cameras are generally lighter in weight and smaller, making them more convenient for travelling. 

The number of people on board varies depending on the ship but the majority of our ships carry between 90-180 passengers. Small ship expeditions are ideal for maximising your time off the ship and on the ice, ideally with two excursions each day. 

Most ships depart from South America (Ushuaia, Argentina or Punta Arenas, Chile), so you can also combine your cruise with a summertime adventure in Patagonia, Buenos Aires, or Santiago. However, some Antarctic ships depart from New Zealand or Australia. 

Chimu Adventures are the Antarctica specialists, an Associate Member of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators, and a Certified B Corporation. We offer the largest range of vessels, an experienced, expert team of Polar guides, and comprehensive, flexible itineraries, tailoring each itinerary to make your Antarctic cruise unique and unforgettable.

Shore landings are included in all of our Antarctic cruises and two shore or zodiac excursions are usually planned per day, weather conditions permitting.

The sub-Antarctic islands are a true paradise for wildlife! The wildlife observed will vary based on the islands visited, the time of year, and the weather conditions, but commonly-seen species include elephant seals, albatross, and many penguin species, including Gentoo, rockhopper, Snares crested, and the yellow-eyed penguin. You may also see fur seals, whales, and shearwaters.
 

If you're unsure which luxury Antarctic cruise is best for you, the experts at Chimu are here to help. Please give us a call, send an email, or message with our team on Chat to ask any questions about luxury Antarctica travel planning. Our team are true Antarctic experts who have travelled to the continent many times and can advise on the best luxury ship for your needs, based on their own experience. 

Luxury cruises are modern, purpose-built vessels designed to offer five-star luxury to guests. Imagine fine dining, champagne, a decadent onboard spa, and turndown service each night. Some ships also offer butler service, scenic helicopter flights, and sleek architectural designs, matched by chic interior styling. Alongside your luxury experience, you’ll still enjoy twice-daily excursions and lots of expedition activities, like citizen science programs and shore landings. 

We know solo travellers often encounter solo supplements when searching for their own cabin, which can be frustrating. If you're a solo traveller seeking to avoid solo supplements on an Antarctica cruise, please give us a call. While we have a range of Antarctica deals online, our experienced team of Destination Specialists have access to many more cruises than we can feature on our website. We often receive special exclusive offers from our suppliers, including no single supplement cabins on select departures, and can help you find the best possible deal on your cruise as a single traveller. 

Solo travel to Antarctica is very popular, but we know single supplements can be frustrating. Traditionally, most cruise operators develop their pricing based on two guests in one cabin, which is why pricing can be different for twin versus solo occupancy. However, Chimu Adventures is here to help. We know which Antarctic vessels offer dedicated solo berths and can help you find an itinerary where you can have your own room, without the extra cost. Or, if you're willing, we can also pair you up with a fellow solo traveller of the same gender to share a cabin, ensuring you have access to the most competitive pricing. 

Yes, Antarctica is not only a popular destination for solo travellers, but there are many opportunities to make new friends onboard! The intimate nature of small-ship cruises and the large communal areas create plenty of opportunities to strike up a conversation, such as during the welcome drinks, over the breakfast buffet, or before an onboard lecture - you'll likely make some new pals before you even sail out of Ushuaia! Some ships also reserve dining tables for solo travellers, making it easy to enjoy meals with likeminded explorers. 

Yes! Each season, we have many solo travellers of all ages and genders travel with us to Antarctica. It's easy to make friends over afternoon tea or a casual cocktail in the ship's lounge, so most travellers who arrive alone quickly make friends. Some ships also reserve restaurant seating for solo travellers who would like to dine with others.

To get the best possible deal on Antarctic travel, book far in advance to take advantage of early-bird booking discounts offered by operators. Or, if you're flexible on when you go, you can try your luck on a last-minute discount. Shoulder season cruises, at the beginning or end of the season, are also offer more competitively priced than cruises in the peak season months of December or January, but still offer an incredible experience. If you're on a tight budget, feel free to give us a call as the team at Chimu has access to a wide range of Antarctica specials, some not posted on our website, so we can help you find the ideal itinerary. 

It usually takes around two days, or 48 hours, to cross the Drake Passage in each direction. However, ships can often arrive a little earlier if weather conditions are calm. During your Drake Passage crossing, there will be lots to do onboard, such as attend educational lectures, connect with your fellow travellers, or even just relax and catch up on some sleep. 

Tourism in Antarctica is governed by IAATO, the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators. For the safety of travellers, the environment, and the wildlife, Antarctica ships follow strict IAATO guidelines. These include maintaining safe distances from all wildlife (distances vary for different species), following biosecurity protocols, and abiding by the 'Leave No Trace' policy. Before your first shore landing, your expedition crew will provide a comprehensive briefing on IAATO guidelines, ensuring you're ready to go!

Safety is always the number on priority in Antarctica. Your expedition team has access to world-class weather tracking systems to understand the wind speed, temperature, and forecast for each potential landing site. If your expedition leader deems it unsafe, a landing might be cancelled or ended earlier than planned. Or, the ship may reposition to another nearby landing site where there is less wind, for example, making it safer to land. While most ships aim for two landings per day, this is always subject to weather and sea conditions. 

Yes, your Antarctica ship will have at least one doctor onboard, but usually two - one employed by the ship and one by the expedition team. They are there to assist with minor injuries, accidents, or seasickness, but the medical facilities onboard are very limited. In the rare case of a serious medical emergency, the patient may need to be airlifted off the ship, which is why comprehensive travel insurance is required for all Antarctica cruise passengers. 

At times, the Drake Passage can produce turbulent seas, but our vessels are built for maximum stability and comfort to ensure that even in rough conditions, sea and motion sickness are kept to a minimum at all times. We also have a host of services and facilities available should symptoms befall you. It also might be possible to fly over the Drake Passage, so speak to one of our Destination Specialists for more information.

All of our tours are 100% tried and tested to ensure that when you travel with us, you’re doing so in a controlled and safe environment with trained experts. We consistently monitor weather conditions and will always provide you with the best possible adventure without risk of injury to you or the vessel. While some activities may need to be rescheduled or cancelled due to weather, every effort is made to have a contingency plan should such conditions become a reality during your expeditions. We’ve been the experts in Antarctic travel for over 20 years and use our vast experience and knowledge when picking the vessels we sell to provide you with an adventure that’s unforgettable for all the right reasons.

Yes, your Arctic or North Atlantic cruise ship can cater to any dietary requirements, including severe allergies, Halal, Kosher, and gluten-free or vegan requests. You'll provide your dietary requirements at the time of booking but you can also meet with your ship's Executive Chef or Head of Dining to ensure the team is aware of your needs. No matter your dietary requirements, you'll enjoy exceptional cuisine on your Arctic  cruise. 

The best time of year to see the Northern Lights in Greenland is September through March. However, the aurora may be seen at any time of the year, provided the skies are clear. If you're hoping to see the Northern Lights on your Greenland expedition cruise, a late season departure in late August or September is one of your best options. 

Arctic cruises sail within Northern Hemisphere summer, so the best months to visit the Arctic are between late May and September. 

Depending on the region being visited, Arctic cruises depart from a range of locations, including Reykjavic, Oslo, Copenhagen, and Longyearbyen. 

Planning an Arctic cruise can be complex, with many destinations and ships to choose from. The experienced team at Chimu is here to help you get started. We have access to a wide range of Arctic cruises, many more than listed on our website, so please reach out and we can talk you through the best choices for your interests, schedule, and budget. We can also package together everything else you need, including international flights, transfers, travel insurance, and hotel stays before or after your cruise.

Greenland expedition cruises operate within the Northern Hemisphere's summer months, generally from June until September. 

On your Arctic expedition cruise, you’ll enjoy the cool summer temperatures, generally not as cold as you may have experienced in Antarctica. As a rough guide, daytime temperatures may range from 0°C/32°F up to highs of 10-19°C/50-66°F. Layers are key when it comes to packing for your Arctic expedition cruise, allowing you to adjust throughout the day. 
 

Solo travel to the Arctic is very popular, but we know single supplements can be frustrating. Traditionally, most cruise operators develop their pricing based on two guests in one cabin, which is why pricing can be different for twin versus solo occupancy. However, Chimu Adventures is here to help. We know which Arctic vessels offer dedicated solo berths and can help you find an itinerary where you can have your own room, without the extra cost. Or, if you're willing, we can also pair you up with a fellow solo traveller of the same gender to share a cabin, ensuring you have access to the most competitive pricing.

Yes, both the Arctic and the North Atlantic region are popular destination for solo travellers, but there are also many opportunities to make new friends onboard! The intimate nature of small-ship cruises and the large communal areas create plenty of opportunities to strike up a conversation, such as during the welcome drinks, over the breakfast buffet, or before an onboard lecture - you'll likely make some new pals before you even sail! Some ships also reserve dining tables for solo travellers, making it easy to enjoy meals with likeminded explorers.

Chimu Adventures partners with many luxury Arctic expedition ships, offering exceptional service and comfort at sea. Different ships offer different amenities, but may offer comforts such as an onboard spa, private balconies, butler service, fine dining and champagne, state-of-the-art lecture theatres and citizen science centers, and five-star hotels the night before or after your cruise. 

Arctic expedition cruises follow different itineraries, but some of the most popular routes visit Svalbard, Iceland, Canada's Northwest Passage, and Greenland. 

Chimu specialise in small-ship cruising to the Arctic, with each ship taking fewer than 200 passengers. This allows for a more immersive experience and also a reduced environmental impact.

It's always possible to see polar bears in the Arctic, but never a certainty. A Svalbard cruise often provides good chances for polar bear viewing, but there are very strict guidelines in place to ensure ships keep a safe distance from the animals.

Arctic cruises range in duration from around 7-21 nights, depending on the destinations visited. 

Seeing the Northern Lights is always a possibility on Arctic cruises, espeically in September on clear nights. 

Your Arctic cruise will vary, based on your destinations, but often Arctic cruises include lots of wildlife, bird, and whale viewing, visits to local Inuit communities and fishing villages, and zodiac excursions to view icebergs, glaciers, and fjords. 

Most ships offer Wi-Fi connectivity for an additional fee. Due to the Arctic's remote location, mobile phone service may not always be available. 

Meals are of a very high standard on Arctic cruises. Menus are prepared by an executive chef and may include hot and cold breakfast, a buffet lunch, and a three-course dinner, but can cater to all dietary requirements. Some ships include beer, wine, and soft drinks with dinner.

A high level of fitness is not necessary for Arctic cruise passengers, but you need to be in good health as although there is generally a doctor on board the ship, you may be a long way from any other medical assistance. The majority of activities are focused around shore excursions and zodiac cruising and so you need to be able to climb into and out of the inflatable zodiacs from both the ship and the shore. On shore landings you may need to negotiate uneven and slippery ground. Shore excursions generally involve some walking, but we can provide more details about travel to specific Arctic destinations. 

Chimu Adventures specialise in small ship Amazon River cruises, taking around 18-40 passengers at a time. Smaller cruises create a more intimate experience and make it easier to maximise your time sightseeing in the Amazon through experiences like nocturnal wildlife walks, canoeing, or learning from Indigenous Amazon communities.  

The most important app to download before your South America trip is Whatsapp. This communication platform for texting and calling is used everywhere on the continent and will be used by your local ground staff in South America to communicate with you. If you're not fluent in Spanish, you might also want to try out a translation app, along with popular apps such as Google Maps, Uber, or AllTrails, if you plan on doing any hiking or long walks. 

Many travellers and photographers, are drawn to the South American continent for its incredibly unique wildlife. Where you decide to visit will depend on what wildlife you hope to see, but in general, some of the best South American destinations for wildlife include the Amazon, the Galapagos Islands, the Brazilian Pantanal. South America is also a dream for bird watching, in particular places like Colca Canyon, the Cloud Forests of Ecuador, and the Amazon River.

The Galapagos Islands are renowned for their wildlife with vast numbers and varieties found on the islands and in the waters surrounding the islands. There are whales, sharks, dolphins, sea lions and fur seals, bird species too numerous to mention ranging from blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds to penguins and hummingbirds, giant tortoises, turtles, iguanas and lava lizards. Some species are seen only at certain times of the year.

Spanish is the most commonly spoken language in South America, so it helps to know a little bit. However, in the major tourist areas, you can almost always find English-speaking assistance. Your local Chimu guides will also be fluent in English and will be there to assist.

Chimu’s Signature South America itineraries offer the perfect blend of independent and supported travel, including your accommodation, transfers, internal flights, as specified, and a range of different tours and excursions with local English-speaking guides, depending on the itinerary. Some meals are included as well. 

Yes, you can easily find Wi-Fi in most major areas in South America, including your hotels. In some remote destinations, such as the Galapagos, internet connectivity may be limited or available as an additional charge. 

Tipping guidelines vary from country to country, but it's always appreciated. Your Chimu Destination Specialist can provide specific information regarding tipping, depending on your destinations. 

Yes, South America is a great destination for solo travellers! With Chimu's Signature South America itineraries, you'll receive the support of local guides, including airport pickups, transfers, and local walking tours, all of which are also good opportunities to meet fellow travellers. However, you'll also have free time to take in the sights that appeal to you, as each Signature itinerary is a blend of guided and independent travel. If you have questions about solo travel to South America, please reach out and our experienced team would be happy to help. 

The level of fitness needed will depend on the South America tour that you choose to take in terms of countries to be visited and the types of activities to be included in your itinerary. Many parts of South America are at altitudes above 2000 metres, where there is a risk of altitude sickness. Altitude sickness effects everyone differently and usually has nothing to do with your general fitness level, but we highly recommend acclimatizing at altitude before taking strenuous treks or walks. However, it's definitely possible to experience South America and have an amazing time, no matter your fitness levels. 

Most South American countries recognise that tourism plays an important part in their economies and governments have taken great steps in the last few years to change South America’s poor security image. You will find a strong police presence in the towns, cities and sites most frequently visited by tourists. However, always minimise security risks with a few basic precautions, such as leaving valuables at home, keep your bag and camera securely attached, use only taxis with official identification, and avoid visiting remote areas on your own.

South America is truly one of the world's best destinations for birding. Some of the most popular places to observe a large array of bird species include the Galapagos, the Amazon River basin, Ecuador's Cloud Forests, the Pantanal of Brazil, and the stunning mountains and valleys of Colombia. 

A vast continent like South America can be overwhelming, so we recommend starting with a few key regions. Many first-time visitors may spend anywhere from 1-3 weeks, but it all comes down to where you want to go and your schedule. You can also easily add on a few days before or after your Antarctica cruise. 

The dry season months of April through October is the best time to visit Machu Picchu. However, it is open year-round, with the exception of the Inca Trail, which often closes in February each year for essential maintainance. 

Chimu are South American experts with over 20 years’ experience in the region. Our Signature South America itineraries have been refined, simplified, and perfected our itineraries over two decades to give you the ultimate experience in each location, including not just major highlights but also smaller, locally owned attractions and markets. Each trip is a blend of guided and independent travel, with local English-speaking staff on the ground in each location to help whenever needed. 

November through March is the best time to visit Patagonia, with long days and warm weather ideal for hiking, sightseeing, or cruising the fjords. While some areas also offer skiing in the Southern Hemisphere winter months, many lodges and tourism operators shut down in the off-season.

Depending on your nationality, a visa may be required to visit some countries in South America. Your Chimu Destination Specialist can provide more information at the time of booking. 

We recommend that you visit your doctor or a traveller’s medical centre for current information specific to those countries that you will be travelling through, as each country has its own requirements for vaccinations.
As a general guide, you may need vaccines for yellow fever, especially for jungle areas, hepatitis – both A and B, typhoid, diphtheria, cholera, and tetanus. 

Most Australian travellers fly to South America via Santiago, with several airlines offering direct flights from major capital cities. Santiago is a major hub that makes it easy to connect to your final destination and you'll find English speaking staff who can assist with your transfers. 

Yes, Chimu requires all travellers to have comprehensive travel insurance. This is essential for your peace of mind as well, ensuring you won't be out of pocket if you need emergency medical care, have issues with lost luggage or cancelled flights, or if any personal items are damaged.