NEW YORK — Intrepid Group and Chimu Adventures have announced a new program of sustainable small-group polar expeditions operated by the joint venture partners under the Peregrine Adventures flag, Intrepid’s premium brand.

Starting in October 2020, the charter will operate on the newly refurbished Ocean Endeavour ship and marks the next step in the joint partnership between Intrepid and Chimu, with the two companies now one of the largest sellers of Antarctica globally.

The new range also marks the return of Intrepid Group’s Peregrine Adventures brand to Antarctic waters and makes Intrepid Group a truly seven continent operator, says Intrepid Group CEO James Thornton.

“We know there is a huge appetite for a more sustainable and experiential style of cruise, so we’re thrilled that this partnership will take Peregrine back to operating polar expeditions in our own small group sustainable style,” says Thornton.

The Ocean Endeavour carries 199 travellers and has a range of accommodation options, including single cabins, as well as an onboard health and wellness center with saunas, a well-equipped gym, yoga classes, and a salt water pool.

With an ratio of one expedition leader to eight guests, a diverse range of on- and off-board activities, and rigorous sustainability standards, Greg Carter, co-founder of Chimu Adventures, says passengers “can feel assured the most important details are taken care of.”

Travellers will have the chance to explore the White Continent on a range of optional activities with specialized guides such as sea kayaking, snowshoeing, photography tours and ice-camping.

All departures will be carbon offset and eco-friendly measures will include no single-use plastic, a reusable water bottle for every guest and only sustainable seafood will be served onboard.

“We are seeing an increasing appetite from travellers of all ages to visit Antarctica. They want to get closer to nature and understand the world we live in,” says Carter.

“Antarctica needs advocates and tourism creates a global constituency of people ready to support – and indeed fund – its preservation. When you’re there, you see how fragile the earth is and that really does inspire travelers to come back with a renewed momentum to protect the planet.”

With voyages to the continent starting from US$4,990, Intrepid Group CEO James Thornton said the new polar program makes the Antarctic more affordable than ever before, without compromising on sustainable tourism.

Peregrine Adventures is seeing 27% growth in its 40th year, driven by growth in the brand’s adventure cruising range, including a new boat in the Galapagos Islands.