The reasons why Antarctica should be on your bucket list, as told by Anita Speier, a specialist in polar destinations. | Travel Blog

Antarctica is the seventh continent favored by many international travelers. The most spectacular method of going to this continent is through expedition cruises, which are a much more unique and authentic experience.

That is why in this interview with Anita Speier, Antarctica Destination Specialist at the company CHIMU Adventures, she tells us why this pristine destination should be on everyone's travel list and how her company makes travel experiences memorable.

If you also wish to travel to this polar continent, then continue reading and be inspired to go!
 

 

Table of content

• CHIMU Adventures: What sets you apart from other expedition cruises?
  • Ocean Albatros: comfort and safety
  • Ocean Victory: estabilidad en cada aventura
  • Ocean Nova: the small explorer
  • Seaventure: superior class to raise your standards
• Traveler profile: The Conscious Explorer
  • Conscious traveler with sustainability in mind
• The best time to visit Antarctica
  • Late season: Between February and March
  • For photography enthusiasts, the early season is defined as November.
• Top must-see activities in Antarctica
• Sustainability in Antarctica
• Anita's unforgettable trip to Ecuador
  • ILLA Experience Hotel: a hotel for connecting with people
  • Anita's favorite moment in Ecuador
  • Anita's favorite place in South America
  • CHIMU Adventures in SCAPE Magazine
• Conclusion: A message for travel lovers
• FAQs 
  • Who is Anita Speier?
  • What is the difference between small and large expedition cruises for exploring Antarctica?
  • What experiences should I try if it's my first time in Antarctica?
  • What type of client typically chooses this type of cruise?
  • Where can I find more cruise expedition ship and tour options in the Antarctica?

CHIMU Adventures: What sets you apart from other expedition cruises?

CHIMU Adventures is an Australian company with B Corporation certification, which means that through each expedition with its cruises, it is committed to responsible tourism and to society, the community, and the environment.

Ocean Albatros: comfort and safety

 

The Ocean Albatros is an expedition cruise ship with a capacity for 169 passengers. It is one of the Antarctic expedition cruise ships with an X-Bow design, a safer bow design that allows it to cross the Drake Passage in a stable and smooth manner, avoiding sudden movements and ensuring the comfort and safety of passengers during their Antarctic experience.

Ocean Victory: stability in every adventure

 

The Ocean Victory, on the other hand, can accommodate 189 passengers. It was also designed to be more stable, allowing it to navigate the waves of Antarctica more smoothly.

Ocean Nova: the small explorer

 

The Ocean Nova has room for 80 passengers. Although small, being smaller opens up options for travelling to even more places in Antarctica, as there is a law that allows only ships with 100 passengers or less to explore these waters. Its capacity enables more flexibility in visiting each of the locations in Antarctica, and also allows for socializing with the crew and the guides.

Seaventure: superior class to raise your standards

 

Seaventure is a superior-class cruise ship with a capacity for 149 passengers. It is one of the most experienced cruise ships in the industry and is known for being one of the most energy-efficient ships in the industry.

Traveler profile: The Conscious Explorer

 

If you are someone who is passionate about exploring Antarctica, but in a more unique and conscious way, you may be the ideal customer profile.

Conscious traveler with sustainability in mind

 

Anita believes that the type of customer who travels on her cruises is someone who is conscious of sustainability, who wants to have more immersive experiences and not just tick off another item on their checklist and post a selfie on Instagram. This type of traveler is interested in connecting with local people and destinations in a responsible way.

So, if you are the type of traveler who is looking for an experience beyond luxury and wants to connect with yourself in a responsible way, explore the following itinerary.

The best time to visit Antarctica

 

The best time to visit Antarctica will depend on each traveler's preferences. Antarctica is a continent that will surprise you at every turn, but considering her experience, Anita recommends trips at those times to make your trip one of the best of your life.

Late season: Between February and March

 

The season between February and March is the best time for whale lovers and those who prefer exclusivity. It has one of the coldest climates, but it is a time of low demand and there are fewer ships exploring, so you will be one of the exclusive explorers. However, each season has its own magic.

For photography enthusiasts, the early season is defined as November.

 

If you enjoy photography, Anita said you'd want to come to Antarctica during this period because there is more light, more snow-covered landscapes, and much more icebergs than there is at other times. 

And if you love the emperor penguins, come to Antarctica by the end of December: “This time of year is when the penguin chicks are born, and watching them is so lovely because they are so small and cute,” according to Anita.

Top must-see activities in Antarctica

 

Antarctica is a destination that surprises you every minute. However, Anita's first recommendation was to travel on small cruise ships to enjoy the experience much more.

Additionally, travelers will participate in the following experiences:

• Kayaking: for the traveler who wants the chance to see dolphins and whales while on the ocean
• Skiing: for the traveler who loves amazing views and Antarctic ice.
• Camping: for the more adventurous traveler for the most adventurous travelers who want to experience Antarctica like never before.
• Polar Plunge: for the thrill seeker who wants to jump into the freezing cold water of the Antarctic. Anita has had this experience and recommends it.

 

Sustainability in Antarctica

 

CHIMU Adventures is one of the certified companies, characterized by its transparency with employees, the environment, and the community. Among its most concrete actions are:

• Recycling in Ushuaia with waste from ships: the company's manager is very focused on recycling, so he takes his employees to the plants to observe how this process works and maintain their environmental commitment. 
• IATTO Climate Change Committee: the owner of the company belongs to this committee to ensure that the entire Antarctic industry can start using fuels that are more environmentally friendly than oil.
• Make Difference Foundation: this is a foundation that supports different organizations, with 100% of the money it receives being donated to these foundations and CHIMU absorbing all operating costs.

Anita's unforgettable trip to Ecuador

 

A few months ago, Anita had the opportunity to visit Ecuador and stay at one of the luxury hotels in Ecuador that Voyagers Travel Company recommends and offers in our portfolio.

ILLA Experience Hotel: a hotel for connecting with people

 

ILLA Experience Hotel is one of the hotels in Quito, the capital of Ecuador that not only has attention to detail in design and style, but also offers an experience that goes far beyond that. What Anita liked most was the continuity of the guide Gina during the tour, because she was the one who picked her up from the airport and told her about every experience or detail she encountered on the tour.

And as Anita mentions, “Gina's human touch was great. We visited local artisans and participated in different activities with them, from cooking with a lady in her home and learning about the traditional food of the area to making crafts. I loved it”. - said Anita.

Anita's favorite moment in Ecuador

 

The most exciting part of Anita's trip to Ecuador was when she checked into the hotel with Gina. She shares her favorite photo with us of the guide and Gina upon their arrival, greeted with a welcome drink!

Anita's favorite place in South America

 

Every location in South America has its own enchantment. But Anita feels that Antarctica is, above all, her favorite location; it's the kind of place that is like a dream place that you don't just imagine but can actually see and feel for yourself. Anita also told us her second-favorite place is Patagonia because of the mountains, glaciers, and hiking.

CHIMU Adventures in SCAPE Magazine

 

CHIMU Adventures has been selected to be part of the first edition of SCAPE Magazine:

“We are thrilled to be able to make ourselves known, participate in this edition, and collaborate together because it is a magazine that specializes in this type of luxury travel. So we are very grateful to you for the invitation” said Anita.

In addition, for the launch of the magazine, there will be exclusive promotions and last-minute deals for Antarctica and Early Bird Discounts.

Conclusion: A message for travel lovers

 

Antarctica should be on every traveler's must-see list. The peace, adventure, and tranquility offered by this unspoiled place are unique! And if you like adventure travel, you can't miss out on kayaking, hiking, photography, and polar diving (and many other adventures!) at least once in your life.

So, is Antarctica on your bucket list?

FAQs 

 

Who is Anita Speier?

 

Anita Speier works for CHIMU Adventures as a destination specialist for Antarctica. She has also had the opportunity to visit several destinations in South America and recently visited Ecuador.

What is the difference between small and large expedition cruises for exploring Antarctica?

 

A small cruise ship, such as the Ocean Nova, can accommodate fewer than 100 passengers, allowing for many landings in different areas of Antarctica. Larger cruise ships can only make limited landings, such as one.

What experiences should I try if it's my first time in Antarctica?

 

If this is your first time in Antarctica, it might be good to treat yourself to a few of the unmissable experiences such as kayaking, ski, hiking or even polar plunge. Polar plunge is particularly recommended if you enjoy adrenaline.

What type of client typically chooses this type of cruise?

 

The type of traveller that chooses this cruise is sustainable conscious traveller. These are travellers that are looking to do more than simply provide a photo opportunity to their Instagram account; travellers that travel with a sense of responsibility

Where can I find more cruise expedition ship and tour options in the Antarctica?

 

To book Antarctica expedition cruises in Antarctica, simply visit our Antarctica Deals landing page and explore the current offers online.