Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic Cruises Review 2024

Table Of Content

• Lindblad Expeditions/National Geographic Cruises Review: Ships, Destinations, Accommodations, and More
• Talk to an Expedition Specialist
• Is everything free on Lindblad Expedition cruises?
• Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic Cruises
• Take advantage of our additional offers
• Galápagos aboard National Geographic Endeavour II
• ROUND-TRIP GALÁPAGOS AIR INCLUDED UP TO $1,400

When Lindblad Expeditions bought the ship in October 2007, it needed considerable rebuilding. Most have worked in Alaska for years and many live locally, providing them a wealth of insider knowledge and a deep passion for the wonders in their backyards. Exploring in small groups, you’ll hear different perspectives each day of your voyage, and because there are no assigned groups you can gravitate toward the experts who share your interests and inspire your curiosity. Paddle a kayak on one of the world’s most famous waterways, the Strait of Magellan, on this fascinating sailing with Viking.

Lindblad Expeditions/National Geographic Cruises Review: Ships, Destinations, Accommodations, and More

A glass-enclosed fitness center, outdoor stretching area, a LEXspa treatment room and sauna, staffed by wellness specialists. Originally constructed for service along Norway’s coast as part of the famed Hurtigruten, or Coastal Express, she ferried passengers among the fjords of this iconic coast in conditions that could deteriorate into heavy seas in a matter of minutes. She had to be able to handle deep swells and towering waves—and have a high degree of maneuverability. Those traits, and an ideal size, made her a natural choice for addition to the Lindblad fleet. National Geographic Resolution is one of two nearly identical vessels that Lindblad Expeditions has unveiled in quick succession. The other, the 126-passenger National Geographic Endurance, also has debuted in recent months and is sailing in Antarctica.

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Talk to an Expedition Specialist

All of our veteran guides in Galápagos are Galápagueños or from mainland Ecuador so in addition to sharing their extensive knowledge of island species and habitats, they also offer an authentic, first-person connection to the region’s culture and history. Exploring in small groups, you’ll hear different perspectives each day of your voyage, and because there are no assigned groups you can gravitate toward the naturalists who share your interests and inspire your curiosity. National Geographic Explorer now roams the world, offering expedition cruises in the Polar regions and cultural enrichment sailings in the Baltic and Mediterranean seas.

Is everything free on Lindblad Expedition cruises?

The setting for all our activities was at the base of the Blue Mountains, which was lush with the growth of spring. Dunham Cellars was enjoyed for their acclaimed cabernet sauvignon, syrah, and chardonnay. Everyone then met at Three Rivers Winery for a catered lunch with wine tasting and an enjoyable bask in the warm sun, supplemented by frisbee golf, corn hole contests, and relaxing on the deck. The afternoon was spent at Fort Walla Walla Museum and downtown Walla Walla. Fort Walla Walla has many exhibits from the late 1800s to early 1900s, including a full-sized diorama of a team of 33 mules used to move the large wheat combines.

Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic Cruises

Some are designed to navigate shallow rivers and deploy narrow skiffs to explore flooded forests. Others tailored to sailing along wild coasts and venturing into fast-moving, shallow channels where whales gather seasonally to feed. And yet others are made to go far into the planet’s polar regions in safety and comfort without resupplying fuel or provisions for weeks on end. By late January, when I first arrived in Antarctica to test out National Geographic Resolution, the fast ice mostly had melted away in the northernmost areas of the Antarctic Peninsula that draw the bulk of Antarctica expedition vessels. To get us into the ice, the ship had to travel farther south than some expedition ships will go in Antarctica, to an ice-clogged waterway known as Lallemand Fjord. Few destinations are more iconic than the Galápagos Islands, where Lindblad Expeditions brought the very first group of citizen explorers more than 50 years ago.

Even for people like me who have traveled by ship through polar regions many times, it was a special moment — one made possible by the remarkable abilities of this new vessel. When you’re on a one of these cruises, you’ll not only travel to remote and exotic locations, but you’ll do so in the company of world-renowned photographers, naturalists, and scientists. Purpose built to accommodate expedition-style travel, the National Geographic Endeavour II is elegant, nimble, and equipped with state-of-the-art tools for up-close and personal explorations. She carries just 96 guests and features many public spaces that invite observation and community. National Geographic Resolution visits some of the most remote regions of the world, including the Arctic, Antarctic and Northwest Passage.

Galápagos aboard National Geographic Endeavour II

On the other end is a large (for an expedition ship) spa complex that includes a yoga room, sanctuary, two saunas and two treatment rooms. The ship is decked out with smart public spaces designed to ensure guests never miss the scenery or wildlife, thanks to abundant outdoor observation decks and floor-to-ceiling windows everywhere. And its main lounge doubles as a high-tech lecture space, with ample TV screens so that no one misses anything from the many presentations that will take place there during a cruise.

How to spend 10 days exploring the Croatian islands

But the most notable cabins are likely the solo cabins, an unusual and much-appreciated option on an expedition ship. National Geographic Resolution offers 14 solo staterooms, and they’re all balcony cabins. These rooms have slightly less space than other categories, with a twin bed instead of a queen, but are quite comfortable and offer a more-affordable option for passengers traveling alone. We sailed an Arctic itinerary and with many solo guests who said they loved the cabin – and the fact they didn’t have to pay a single supplement. National Geographic Sea Bird sailed into Crow Butte in the early morning while guests on the bow enjoyed viewing the Columbia River, which forms the border between Washington and Oregon. Guests had the option of an aerobic hike, nature hike, photo hike, and history walk around Crow Butte and Crow Butte Campground.

Guests will be cruising aboard the sturdy M/S Balto, which carries just 12 passengers in outside cabins and provides a much more intimate Greenland experience compared with large expedition vessels. The journey ends with a lodge stay showcasing unforgettable views of Eqi Glacier, one of the world’s most active glaciers, which calves several times an hour. Over 50+ years of exploring, Lindblad Expeditions’ veteran staff and the quality companionship they provide has established the company’s reputation. Every member of our team—from our naturalists and photographers to our expedition leaders—is committed to ensuring you have an unforgettable experience. Many of our veteran guides are Galapagueños; in addition to sharing their extensive knowledge of island species and habitats, they also offer an authentic connection to the region’s culture. With a ratio of one naturalist for every 10 to 12 guests, you will hear different perspectives every day, and because there are no set groups, you can gravitate toward naturalists who share your interests.

Visit all five inhabited isles in the archipelago of seven volcanic islands ringed with coral reefs. Far-flung Rapa, 325 miles from its nearest neighbour and with a population of just 467, sits in an idyllic lagoon inside a crater and can only be reached by ship. On board, expect a wealth of ukulele and craft classes, plus a resident tattooist for anyone wanting a permanent reminder of their trip. Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2024, Aranui is the longest-serving line in French Polynesia and its ship Aranui 5 — an unusual hybrid cargo and passenger vessel — is as much a talking point as the itinerary. Sails on 30 March and 2 November 2024, from €5,209 (£4,555) cruise-only with a 50% discount for a second passenger and no single supplement for solo travellers.

It’s done so against a mostly inclusive backdrop of a luxury ship that offers an excellent culinary program, comfortable cabins, and amenities like a hot tubs and saunas. It is up to the passengers to decide what they feel most comfortable wearing, depending on the weather and circumstances. Lindblad passengers are not generally sloppy, so you won't see shorts and T-shirts at dinner. It doesn't offer butlers with every cabin, as one luxury vessel sailing to Antarctica does. Yet it's still a stylish and comfortable ship — more so than many expedition vessels.

Watch the seascape from above and below on Ponant’s luxury exploration ship Le Dumont-d’Urville, on the Seychelles to Madagascar voyage. The ship has an innovative Blue Eye underwater observation lounge, which transports travellers beneath the sea to the islands and atolls of the Seychelles and Madagascar. Embark in Mahé, in the Seychelles, and spend the next 11 days sailing to Nosy Be in the Mozambique Channel, near the northwestern coast of Madagascar. Naturalists accompany shore tours, which include national marine parks such as Curieuse, where the resident colony of Aldabra giant tortoises are a big draw. Last stop in the Seychelles is Farquhar, the southernmost atoll, renowned for its towering sand dunes and shimmering lagoon.

Travelling with a team of naturalists, scientists and experts on Viking’s modern expedition ship, Viking Polaris, guests will gain an in-depth insight into the glaciers and wilderness as they delve into the rugged and unblemished region. Back on dry land, highlights include a visit to a Patagonian farm to learn first-hand about the lives and work of the Chilean sheep farmers that settled in these distant lands. Rainforest Cruises’ new Costa Rica voyage combines upmarket and sustainable sailing along the Pacific coastline with trips to protected eco-reserves. Costa Rica is an unexplored paradise for yachting and you can sail in style on the 18-passenger Kontiki Wayra, the only water-based member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. The five- and eight-day itineraries will appeal to environmentally conscious travellers who don’t want to sacrifice luxury — the yacht even has a hot tub and wine cellar. It’s been designed using organic eco-friendly materials and showcases work from local artists.