Lindblad Expeditions is for those with the desire to explore the world on small ships in small groups and go beyond the typical cruise ports and destinations. With a dedicated fleet of expedition vessels, Lindblad goes both where the large ships do, but mostly far beyond. With National Geographic’s partnership, Lindblad Expeditions is expedition focused. Taking both naturists and tourists off the beaten path.
I recently finished an expedition with Lindblad throughout Melanesia. The majority of the trip was about building relationships with local communities and going places where others cannot. After exploring, or cruising, with Lindblad I honestly know why people who choose Lindblad, go back time and time again. Let me help you Nat Geo your life and book your expedition via Scott & Thomas.
Dedicated to Small Ship Expeditions
Lindblad Expedition has a dedicated fleet of expedition ships. Lindblad’s largest ship, National Geographic Explorer, holds just 148 passengers. Meanwhile, most cruise ships hold over 2,000 customers, these ships are just 10% of the size. Most of Lindblad ships hold less than 100 people. The smallest is the Delfin II, awaiting your arrival in the pristine swath of jungle. With just 28 guests sailing the Western Amazon in Peru, join Lindblad amazon expeditions.
Don’t just see the upper amazon, but Lindblad offers small group tours to Machu Picchu as well. See both places together, making this an easy trip 5 months of the year.
Each of Lindblad ships are purposefully built for the destination they serve. In the Caribbean and Mediterranean the beautiful Sea Cloud invites 58 guests to set sail on an actual sailboat. The Sea Cloud is a historic four-masted barque, is an overall multisensory experience of the rarest kind. With just 30 outside cabins, you will be impressed.
Whereas Lindblad Antarctica polar sister ships National Geographic Endurance and Resolution invite 128 guests on a luxury expedition with a very distinctive profile, the patented X-Bow®. The X-box is a game-changing design that guarantees the smoothest, most comfortable ride in all kinds of conditions; and since it eliminates bow impact, a quieter ride across the drake passage.
Nat Geo Antarctica offers options both short and long. Explore Antarctica or tack on the Falklands and South Georgia. They also go beyond the typical Antarctica peninsula with an atypical sailing from New Zealand.
With small ships, Lindblad can go where no one else can go. On my most recent trip on the National Geographic Orion, our ship pulled up to small islands and bays in the Solomon Islands. As these bays are not mapped or on official charts, Lindblad would use a scouting zodiac with sonar to map the bay. Then the ship would pull in close to the island and drop anchor close to the remote villages. As large ships stop in Port Vila, we were able to visit several remote villages and islands. Some which have never had a cruise ship ever visit before our arrival!
National Geographic and Lindblad offer several unique options throughout Asia and the South Pacific. Some options even allow divers to explore the underwater world and discover dive sites which are not on anyone’s map. From Raja Ampat to Papua New Guinea, the options are endless and a scuba divers dream! For those who do not dive, do not worry, the snorkeling is out of this world and there’s other options such as hikes, kayaking, village visits and more! Snorkeling gear is always free on Lindblad expeditions.
There are many benefits to the small ships, beyond just the destination. With less than 130 people, you get to know your fellow passengers. There are no lines, no waiting, and you get to experience more of the destination. With Lindblad and Nat Geo, it’s about the destination. The ships are stunning, but the trip is about the exploration and destination.
National Geographic Partnership
Nat Geo only partners with one cruise line and it is Lindblad Expeditions. The partnership was created in 2004 and brought the two companies together as one. Together they further inspire everyone to experience expedition cruising. Their collaboration in exploration, research, technology, and conservation provides extraordinary travel experiences and disseminates geographic knowledge around the globe.
Now, thanks to the Lindblad-National Geographic alliance, you can sail aboard the National Geographic fleet to the planet’s most extraordinary places. Sail with world-renowned scientists, naturalists, educators, and researchers. Explore stunning natural environments alongside skilled specialists using state-of-the-art exploration tools.
On every Lindblad cruise you are accompanied by National Geographic experts. These include National Geographic Photographers who not only teach you how to take better photos but are busy filming and photographing for the next Nat Geo special! The photographers are with you at every destination. Expedition cruises also include cultural specialists and naturalists. These experts help educate passengers and recap experiences along the journey. Each night there’s a daily recap, relive the experiences and take away meaning from the experience of the day. Don’t just travel, learn! It’s what expeditions cruises are about.
Nightly recap on the Orion
Impressive Destinations On All 7 continents
Lindblad Expeditions in partnership with National Geographic sail to all 7 continents. Few companies can take small groups of people to all 7 continents. With their dedicated small ship fleet there are a few ships which do year-round tours in unique destinations such as the Galapagos, Nile, Mekong, and Amazon. Other ships move around the world, opening destinations far and wide.
Lindblad offers unique options and sailings around the world. A safari at sea, where the destinations matter, but the exploration and the daily find lead the charge.
I chose Lindblad for my expedition cruise as I really wanted to explore Melanesia. With stops scheduled in the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and New Caledonia it was a win-win. The impressive islands offered welcoming locals, great hikes, and an experience I will never forget. Village Chiefs welcomed us, kids looked at us in awe, and villages performed traditional dances and shows for us and then proudly would show us around in small groups and explain to us their way of life.
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The experiences I had with Nat Geo surpasses any experience I have had with other cruise companies. Check out my IG for more pictures and videos of this trip. I cannot wait to go on my next expedition. I’m ready to explore, learn, and grow while seeing more destinations off the beaten path!
All-inclusive Expedition Cruises
When on expedition with Lindblad nearly everything is included. Step onboard and get ready to experience the world through National Geographic. From dinner time to Teatime, and everything in between all meals are included. There’s no specialty restaurants or upcharges for food. Plus, starting in 2024 all ships will offer an open bar. While most of Lindblad Expeditions fleet already includes complimentary full bar, beginning in 2023, they will offer complimentary beer and wine on National Geographic Venture, National Geographic Quest, National Geographic Sea Lion, and National Geographic Sea Bird. And beginning in 2024, these ships will offer full complimentary bar as well, so that the entire Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic fleet will include complimentary drinks. The offer includes local and international beers, wines, and liquors.
Each day you will also have multiple options for your expedition activities. From hikes to zodiac tours your costs are included in your fare. Lindblad has kayaks and SUPs on most ships along with several zodiacs. Get off the ship and explore where other people can’t go. Have an active vacation where you are exploring; not just sitting on a ship or exploring a gimmick port specifically built for the large cruise ships.
Other noteworthy cruise deals
- $6,500 fares to Antarctica. BOGO
- Emerald and Scenic River and Ocean Voyages BOGO
- 30% OFF Antaractica – Save $5,000-10,000 per person with Nat Geo & Lindblad Expeditions
- BOGO Expeditions to Antarctica, Canary Islands & Galapagos with Hurtriguten.
- 20% off the Arctic + free wifi with Nat Geo
- Kids go 100% on Select Sailings – Nat GEO & Lindblad
- 30% Seabourn Alaska 2023 sailings starting from $2,250 pp
- No Solo Supplement Deals – Lindblad
- No Solo Supplement Hurtriguten
Bottom Line
National Geographic and Lindblad Expeditions offers among the most unique way to cruise the world. On some trips, the destinations are made up and the stops don’t matter. Why?! Because if something more unique comes up or there’s a better expedition opportunity, the expedition leader is going to change directions to ensure the best experience for all. Lindblad Expeditions offers destinations and a vacation which aren’t your typical ship-based vacation. If you have a sense of exploration, then National Geographic and Lindblad is for you. If you want a strict schedule with little deviation, avoid Lindblad.
National Geographic Lindblad Expeditions typically cost around $600 to $1,400 a day per person. National Geographic Journeys with G adventures can be more expensive or more economical. The more remote the destination the higher the cost. Unless there’s a sale, like the 20% off the 2023 Arctic Summer sale currently happening
The price can be high, but the experiences are priceless. When you are ready to be a real explorer, contact your expedition expert Rocky at Scott & Thomas. For the best prices and deals.
