Lindblad Expeditions · Expedition lines
Lindblad Expeditions runs the National Geographic fleet: small expedition ships with naturalists, undersea specialists and photographers on board. The company invented the modern expedition cruise in the 1960s. Ships sail Alaska, the Galápagos, Antarctica, Baja California and beyond. None sail from Florida. I have not sailed Lindblad. It is the line for clients who want to learn more than lounge.
Swimming Pool. Press photo, Lindblad Expeditions
Category 7 and Suite cabins
- On the newest ships, National Geographic Endurance and Resolution, the top cabins are Category 7 suites and a small set of larger suites with balconies.
- On the Galápagos ships, National Geographic Islander II and Endeavour II, suites are the largest cabins but the ships are simple by design.
- There are no butlers anywhere in the fleet. The premium buys space and a balcony, not service.
- Every guest gets the same landings, Zodiac rides and lectures. Lindblad does not tier the expedition.
What comes with it
- All excursions, landings and Zodiac outings
- Meals and, on most ships, wine and beer with dinner
- Expedition gear such as parkas on polar trips
- Lectures and photo coaching
- Gratuities on some itineraries
From Florida
None. Trips begin in Anchorage, Quito, Buenos Aires, San Diego and other gateways. Naples clients fly from Fort Myers or Miami, and Lindblad's air desk handles the connections.
The ships
National Geographic Resolution · National Geographic Endurance · National Geographic Islander II · National Geographic Endeavour II · National Geographic Explorer · National Geographic Orion · National Geographic Venture · National Geographic Quest
A floating field station with good food. Days are built around the landings, not the ship. The crowd is curious and fit.
Lindblad Expeditions in pictures
Lindblad Expeditions, from the line's press room · Press photo, Lindblad Expeditions
Who it fits
- Travellers who want the Galápagos or Antarctica with the best naturalists in the business.
- Photographers.
- Grandparents taking teenagers on a trip with substance.
Who should look elsewhere
- Anyone who wants a suite with a butler and a quiet pool deck.
- Guests who want to stay on board. The whole point is getting off.
Questions about Lindblad Expeditions
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Thinking about Lindblad Expeditions?
Kathryn will price its top tier against the suites she has stayed in and tell you where it wins.