Tuesday, April 2, 2024

Lindblad Expeditions National Geographic Explorer Cruise: Expert Review 2023

national geographic cruise ships

Lindblad Expeditions/National Geographic has a fleet of 15 vessels, including 11 expedition ships, 4 river ships, and 1 yacht. The newest ship, the National Geographic Islander II, was introduced in August 2022. While cruising with Lindblad Expeditions/National Geographic isn’t inexpensive, almost everything you can imagine is included in your fare both on board and on shore. That means you won’t pay extra for shore excursions, meals, hotels on land, most meals on land, transfers to and from group flights, and activities like zodiacs, kayaks, and snorkeling. Some ships even include things like alcohol, gratuities, and Wi-Fi. 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.

The luxury of small-group exploring

Because the nature and theme of Lindblad voyages is discovery and enrichment, many passengers are college educated, professionals or academics seeking intellectually stimulating interpretation during their travels. You may find yourself chatting at dinner with a college professor or retired judge. When considering Quest for your expedition cruise, know that you will be truly immersed in your destination. You'll come back from the Panamanian jungle sweaty and muddy, but thrilled that you've seen a rare slaty-tailed trogon or been shadowed by patrolling bald eagles in your kayak in Alaska.

National Geographic Quest

Group airport transfers are included and any tips for drivers or porters are handled by the cruise line. In some ports, optional excursion choices are available for an extra cost, as are any pre- or post- extensions you may choose. You'll find most guests will dress informally in brand name adventure wear, even for dinner.

Find a National Geographic Orion Cruise

As Quest is currently only sailing Alaska and the Pacific Northwest in summer and Central America in the northern winter, daywear is important. Not so much from a fashion sense but from a practical point of view for the environmental conditions expected. In the tropics, cool, light and sun smart is the key with long sleeves, wide-brimmed hats and walking shoes and water-friendly sandals like Tevas, Crocs or Keens. In cooler destinations, a beanie, fleece and waterproof spray jackets and pants are de rigueur.

Where does Lindblad Expeditions National Geographic Explorer sail to?

Encounter abundant wildlife—blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas, Darwin’s finches, pink flamingos, giant tortoises and more. The wildlife of Galápagos is legendary for being without fear in the presence of humans. For many guests she remains their paradigm of an expedition ship. She is devoted to exploration—from her Welcoming Bridge, and the Chart Room below it where you can tuck in to warm up with a hot chocolate, to her high-perched Observation deck with its aqueous light and compelling 24/7 views.

National Geographic Expeditions offers an unparalleled European river cruise - UPTOWN Magazine

National Geographic Expeditions offers an unparalleled European river cruise.

Posted: Tue, 10 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Guests had the option of an aerobic hike, nature hike, photo hike, and history walk around Crow Butte and Crow Butte Campground. The beauty of the area awed guests, sporting views of local vineyards, dams, wildlife refuges, and the dry sagebrush-step ecosystem that dominates the area. Guests spied a variety of wildflowers and birds of prey, including spotting a golden eagle. After hiking, guests enjoyed a hot beverage on shore brought by National Geographic Sea Bird’s hospitality team, followed by an informal chat on food, wine, and energy by Naturalist Patrick MacQuarrie and Wine Expert Eric Degerman.

national geographic cruise ships

When you’re on a National Geographic cruise, many of your beverages will be included in your cruise fare. Alcoholic beverages are not included unless you’re sailing on select ships. Sailing on a Lindblad Expeditions/National Geographic ship is different than any other cruise line. You won’t find the typical cruise ship activities like pools, casinos, broadway-style shows, or an endless list of activities. Instead, these small ships offer a fantastic cultural experience, local experts on board, and the opportunity to explore remote and exotic locations.

( National Geographic Explorer Itineraries

Lindblad Expeditions, National Geographic expand their partnership - Seatrade Cruise News

Lindblad Expeditions, National Geographic expand their partnership.

Posted: Wed, 15 Nov 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

If you have more time, join an exclusive pre-voyage photo extension to Yasuní National Park starting Jan. 5, 2025. Join Krista Rossow in the Galápagos on the Nov. 29, 2024, departure. If you have more time, join an exclusive pre-voyage photo extension to Yasuní National Park starting Nov. 24, 2024. A full-time medical professional, undersea specialist, National Geographic photographer, Lindblad-National Geographic certified photo instructor, and internet café and laundry. A glass-enclosed fitness center, outdoor stretching area, a LEXspa treatment room and sauna, staffed by wellness specialists. At nearby Brown Bluff and Devil Island, we gaped at large numbers of Adelie penguins as well as gentoo penguins.

Top Trips for Wildlife Enthusiasts-July 2023

Sadly, not every modern expedition ship has been built with this in mind. When Powell, the expedition leader, realized the humpback whales would be sticking around for a while, he was able to make a quick call to put down the Zodiacs to get us out among them. Such efficiency plays right into the Lindblad style of expedition cruising, where it's all about maximizing the experience in any given destination, even if that means changing plans on the fly. As is typical for Antarctica trips, the seven days of exploring mostly took place along the Antarctic Peninsula, a staggeringly beautiful, 800-mile-long stretch of soaring mountains, glaciers, fjords and icebergs. The outing continued until late afternoon, when we returned to the ship to prepare for dinner. While we were dining, Graser moved the vessel to a spot just off Petermann Island, for an after-dinner landing to see the penguins.

You also won’t pay extra for group flights or activities like snorkeling and kayaking. Generally, you’ll be responsible for paying for tips, Wi-Fi, alcoholic beverages, and some meals on shore. Our newest additions include National Geographic Islander ll, an elegant ship with just 48 suites, sailing the Galápagos year-round, and the Sea Cloud II, a modern-day counterpart to the historic Sea Cloud with 44 outward-facing cabins. With a capacity of just 100 guests, Venture allows for navigation into narrower channels and smaller ports. Landings by zodiac are used for hiking access, but the zodiacs often function more as small vessels in search of wildlife and local features.

This includes all meals on board, as well as snacks during recap. Many meals on shore are also included (these will be indicated on your itinerary). Sailing with Lindblad Expeditions/ National Geographic Expeditions is different than any other cruise line. When you’re on board a National Geographic ship, riverboat, or yacht, all of your food is included. You’ll be able to immerse yourself in your destination during the day and continue the experience on board with daily recaps, plus guest speakers and destination-specific presentations. Lindblad Expeditions/National Geographic does not have any private ports or islands.

Some Lindblad vessels are all-inclusive for beverages and gratuities, but National Geographic Quest is not. While nonalcoholic drinks like tea, coffee and sodas are included, your wine with dinner and cocktails at the bar are charged extra. Wi-Fi costs extra as well, and optional gratuities are suggested at $10 per person, per day. If you've never traveled aboard an expedition ship before, Lindblad's National Geographic Quest is a great place to start.

Many of the islands here are protected marine reserves and state parks, allowing the rich marine life to thrive. Our undersea team ventured out on a dive to explore these waters and to capture the underwater world to share with our guests. The dining room windows ensure that guests enjoy both the scenery and wildlife during dining times.

Lined with glaciers and towering cliffs, the 8-mile-long Lemaire Channel and its environs is one of the great sights of Antarctica, and we used the extra time we had gained from our speedy crossing of the Drake to soak it in. This can be a big deal on Antarctica voyages, which usually begin with a nearly two-day ride across the often-rough body of water between South America and Antarctica known as the Drake Passage. The extra maneuverability means National Geographic Resolution not only can get into an ice-clogged area such as Lallemand Fjord, but — more importantly — can also get out. Lallemand Fjord was so far south that we had to cross the Antarctic Circle — the latitude where the sun never sets at the height of the austral summer — to get there.

Our day of walking atop fast ice in Lallemand Fjord came fewer than 72 hours after departing Ushuaia, Argentina, the hub for most Antarctica-bound expedition cruise vessels. In Antarctica, in particular, the size of a vessel matters when it comes to the quality of the experience, as expedition ships in Antarctica are limited to landing 100 passengers at a time by international treaty. The price you pay for your Lindblad Expeditions/ National Geographic cruise includes almost everything. Beverages like specialty coffees, teas, and soda are also included.

No comments:

Post a Comment

Hats & Wigs for Cancer Patients

Table Of Content Ponytails Extensions Can I heat style it? How Much Should Hair Extensions Cost? Full and Fluffy Messy Buns Thick FAUX Human...