Lindblad Cruises
Overview
Lindblad Expeditions pioneered expedition cruising when founder Lars-Eric Lindblad led the first tourist expedition to Antarctica in 1966. Today, in exclusive alliance with National Geographic, Lindblad continues to lead small-ship expeditions to the world's most extraordinary destinations with unmatched expertise and environmental commitment.
The Lindblad-National Geographic partnership since 2004 brings renowned photographers, scientists, and storytellers aboard every voyage. Guests learn from certified photo instructors, marine biologists, geologists, and historians who share deep expertise about each destination. National Geographic's iconic yellow border appears throughout the fleet, signaling the quality of exploration guests can expect.
Lindblad operates purpose-built expedition vessels designed for specific destinations. Polar vessels feature ice-strengthened hulls for Antarctica and Arctic navigation. Galapagos ships carry the smallest groups permitted in the islands. Each ship bristles with expedition equipment including kayaks, paddleboards, Zodiacs, and even submarines on select vessels.
Conservation leadership defines Lindblad's mission. The company pioneered carbon-neutral expedition travel, with every voyage offset since 2019. The Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic Fund has invested over $18 million in conservation, supporting research and protection in visited destinations. Guests become conservation ambassadors through immersive education.
Lindblad voyages reach Antarctica, Galapagos, Arctic (Svalbard, Iceland, Greenland), Alaska, Baja California, and beyond. Each expedition combines active adventure with profound learning, creating transformative experiences that connect travelers to the planet's wild places and the urgency of protecting them.
Fleet Information
Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic Fleet:
National Geographic Endurance/Resolution (Polar Flagships)
- Built: 2020/2021, Ulstein X-BOW design
- Guests: 126
- Ice Class: PC5 Category A (highest passenger rating)
- Features: Submarines, kayaks, Zodiacs, heated infinity pool
- Regions: Antarctica, Arctic, Svalbard, Iceland
- Starting at $14,990 per person (Antarctica)
National Geographic Explorer (Classic Expedition)
- Guests: 148
- Features: Zodiacs, kayaks, ROV, undersea specialist
- Regions: Antarctica, Arctic, British Isles, Norway
- Starting at $11,990 per person
National Geographic Orion (Luxury Expedition)
- Guests: 102
- Features: Marina platform, Zodiacs, all-suite accommodations
- Regions: Antarctica, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea
- Starting at $13,290 per person
National Geographic Quest/Venture (North America Specialists)
- Guests: 100
- Features: Purpose-built for Alaska and Baja
- Regions: Alaska, Pacific Northwest, Baja California
- Starting at $6,990 per person
National Geographic Islander II/Endeavour II (Galapagos Specialists)
- Guests: 48/96
- Features: Galapagos National Park certified
- Regions: Galapagos Islands year-round
- Starting at $9,990 per person
National Geographic Sea Lion/Sea Bird (Intimate Exploration)
- Guests: 62
- Features: Perfect size for Pacific coast adventures
- Regions: Alaska, Baja, Pacific Northwest
- Starting at $5,490 per person
Onboard Experience
The Lindblad-National Geographic Experience:
Expert Expedition Team:
Every voyage features 8-14 specialists:
- Lindblad-National Geographic certified photo instructor
- Marine biologist/naturalist
- Expedition leader with decades of experience
- Historian or cultural expert
- Undersea specialist (select ships)
- Wellness specialist (select ships)
Exploration Equipment:
- Zodiacs: Multiple launches for landings and cruising
- Kayaks: Sea kayaks for paddling adventures
- Paddleboards: Calm water exploration
- Snorkel Gear: Warm water destinations
- Submarines: Deep-water exploration (Endurance/Resolution)
- ROV: Remotely operated underwater vehicle
- E-bikes: Select destinations
- Polar Plunge: Optional swim in polar waters
Photography Program:
- Daily photo instruction from National Geographic experts
- Photo walks and workshops
- Image review and editing sessions
- Loaner camera equipment available
- Certified photo instructors on every voyage
Accommodations:
- Category 1-7 cabins ranging from cozy to spacious
- Suites with separate living areas
- Private balconies on most categories
- All staterooms face outward
- Expedition-focused amenities
Dining & Entertainment
Lindblad Culinary & Enrichment:
Dining Philosophy:
- Single, open-seating dining
- Regionally-inspired menus
- Locally-sourced ingredients when available
- Vegetarian, vegan, and dietary options
- Al fresco dining on deck
- 24-hour beverage service
Included Beverages:
- House wines at dinner
- Local beers and spirits
- Premium coffee and tea
- Soft drinks and juice
Daily Enrichment:
- Naturalist presentations and briefings
- Video chronicles of each day
- Global Perspectives guest speaker program
- Citizen science participation opportunities
- Photo workshops and review sessions
- Undersea footage from ROV and submarines
Recap Sessions:
Each evening features comprehensive recaps:
- Expert commentary on day's discoveries
- Wildlife identification reviews
- Tomorrow's expedition plans
- Photo sharing opportunities
- Q&A with expedition team
Pricing Guide
Lindblad Expeditions Pricing Guide:
Antarctica Expeditions (10-24 days):
- Category 1 cabin: $13,990-$24,990 per person
- Category 3 balcony: $17,990-$34,990 per person
- Category 5 suite: $24,990-$49,990 per person
- Category 7/Solo: Contact for pricing
Galapagos (7-10 days):
- Category 1: $9,990-$14,990 per person
- Category 3: $13,990-$19,990 per person
- Category 5 suite: $17,990-$27,990 per person
Alaska (7-14 days):
- Category 1: $6,990-$11,990 per person
- Category 3 balcony: $9,490-$15,990 per person
- Category 5 suite: $13,990-$22,990 per person
Arctic/Svalbard/Iceland (8-17 days):
- Category 1: $9,990-$18,990 per person
- Category 3: $14,990-$26,990 per person
- Category 5 suite: $21,990-$39,990 per person
Included Value:
- All excursions and activities
- Expert expedition team
- National Geographic photographer
- Zodiac operations
- Kayaking and paddleboarding
- Gratuities to ship crew
- Transfer on embark/debark days
Conservation Contribution:
$250 per guest supports the Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic Fund.
Frequently Asked Questions
The exclusive National Geographic partnership means certified photo instructors and world-class naturalists on every voyage, plus access to National Geographic content, photographers, and storytelling traditions that enhance expedition learning.
Yes, many guests are active retirees. Zodiac boarding and shore landings require mobility, but expedition teams accommodate various fitness levels. Wellness specialists are aboard select ships.
All shore excursions, expert guides, Zodiac operations, kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkeling equipment, and gratuities are included. Airfare, spa treatments, and alcohol beyond house wines are extra.
Purpose-built expedition vessels like National Geographic Endurance feature X-BOW design for smooth transit. Drake Passage crossings are inherent to Antarctica voyages - the expedition team prepares guests thoroughly.
National Geographic Endurance and Resolution carry submarines for undersea exploration in polar regions. Dives are weather-dependent and carry additional fees ($750-$1,500 per person).
Sixty years of expedition heritage, the National Geographic partnership with certified photo instructors, purpose-built vessels, and an unmatched conservation commitment distinguish Lindblad as the expedition cruise pioneer.
Guest Reviews
Penguins, whales, icebergs beyond imagination. The National Geographic photographer helped us capture publication-quality images. The expedition team's expertise was extraordinary.
Ship: National Geographic Endurance | Destination: Antarctica | January 2026Small ship meant intimate wildlife encounters - blue-footed boobies nesting beside the trail, sea lions swimming alongside us. The naturalists' knowledge was outstanding.
Ship: National Geographic Endeavour II | Destination: Galapagos Islands | October 2024Kayaking beside humpback whales, hiking with bears nearby, learning from marine biologists - this was Alaska as it should be experienced, not from a mega-ship.
Ship: National Geographic Quest | Destination: Alaska | July 2024Initially hesitant about the price, but Lindblad delivers value through expertise, expedition quality, and life-changing experiences. Already planning our next voyage.
Ship: National Geographic Explorer | Destination: Svalbard | June 2024