What do you think of when someone says “Let's go exploring”? For me, I think about early explorers who went to places that no one had gone before. I even think about Star Trek – “To boldly go where no one has gone before”
When we drive across Kansas, I can imagine what the early settlers experienced when they went across the state in covered wagons. They didn't have the roads that we have, and there weren't any convenience stores to stop at and refuel. They had to take along what they would need, and leave behind every ounce of things that became luxuries.
Luckily, now we can go exploring and have some of the comforts of home. Today, we will explore the world of Lindblad Expeditions. Their alliance with National Geographic Society gives them a special place in Expedition Cruising. I hope you enjoy finding out about this great cruise line.
Lindblad Expeditions goes to the most amazing places on the planet, with over 40 geographies in all. And they’ve planted a flag in many of them, deeply committing to remote wild places—like South Georgia and the Falklands; Patagonia, where they opened up Staten Island, ‘the island at the end of the world,’ for eco-tourism; and remote and beautiful regions of Polynesia, including the Marquesas Islands where few go.
Lindblad’s teams will do whatever it takes to ensure you unforgettable experiences. Whether it’s manning the spotting scopes all night to ensure a polar bear sighting, orchestrating a landing at an extraordinary wildlife site to coincide with a magnificent sunrise, or sending waitstaff out with gourmet ice cream bars to refresh you as you explore a Polynesia atoll, their commitment creates thrilling moments for you.
With a fleet of 15 expedition ships, Lindblad has ships sailing to the planet’s wildest and most interesting places, with the luxury of comfort and outfitted with tools to explore. The Lindblad Expeditions fleet also serves as a platform for a collection of researchers from the National Geographic Society to cost-effectively study the regions they explore.
Formed in 2004, the partnership with the National Geographic Society has become an alliance of two exploration pioneers in an innovative program to remote and pristine destinations around the globe. Both Lindblad and National Geographic work in tandem to produce educational marine expeditions to inspire travelers to explore and care about the planet, and to promote conservation and sustainable tourism around the world. The alliance has the following mission statement: “Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic have joined forces to further inspire the world through expedition travel. Our collaboration in exploration, research, technology, and conservation provides extraordinary travel experiences and disseminates geographic knowledge around the globe”. But the human motives underlying the alliance between the two companies, forged in 2004 are simpler: hero worship, and the human genetic drive to head out in ships and discover new things.
What they offer is not inexpensive. But their guests find that when you look at the alternatives and add up the costs, their expeditions are really an extremely good value. The cost of your voyage includes basically everything you have the opportunity to do as part of your expedition with them, both on board and on shore. The only things not included are those of a personal nature–alcohol (on certain ships), airfare to and from, an occasional meal ashore where they feel you might like to have the option, tips to crew (on certain ships), spa treatments, and certain specialized events or activities–that may interest only a limited number of people. You could literally go on their voyages with not a dollar in your pocket and have a perfectly excellent experience taking advantage of everything they offer.
Lindblad has been running expeditions since the mid-60’s when Lars-Eric Lindblad took the first travelers by ship to remote parts of the world. In 1969 he commissioned the first purpose-built expedition ship for travelers—the Lindblad Explorer—built for sustained operation in the world’s most remote places (he sold her in 1982). In the ‘60’s and ‘70’s he opened opportunities to explore places like Antarctica, Galapagos, the Amazon, the Seychelles, and much of the Pacific. Sven-Olof Lindblad, Lars’ son, traveled extensively with his father, learning early on the joy and wonder of exploring the pristine corners of the globe. In 1979, Sven Lindblad founded Special Expeditions as a division of Lindblad Travel, enabling the company to further its mission of offering innovative and educational travel expeditions that were primarily marine focused. The company’s name was later changed to Lindblad Expeditions.
So, what differentiates Lindblad Expeditions from other expedition travel companies? The Lindblad-National Geographic approach to expedition travel—unmatched expedition heritage and excellence, state-of the-art exploration tools, and an unparalleled reputation for commitment to responsible travel—creates an inspiring and educational environment, where guests become catalysts for change by being inspired, and then joining others in conservation efforts that they see and experience directly.
Hopefully, you now know enough about Lindblad Expeditions to want to learn more. If you are interested in learning more, please contact me and we can set a time to explore more and plan a trip for you