Tuesday, April 2, 2024

Is this the ultimate Antarctica cruise ship? Our take on Lindblad's new vessel

national geographic cruise ships

Containers and snack trays are either reusable or biodegradable. 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 appropriate, comprising long sleeves, wide-brimmed hats, walking shoes and water-friendly sandals like Tevas.

Key cruising tips

national geographic cruise ships

On its Europe itineraries, cocktails are also complimentary, as is wine and beer with lunch and dinner. A selection of tours in each port, one almost always an active offering with bicycles or hiking, is included in the cruise fare. If it's your first time on Lindblad, you may be bowled over, if not a bit intimidated, by the exuberance of its very passionate repeaters. It can feel like old school week, as repeaters, who on our trip represented well over 50 percent, already know each other, having bonded on voyages to the exotic destinations that Lindblad's famous for. All that's needed to feel like a member of the Lindblad club is an insatiable curiosity about the world and traveling, an adventurous spirit and the willingness to try new adventures.

Dining and Beverages

This was the practice prior to mechanization in this highly productive wheat area. Walla Walla is a wonderful town with a vibrant wine scene and bustling commercial district, which allowed for more wine tasting and shopping, including wine ice cream. The crew and staff onboard consists of service personnel and expedition team members who accompany guests on shore excursions. The service is friendly and the crew take extra care accommodating the needs of the guests. As with many expedition cruise vessels, much of what you came for is included. Typically, that will mean all meals, excursions and any onboard enrichment lectures.

From the Antarctic Circle to the Weddell Sea

But with an ability to travel at nearly 17 knots, National Geographic Resolution had reached them far faster. The ship has powerful engines that let it travel at more than 16 knots even in rough seas — several knots more than is typical for most expedition vessels. Currently, there are 15 expedition ships in the Lindblad Expeditions/National Geographic fleet. However, a brand new ship, the National Geographic Islander II will debut in August 2022.

Travel

Neat and practical is more important than showy, so you can safely leave the sequins at home. Otherwise a comfortable shirt and blouse, slacks and sensible shoes are all that's needed. While the general makeup of passengers is largely mature Americans, traveling as either couples or singles, Lindblad encourages younger people, too. It's not unusual to find at least one family with older children or active grandparents. The new ship does not completely ignore trends in the small ship arena, however, with dedicated spa and gym facilities and nearly half the cabins with private balconies. Most of the crew who'd worked for the ship under its Orion ownership have stayed on with Lindblad.

Public areas are on Deck 4, where the dining room and lounge are located. Naturalists usually man this area, seeking wildlife and dispensing information to guests. Purpose built to accommodate expedition-style travel, the National Geographic Endeavour II is elegant, nimble, and equipped with state-of-the-art tools for up-close and personal explorations. She carries just 96 guests and features many public spaces that invite observation and community. Zodiac to pristine beaches, kayak or stand-up paddleboard along volcanic shores, explore wildlife on land or under the sea. Experience the Galápagos aboard our elegant and nimble ship, well-equipped for up-close exploration.

Even the art on the walls—from the Hurley prints of Shackleton’s expedition to the stunning National Geographic photos— tells an uber-narrative of globe-spanning travel and a dedication to curiosity and wonder. Frequent travelers might be able to ease the financial burden a bit. All members — regardless of status — will enjoy a $250 onboard credit to use on incidentals. As I experienced during my 10-night sailing, the ship's two main eateries have a focus on locally sourced and sustainable cuisine from South America that is well prepared.

ROUND-TRIP GALÁPAGOS AIR INCLUDED UP TO $1,400

An ice-strengthened hull allows the ship to penetrate deep fjords in the Arctic and sail through pack ice in Antarctica. A Lindblad Expeditions/National Geographic cruise isn’t like any other cruise. You’ll experience a unique trip that will immerse you into the culture of your destinations. Lindblad Expeditions/National Geographic is a cruise line like no other. When you’re on a one of these cruises, you’ll not only travel to remote and exotic locations, but you’ll do so in the company of world-renowned photographers, naturalists, and scientists. Lindblad does provide a packing list for guests and also offers rentals of outdoor gear like boots or other gear for those who don’t wish to purchase their own.

LINDBLAD EXPEDITIONS AND NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXTEND AND EXPAND STRATEGIC RELATIONSHIP ... - PR Newswire

LINDBLAD EXPEDITIONS AND NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXTEND AND EXPAND STRATEGIC RELATIONSHIP ....

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Just outside the spa, on an outer deck, are two innovative glass-walled "igloos" where passengers can spend the night under the stars on a first-come, first-serve basis. The spa, notably, has saunas with glass walls offering views to the ocean as well as a separate yoga studio -- something you don't normally find on an expedition ship. The whale encounter went on so long that some of the ship's hotel staff eventually came out in a Zodiac with hot chocolate to pass to passengers looking for a warm-up. They also brought out Kahlua, Frangelico and a few other liqueurs to splash into it — a lovely touch. Every day brought something a little different as we stopped at a wide variety of sites. At Neko Harbor, a picture-perfect, mountain-lined bay flanked by a glacier calving into the sea, we landed by Zodiac late one evening to marvel at large numbers of gentoo penguins.

The small desk features a bright light, outlets for US plugs and USB ports. A giant atlas, a copy of a current National Geographic magazine, a map of the current cruise and catalog of the Lindblad cruises being offered in the next two years are tucked away in a shelf above the desk. Get FREE email communications from Fodor's Travel, covering must-see travel destinations, expert trip planning advice, and travel inspiration to fuel your passion.

Guests should be aware that there are no specific areas on the ship for children. However, on the Alaska itineraries, National Geographic offers a Global Explorers program. Younger guests interact with naturalists and engage in age-appropriate activities. The main dining room offers fixed-time seating for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Lunch and dinner offerings come from a limited menu that typically offers a meat, fish and vegetarian dish. The ship itself consists of five decks, with the uppermost deck, the Sun Deck, an ideal spot for viewing.

Fares for 11-night Antarctica cruises on the vessel start at $16,780 per person, based on double occupancy — more than $1,500 per day. The more passengers an expedition ship has on board in Antarctica, the more its expedition guides have to break them up into separate groups for landings, greatly slowing down the process of exploring at any single landing site. It doesn't offer butlers with every cabin, as one luxury vessel sailing to Antarctica does. Yet it's still a stylish and comfortable ship — more so than many expedition vessels. For starters, it has one of the best Zodiac launch set-ups I've ever seen.

Sustainability is a focus of Lindblad Expeditions and that carries over to the food. Sustainable seafood is served along with fresh, local produce when available. Each sailing includes lecturers and naturalists who share their knowledge of the flora, fauna and culture of the area. Experts in their fields, these speakers connect all of the dots. Guest may think that they have learned enough to themselves be worthy of a degree. Create professional content with Canva, including presentations, catalogs, and more.

Lindblad passengers are not generally sloppy, so you won't see shorts and T-shirts at dinner. On the captain's night, few if any men will have jackets or ties. Today’s voyage was graced with smooth seas and a blue sky while guests enjoyed the amenities of the lovely National Geographic Orion . Our team of naturalists gave presentations throughout the day, preparing us for the adventures that await us in the Samoa Islands. The hotel team made sure no one went hungry, as we enjoyed meals outside in the fresh air.

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