Lindblad Expeditions

John · 10-16-2007, 05:31 PM

When Lars-Eric Lindblad set out with the first groups of expedition travelers in the late 1950’s, he was following his passion to discover unknown places and to share the unique cultural and environmental aspects of these places with others. These first adventure travel expeditions led many to define him as the father of “eco-tourism.”

Early expeditions in those days included destinations such as Easter Island, the Galápagos, the Amazon, Papua New Guinea, China and Bhutan — all with the focus of creating experiences that foster an understanding and appreciation of the most remote and pristine places on the globe. In Antarctica, where Lindblad also pioneered expedition travel, the US Geological Survey mapped a cove in Lars-Eric’s name, Lindblad Cove, on Trinity Peninsula.
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. As a young man, Sven spent six years in East Africa photographing elephants and wildlife and assisting filmmakers on a documentary about the destruction of African rainforests. This early and deep exposure to the balance between man’s relationship to natural resources was instrumental in Sven’s efforts over the years, to find ways for his business to help preserve natural resources and get involved in conservation efforts.

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. Offerings expanded to Costa Rica, Alaska and Baja California, providing travelers with opportunities to explore, with small and nimble ships, the islands, coves and open spaces of the sea that reminded Lindblad of the remote and vast expanse of the Serengetti plains. The company’s name was later changed to Lindblad Expeditions.

Today the company is focused on finding creative ways to explore the places already “discovered.” Their growing fleet of small expedition ships, Zodiacs, sea kayaks, onboard Naturalists and underwater cameras are all examples of how Lindblad continually strives to help open the eyes of our guests when it comes to truly exploring. They do this because they believe the more their guests connect with these incredible places, the more they will become a force for preserving and protecting them.

Under the guidance of experienced leaders who have a great respect for natural and cultural environments, Lindblad Expeditions continues to approach expedition travel as a catalyst for making a difference in one’s life, and in the world.

The mission of Lindblad Expeditions early on was simple enough — to bring travelers to regions that inspired them and eventually, helped to shape their thinking about protecting these unique places. Today, their belief is that business and conservation go hand in hand, providing real value to our guests, to the local communities where we operate, and to our business in the long term. As travelers, local stewards of a place, or businesses operating in these places, Sven Lindblad runs his business with the approach that as travelers to these places, we are all stakeholders in the success of these magical places. The benefit comes from linking all of the efforts to preserve, and in some cases, repair, these wild and wondrous places.

John · 10-16-2007, 05:32 PM

National Geographic Endeavour

Don’t let her accommodating public and private spaces, the posh quiet and rich collection of books in her Library, or the lavish observation space on her decks fool you — the National Geographic Endeavour is an expedition ship, designed for discovery and active exploration, not just passing-by. The National Geographic Endeavour heads out equipped with a fleet of Zodiacs, enabling us to make landfall in all the remote and riveting locations that beckon — and to make a somewhat dashing “entrance” in a host of coastal towns and cities! We offer kayaking opportunities wherever possible and frequent walks or hikes.

Public Areas: Doctor's Office; Fitness Center; Gift Shop; LEXspa; Library; Lounge with full-service bar and facilities for films, slide shows and presentations; and Swimming Pool. Our "Open Bridge" policy allows guests to learn about the art of navigation and state-of-the-art navigational equipment from our Captain and Officers. Meals: Served in single seatings with unassigned tables for an informal atmosphere and easy mingling. Menu is international with local flair.

Cabins: All cabins face outside with windows or portholes. Each has private facilities and climate controls. Expedition Equipment: Hydrophone, kayaks, remotely operated vehicle (R.O.V.), snorkeling gear, Splash-Cam, SCUBA equipment on select itineraries, underwater video camera, video microscope, and Zodiac landing craft.

Special Features: Guest internet access, laundry service, LEXsalon, and Wellness Program. A ship's doctor, Undersea Specialist, and Video Chronicler are also onboard.

John · 10-16-2007, 05:34 PM

National Geographic Sea Bird

Our twin expedition ships, National Geographic Sea Bird and National Geographic Sea Lion, can reach places inaccessible to larger ships due to their small size, yet each comfortably accommodates 62 guests in 31 outside cabins. The feeling, we’re told, is often compared to that of a large private yacht, with everyone integral to the adventure. Accessibility means freedom. Our captains have decades of sailing experience in the regions we explore. They know when and where to navigate so that you feel the places we visit are all ours.

Cabins: All face outside with windows, private facilities, and climate controls. Expedition Equipment: Bow Camera, hydrophone, kayaks, snorkeling gear, Splash-Cam, underwater video camera, video microscope, Zodiac landing craft and wetsuits in Baja. Special Features: Guest internet access, Wellness Program and LEXmarket. A Video Chronicler onboard all voyages. A ship's doctor and an Undersea Specialist are onboard in Baja.

John · 10-16-2007, 05:36 PM

National Geographic Sea Lion

Our twin expedition ships, National Geographic Sea Bird and National Geographic Sea Lion, can reach places inaccessible to larger ships due to their small size, yet each comfortably accommodates 62 guests in 31 outside cabins. The feeling, we’re told, is often compared to that of a large private yacht, with everyone integral to the adventure. Accessibility means freedom. Our captains have decades of sailing experience in the regions we explore. They know when and where to navigate so that you feel the places we visit are all ours.

Cabins: All face outside with windows, private facilities, and climate controls. Expedition Equipment: Bow Camera, hydrophone, kayaks, snorkeling gear, Splash-Cam, underwater video camera, video microscope, Zodiac landing craft and wetsuits in Baja. Special Features: Guest internet access, Wellness Program and LEXmarket. A Video Chronicler onboard all voyages. A ship's doctor and an Undersea Specialist are onboard in Baja.

John · 10-16-2007, 05:38 PM

National Geographic Polaris

The minute you board our expedition ship National Geographic Polaris, her mellow woods, polished brass and gracious informality will make you feel right at home. Our expedition style is casual: there’s no need to dress up ever. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are relaxed and informal, with no assigned seating. Since to us “expedition” doesn’t mean “deprivation,” count on enjoying genuinely fine dining and the attentive personal service that consistently wins us accolades and industry awards. And National Geographic Polaris’ inviting spaces — her handsome teak deck, spacious lounge and cozy library make camaraderie or a quiet reverie even more pleasurable.

Public Areas: Ship is fully air-conditioned. Covered deck with hammocks, chairs and tables; Doctor's Office; Fitness Center; Gift Shop; LEXspa; Library; Lounge with full-service bar and facilities for films, slide shows and presentations; and Sky Deck. Our Ecuadorian Captain and Officers welcome guests to the Bridge in accordance with our "Open Bridge" policy.

Meals: Served in single seatings with unassigned tables for an informal atmosphere and easy mingling. Menu is international with an Ecuadorian flair. Cabins: All face outside with windows or portholes(A Deck only), private facilities, and climate controls.

Expedition Equipment: Glass bottom boat, hydrophone, kayaks, snorkeling gear, Splash-Cam, underwater video camera, video microscope, wet suits, and Zodiac landing craft. Special Features: Floating Massage Platform, Guest internet access, laundry service and Wellness Program. A ship's doctor, Undersea Specialist, and Video Chronicler are also onboard.

John · 10-16-2007, 05:40 PM

Sea Voyager

The versatile Sea Voyager can reach places inaccessible to larger ships due to its small size, yet it comfortably accommodates 60 guests in 31 outside cabins. Accessibility means freedom. Our captains have decades of sailing experience in the regions we explore. They know when and where to navigate so that you feel the places we visit are all ours. Thanks to our sturdy fleet of Zodiacs and virtually untippable kayaks, you can be off the ship and out exploring within a moment’s notice. Launch your kayak from the fantail, hike with our naturalists into the rain forest or walk along a picturesque beach.

Public Areas: Ship is fully air conditioned. Covered deck with chairs and tables; Doctor's Office; Fitness Center; LEXspa; Library; Lounge with full-service bar and facilities for films, slide shows, and presentations; and Sky Deck. Guests are welcome on our "Open Bridge" to meet the Captain and Officers and learn about navigation.

Meals: Served in single seatings with unassigned tables for an informal atmosphere and easy mingling. Lunch is often served in the Lounge. Menu is international with a Central American flair.

Cabins: All face outside with windows, private facilities, and climate controls. Expedition Equipment: Hydrophone, kayaks, snorkeling gear, Splash-Cam, underwater video camera, video microscope, wetsuits in Baja, Zodiac landing craft. Special Features: Guest internet access, laundry service, Wellness Program, and LEXmarket. A ship's doctor and a Video Chronicler are also onboard. An Undersea Specialist is onboard in Baja.

John · 10-16-2007, 05:41 PM

Sea Cloud II

Limited to only 86 guests, the spacious, elegant Sea Cloud II is, arguably, the most magnificent sailing vessel in the world. A three-masted barque, she is 384 feet long with over 29,000 square feet of sails all set by hand. Even with an itinerary of exciting and exotic destinations, the Sea Cloud II is probably the most important destination of all. An impeccably trained crew attends to your every desire, anticipating needs you didn't even know you had! The modern galley is staffed with expertise to meet the standards of virtually any restaurant in the world. Simply put, Sea Cloud II is a hedonist's dream.

Public Areas: Lido Deck and Bar; Lounge; Library; Dining Room; Boutique; LEXspa; Purser's Office; Reception; Fitness Center With Sauna & Shower; Hospital. Our "Open Bridge" policy allows you to meet Officers.

Meals: Served in single seatings with unassigned tables, menu is a touch of Nouvelle Cuisine, enhanced by regional specialties. Complimentary fine wines and beers are served with lunch and dinner. Sunset cocktail hours are held nightly at the Lido Bar.

Cabins: All cabins feature outside-facing portholes or windows, sitting area, television with VCR. Each cabin has minibar, dressing table closet, safe, private facilities with gold-plated fixtures, marble sink, hairdryer, deluxe amenities and ample storage.

Special Features: Guest email station, Wellness Program, laundry service. A ship's doctor is also onboard. The vessel has four decks with a ratio of 1.4 crew per guest.

John · 10-16-2007, 05:43 PM

River Cloud

Built by the owners of the legendary Sea Cloud II, River Cloud was crafted specifically for Europe's waterways. By combining superb comfort and state-of-the-art technology with expert service and excellent cuisine, River Cloud evokes the graceful travel style of the 1930s.

Cabins: All cabins feature outside-facing portholes or windows and television with VCR. Each cabin has a minibar, closet, safe, private bath with gold plated fixtures, marble sink, hairdryer, outlet for razor, deluxe amenities and climate control.

Special Features: 10,700 sq. ft. teak sundeck with putting green, bicycles, guest e-mail, laundry service and Wellness Program. A ship's doctor is onboard. River Cloud has two decks and a crew of 41 makes the staff to guest ration 1:2.

John · 10-16-2007, 05:45 PM

Panorama

Mediterranean – “the sea in the middle of the earth.” Or, certainly the middle of the known world to many who have lived in its shores. Just the name evokes images of silvery olive trees and azure waters, rugged hills and inviting beaches – as well as antiquity living alongside modernity in every way possible. Combine this geography, the three-masted sailing yacht Panorama (accommodating only 45 guests) and our adventurous philosophy, and you have the opportunity to experience the ancient world as an expedition

Capacity: 41 guests in 23 outside cabins.
Registry: Greece. Overall length: 175 feet

Public Areas: Our ship is fully air conditioned. It features two sun decks, two bars, a library area and lounge. Our “Open Bridge” provides guests an opportunity to meet our Officers and Captain and learn about navigation.

Meals: Served in a single seating with unassigned tables for an informal atmosphere and easy mingling. The menu is international with local specialties.

Cabins: All face outside with windows or portholes, private facilities, climate controls, and minibars with two twin beds or one double lower bed.

Expedition Equipment: Snorkeling equipment is available.

Special Features: Guests may swim directly from the yacht’s stern swim platform, weather permitting.

John · 10-16-2007, 05:46 PM

Triton

Simply stated the Nile is Egypt. And sailing the Nile is the centerpiece of your exploration. Many ships ply the river's waters, but none match the quality and style of the Triton. The Triton has been converted from a vessel for over 100 guests to one that now caters to 40. Twenty large and exceptionally appointed staterooms all face outside and there are multiple deck areas for viewing life on and along this majestic river.

Public Areas: The English-style Atrium Lounge Bar; the art deco Elephantine Bar with evening entertainment; Midstream Bar and Sundeck with chairs and sunbeds. There is an outside deck area for viewing.

Meals: The dining salon offers continental cuisine, exotic dishes and rare, local specialties. Lunch is usually a buffet, served on deck, weather permitting. There are no set seating times and dinner is served à la carte. Refreshments will be available throughout the day and evening.

Cabins: All staterooms are spacious suites facing outside with two large windows, sitting area, programmable safes, telephone, television and private VCRs. The staterooms are a mix of twin bedded cabins and double bedded cabins. Each cabin has private bathroom with bathtub and shower, hair dryer and deluxe amenities. There is ample storage space in each cabin.

Special Features: The Triton has four decks and is one of the largest ships on the Nile. It has been refitted to accommodate only 40 guests in 20 stateroom suites. The vessel has heated indoor and outdoor swimming pools tiled with handmade glass mosaics. The spa is equipped with sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi. A professional masseur is onboard and fitness equipment is available. The crew of 60 staff serves 40 guests with a ratio of 1.5 staff members per guest.