Wednesday, January 10, 2024
Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic launches exciting Antarctic adventures for flexible travelers seeking the White Continent’s wonders.
With an increasing number of travelers expressing their enthusiasm for expedition cruising, Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic, a renowned leader and pioneer in modern expedition cruising, has recently unveiled two fresh itineraries to offer travelers more flexibility and choice when it comes to experiencing the majestic White Continent.
For over half a century, since 1966, Lindblad has been guiding curious adventurers to the White Continent, allowing them to witness the breathtaking beauty and remarkable wildlife of this extraordinary destination. Traditional Antarctic voyages have typically lasted around 14 days, potentially limiting guests’ chances to partake in this once-in-a-lifetime adventure. However, starting in the upcoming year, on the well-appointed and recently refurbished National Geographic Explorer, a vessel known for its intimate setting and popularity among guests, modern explorers will have more options for exploration. These include an eight-day itinerary with round-trip flights across the Drake Passage and a ten-day itinerary, which involves crossing the renowned Drake Passage by ship and returning via air from King George Island.
Trey Byus, the Chief Expedition Officer at Lindblad Expeditions, emphasized the joy and privilege of helping curious explorers discover the splendor of Antarctica. He highlighted their commitment to ensuring that guests don’t miss a single moment of this extraordinary journey. Onboard their purpose-designed expedition vessel, equipped with tools for immersive exploration, such as double kayaks and Zodiacs for wildlife viewing, an open-bridge policy allowing guests access to the captain and crew, and the best vantage points, Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic aims to instill wonder, satisfy curiosity, and provide supreme comfort throughout the voyage.
Nancy Schumacher, Senior Vice President and General Manager at National Geographic Expeditions, underlined their mission of opening doors to global exploration and introducing new opportunities for travelers to experience remarkable places up close. This commitment to storytelling from a firsthand perspective allows travelers to gain insight into the dynamic ecosystem of the seventh continent through their Antarctica expeditions, guided by experts and naturalists who illuminate and protect the wonders of the world.
Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage is an ideal option for eager guests looking for a head start on their Antarctic adventure. This eight-day expedition involves round-trip flights across the Drake Passage to the Chilean Base of Presidente Frey on King George Island. King George Island boasts a diverse array of wildlife, including Weddell and elephant seals, Adelie, chinstrap, and gentoo penguins. Guests will board the National Geographic Explorer, situated just off the tundra island, upon arrival. With extended daylight hours during this period and flexible scheduling, travelers have ample opportunities to explore the region. Activities range from observing playful whales from the ship’s bow to hiking along penguin pathways, kayaking in icy waters, and enjoying evening Zodiac cruises with diving penguins. On the seventh day, the ship returns to King George Island, where guests disembark and fly to Puerto Natales, Chile, for an overnight stay before beginning their journey home. The inaugural pricing for this eight-day expedition includes private air travel to King George Island and a special $500 Expedition Credit per guest for bookings made before January 31, 2024.
For the more adventurous traveler seeking a comprehensive Antarctic experience, the ten-day Antarctica Direct: Sail and Fly the Drake Passage itinerary provides the perfect blend of adventure. Guests will embark on the National Geographic Explorer in Ushuaia, Argentina, and spend two days traversing the legendary Drake Passage, covering a distance of 500 miles, to reach the icy expanses of Antarctica. Here, they will spend five days exploring Antarctica by foot, Zodiac, kayak, ship, and even cross-country skis, before arriving at King George Island. From there, they will board a chartered flight at the Chilean Base of Presidente Frey for their journey home. The inaugural pricing for this ten-day expedition includes outbound private air travel to King George Island and a special $1,000 Expedition Credit per guest for bookings made before January 31, 2024.
In the upcoming 2024-25 season, Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic plans to bring renowned scientists, birders, archaeologists, mountaineers, and researchers onboard to educate guests during their Antarctic journeys. Additionally, during the 2023-24 season, the company will host over 20 Visiting Scientists as part of their leading-edge program, which supports vital research focused on environmental sustainability. Guests on select departures will have the unique opportunity to assist scientists in various research projects, including data collection, wildlife observation, and hands-on research.
With seven distinctive Antarctica itineraries and nearly 50 departures planned for the 2024-25 season, Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic is providing more opportunities than ever before for travelers to explore the White Continent. As the first company to introduce citizen explorers to the region almost six decades ago, Lindblad Expeditions continues to lead the way in expertly guided Antarctic expeditions. They operate three world-class vessels equipped with state-of-the-art tools for discovery and amenities for guest comfort. This includes two cutting-edge Category A (PC5) ice class polar vessels, National Geographic Endurance and National Geographic Resolution, renowned for their exploration capabilities in the White Continent due to their industry-leading ice class certification and innovative X-Bow design. Last year, the suites on board National Geographic Explorer underwent a dramatic revitalization, now reflecting the brand’s hallmark sleek Scandinavian design and featuring a state-of-the-art Command Center exclusively available to suite guests.
Saturday, April 27, 2024
Saturday, April 27, 2024
Saturday, April 27, 2024
