Zodiac Cruise in a Norwegian Fjord

Review: Lindblad Expeditions

The following is our review of Lindblad Expeditions, having just sailed with them on the new National Geographic Endurance from northern Norway to Svalbard.

I wrote in this article back in May of 2022 that I believe that expedition cruising is the next travel megatrend.

According to Cruise Industry News, there were 63 expedition ships on the water in 2020. Remarkably, that number will grow to 107 by the end of 2023. That is 44 new expedition ships offering guests the ability to explore remote regions of the world in 4-5-star luxury.

Because of this belief, Carol and I have made a concerted effort to get out there and experience the more prominent expedition cruise brands.

This is our third expedition cruise, and so that we don’t bury the lead: WE LOVED IT!

Lindblad Expeditions is a renowned expedition travel company founded by Lars-Eric Lindblad in 1958. Specializing in responsible, immersive, and educational voyages, it offers expedition cruises to remote and diverse destinations worldwide, fostering a deep connection with nature and wildlife. Their small ships provide an intimate and enriching experience for adventurous travelers.

Further, Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic formed a partnership in 2004. This collaboration resulted in the creation of “Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic,” combining the expertise of both organizations to offer expedition cruises with a strong emphasis on exploration, education, and conservation. The partnership aims to inspire a deeper understanding and appreciation of the planet’s natural wonders.

To view scores of photographs from our expedition, please visit and LIKE our Facebook and Instagram pages, and look for dates between July 2, 2023, through July 17, 2023

The National Geographic Endurance

If you’re going to explore the remote polar regions of the world, first and foremost, you want a safe and capable ship that will respect these sensitive environments.

When the National Geographic Endurance was built, she was called “the world’s foremost expedition vessel.”

“The state-of-the-art polar vessel has been designed as the ultimate expedition platform with a focus on safety and comfort, as well as incorporating innovative sustainability solutions to reduce its environmental impact. A core feature is Ulstein’s signature X-BOW^®, a distinctive bow that provides fuel efficiency while significantly improving guest comfort in rough seas, and a very high ice class for access deep into polar regions. The ship’s expanded fuel and water tanks provide for extended operations in remote areas, while the zero-speed stabilizers will ensure stability underway, whether at zero speed when stopped for wildlife observation or embarking/disembarking the ship.” (via the shipbuilder, Ulstein)

Our video to the right shows us busting through the pack ice above 80ºN, a place where few ships have the capability to explore.

We felt safe, and this was an experience that few in the world have been able to experience.

I have more videos and photos from our pack ice experience that you can find on our Facebook and Instagram pages.

Oh, another important fact: not only is this ship smooth in the water, but she is also fast. One of the naturalists aboard our ship told us that this ship could traverse the dreaded Drake Passage in Antarctica in 1 1/2 days, whereas it takes others 2 1/2 days to make the crossing. So not only are you saving two days of sailing, but it gives you more opportunity to explore the destination.

Lastly, not only is the National Geographic Endurance capable, but she also offers a level of luxury not found on the expedition ships of the past.

Take a peek at the first impressions video I filmed as we walked into our suite aboard the National Geographic Endurance. Now granted, this is one of their suites, but we toured a few of the other staterooms, and they were beautiful and comfortable as well.

And for those of you who are solo travelers, you will be excited to know that their ship has six beautiful staterooms specially designed for solo travelers.

CLICK FOR A LARGE VIEW

Destination: Tromsø to Svalbard

One thing to know about expedition cruising is that the itinerary is largely dependent on the weather and the condition of the seas.

We knew that we would travel from the northern fjords of Norway to Svalbard. But just what we would see would depend on our weather. Our expedition was the Norwegian Discovery: Svalbard and the Northern Fjords.

Remarkably, we enjoyed sunny skies and calm seas for our whole journey.  And therefore, our captain was able to take us above 80ºN (red arrow on the map).

When we arrived, our captain told us that we were the northernmost passenger ship in the world. And while we hadn’t traveled “to where no man has gone before“, we had, in fact, traveled to where very few have traveled before. That was exciting to the passengers, and the captain received a cheer when he gave us the news.

If you are a first-time expedition cruiser, this itinerary would be a wonderful introduction to the world of expedition cruising.

Not only did we experience otherworldly landscapes, but we also enjoyed an encounter with a sperm whale, pilot whales, orcas, polar bears, walruses, puffins, and arctic birds of all sorts. Here are just a few of the photographs from our expedition.

Summary

As I mentioned above, if you are a first-time expedition cruiser, this itinerary would make a fabulous introduction to the world of expedition cruising.

It is relatively close, as compared to Antarctica; it is a summer destination, and the opportunity to experience this remote region of the world is beyond exciting if you are a nature lover.

We give Lindblad Expeditions our highest praise and a hearty thumbs up! 

The ship was simply perfection; the staff and naturalists were friendly and informative, the cuisine was very good, the accommodations offered modern and comfortable luxury, and the experience left me wanting more.

Bravo, Lindblad Expeditions.  You have new raving fans in The Roaming Boomers.

How to Book a Lindblad Expeditions/National Geographic Expedition Cruise

Complimentary VIP Perks!

A Lindblad/Nat Geo price is the same price booking your expedition directly with the cruise line or booking with Roaming Boomers Travel Services.

However, Lindblad/Nat Geo is a member of our Virtuoso Voyages program. Therefore, we have complimentary VIP perks to share on many of their voyages.

SPECIAL OFFER: Book any new Lindblad Expeditions journey through Roaming Boomers Travel Services by August 7, 2023, and we will add $200 in shipboard credits to your booking.

For more information or to book a fun expedition cruise with Lindblad/Nat Geo, please call Roaming Boomers Travel Services at (480) 550-1235 or use our convenient online information request (click here), and we’ll reach out to you.

If you enjoyed this article, sign up for our travel newsletter to keep abreast of our best travel tips, on-location reviews, exclusive travel offers, group travel events, and much more.

Roaming Boomers Travel Services is an Independent Affiliate of Cadence, a Virtuoso® member. CST#201120-40