Prices and availability are subject to change at any time.
National Geographic Endurance in Neko Harbor, Antarctica.Photo: Lindblad ExpeditionsA Note from Elisa
Hi there!
Thank you for your interest in Lindblad Expeditions! I’ve gathered the most important details in one easy place, so you can see exactly what’s included, what you may want to add, and what to expect before, during, and after your expedition.
Lars-Eric Lindblad led the first tourist expedition to Antarctica in 1966, and today Lindblad sails in partnership with National Geographic, with naturalists and photographers at your side. Take a look through the sections below, and whenever you’re ready, I’d love to help you choose the region, ship, and cabin that fit you best.
What’s included, where you’ll stay, and how you’ll spend your days.
What’s Included
Everything an Expedition Needs
A Lindblad expedition includes the things that make expedition travel special: an expert team, the gear to explore, and the time to do it well. Meals, most drinks, and your outings by Zodiac, kayak, and on foot are part of your fare.
Here’s what you can look forward to.
Imagine gathering in the lounge each evening as the expedition team shares the day’s discoveries, and plans tomorrow’s, with a glass of wine in hand.
Expedition leaders, naturalists, undersea specialists, and a certified photo instructor on every voyage, with talks and guest speakers.
Every meal & snack
Meals as noted on your itinerary, hors d’oeuvres, 24-hour snacks, premium coffee and tea, and nonalcoholic drinks.
Beer, wine & cocktails
Included aboard every Lindblad expedition ship. Premium wines and spirits carry a charge.
Excursions & expedition gear
Excursions as noted on your itinerary, plus Zodiacs, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, snorkel gear and wetsuits, and glass-bottom boats, where available.
Fees & taxes
Park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes.
Crew gratuities on select ships
Included aboard National Geographic Endurance, Resolution, Explorer, and Orion.
Basic Wi-Fi
A complimentary basic plan fleetwide, with faster plans available for purchase.
Airport transfers
When your flights arrive and depart within the recommended times.
A parka or jacket
Yours to keep on select Arctic and Antarctic voyages.
Inclusions vary by ship and voyage and are set by Lindblad. Airfare, including charter flights unless noted, premium beverages, spa treatments, upgraded Wi-Fi, and travel protection are not included. Details: What’s Included
Elisa’s Tip
When you compare expedition lines, look at the team as well as the ship. With Lindblad, naturalists, a certified photo instructor, and your gear for kayaking and snorkeling are already part of your voyage, so every day is ready for discovery.
Ships Built for Exploration
The National Geographic Fleet
National Geographic Endurance near Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard.Photo: Lindblad Expeditions
Lindblad’s fleet is built for exploring, from ice-class ships for the polar regions to small vessels that slip into Galápagos coves and Alaskan inlets. Here’s a quick way to picture which one fits the trip you have in mind.
Lindblad expedition ships and regions compared
At a Glance
Polar & WorldwideEndurance, Resolution, Explorer & Orion
The GalápagosEndeavour II, Islander II, Gemini & Delfina
The AmericasQuest, Venture & Sea Bird
Guests
102 to 148
16 to 96
62 to 100
Where
Antarctica, the Arctic, Patagonia, the South Pacific, Japan and Europe
Year-round in Ecuador’s Galápagos Islands
Alaska, the Pacific Northwest, Baja California, Costa Rica and Panama
Signature
Ice-class ships, kayaking and a National Geographic photographer
Snorkeling and island landings with Galápagos naturalists
Whales, bears and wild coastlines, close to shore
Crew Gratuities
Included
Not included
Not included
National Geographic Endurance & Resolution
Sister ships for 138 guests, built to Polar Class 5 (Polar Code Category A), with an X-BOW for a smoother, quieter ride.
National Geographic Explorer & Orion
Explorer, a veteran polar expedition ship for 148 guests, and Orion, a 102-guest ship sailing Europe, the South Pacific, and Antarctica.
The Galápagos Fleet
Endeavour II for 96 guests, Islander II and Gemini for 48, and the catamaran Delfina for just 16, sailing year-round.
National Geographic Quest, Venture & Sea Bird
Small ships for 62 to 100 guests that sail close to shore in Alaska, the Pacific Northwest, Baja California, and Central America.
Lindblad also offers voyages aboard partner ships and river cruises, which are not covered in this guide. Ships and itineraries are subject to change.
Your Home on the Water
Cabins & Suites
Lindblad’s cabins range from solo cabins to spacious suites, all with ocean views. Cabin categories are numbered, and each ship’s layout is a little different, so I’ll help you weigh windows, balconies, and location for the voyage you choose.
A Category 7 balcony suite aboard National Geographic Endurance.Photo: Lindblad ExpeditionsA Category 6 cabin aboard National Geographic Explorer.Photo: Lindblad Expeditions
Balcony Suites
On Endurance and Resolution, suites such as Category 7 open to a private balcony, with a sofa and a table for two outside.
Solo Cabins
Designed for one traveler on select ships, and Lindblad waives the solo premium on select departures.
Suite Exclusives
Added amenities and perks in eligible suites, including complimentary laundry in certain categories.
Flexible Bedding
In cabins such as the Category 7 suites, two single beds convert to a queen.
Cabin categories, sizes, and amenities vary by ship.
Life Onboard
Base Camp at Sea
An igloo on the observation deck, one of the newer polar ships’ signatures.Photo: Lindblad Expeditions
Life onboard is relaxed and unhurried, with everyone sharing the same spirit of discovery. The ship is your base camp, and the conversation never stops.
The Daily Recap
Each evening, gather in the lounge with the expedition team to look back on the day and preview what’s ahead.
An Open Bridge
On ships such as National Geographic Resolution, guests are welcome on the bridge with the Captain, the officers, and the wildlife spotters.
Observation Lounges & Libraries
Shared spaces for watching the scenery, reading up on your destination, and comparing photos.
Wellness
Most ships have spa treatment rooms and wellness spaces, such as a fitness center, a yoga studio, or a sauna, with morning stretch sessions.
Polar Signatures
On Endurance and Resolution: glass-walled saunas, infinity hot tubs, overnight igloos, and polar art by Zaria Forman.
Wi-Fi
Complimentary basic Starlink-enabled Wi-Fi for email, messaging, and social media, with faster plans available.
Unwind Your Way
A morning stretch on deck, a sauna after a polar landing, or a massage on a sea day: wellness is woven into the rhythm of the voyage. Spa treatments are an additional cost.
The yoga studio aboard National Geographic Endurance.Photo: Lindblad Expeditions
Onboard facilities vary by ship.
A Taste of Every Region
Dining Onboard
Menus celebrate the regions you explore, from paella in Spain to udon in Japan, made with ingredients from local farmers, fishers, and vintners, including farm-to-table programs in the Galápagos and the Pacific Northwest.
Relaxed & Social
Seating is open and unassigned, so you can share a table with new friends, your naturalist, or just each other.
The culinary team in the Two Seven Zero° Restaurant aboard National Geographic Resolution.Photo: Lindblad Expeditions
The Main Restaurant
Regional menus at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. On Endurance and Resolution, the Two Seven Zero° Restaurant offers wrap-around views.
Lighter Fare & Small Dinners
The newer polar ships add a venue for lighter, made-to-order fare and another for intimate small-group dinners.
Snacks & Drinks
Hors d’oeuvres, 24-hour snacks, premium coffee and tea, and beer, wine, and cocktails aboard every expedition ship.
Optional Enhancements
Wine pairings and cooking classes are available on select voyages, at an additional cost.
Elisa’s Pro Tip
Share any dietary preferences or allergies with me when we book, and I’ll pass them along so the kitchen is ready for you from day one.
Dining venues and menus vary by ship and region.
Beyond the Ship
Zodiacs, Kayaks & Photography
A humpback whale surfaces beside a Zodiac in Paradise Harbor, Antarctica.Photo: Lindblad Expeditions
Every day is shaped by the wildlife, the weather, and the expertise of your team. Itineraries stay flexible, so when a whale surfaces or the light is perfect, there’s time to stay.
Zodiacs & Landings
Zodiac cruising and shore landings led by your naturalists, weather and ice permitting.
Kayaks & Paddleboards
Included where available, depending on the ship and destination.
Snorkeling
Masks, fins, and wetsuits are included where available, from the Galápagos to Baja California.
Undersea Discoveries
Undersea specialists bring the underwater world to the surface, with footage from a remotely operated vehicle on select voyages.
Walks & Hikes
Guided hikes on tundra, volcanic terrain, and forest trails, at a range of activity levels.
Community Visits
Time with Indigenous and coastal communities in places such as Greenland and the Canadian Arctic.
Photography with National Geographic
A certified photo instructor sails on every voyage, and a National Geographic photographer joins every departure on Endurance, Resolution, Explorer, and Orion. Loaner cameras and lenses from the OM System Photo Gear Locker are available on every ship outside the Galápagos.
Activities vary by ship, destination, and conditions. Scuba diving, where offered, is arranged through independent operators at an additional cost.
Arrive Early or Linger Longer
Extensions & Flights
Add a few days before or after your expedition, and arrive rested and ready to explore.
Ask Me About
Optional pre- and post-expedition extensions, from city stays to land journeys
Extra hotel nights in your gateway city
Flights, which Lindblad’s air department can arrange for a $50 per person fee
Timing your flights so your airport transfers are included
Pairing two expeditions back to back, often with savings
Extensions are an additional cost and carry their own terms. I’ll share exactly what’s included for the expedition you’re considering.
The Guide
Savings & Rewards
Ways to save, from current offers to options for solo travelers and families.
Ways to Save
Current Offers & Savings
Lindblad offers promotions that change throughout the year, often including air credits on select voyages and special offers for solo travelers and families. An experienced advisor can make sure you receive the strongest value for your expedition.
Early Booking
Reserve ahead for the best choice of ship, cabin, and date, often at the best fare.
Seasonal Promotions
Limited-time savings and added value on select departures.
Solo Travelers
Reduced or waived single supplements on select sailings, when available.
Groups & Celebrations
Special value for milestone trips and travel with family and friends.
Back-to-Back Savings
Savings when you combine two expeditions.
Past Guest Offers
Exclusive offers for travelers who have sailed with Lindblad before.
Offers are capacity controlled and change often. Tell me who’s traveling and your target dates, and I’ll apply every offer and benefit you qualify for.
Traveling Together
Solo, Family & Group Travel
Expeditions are wonderful to share, and just as rewarding on your own. Lindblad has thoughtful options for every kind of traveler.
Solo Travelers
Solo cabins on select ships, and the solo premium waived on select departures for qualifying cabins. Solo travel
Families
Family-friendly departures on select voyages. Most voyages welcome children from 6 months, and Antarctica and Arctic voyages from age 4. Family expeditions
Groups & Celebrations
Group travel and milestone celebrations, with offers on select departures.
Private Charters
Charter an entire ship for a family reunion, a company, or a special group.
Children must travel with a parent or legal guardian, and minimum ages vary by ship and region.
The Guide
Booking & Preparation
Deposits, gratuities, check-in and the paperwork to have in order.
Booking with Confidence
Reserving Your Expedition
Deposit & Final Payment
A deposit of 15% of the cabin fare is due when you reserve, and final payment is due 120 days before departure. I’ll confirm the exact amounts and dates in writing before you commit.
Your reservation is confirmed once your deposit is received
Some longer voyages, holiday departures, and promotional fares follow different terms, shown on your invoice
Changes inside the cancellation penalty period are treated as cancellations
If Your Plans Change
Under Lindblad’s standard cancellation policy, fees are a share of the total trip cost, including extensions and charter flights:
Lindblad cancellation charges
120 days or more before
No penalty*
119 to 90 days
50%
89 days or less
100%
*Your deposit becomes a Travel Certificate, valid for 12 months toward the final payment of a future booking. Policy: Lindblad Cancellation Policy
Quoted Prices
Unless otherwise listed, all pricing is per person, based on double occupancy, specific to the cabin category quoted, and subject to availability at the time of booking.
Pricing Terms
Because Lindblad sails limited-inventory expedition ships, prices and availability can change without notice. By booking, you agree to the supplier’s terms, available on its website.
Supplemental Charges
Cruise lines reserve the right to add surcharges for items such as fuel increases, port fees, or government requirements. Additional fees may apply from Avoya Travel or the cruise line if a cancellation occurs.
Cancellation Policy
Please review Lindblad’s full cancellation policy before final payment, available in its Terms & Conditions.
Travel Protection
I recommend travel protection for every trip, and I’m happy to provide quotes so you can compare coverage before final payment.
Lindblad Travel Protection Plan
Open to U.S. residents, and available to purchase any time before final payment. Plan details
If you ever need help with payments, or would like me to walk you through your options, I’m always here.
Thanking the Crew
Gratuities by Ship
Blue-footed boobies in the Galápagos, with National Geographic Endeavour II beyond.Photo: Lindblad Expeditions
Crew gratuities depend on your ship. They’re already included aboard Lindblad’s polar and worldwide ships, and on the Galápagos and North American ships they’re at your discretion.
Crew Gratuities at a Glance
IncludedEndurance · Resolution · Explorer · Orion
At Your DiscretionGalápagos ships · Quest · Venture · Sea Bird
Land Programs
Gratuities on Lindblad’s land programs are included unless otherwise noted.
Pre- and Post-Expedition Stays
Hotels and independent touring can follow different practices. I’ll share the details as we plan.
Gratuity policies are set by Lindblad and may change. I’ll confirm what applies to your ship and help you plan for any gratuities that aren’t included.
Before You Sail
Preparing for Your Expedition
Before You Sail
Once your deposit is in, Lindblad invites you to set up your online account, where you’ll prepare for the voyage step by step:
Review your expedition details and optional extensions
Make payments online
Complete a medical evaluation form, when your voyage requires one
Receive your final travel documents in the weeks before departure
Some voyages require a medical evaluation through VIKAND, Lindblad’s medical partner. I’ll let you know if yours does.
Helpful to Have Ready
A little preparation makes embarkation day effortless. Keep these details handy:
Passport details that match your reservation exactly
Flight and transfer information
Any dietary or accessibility needs
Emergency contact information
I’m glad to walk through every step with you.
Passports & Paperwork
Travel Documents & Entry Requirements
It is each traveler’s responsibility to carry proper documentation. Here’s what to have in order before you go.
Proof of Citizenship
A valid passport, valid at least 6 months beyond your return date
Visas where required
Green cards or other immigration documents, as applicable
Authorization documentation when traveling with minors
Names on reservations must match your passport exactly.
REAL ID
Since May 2025, U.S. travelers need a REAL ID-compliant license or other accepted ID, such as a passport, for domestic flights and certain federal facilities.
Travel Visas
Expeditions often cross several borders, and polar voyages may begin in Argentina, Chile, Norway, Greenland, or Canada. Verify requirements through CIBTvisas, and I’ll confirm exactly what your itinerary needs.
ETIAS (Europe)
Europe’s new travel authorization for U.S. visitors is not yet in effect, and no launch date has been announced. I’ll let you know if it applies to your trip.
UK ETA
An Electronic Travel Authorisation is required for entry to the United Kingdom.
EU Entry/Exit System
Europe’s border system now registers non-EU visitors with fingerprints and a photo, so allow a little extra time at passport control on your first entry.
Travel Advisories & Health Guidance
I strongly recommend reviewing travel advisories and health guidance before your trip so you’re fully prepared.
A few things that are helpful to know before you sail.
Flexibility on the Water
Good to Know on an Expedition
On an expedition, nature sets the agenda. Lindblad’s teams plan carefully and stay flexible, and a little patience is often rewarded with the best moments of the trip.
Flexible Itineraries
Plans adjust to wildlife, weather, and ice. Sightings are never guaranteed, but itineraries are built around the places wildlife gathers.
Medical Care
Most voyages carry a ship’s physician. Care beyond an onboard consultation is an additional cost, which is one more reason travel protection matters.
Dress for the Weather
Layers, waterproof outerwear, and sturdy shoes serve you well on most expeditions. I’ll share a packing list for your destination.
Travel Subject to Change
All travel is subject to schedule adjustments, itinerary changes, weather disruptions, and operational delays.
Your Travel Documents
Final documents arrive in the weeks before departure. I’ll let you know as soon as they’re ready.
Nature sets the course. All you have to do is look up.
Your Next Step
Let’s plan your journey.
Whether you already have a destination in mind or are just beginning to dream, I’d love to help you find the Lindblad expedition that fits you best. I’ll compare itineraries and cabins, apply every savings offer you qualify for, and take care of the details from your first question to your welcome home.
Prices and availability are subject to change at any time. Amenities, offers, and policies are set by Lindblad Expeditions and may change without notice. Photography courtesy of Lindblad Expeditions.
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