National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions Cruise Line Guide: Ships, Inclusions & FAQs

Q: How does Lindblad compare to Quark Expeditions and other expedition companies?

Each expedition company has a distinct profile:Lindblad leads on photography, science programming, and the National Geographic content partnership. Ships are polished and well-appointed. The strongest choice for intellectually curious travelers who want expedition access with exceptional educational content.Quark Expeditions focuses almost exclusively on polar regions (Antarctica and the Arctic) with the widest range of ship types, including true polar icebreakers for deep-Arctic access. Best for serious polar adventurers seeking maximum ice penetration capability.Ponant offers a more French-luxury approach to expedition cruising — higher comfort, beautiful ships, excellent cuisine, and less intensive naturalist programming than Lindblad.Atlas Ocean Voyages offers the most inclusive fare structure at a competitive price point, with a more traditional luxury approach alongside expedition programming.

Q: What is included in a Lindblad Expeditions fare?

Lindblad fares are highly inclusive:All meals and most beverages (wine, beer, and spirits with dinner; non-alcoholic throughout the day)All Zodiac excursions, guided hikes, and kayaking where offeredFull expedition team — naturalists, historians, marine biologists, undersea specialistsNational Geographic Certified Photo Instructor on every voyageComplimentary expedition gear (parka and waterproof boots on polar voyages)Gratuities to shipboard crewWi-Fi for all guestsPort taxes and feesInternational airfare, pre/post-voyage hotels, alcoholic beverages on most voyages (outside of dinner), and travel insurance are not included. Gratuities to the expedition team are customary and a suggested daily amount is provided in pre-voyage materials.

About National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions: Expedition small-ship

The pioneer of expedition cruising, pairing small National Geographic-flagged ships with veteran naturalists to explore all seven continents.

1979 (as Special Expeditions); Lindblad family expeditions since 1966 Founded 24 small expedition ships, including chartered partner vessels Fleet 16 to about 150 guests Ship size National Geographic, since 2004 Partnership 1,147 sailings bookable now

About National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions

“For more than 50 years, Lindblad Expeditions has been sailing to captivating places near and far in pursuit of discovery, bringing along adventurous travelers to share in the thrill of uncovering the world’s wild secrets. Every voyage reinforces the core belief that the planet holds infinite potential—for new experiences, enhanced knowledge and increased understanding of humanity's role in protecting its trove of natural and cultural treasures.

This enduring quest for discovery inspires National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions to find new ways to help you explore. It’s why they build ships that facilitate exploration with their cutting-edge technologies, design itineraries and assemble expedition teams that inspire and chart courses that take you deeper into remote places to give you a richer picture of our world. Because when it comes to exploration, it’s not just what you see, but how you see it that matters.” — National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions

Expedition cruising began with the Lindblad name. Lars-Eric Lindblad led the first private citizen expeditions to Antarctica in 1966 and the Galapagos in 1967, and is regarded as the father of ecotourism. His son Sven founded Special Expeditions in 1979, the company that became Lindblad Expeditions, and a landmark partnership with National Geographic beginning in 2004 gave the line its distinctive identity: voyages built around discovery, science, and storytelling rather than ports and pools.

Today the line fields what it describes as the largest and most versatile fleet in expedition cruising, two dozen small ships ranging from the 16-guest National Geographic Delfina to the polar-class sisters National Geographic Endurance and National Geographic Resolution. Every vessel stays intentionally intimate, and every itinerary travels with a full expedition team of naturalists, undersea specialists, and guest speakers, plus tools for exploration such as Zodiacs, kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkeling gear.

Fares are refreshingly complete: meals, excursions, transfers within recommended flight windows, park fees, and, on most ships, beer, wine, and cocktails are all included. With more than 100 itineraries spanning all seven continents, from Antarctica and the Arctic to Alaska, Baja California, and the Amazon, this is the line for curious travelers who want a voyage that feels like a working expedition, delivered with genuine comfort and deep expertise.

New & notable: The fleet has grown to 24 small ships, which the line calls the largest and most versatile in expedition cruising, anchored by the purpose-built polar sisters National Geographic Endurance and National Geographic Resolution.

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The National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions Experience

National Geographic partnership

Since 2004, voyages are enriched by National Geographic experts, photographers, and guest speakers, bringing the world's most storied exploration brand aboard every sailing.

True expedition heritage

The Lindblad family led the first citizen expeditions to Antarctica (1966) and the Galapagos (1967), a legacy of discovery spanning more than 50 years.

Tools for exploration

Zodiacs, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, glass-bottom boats, and snorkeling gear with wetsuits are carried aboard and included, so guests explore actively, not passively.

Veteran expedition teams

Naturalists, undersea specialists, and expert guest speakers lead every voyage, with daily presentations that turn each destination into a living classroom.

Conservation with teeth

The Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic Fund has contributed more than $24 million to conservation, research, and local communities since 2008.

What's Included with National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions

All meals as indicated in the itinerary, plus 24-hour snacks, premium coffees and teas, and nonalcoholic beverages
Beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits aboard most ships
Excursions and hotels as indicated in the itinerary
Use of exploration tools: Zodiacs, kayaks, paddleboards, glass-bottom boats, and snorkeling gear including wetsuits
Guidance of the expedition team plus presentations by expedition staff and expert guest speakers
Airport transfers for flights within the recommended arrival and departure windows
Park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes

The National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions Fleet (15 ships sailing bookable itineraries)

Aqua Blu

Connect

Greg Mortimer

NG Delfina

NG Endeavour II

NG Endurance

NG Explorer

NG Gemini

NG Islander II

NG Orion

NG Quest

NG Resolution

NG Sea Bird

NG Sea Lion

NG Venture

Where National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions Sails

Galapagos 702 Alaska 108 Antarctica 104 Central America 45 Arctic 38 Baja Mexico 35 Mediterranean 33 Europe 24 Columbia River (USA) 21 Canada 9 Japan 8 Pacific Coastal 5 South Pacific 4 South America 4 Atlantic 3 Southeast Asia 2

Good to Know Before You Book

Gratuities & tipping

Lindblad Expeditions generally has a discretionary gratuity policy, meaning tips are not included in the fare and are given at the guest's discretion. However, gratuities are included on the National Geographic Endurance, National Geographic Resolution, National Geographic Explorer, and National Geographic Orion ships. For other Lindblad ships, gratuities are not included and are left to the guest's decision.

Cancellation policy

Cancellation By Guest

Cancellation charges based on days prior to cruise departure
Days Prior to Expedition Start	Cancellation Fee Per Person
120 or more days	No penalty: Advance Payment will be credited toward your next expedition*
119–90 days	50% of trip cost**
89–0 days	100% of trip cost**

*Advance payments will be credited in the form of a Lindblad Expeditions Travel Certificate, valid for 12 months from the date of cancellation, and which may only be applied towards final payment on any future booking.

**Trip cost is total price paid including extensions, charter airfare, and other additional services.

Last updated: March 20, 2026. Click this link to view the latest policy provided by the cruise line.

Smoking on board

Smoking and Vaping are allowed only in designated outdoor areas.

Traveling with minors

Please consult with a cruise line specialist regarding the Minor policy and the age requirements.

Pregnancy policy

For any cruise Trip, women who have entered their 24th week of pregnancy as of the Trip start date or who will enter their 24th week of pregnancy during the Trip will not be permitted to book the Trip.

Policies are provided by National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions and can change; your Pavlus advisor will confirm current terms for your specific sailing before you book.

National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions Questions, Answered

What is Lindblad Expeditions?

Lindblad Expeditions is a pioneering small-ship expedition cruise line founded in 1979 by Sven-Olof Lindblad, whose father Lars-Eric Lindblad had pioneered commercial expedition travel to Antarctica and remote destinations beginning in the 1960s. Since 2004, Lindblad has operated in an exclusive partnership with National Geographic — extended through 2040 — placing photographers, scientists, and experts on every voyage.

Their fleet of more than 20 small ships accesses destinations that large cruise vessels cannot reach: the Galápagos, Antarctica, the Arctic, the Amazon, and beyond. The combination of exceptional naturalist teams, the National Geographic partnership, and deep destination expertise makes Lindblad the most educationally substantive expedition cruise experience available.

What does the Lindblad–National Geographic partnership mean for my voyage?

Every Lindblad voyage (operated under the joint Lindblad–National Geographic brand) includes:

National Geographic Certified Photo Instructor (CPI) — a trained photographer who delivers workshops, photo walks, and one-on-one critiques for all skill levels
National Geographic photographers and experts on select sailings — working professionals who offer a window into how National Geographic creates its world-renowned content
Contribution to the National Geographic Society’s exploration and conservation mission through the Lindblad-Nat Geo Fund
Ships bearing the National Geographic name (e.g., National Geographic Explorer, National Geographic Endurance)

The partnership is not cosmetic branding. National Geographic experts are genuinely embedded in the voyage programming and accessible throughout the trip.

How does Lindblad compare to Quark Expeditions and other expedition companies?

Each expedition company has a distinct profile:

Lindblad leads on photography, science programming, and the National Geographic content partnership. Ships are polished and well-appointed. The strongest choice for intellectually curious travelers who want expedition access with exceptional educational content.
Quark Expeditions focuses almost exclusively on polar regions (Antarctica and the Arctic) with the widest range of ship types, including true polar icebreakers for deep-Arctic access. Best for serious polar adventurers seeking maximum ice penetration capability.
Ponant offers a more French-luxury approach to expedition cruising — higher comfort, beautiful ships, excellent cuisine, and less intensive naturalist programming than Lindblad.
Atlas Ocean Voyages offers the most inclusive fare structure at a competitive price point, with a more traditional luxury approach alongside expedition programming.

Who is the ideal Lindblad traveler?

Lindblad attracts intellectually curious travelers who want their expedition voyage to be genuinely educational and scientifically substantive. The typical guest has a strong interest in wildlife, ecology, photography, or conservation; has traveled widely and is ready for something more purposeful than a conventional luxury cruise; and wants to engage actively with expert naturalists and scientists throughout the voyage. Lindblad guests frequently describe their voyages as life-changing — not because of the luxury level, but because of what they learned and witnessed.

What is included in a Lindblad Expeditions fare?

Lindblad fares are highly inclusive:

All meals and most beverages (wine, beer, and spirits with dinner; non-alcoholic throughout the day)
All Zodiac excursions, guided hikes, and kayaking where offered
Full expedition team — naturalists, historians, marine biologists, undersea specialists
National Geographic Certified Photo Instructor on every voyage
Complimentary expedition gear (parka and waterproof boots on polar voyages)
Gratuities to shipboard crew
Wi-Fi for all guests
Port taxes and fees

International airfare, pre/post-voyage hotels, alcoholic beverages on most voyages (outside of dinner), and travel insurance are not included. Gratuities to the expedition team are customary and a suggested daily amount is provided in pre-voyage materials.

See all National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions FAQs →