Lindblad Expeditions FAQs
What’s Included
Inclusive pricing means real value
We include just about everything you have the opportunity to do as part of your expedition aboard ship and ashore. The value of what we include, combined with the quality of our service and the excellence of our expedition staff, adds up to considerable value—especially compared to the impact of cost for excursions and other add-on charges to the so-called savings other travel companies offer.
What we offer is not inexpensive. But our guests find that when you look at the alternatives and add up the costs, our expeditions are really an extremely good value. The cost of your voyage includes basically everything you have the opportunity to do as part of your expedition with us, both on board and on shore. The only things not included are those of a personal nature–alcohol (on certain ships), airfare to and from, an occasional meal ashore where we feel you might like to have the option, tips to crew (on certain ships), spa treatments, and certain specialized events or activities–that may interest only a limited number of people. You could literally go on our voyages with not a dollar in your pocket and have a perfectly excellent experience taking advantage of everything we offer.
Aboard ship
- All meals and non-alcoholic beverages*
- Your bar tab and all crew gratuities are included in the voyage price on all National Geographic Explorer, National Geographic Endurance, and National Geographic Orion voyages. Please call for details.
- Your bar tab and WiFi** are included in the voyage price on all National Geographic Islander or National Geographic Endeavour II voyages. Please call for details.
- Cappuccinos, lattes & filtered water
- 24-hour coffee, tea & soda on demand (soda not included on Lord of the Glens)
- Hors d’oeuvres & snacks during Recap
- Fitness center or exercise equipment, depending on the ship
- Fully stocked library, and other gracious public spaces
- The guidance and company of our expedition staff
- The services of a physician on certain ships/destinations
Ashore
- Hotels ashore as indicated in itinerary
- Meals on land, as indicated in itinerary
- Sightseeing & entrance fees
- Special access permits, park fees, port taxes
- Transfers to and from group flights
- The expertise of our expedition staff
Activities
- All excursions
- Zodiac & kayak explorations
- Snorkeling, including wetsuits, masks, fins & snorkel where relevant
- Presentations and guest speakers in the lounge
*Alcoholic beverages are included on the National Geographic Explorer, National Geographic Orion, National Geographic Endurance, Sea Cloud, and Lord of the Glens; certain super-premium brands are not included.
** Travel aboard any National Geographic Islander or National Geographic Endeavour II voyage and we will cover your bar tab; certain premium brands not included. Free WiFi, up to one hour a day per person aboard any National Geographic Islander and National Geographic Endeavour II departure.
Unused services or items included in our programs are non-refundable.
What’s Not Included
Find out what is not included in the cost of your expedition
While aboard ship nearly everything is included in the cost of your expedition, but getting to and from our ships is not included. International airfare and internal airfare are not included in the price of the expedition. Our air department is more than happy to help make your travel arrangements, and often, our guests choose to pay for their flights using miles.
Airfare
- International and internal airfare
Pre- and post-expedition
- Additional hotel nights
- Private transfers
- Travel Protection Plan
- Passport, visa, and immigration fees
- Expedition extensions
- Gratuities
Aboard ship
- Alcoholic beverages (except aboard Sea Cloud, Lord of the Glens, National Geographic Orion, National Geographic Explorer, National Geographic Endurance, National Geographic Islander and National Geographic Endeavour II); certain super-premium brands not included
- Spa treatments
- Gratuities (except aboard Sea Cloud, National Geographic Orion, National Geographic Endurance & National Geographic Explorer)
- Scuba diving
- Laundry
- Internet and phone
- Gift shop items and any other items of personal nature
- Cappuccinos and lattes are not available on the Delfin II
Reservation Terms & Conditions
All the details regarding your booking
Effective and Last Updated: December 11, 2020
Effective September 1, 2007, all Lindblad voyages departing from and returning to ports outside the United States will be operated by Lindblad Maritime Enterprises, Ltd., a subsidiary of Lindblad Expeditions, LLC.
Basis of Rates
All prices are based on two persons sharing a cabin, or a single where noted. Shared accommodations are available on certain ships and categories. For more information, please refer to our Share Guarantee Program section of our Terms and Conditions, or call us for details. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars.
Costs Include
All accommodations aboard ships or in hotels per itinerary or similar; all meals and nonalcoholic beverages aboard ship; alcoholic beverages aboard National Geographic Explorer, National Geographic Orion, National Geographic Endurance, National Geographic Resolution, National Geographic Endeavour II, National Geographic Islander, Sea Cloud, Jahan, and Lord of the Glens (excepting certain super premium brands); meals on land as indicated, accompanied by nonalcoholic beverages; air transportation where indicated as included; shore excursions; sightseeing and entrance fees; special access permits; transfers to and from group flights; use of snorkeling equipment and wetsuits (where applicable); use of kayaks and/or stand-up paddleboards (where available); gratuities (except to ship’s crew with the exception of National Geographic Explorer, National Geographic Orion, National Geographic Endurance, National Geographic Resolution, Sea Cloud, Jahan, Lord of the Glens, and Oberoi Philae, where we do include gratuities for ship crew); taxes and service charges; services of a ship physician on most voyages, and services of our expedition staff. Unused services or items included in our programs are non-refundable.
Pricing and promotions may vary for reservations booked through affinity or charter organizations. Check your affinity or charter organization for complete pricing and promotional information.
Not Included
Air transportation (except where shown as included); extensions; passport, visa, immigration fees; scuba diving (where available); flightseeing (where available and except where shown as indicated); meals not indicated; travel protection plan; items of a personal nature, such as alcoholic beverages (except aboard National Geographic Explorer, National Geographic Orion, National Geographic Endurance, National Geographic Resolution, National Geographic Endeavour II, National Geographic Islander, Sea Cloud, Jahan, and Lord of the Glens; certain super premium brands not included); internet access (except aboard National Geographic Endeavour II and National Geographic Islander, where up to one hour of Wi-Fi a day per person is included, and Lord of the Glens); and laundry. Gratuities to ship’s crew are at your discretion with the exception of National Geographic Explorer, National Geographic Orion, National Geographic Endurance, National Geographic Resolution, Sea Cloud, Jahan, Lord of the Glens, and Oberoi Philae, where we do include gratuities for ship crew. Certain items not typically included may be included on specific departures in accordance with special promotional offers. Confirmation of such promotional items is reflected on reservation invoices.
Airfare
For all programs, airfare is an additional cost unless otherwise indicated. Sample airfares are subject to change. We will gladly assist in making your air arrangements for a $50 per person service fee. Airline tickets issued by Lindblad Expeditions are subject to each individual airline’s policies. Refunds, where applicable, will be processed according to the timeline and policy put forth by the airline(s).
Deposits
To reserve your place, an advance payment for the program is required at the time of reservation. The per person advance payment amount varies by program, and is outlined in our brochures, as well as on our website. Holiday departure dates and certain longer voyages may carry additional advance deposit requirements due to high demand for these voyages. Payment is accepted by Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, or check. Receipt of your initial payment indicates your acceptance of our complete Terms and Conditions.
Once your reservation is confirmed, we urge you to use your personalized online account for important information to help you prepare for your voyage. Managing your documents online will facilitate fast and accurate communication, and allow you to provide us with pertinent details we require in order to complete your reservation. Your online account gives you access to your Expedition Guide, which includes valuable information specific to your voyage. You can also use your online account to make easy payments, view recommended flights and reading material, packing list, and so much more.
Final Payment
Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure, for all ships except for National Geographic Explorer, National Geographic Orion, National Geographic Endurance and National Geographic Resolution. For expeditions aboard National Geographic Explorer, National Geographic Orion, National Geographic Endurance, and National Geographic Resolution, payment is due 120 days prior to departure.
Payment schedules may vary for Holiday departures and certain longer voyages, due to high demand for these voyages. We reserve the right to cancel your reservation if payment has not been received by final payment due date.
Cancellation Policy
Our standard cancellation policy is available at expeditions.com/reservations/cancellation-policy. This cancellation policy applies to expeditions, additional services, as well as most extensions. Please inquire or refer to the detailed extension itinerary for the specific cancellation policy of each extension. The effective date of a cancellation will be the date on which your cancellation notice is received. Any revisions you make within the cancellation penalty period, such as departure date or choice of voyage, are subject to cancellation fees. The cancellation policy for certain longer voyages and Holiday departures may vary due to high demand for these voyages, and the cancellation policy for certain voyages may differ from our standard cancellation policy due to promotional offers. Should the voyage’s cancellation policy differ from our standard cancellation policy, the cancellation policy as printed on your reservation invoice supersedes our standard policy.
Travel Protection Plan
We strongly recommend our guests to take advantage of our Travel Protection Plan. This plan offers comprehensive coverage to protect you from cancellation fees, costs incurred due to trip delays/interruption, damaged or lost baggage, medical assistance, and evacuation during your travels. Our Travel Protection Plan is available for U.S. residents only, and may be purchased any time prior to final payment due date. If You are not satisfied for any reason, You may return your Plan Document to your Travel Supplier within 10 days after receipt. Your plan payment will be refunded, provided you have not already departed on the Trip or filed a claim. When so returned, the coverage under the Plan is void from the beginning. Outside of the 10 day window to return, Travel Protection Plan payments are non-refundable, including in the case of voyage cancellation or reschedule by Lindblad Expeditions. Learn more about Lindblad Expeditions Travel Protection “Plus” Plan.
Smoking Policy
Smoking and Vaping are allowed only in designated outdoor areas.
Entry and Visa Requirements
All guests are advised to verify travel documents (passport/transit visa/entry visa) for the country through which they are transiting and/ or entering. Reliable and most current information regarding international travel can be found by contacting the consulate/embassy of the country(s) you are visiting or transiting through. We will not be responsible if you are denied entry or transit into a country if you are unable to provide valid documents as per the country’s requirement.
Groups
For a party of 8 people or more who make their reservations to travel as a group, each guest will receive 5% off the cost of the expedition when booked together.
Group payment terms: The standard deposit is required at time of reservation. An additional 25% is required 180 days prior to the departure date, and final payment is due 120 days prior to departure.
Share Guarantee Program
If you are a solo guest willing to share accommodations, we will be happy to make arrangements to match you with another solo guest, so you may travel at the double occupancy rate. If you are willing to share, and we are unable to make shared arrangements for you, we will guarantee you the per person double occupancy rate, and you will not incur the solo rate. This program is subject to availability, and limited to certain ships and categories.
Medical Information
It is essential that guests with medical conditions and/or special dietary restrictions make them known to us in sufficient time for us to accommodate their request.
Cruise Ticket Contract and Other Terms & Conditions
Your Cruise Ticket Contract is the contract governing your expedition and is available at expeditions.com/shipticket as well as on your Communications Portal with your reservation details. Entry into the site requires acceptance of your Cruise Ticket Contract and our Terms & Conditions. A printed copy of your Cruise Ticket Contract will be provided with final documents, to be received approximately three weeks prior to departure. Carefully read your Cruise Ticket Contract as it contains important terms and conditions which govern your expedition and affect your legal rights including, among other things, limitations of Lindblad Expeditions’ and National Geographic Partners’ liability for loss of property, injury, illness, or death during the voyage. By registering for a trip, you agree to all Terms and Conditions. In the event of any conflict between the Terms & Conditions contained herein and the Cruise Ticket Contract, the terms and conditions contained in the Cruise Ticket Contract shall control.
Note
Itineraries and prices listed on this website are as of publication date, and are subject to change. Under normal conditions the total expedition cost is guaranteed at the time of booking. However, the published price is determined far in advance of initial departure on the basis of then-existing projections of fuel and other costs. In the event that we determine that current costs create an unsustainable financial model, including but not limited to increases in the price of fuel, currency fluctuations, increases in government taxes or levies, or increased security costs, we reserve the right to pass on these costs to you to cover such unexpected increases. We will always provide a transparent accounting of the reason for increase in costs.
General
Lindblad Expeditions may amend these terms and conditions at any time. All amended terms and conditions shall automatically be effective upon being posted by Lindblad Expeditions to the Site. We always use industry-standard encryption technologies when transferring and receiving visitor data exchanged with our site.
Group Travel Info
An extraordinary way for groups and extended families to connect
Everyone! Whether you are celebrating a birthday, anniversary or other special occasion, getting together with friends and family is always fun. Some of our groups have included yacht clubs, country clubs, church/temple groups, gluten–free groups, class reunions, and family travel/reunions. Mark your special event this year with an expedition to one of the world’s most beautiful places!
Our groups range in size from 8 – 148!
- Save 5% for you and your entire group off of the base cost of the voyage.
- Our small ships are perfect for group interaction, and will take you in style to places that are inaccessible by others.
- You will gain a deeper understanding of your destination by traveling with our expert Expedition Team.
- Our Expedition Specialists will assist you and your group with all aspects of your expedition – from logistics to special arrangements and airfare.
We never cancel our expeditions. You can still join us – even if you don’t meet your group minimum of 8 or more. However, depending upon your final group size, the savings incentive may not be applicable.
All of them! We have ten ships in our fleet and all of them are available for group travel.
- All accommodations aboard our ships or in hotels as per itinerary
- All meals and non-alcoholic beverages aboard ship and as indicated on land (per itinerary)
- All shore excursions (as indicated in the itinerary) and activities such as Zodiac excursions, hiking, kayaking, tide-pooling, beach walks, and snorkeling*
- The services and expertise of an Expedition Leader, our natural history staff, an Undersea Specialist,* a Video Chronicler and a ship’s physician*
- An extensive Undersea program including nightly recap presentations incorporating onboard video microscopes, hydrophones and under water cameras
- A fleet of kayaks* and the use of snorkeling equipment and wet suits*
- Presentation capabilities with state-of-the-art equipment including Plasma TVs, DVD players, power point and digital slide shows
- Port charges and service charges
- Gratuities to local guides
- Air transportation where indicated as included in the itinerary
- The personal guidance of an experienced in-house team to help create a seamless, “once-in-a-lifetime” expedition
All group travel arrangements vary by destination and ship, but generally they exclude: airfare, transfers, optional extensions, gratuities to ship staff/crew, items of a personal nature (e.g. laundry, email, telephone, alcoholic beverages, LEXspa services), passport/visa expenses, airport departure tax, guest travel insurance, custom voyage DVDs and optional tours.
Does Lindblad Expeditions handle the air arrangements?
Airfare is generally an additional cost, unless otherwise indicated in the itinerary. We have a full service air department and we will gladly assist in making your air arrangements. There is a $50 per person service fee if you elect for Lindblad Expeditions to handle your air arrangements.
Solo Travel Info
You’ll find the expedition community perfect for solo travelers
Whether you’re experienced at solo travel or trying it for the first time, our welcoming on-board community and many group activities make traveling on your own a comfortable and rewarding experience.
Welcome to the expedition community
Solo travelers find shipboard life social and welcoming. Guests often compare traveling aboard our ships to sailing aboard a private yacht with a group of like-minded travelers—and everyone is integral to the adventure. You’ll discover the shared community spirit of travel enchanting. Many dining room tables have an odd number of seats to make mixing easy at dinner, and you’ll find our expedition staff is as companionable as they are knowledgeable.
On some expeditions, find a roommate
If you would like to share accommodations with another guest of the same gender, we will be happy to try to accommodate you. This program allows you to pay the per person double-occupancy rate whether or not we find a roommate to share with you. This is subject to availability, and limited to certain ships and categories. Call for details.
Staying Connected While Traveling
Whether it’s email, fax, internet or phone, we’ve got you covered.
Email/Internet
Satellite internet access is available through the purchase of pre-paid internet access debit cards onboard. Once purchased, the debit cards can be used to access the internet on your personal laptop at select wireless access points onboard, or at the Internet Kiosks located onboard. Information on pricing and guidance logging on is provided for your reference.
Pre-Paid Access Debit Card Pricing
Gold Plan: 250 minutes for $100.00 ($0.40 per minute)
Silver Plan: 100 minutes for $55.00 ($0.55 per minute)
White Plan: 30 minutes for $22.50 ($0.75 per minute)
Debit Card Use
Once you have purchased a card from the Global Gallery/Market, you’re ready to begin. The cards are used in the same way as most calling cards, by entering a Username located on the back of the card and scratching off the silver strip on back of the card to determine the Pin. Please note the following:
- Cards are valid onboard select Lindblad Expeditions vessels for one year after initial activation.
- Minutes can be used anytime throughout the voyage. They do not have to be used in a single session.
- A debit card first used for wireless access or network access on a personal laptop can also be utilized at the internet kiosk and vice versa.
- You will not be charged access time while visiting www.expeditions.com.
- Please note that when our vessels are operating at high northern or southern latitudes, or in deep fjords, satellite internet access may not be possible.
Guest Cabin Internet Access
Note: National Geographic Endeavour & National Geographic Explorer Only
Each cabin is wired for internet access. There is a green Ethernet cable that is generally located in your desk drawer. Wireless access may occasionaly be accesible from a cabin however, wired Ethernet cables will provide a more reliable connection from the cabin. Wireless access is available, however the signal will be stronger and more reliable in designated public areas. These areas are described onboard each ship in the Guest Directories.
Wireless Internet Access
There are wireless access points onboard located on various public spaces and outside decks. They are available for your use 24 hours a day. Once you have acquired a debit card described above, follow these instructions to login:
On your laptop, search for the access point SSID of mtndsi. Once connected, open your internet browser and follow steps four through nine described above.
- If you forget to logout when using a Laptop, the system will automatically log you off within 3 minutes of no network activity.
- Please Note: Even though most laptops will automatically detect and connect to our wireless network in the designated Wireless Access Area, each laptop is configured differently. Some settings may need to be changed to facilitate wireless connectivity.
- For additional information see one of the “Technology Services” binders located at the Internet or Photo Kiosks.
Photo Kiosks
There are at least two digital Photo Kiosks aboard every ship in the Lindblad-National Geographic fleet (National Geographic Explorer, Orion, Endeavour, Islander, Sea Bird, Sea Lion). The Kiosk is an iMac with attachments for a wide variety of memory card readers, USB, Thunderbolt, and Firewire ports. The Kiosk is aboard to help you manage your digital photo storage. Be sure to plan ahead for your storage needs! Many guests shoot far more photos than they anticipate and run out of memory card space. If you plan on leaving your laptop at home and using the Photo Kiosk to manage your photo storage, be sure to bring a portable hard drive or several USB drives with ample space.
Telephone/Facsimile
Our satellite telephone system is available for your use 24 hours a day through the purchase of pre-paid debit cards onboard. The cards have a Username and a Pin that can be accessed by scratching off the silver strip on the back of the card.
Our fax machine is available for transmission and receipt of faxes and is located in the Bridge. For assistance with fax transmission or questions about pricing, please consult the Hotel Manager or the Watch Officer on duty.
