
Antarctica by Ship: How to Choose the Right One
For Antarctica expeditions, your ship choice matters more than almost anything else about your voyage. Here’s what actually matters, from someone who’s made and planned this trip many times.
Our Expert Insights for National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions

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With Expertise In National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions
Not everything you need to know, but a good place to start.
National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions offers a premium expedition cruise experience with a strong focus on immersive, educational travel. The cruises are a partnership between two pioneers in exploration, combining a high staff-to-guest ratio with an expert team of scientists, naturalists, and photographers. The experience is designed to be hands-on and authentic, with a mission to inspire guests to care about and protect the places they visit.
The fare is almost all-inclusive, providing excellent value for an immersive adventure. It covers all meals, an open bar with a selection of wine, beer, and spirits, and all onboard enrichment. Most activities and excursions, including Zodiac tours and kayaking, are also included. In addition, Wi-Fi, park permits, and most gratuities are part of the fare.
The fleet consists of small, purpose-built expedition ships designed to be environmentally friendly. Accommodations are all outside-facing and a large number of them have a balcony or large windows to provide a continuous connection to the outside world. The ships are equipped with advanced technology for exploration, such as remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and a state-of-the-art photography initiative.
The onboard atmosphere is relaxed, informal, and centered around discovery and learning. There is no formal dress code, and guests are encouraged to wear casual, comfortable clothing suitable for both the ship and excursions. Layered clothing is highly recommended due to the varying weather in the remote destinations.
Dining is a casual, open-seating affair with a focus on fresh, regional cuisine. Meals are a time for the expedition community to mingle, with the expert team joining guests at their tables. The menus are often inspired by the destinations and feature sustainably sourced ingredients, with special dietary needs accommodated upon request.
National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions explores the world’s most remote and pristine regions. Popular itineraries include expeditions to Antarctica, the Galápagos Islands, Alaska, the Arctic, and the Amazon. The small size and specialized design of the ships allow them to access areas that are inaccessible to larger cruise ships.
Yes, children are welcome on board, and the experience is a wonderful fit for families. Lindblad offers a unique National Geographic Explorers-in-Training program on select voyages. This hands-on program is led by certified field educators and is designed to help kids and teens discover the world like a true explorer.
The Expedition Team is a hallmark of the experience. It is a highly experienced group of experts who lead the voyages and excursions. The team is made up of naturalists, historians, and photographers, many of whom are from the regions being visited. They are the ones who write the books and truly know the local environment.
This is an exclusive, hands-on program for kids and teens on select family voyages. It’s designed to help young travelers develop the attitudes and skills of a National Geographic explorer through interactive, fun activities like earning a Zodiac “driver’s license” and recording wildlife sightings.
A certified photo instructor is aboard every expedition to help guests of all skill levels improve their photography. On many departures, a full-time National Geographic photographer is also on board, providing one-on-one assistance and leading workshops to help you capture stunning images of your journey.
Start by contacting any of the matching travel advisors listed above. These advisors have experience and expertise planning National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions vacations.
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