Lars-Eric Lindblad originated expedition sailing for the rest of us 50 years ago, taking regular passengers, rather than scientists and researchers, to remote destinations other cruise lines had never dreamed of serving. His son, Sven-Olof Lindblad, now heads this pioneering company, which expanded its fleet, added luxurious appointments and partnered with the National Geographic Society to add renowned photographers to every voyage. Decade after decade, Lindblad has been the pacesetter in marine eco-tourism, and with National Geographic aboard it now increases passengers’ amenities while enhancing their experience of the wild with new technologies.
The Lindblad/National Geographic fleet consists of a dozen company-owned and chartered vessels designed for small-ship adventures. Its most luxurious model, the 102-passenger National Geographic Orion, comes equipped with wet suits, snorkeling equipment, kayaks, 14 Zodiac inflatable rafts for excursions and a glass-bottom Zodiac for underwater viewing. The Orion visits both poles (the Arctic and Antarctic) as well as the coastlines of Europe, the Baltic and the Mediterranean yearly. The 148-passenger National Geographic Explorer, the line’s largest vessel, explores the north and south polar regions as well, adding voyages to the British Isles, Canada and South America, including Patagonia. Two of its smaller vessels, the National Geographic Sea Bird and Sea Lion, each with just 62 passengers, are deployed to Alaska, Baja, Panama and the Pacific Northwest.
A notable focus of Lindblad/National Geographic cruises is the Galapagos, where two ships, the 96-passenger National Geographic Endeavor and the 48-passenger National Geographic Islander, operate year-round. Both ships provide kayaks, Zodiacs, scuba gear, expert lecturers and photographers, along with well-appointed cabins and several spacious suites. Later this year the Endeavour is slated to be replaced in the Galapagos by a newly refurbished 95-passenger vessel.
As small expedition cruise ships and yachts go, Lindblad’s National Geographic fleet is luxurious, with several features common to large cruise ships, including some spa and fitness facilities. But the emphasis is on nature, wildlife and geographic discovery, meaning an abundance of expert lecturers and naturalists instead of entertainers and celebrities, libraries instead of casinos, a single-sitting dining hall rather than a plethora of specialty restaurants, underwater cameras and video microscopes rather than climbing walls and water slides, and daily landfalls at uninhabited islands as opposed to glitzy ports.
Lindblad/National Geographic also charters four top-of-the-line boutique ships carrying 28 to 58 passengers for explorations of the Amazon, Scotland, Vietnam and Cambodia, as well as less-visited parts of the Caribbean and Mediterranean. With two new American-built, state-of-the-art, 100-passenger ships scheduled for delivery in the next two years, Lindblad Explorations/ National Geographic should remain a top-notch choice for passengers seeking natural adventures at sea.
Read This Next
Alpine Country Club Review
August 2016
Aug 1, 2016All Reads on This Topic
Read Them All

Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Jul 15, 2025New Luxury Wellness Retreat Comes to Loreto, Mexico
Mailena, a luxury wellness retreat, is slated to open in Loreto, Mexico, in summer 2026. Set on the Baja California Peninsula coast, this retreat will be the region’s first wellness resort and adults-only property.
Sponsored Content
Royal Air Maroc Introduces Groundbreaking Safety Video: A Captivating Invitation to Discover Moroccan Heritage
Royal Air Maroc continues to elevate the passenger experience with the launch of its new in-flight safety video — a cinematic journey that seamlessly blends essential safety instructions with a celebration of Moroccan cultural heritage.
July 2025
Jul 15, 2025Global City Guidebook: Cancún
Known for its powdery white beaches and brilliant turquoise sea, Cancún combines nature and adventure with the rich cultural heritage of Riviera Maya, offering activities such as diving in the largest coral reefs in the Western Hemisphere and exploring archaeological sites. Zona Hotelera, the hotel zone, stretches along 14 miles of beaches, glamourous resorts and a buzzing party scene. Downtown Cancún has its own locally focused, vibrant social scene.
Daily
Jul 15, 2025Viking Announces Its First River Voyages in India on New Ship
On July 10, Viking announced its first river voyages in India, set to launch in late 2027 on Viking Brahmaputra, Viking’s new, 80-guest vessel built especially for Brahmaputra River. On this 15-day Wonders of India journey, guests will experience a fully guided land program with overnights in Delhi, Agra and Jaipur.
Sponsored Content
Smarter Business Travel: 12 Tips from IHG Business Edge
For small- and mid-sized businesses, travel is often a necessary part of growth — helping to strengthen client relationships, explore new markets and attend key industry events. But with rising costs and limited resources, keeping business travel efficient and budget-friendly is more important than ever.
Daily
Jul 14, 2025Wellness Retreat Brand Launches New Programming in Partnership with Tata Harper Facials
With two properties located in Malibu and the Hudson Valley, The Ranch is a holistic wellness destination offering a variety of guided programs that incorporate principles of movement, mindful nutrition, wellness in nature and authentic connection. New initiatives include a partnership with Tata Harper Facials.
Global City Guidebook: New Delhi
Destinations / Asia
Jul 14, 20257 U.S. Hot Springs to Put on Your Travel List
Slideshow
Jul 14, 2025Global City Guidebook: Cairns
July 2025
Jul 14, 2025Global City Guidebook 2025
Jul 12, 2025Expanded Cell Service Coming to More NYC Subway Trains
New Yorkers will be thrilled to learn more cell service will soon be available on parts of select trains in New York City. MTA officials announced the expanded service will come to the 4 and 5 train tunnels from Bowling Green in Manhattan to Borough Hall in Brooklyn.
Sponsored Content
Three New Routes from TAP Air Portugal as Airline Celebrates 80 Years
TAP Air Portugal offers three new routes to Portugal: from Boston (BOS) to Porto (OPO), Los Angeles (LAX) to Lisbon (LIS) and San Francisco (SFO) to Terceira (TER) in the Azores.
Cruises
Jul 12, 2025Windstar Debuts Exclusive Air + Hotel Cruise Offer
Have your Polynesian dreams come true with Windstar Cruises’ new Air + Hotel offer. Receive complimentary economy airfare from Los Angeles (LAX) to Tahiti (PPT) on select 2025/2026 Air + Hotel cruise packages, a value of up to $1,500 per person.
ShareThis