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181Lindblad Expeditions
If you're looking to get off the beaten path and explore Alaska's wilderness, Lindblad Expeditions should be at the top of your list. In the line's 30-plus years traveling to Alaska, Lindblad has made a point to seek out the most adventurous activities for nature-lovers to enjoy, and has stocked its fleet with tools made for exploration, like a hydrophone to listen to whales and an undersea HD video camera. Lindblad has several permits that allow guests to visit remote parts of Tongass National Forest and Glacier Bay National Park, all while remaining close by the line's beautiful and cozy expedition ships. Most of the destinations on an Alaska cruise with Lindblad are places you've never heard of, and with just 62 guests on each ship, you're sure to be among like-minded, bold travelers like yourself.
| Ship Name | Star Rating | Year Built |
|---|---|---|
| National Geographic Quest |  | 2017 |
| National Geographic Sea Bird | | 2001 |
| National Geographic Sea Lion | | 2001 |
| National Geographic Venture | | 2018 |
4 Lindblad Expeditions Ships
Lindblad Expeditions' small adventure ships sail to every nook and cranny of Alaska, offering guests the journey of a lifetime exploring all of the animals, natural wonders, and cultural treats Alaska has to offer. Sail between May and September on a 6- to 15-night cruise, visiting cities and tiny towns alike. Each voyage sails with an expedition leader and five naturalists who will guide you through the many land activities Alaska has to offer, like hiking in the Tongass National Forest, kayaking along the coast, and whale-watching from Zodiacs. All shore excursions and sightseeing entrance fees are included in your cruise fare, as is transfer to and from group flights and all meals onboard.
The beauty of Lindblad's expedition ships is that they can easily reach places large ships simply cannot. In Alaska, this means heading to fast-moving channels where you're more likely to see whales, traveling through a series of locks in the Pacific Northwest and into small bays ideal for kayaking, or getting up close and personal with stunning waterfalls. The National Geographic Sea Bird and Sea Lion, both of which sail to Alaska, each accommodate 62 guests in 31 outward-facing cabins. The ships are air conditioned and heated throughout, and have plenty of indoor and outdoor public spaces to spend time in.
On the National Geographic Sea Bird and Sea Lion, all cabins face outside, with windows, portholes or decks, so you can feel close to nature throughout your journey. Each room comes with private bathrooms and climate controls, and is well-stocked with botanically-inspired bath products, hair dryers, feather duvets and cotton sheets. There are three cabin categories to choose from; category 2 and 3 cabins have doors and windows that open to the outside, while category 1 cabins have a large picture window. Each room has two twin beds, and in category 3 cabins, the beds can be pushed together to form a double bed. All rooms have Wi-Fi access, storage space underneath the beds, one or two closets, and a speaker to listen to evening lectures from the comfort of your room, if you wish.
Adventure is everything on a Lindblad Expedition to Alaska, and the team wants to make sure you don?t miss a thing. A fleet of single and double kayaks are stored on each ship, available for guests to use throughout the journey, if you?d like to explore Alaska?s waterways. Guided walks and hikes, cultural visits to museums, and animal watching activities are all planned and included, and thanks to the small number of guests onboard, there is no need to pre-book any excursions ? pick and choose what you?d like to do as the days go on. And keep an eye out? even before leaving the ship, you may spot sea lions and otters, bears, whales, wolves, puffins or bald eagles!
Most of your meals onboard a Lindblad Expedition to Alaska will be served in the main dining room. Located on the main deck, the spacious and comfortable venue can accommodate the entire community in one seating. As such, there is no assigned seating, and in fitting with the relaxed environment of Lindblad, there is no dress code. When they weather is nice, you can also choose to eat on deck, and sometimes meals ashore are planned, too.
Breakfast and lunch are served buffet style, while dinner is served to you. As often as possible, fresh local fruits, vegetables, and spices are used, as well as sustainably caught and locally sourced seafood, like salmon, halibut, and Dungeness crab. Meal hours are posted in the daily program, and in between meals, snacks are offered, as well as coffee, tea, and soda, available 24-hours a day. All meals and non-alcoholic beverages are included in your cruise fare, and alcohol can be purchased onboard at the bar, which serves beer, wine by the glass or bottle, cocktails, specialty drinks and spirits.
Cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and snacks are also served during the nightly recap in the lounge. Guests must be 21 years old to drink onboard.
Vegetarian and vegan meals can be provided upon request; though kosher meals are unfortunately not available. Lindblad travelers tend to be up for adventure, and the line offers it in spades. However, while sailing from place to place, there are also many opportunities to relax and recuperate too. The ships have many public spaces to meet new friends, indulge in some quiet time, and refuel with delicious, fresh food. Each ship has a library stocked with books (many relating to your destination!), a global market, a lounge with a full-service bar and film space, an observation deck, and a sundeck. The sundeck boasts tables and lounge chairs as well as fitness equipment, including an elliptical, stationary bike, stretch bands and yoga mats. A wellness specialist teaches yoga and Pilates on the deck before breakfast each morning, and an onboard spa offers massage therapy, body treatments and other spa treatments for an additional charge. At the global market, items from local artisans can be purchased, with 5 percent of proceeds going to the Lindblad Artisan Fund.
Members of the expedition team often give talks and presentations relating to the region in the lounge. An undersea specialist will even share photos taken in Alaska, so you can view the spectacular world of Alaska from all angles. Thanks to the open bridge policy, you can also chat with the Captain, see his or her view, and learn a bit more about navigation whenever you please. Internet access is available for an additional charge while onboard.
Each evening, the entire community gathers in the lounge for Recap, a daily ritual with cocktails and hors d'oeuvres where the following day's schedule is outlined, videos are shown, and presentations are given. This special activity is unique to Lindblad and helps foster a sense of community, even for the short time you are onboard. While there is not an official kids club onboard, children are more than welcome on a Lindblad Expedition to Alaska, and in fact Alaska is one of the most popular family destinations for the line. Additionally, Travel + Leisure ranked Lindblad the small ship cruise line winner in "World's Best for Families" from 2009 to 2012. Special activities are planned for kids onboard and onshore, such as photography and journaling workshops, nature and science lessons, scavenger hunts, and a pizza and movie night. A kids' menu is offered in the dining room, and while in Glacier Bay National Park, kids can meet with a Parks Service representative and earn a Jr. Ranger Badge and coloring book. There are no connecting rooms onboard, but kids under 18 receive $500 off the double occupancy rate. While Lindblad Expeditions does not have a Past Passengers Program, National Geographic has a Lifelong Explorer program, which includes Lindblad Expeditions trips. After traveling on three National Geographic Expeditions, Adventures, Journeys and/or Private Expeditions, you automatically qualify for enrollment in the program, and can receive a 10 percent discount on any future National Geographic/Lindblad Expeditions small-ship voyages. Check with your Cruise Specialist to see if you qualify before booking. The National Geographic Sea Bird and National Geographic Sea Lion are not wheelchair accessible and do not have elevators on board. In addition, some landings require walking through shallow water that may be difficult for those with mobility concerns. Check with your Cruise Specialist prior to booking if you have any questions regarding accessibility needs.
Dining & Drinks on Lindblad Expeditions Alaska Cruises
Activities on Lindblad Expeditions Alaska Cruises
Children's Programs on Lindblad Expeditions Alaska Cruises
Lindblad Expeditions Alaska Cruises Past Guests
Accessibility on Lindblad Expeditions Alaska Cruises