Today we’ll take a look at Lindblad’s exciting new ships and some of the enticing and immersive destinations they’re headed for.

The renowned expedition cruise line has launched two newbuilds: the National Geographic Endurance and the National Geographic Resolution.

Both 126-guest ships will be sailing in Iceland, Greenland, the Northwest Passage, Svalbard and more. 

Lindblad has partnered with National Geographic to further inspire adventure travel to the world’s most incredible regions and to help curious travelers discover new horizons. Lindblad’s existing fleet contains 15 ships that sail to the planet’s wildest places and yet are designed with the discerning traveler’s comfort in mind. Few other ships in the world are so adept at navigating shallow rivers, fast-moving channels or iceberg-strewn Arctic waters, while providing state-of-the-art tools for exploration. 

With Lindblad, the experience is all about the destination. While you can be assured comfort and convenience onboard, it’s the places you’re going that count the most. Traveling with like-minded passengers in the company of nature and wildlife experts makes for life-changing moments that won’t soon be forgotten. Whether it’s the Kuril Islands, the northern Arctic, Alaska’s inside passage or British Columbia’s Haida Gwaii, Lindblad’s hand-picked destinations are as authentic and immersive as expedition cruising gets. 

Lindblad’s Newest Ships 

National Geographic Endurance and National Geographic Resolution

• A distinctive, patented X-Bow, guaranteeing a smooth, comfortable ride in all conditions (with no bow impact, it's quieter too)
• 126-guest capacity
• Scandinavian-influenced interiors
• Huge windows offering expansive views
• Expeditions tools to get you out exploring
• All outward-facing cabins with luxury linens, personal insulated water bottles, climate control, tablets, TV, multiple outlets, a National Geographic atlas and more
• Restaurant 270º with wrap-around views and unassigned, flexible, inclusive seating
• Expedition Deck with Zodiacs, kayaks and more
• One-of-a-kind igloos for exclusive overnight stays full of polar stargazing
• Infinity hot tubs
• Sanctuary and Fitness Center with yoga, saunas, massages and more

Where You Might Go 

Japan - Coastal (August, September); Sailing the East China Sea (Japan, Okinawa and Taiwan - September); Nome to Tokyo: Ring of Fire to Ainu Culture (August)

Dutch Harbor - Alaska

Follow the Pacific’s “Ring of Fire” from Alaska’s volcanic Aleutian Islands to the rugged island of Hokkaido, Japan. Discover the wild, seldom-visited islands of the Bering Sea, encountering millions of seabirds as well as northern fur seals and bears in the Pribilof and Aleutian Islands. View towering volcanic cones in the distance on our way to Hokkaido—home to more than 51 volcanoes. Cap off your voyage with two days in vibrant Tokyo.

Iceland - June, July, August, September

Circumnavigate the land of fire and ice, cruising the remote Westfjords, spotting nesting seabirds on the Arctic Circle, soaking in the famous Blue Lagoon and meeting a variety of local Icelandic experts, from filmmakers to musicians. Actively explore glaciers, geysers, thundering waterfalls, geothermal springs and otherworldly lava-scapes. 

Chilean Patagonia - February (Including Antarctica), March, November, December (Including Antarctica)

Sail the coast of Chile and access the iconic Torres del Paine, Patagonia’s rugged waterways and pristine fjords and Argentina’s Isla de Los Estados, a seldom-seen island that is home to South America fur seals and Magellanic penguins. Venture through wildlife reserves not easily accessible to the public, including Karukinka Natural Park in Tierra del Fuego, and check rounding Cape Horn off your bucket list. 

Southern Odyssey: New Zealand and the Subantarctic Islands - November, December

 Photo: Shutterstock - King Penguins form large colonies and are intensely curious, they have a stronghold on Macquarie Island, between Australia and Antarctica

Discover New Zealand from the North Island to its most remote islands in the Southern Ocean. Explore natural wonders like Abel Tasman National Park and Milford Sound, and visit towns that tell the country’s story. Admire the Art Deco architecture of Napier, and get acquainted with Māori culture in Gisborne. Cap off the experience amid penguins and sea lions in New Zealand’s seldom-visited subantarctic islands, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Antarctica - January, February, October, November, December 

Take advantage of Lindblad’s half-century of experience sailing this polar region and follow in the footsteps of Sir Ernest Shackleton. Meet king penguins on South Georgia, marvel at the albatross colonies of the Falkland Islands and come face to face with cathedral-sized icebergs. (Bonus: If you depart in early November, there is a possibility of cross-country skiing or snowshoeing across the frozen sea ice.)

Svalbard - June

See polar bears in their native habitat in the high Arctic archipelago of Svalbard, the best place on Earth to see these majestic mammals. Lindblad’s expert spotters have given past guests multiple opportunities for close sightings. See, too, walrus, reindeer, Arctic foxes and fur seals as you explore on foot and by kayak and Zodiac. Sail under the Midnight Sun, capturing it all for posterity with tips from a Nat Geo photographer. 

Where will you go? From the Northwest Passage from Canada to Alaska, to Easter Island, to the Channel Islands, Lindblad delivers some of the most experiential expedition cruising available today. Looking for inspiration for your own adventures? Let’s chat! Please sign up for my weekly small ship inspirational newsletter if you haven't already done so.