Expedition cruise line · 5 ships · sailing 4 regions — Science-led expedition cruising in partnership with National Geographic.
A pioneer of modern expedition travel — Lars-Eric Lindblad led the first citizen expeditions to Antarctica (1966) and the Galapagos (1967). Since 2004 the line has operated in an exclusive partnership with National Geographic, now extended through 2040, putting naturalists, scientists, certified photo instructors and Nat Geo experts aboard every voyage. The emphasis is on genuine exploration, learning and citizen science rather than onboard luxury.
Curious, active travelers who prioritize wildlife, wild places, photography and learning over pampering or formality. Well suited to solo travelers and, on designated family departures, multigenerational groups. A poor fit for anyone wanting casinos, big-ship nightlife, formal nights or a resort-at-sea.
A fleet of small expedition ships (roughly 48–148 guests) built or adapted for Zodiac landings. The newest are sister ships National Geographic Endurance (2021) and National Geographic Resolution (2021), purpose-built ice-class polar vessels with Ulstein's wave-slicing X-BOW hull. Other ships include the long-serving flagship National Geographic Explorer, the coastal National Geographic Quest, smaller vessels for the Galapagos and Baja, plus seasonal charters such as the tall ship Sea Cloud.
The standout vessels in the fleet — and the amenities that set them apart.
purpose-built polar expedition ship for the Arctic and Antarctica
sister ship to National Geographic Endurance
long-serving flagship, extensively refitted for Lindblad in 2008
All meals are included and served in a single open seating — regionally inspired, unfussy and sociable, with no assigned tables and no formal nights. Most beverages are included too, including wine, beer and spirits with dinner.
No casinos or stage shows; evenings center on expedition-team recaps, expert and scientist lectures, and National Geographic photography and film content. The real draw is wildlife spotting, Zodiac cruises and shore landings.
Adult-oriented on most sailings, but designated family departures add the National Geographic Global Explorers program, with hands-on field activities for younger travelers.
Highly inclusive: fares cover shore excursions, Zodiac and kayak outings, all meals and most beverages, and the full expedition staff (naturalists, a certified photo instructor and an undersea specialist). Airfare, some premium services and gratuities are typically extra.
Regions in Noura's Cruise Navigator, most sailings first. Tap a region for its ports and season.
National Geographic Explorer · from Reykjavík
Reykjavík, Iceland → Grundarfjörður (Snæfellsnes), Iceland → Ísafjörður, Iceland → Grímsey, Iceland → Akureyri, Iceland → Húsavík, Iceland → Seyðisfjörður, Iceland → Djúpivogur, Iceland
National Geographic Resolution · from Longyearbyen (Svalbard)
Longyearbyen (Svalbard), Norway → Ny-Ålesund (Kongsfjorden), Norway → Magdalenefjord (Svalbard), Norway → The Pack Ice & 80° North (Svalbard), Norway → Hinlopen Strait (Svalbard), Norway → Nordaustlandet & Austfonna Ice Cap (Svalbard), Norway → Barentsburg (Svalbard), Norway → Longyearbyen (Svalbard), Norway
Sea Cloud · from Athens (Piraeus)
Athens (Piraeus), Greece → Hydra, Greece → Milos, Greece → Santorini, Greece → Mykonos, Greece → Monemvasia, Greece → Nafplio, Greece → Athens (Piraeus), Greece
National Geographic Quest · from Boston
Boston, MA → Provincetown, MA → Portland, ME → Rockland, ME → Bar Harbor, ME → Boothbay Harbor, ME → Gloucester, MA → Boston, MA
Noura turns this intelligence into a real itinerary — flights, hotels with perks, and timing dialled in — at no planning cost to you.
Compare Lindblad Expeditions–National Geographic with other expedition lines — or read how the tiers differ.
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