Introducing Lindblad Expeditions!
As more and more travellers seek that sweet spot between intrepid adventure and sophisticated luxury, expedition voyages are fast becoming the next big thing in cruising—and no one knows that better than Lindblad Expeditions.
Named after the ‘father of ecotourism’, Lars-Eric Lindblad, Lindblad Expeditions became the very first cruise line to bring tourists to Antarctica in 1966, and one of the first to explore the Galápagos Islands in 1967. As pioneers of the first ever purpose-built expedition ship in 1969, Lindblad have truly laid the groundwork for today’s expedition cruising boom and led the way for a plethora of other cruise lines to follow in their footsteps.
Lindblad have maintained a partnership with renowned travel brand National Geographic for over two decades and with innovative, purpose-designed expedition ships, meticulously curated itineraries and a knowledgeable team of experts, they have whisked curious explorers to far-flung corners of the globe and visited some of the most isolated destinations on Earth. So, whether you’re aspiring to adventure to the Arctic, the Amazon, Alaska or Antarctica, Lindblad has you covered.
Ultimately, Lindblad is endeavouring to instil in their guests the sense that the Earth’s frontiers are vast, and the potential for discovery infinite. Travellers can never experience too much, learn enough, or fully comprehend their responsibility to preserve the planet’s treasures for generations to come. With their decades of carefully honed knowledge and determination to remain at the forefront of the expedition sphere, we couldn’t be prouder to announce our partnership with them as we celebrate the launch of Panache Expeditions.
Ships
Lindblad Expeditions comprises an impressive fleet of versatile vessels, each visiting multiple destinations across the globe—check out the list below:
Antarctica
- National Geographic Endurance
- National Geographic Resolution
- National Geographic Orion
- National Geographic Explorer
Arctic
Galapagos
Alaska
- National Geographic Resolution
- National Geographic Venture
- National Geographic Quest
- National Geographic Sea Bird
- National Geographic Sea Lion
‘Excellence Over Scale’ is the beating heart of Lindblad Expeditions’ ethos, and consequently, the capacity of each vessel never exceeds 160 guests. In addition, each vessel boasts an impressively smooth Zodiac boarding system, a vast wardrobe of specialist expedition equipment, and design specifics crafted for a range of unique environments. The end goal is to minimise the time guests spend hanging around and maximise their immersion in each breathtaking port.
“Exceptionally well designed, and purpose built for exploration…I’ve been on over 100 cruise ships over the last 25+ years in the industry, and National Geographic Endurance is already right up there as one of my favourite cruise ships,” says Panache Cruises’ CEO, James Cole, who was lucky enough to spend time aboard the vessel last week.
As part of the line’s focus on cutting-edge destination immersion technology, both polar region ships - National Geographic Endurance and her twin sister, National Geographic Resolution - have a Polar Class 5 rating, enabling them to plough through the ice sheets that form every winter at the two poles and bring guests even closer to the region’s wildlife. Moreover, their innovative X-Bow design allows for as smooth a journey as possible, even under turbulent conditions (yes, even the infamous Drake Shake!)
Interior
But the real question…. what lies within? Luckily, the ships are as impressive inside as they are on the outside, with between 8 and 76 cabins per ship. Suites were refurbished in a sleek Scandinavian style back in 2023, with rest of the cabins due to follow by the end of 2025.
Public spaces include multiple dining venues, an observation lounge with a well-stocked library, as well as open access to the Bridge, so guests have the freedom to ask the team any questions they wish. Furthermore, it’s education by day, party by night in the sumptuous lounge fitted with a bar and modern presentation facilities, and for those simply in search of R&R, there’s a spa and fitness centre, plus a sundeck with whirlpool hot tub that doubles as a plunge pool in warmer climates.
Dining
Dining is a real highlight onboard, with a menu that changes daily, and a rotating range of locally sourced, regionally themed appetisers, mains, and desserts. Dining venues vary from ship to ship, but in line with the cruise line’s overarching philosophy, there is an unwavering focus on sustainability and minimising food waste.
“It’s easy to think that food quality and service might be compromised when the focus is on exploration to the remotest parts of our planet,” says James Cole. “That certainly isn't true on National Geographic Endurance. The tasting menu we enjoyed was one of the best meals I have had on a cruise ship.”
Across the restaurants, there are a mix of plated and buffet options, as well as a grill for al fresco dining, and a café for lighter fare, such as sandwiches, salads, and seafood. In addition, guests are offered the chance to order half portions of dishes, so they can mix and match their meals and sample every item on the menu.
Looking Ahead
We know that it has never been more important to for travel companies to act mindfully in giving back to a planet that gives us so much and in keeping with this, Lindblad Expeditions strongly maintain that travel should be a force for good. Lindblad makes conscious decisions that promote responsible travel every step of the way, whether that’s sourcing food locally at each port, contributing to carbon neutrality initiatives or supporting conservation projects through the Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic Fund. Projects include supporting humpback whale research in Alaska and helping the Charles Darwin Foundation to preserve biodiversity in the Galápagos—and that’s just for starters. If you make the choice to travel with Lindblad Expeditions, you can relax in the knowledge that you have had a hand in these efforts and are contributing to an active movement to take care of our world for the next generation.
So, if you’re in the market for purpose-designed expedition ships, responsible travel led by experts in the field, and immersive experiences shaped by decades of knowledge, Lindblad Expeditions could be the cruise line for you. Find out more here or give our team a call on 0161 516 7101 with any enquiries.
