Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic has launched two new shorter-duration itineraries designed to bring flexibility and choice to travellers seeking to experience The White Continent.
Since 1966, Lindblad has brought curious explorers to the Antarctic to experience its wonder, beauty and incredible wildlife. Traditionally, these voyages average 14 days in length, sometimes limiting the ability for guests to experience this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Beginning next year on the recently refurbished National Geographic Explorer, modern explorers will have options including an eight-day itinerary that flies round-trip across the Drake Passage and a 10-day itinerary that crosses the famous Drake Passage by ship with an air return from King George Island.
"No matter how many days they have to invest, helping curious explorers discover the majesty of Antarctica is a joy and a privilege we've been successfully offering for more than 50 years,” said Trey Byus, Chief Expedition Officer.
“We know this is a once-in-a-lifetime trip for most guests, so we don't want them to miss a thing. On board our beloved purpose-designed expedition vessel, equipped with tools for immersive exploration -- from double kayaks and Zodiacs that make viewing wildlife easy, to our open-bridge policy that give guests ready access to our captain and crew and the best view in the house -- they won't.”
Travellers in a kayak photograph a sleeping seal during a Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic expedition cruise in Antarctica. (Photo Credit: Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic)
ANTARCTICA DIRECT: FLY THE DRAKE PASSAGE
Ideal for eager guests who want to get a head start on their Antarctic expedition, the eight- day Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage expeditions will fly round-trip across the Drake Passage to the Chilean Base of Presidente Frey on King George Island.
Home to a diverse assortment of wildlife—like Weddell and elephant seals, Adelie, chinstrap and gentoo penguins—King George Island is also home to researchers from around the world, and where guests will board the National Geographic Explorer, welcoming them upon arrival just off the coast of the tundra island.
With long hours of daylight during this time of year and flexible scheduling, guests will have ample opportunities to explore the region over the next five days, whether they are watching whales at play off the bow of the ship, hiking along penguin highways, kayaking in the icy waters, or enjoying an evening Zodiac cruise while taking in the sight of diving penguins.
On day seven, the ship will return to King George Island where guests will disembark the ship and fly to Puerto Natales, Chile, where they will overnight before beginning their journey home. The new eight-day expedition launches with limited time inaugural pricing, including return-trip private air to King George Island. Your clients who book before January 31 will receive a special $500 Expedition Credit per guest.
National Geographic Resolution during sea trials in early September 2021. (photo by Ulstein Group via Lindblad Expeditions)
ANTARCTICA DIRECT: SAIL AND FLY THE DRAKE PASSAGE
The new 10-day Antarctica Direct: Sail and Fly the Drake Passage expedition was designed for the adventurous traveller who wants to experience it all -- from flying high above the clouds to cruising the infamous Drake Passage. On this new itinerary, guests will embark National Geographic Explorer in Ushuaia, Argentina, and spend two days crossing the legendary 500-mile-wide Drake Passage to reach the icy desert of Antarctica.
There, they will spend five days exploring the Antarctica by foot, Zodiac, kayak, ship, and even cross- country skis, before arriving to King George Island, where they will board their chartered flight at the Chilean Base of Presidente Frey and begin their journey home.
The new 10- day expedition launches with limited time inaugural pricing, including outbound private air to King George Island. Clients who book before January 31 will receive a special $1,000 Expedition Credit per guest.
Now, with seven unique Antarctica itineraries and nearly 50 departures for the 2024-25 season to choose from, Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic is offering more opportunities than ever before to explore The White Continent with the first company to take citizen explorers to the region nearly 60 years ago.
Lindblad Expeditions operates three world-class vessels equipped with best-in-class tools for discovery and elements for guest comfort, including two cutting-edge Category A (PC5) ice class polar vessels National Geographic Endurance and National Geographic Resolution, designed for exploration of the White Continent due to this industry-leading ice class certification and innovative X-Bow design.
Topics From This Article to Explore
