Lindblad Expeditions – National Geographic Enhanced Journeys

Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic is a global leader in modern expedition travel. The ships cruise to the world’s wildest and most remote places. A series of new and noteworthy enhancements have been added to the brand’s itinerary in 2024 and 2025. Expedition ships will visit and discover the Pacific Northwest to the Mediterranean. 

Last year I stepped onboard the National Geographic Venture for a ‘Wild California Escape: Channel Islands National Park.

Leaving from the Port of Los Angeles, the ship sails to three of the eight Channel Islands. During the four nights and five days journey, we stopped at Santa Catalina Island, Anacapa Island and Santa Rosa Island. Santa Catalina Island is the only island with a significant human population. Most live in the town of Avalon, California, and a few live in the unincorporated town of Two Harbors.

Known for its dramatic sea cliffs, grassy headlands, an isthmus, and unique rock formations, we enjoyed the smaller ship experience as a mobile base for an array of daily activities on the boat and onshore.

Channel Islands is a unique archipelago just off the coast of California, as a part of the U.S. National Parks. Each day Zodiac boats loaded up passengers to skim along the water taking passengers to explore and learn about the Islands.

A stop in Two Harbors after breakfast and briefing, had groups split into 3 groups. One hike walked along a flat trail to the Isthmus, while others hiked a more strenuous hike along the Trans-Catalina Trail to the other side of the island.

The next day, the ship anchored along the rocky East side of Anacapa Island. Those who woke up early not only witnessed a spectacular sunrise, but the wellness specialist onboard met those ready for a morning yoga stretch on the sundeck.

After breakfast, guests joined naturalists aboard our Zodiacs to go ashore on East Anacapa. Passengers admired the Anacapa Lighthouse, built in 1932. This is the last major light station to be built on the West Coast. This unique archipelago offers almost five miles with islets, appropriately named East, Middle, and West Anacapa Islands.

Passengers learned that the islands are home to marine birds, especially Western gulls. Around 10,000 pairs nest upon Anacapa’s 3 islands, representing the second largest breeding colony of this species.

While visiting Santa Rosa Island, a group hiked up to a Torrey pine grove, to learn that it is one of only two on Earth. The sweeping views of the natural harbor are spectacular.

Healthy and hearty meals are prepared and served in a casual sit down setting. Staff members sit with guests to enlighten them about shipboard living, and the sights they encounter.

Breakfast and lunch is served buffet style and can be cooked to order. Dinner are sit down service with the staff taking orders and delivering them to each table. Menus offer a variety of dishes that appeal to all dietary requirements.

After a day exploring the islands, passengers looked forward to cocktail hour in the lounge. The staff prepares an array of pre-dinner hot and cold appetizers to enjoy with a craft cocktail, glass of wine or beer.

Those seeking adventures further out than California should sail on one of Lindblad’s new expeditions in partnership with FOOD & WINE magazine. Starting in 2024, the new immersive culinary cruises includes one along the Columbia and Snake Rivers. Passengers aboard National Geographic Sea Bird or National Geographic Sea Lion, will enjoy unique culinary food and wines. Menus are created straight from the Pacific Northwest’s natural wild bounty. Passengers will be enlightened while traveling with magazine editors and prominent culinary experts.

Another exciting cruise departs in 2024, “The Glaciers of Prince William Sound” itinerary ventures far beyond the large ports of Southeast Alaska on an unprecedented expedition to the isolated, glacial-ringed Prince William Sound. Wildlife sightings and charming remote Alaska villages will be some of the highlights of the cruise.

Now is the time to splurge for a Suite Exclusive. The suites aboard the Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic fleet are spacious living areas offering incredible views of marine surroundings.

Reserve one of the beautifully appointed accommodations for an array of amenities and perks designed to enhance your on-board experience. Receive a welcome gift, priority spa reservations, priority igloo stays and complimentary laundry service.