Lindblad Expeditions Creates A Change With Their National Geographic Resolution

The day I was invited onboard the Lindblad Expeditions newest ship, National Geographic Resolution for lunch and a tour, one of the first things I noticed was the artwork displayed.

Patty Disken-Cahill at Lindblad Expeditions greeted me and told be about CHANGE, the permanent ship-based art installation. Curated by a woman, Zaria Forman, she gathered drawings, paintings, video, photography, sculpture, and even soundscape by a wide range of artists dedicated to examining and expressing climate change in vulnerable polar geographies.

Sven Lindblad, CEO of Lindblad Expeditions once said in an interview, “Zaria was challenged to mount the definitive polar exhibition aboard our polar ship, and her curation has, I believe, led to one of the finest collections of art examining the power and vulnerability of these rarified geographies anywhere in the world.”

Walking to Restaurant 270 for lunch, I noticed an array of colorful photographs and sculptures. One piece that caught my eye at a stairwell was an artist’s interpretation of Polar Bear fur. I learned that their fur is curly and translucent on their black skin. This is one of many interesting facts I learned while onboard this Lindblad ship.

Sitting at a round table at Restaurant 270 on the Main Deck, we had a choice of daily specials and everyday Lindblad favorites. I chose the confit duck leg salad with a glass of iced tea.

The kitchen staff are visible in the open galley preparing local when available, sustainable menu options throughout the day into the evening. They make an elevated club sandwich called Wanpaku Asian style, with ahi tuna, bacon and an Asian style coleslaw with a marinated ponzu egg, and Japanese aioli spread on delicious shipmade bread.

We finished with a slice of NYC Baileys Cheesecake before continuing our tour. This restaurant is named 270 for its 270 degree wrap-around glass windows offering picturesque views while dining.

Once I walked outdoors on the ship’s deck, I immediately noticed two glam-style geodesic domes for guests to reserve for sleeping in overnight at no extra cost.

In the center of the curving glass viewing dome is a wood bed fitted with elegant white sheets, pillows and a comfortable and warm down duvet. Enhancements for the stay include eye masks, plaid blanket, lanterns, reusable water bottles, warm liquid cups and capes to wear for warmth.

Nearby is the Spa onboard the ship with restrooms, saunas and showers, plus there are two outdoor heated infinity whirlpools to use while the rest of the guests retire to their interior cabins.

Entering the high-tech Bridge, we learned more about this state-of-the-art polar expedition ship. “It’s the the highest ice class (PC5 Category A) and has an X-Bow providing the smoothest and quietest ride,” said the Captain. “This type of bow also eliminates bow impact for a more comfort ride.”

I noticed on a white board the crew had charted wildlife sightings on the last cruise in Antartica. The lucky passengers saw numerous polar bears, seals, walrus, whales, and a narwal.

While walking to see the 7 different cabin and suite categories, I noticed another thoughtful art piece “Sounds of a Whale” tapestry, wrapped around a wide column near the Science Hub. Each piece has the artist’s statements and quotes to give viewers a deeper understanding of how and why environments and climate have impacted the artist and their work.

I read that Forman once stated about her CHANGE exhibit onboard, “Every piece of art is proof of the profound impact this environment can have on an individual…And hopefully it will guide them down the path closest to my  heart – to be so moved by the landscapes that lay in front them, they will want to protect and preserve them.”

Cabins and suites offer a modern and comfortable Scandinavian-inflected design. The ship can accommodate up to 126 guests.

All outward-facing cabins feature larger glass windows or sliding doors leading out to a balcony with a hammock. The luxury linens and pillows are fitted on single and larger size beds, plus sofa sleepers in some rooms.

This ship also offers solo passenger cabins offering a single bed, plus a balcony with a hammock, two chairs and a table. As with the other cabin categories, these cabins have a desk with a tablet to get the latest information about the ship, plus a television to view the latest naturalist talk while in your cabin.

The mini refrigerator is stocked with your favorite beverages, and there are complimentary insulated water bottles to use throughout the cruise. Filtered water fill-up stations are on every level.

Inside the closet is a mini-safe and comfortable robe. Bathrooms are designed with a rain shower and directional shower head, plus a supply of botanically inspired bath products.

Another advantage of the small ship Lindblad fleet is there are always enough hiking sticks, kayaks, space on one of the zodiac boats, plus snorkeling and diving equipment. These are kept in the ‘Garage’ that has doors that open to the sea for easy access to explore beyond the ship.

Lindblad Expeditions offers some of the most fascinating trips and educational travel experiences to far away lands and exotic locales. According to Nancy Schumacher, EVP Travel and Tour Operations, National Geographic Partners, “National Geographic has been telling important stories for over 130 years. We have embraced every media platform available and this is yet another example of pushing the boundaries of storytelling, providing a completely new way to engage and immerse yourself within the story in this unique art and travel experience.”