Bookings now open for Crystal Endeavor

#expeditioncruising .

The world’s most adventurous luxury travelers can now book their next great adventure with Crystal Yacht Expedition Cruises, as the line opened bookings today for Crystal Endeavor, its first luxury expedition yacht.

The itineraries for Crystal Endeavor’s inaugural season sail from August of 2020 through January 2021, with voyages of 12 to 22 days traveling far off the beaten path of traditional cruise routes.

Voyages rich with discovery will explore the cultural and bio-diversity of Japan and the Russian Far East; Indonesia, Borneo and the Philippines; New Zealand and Tasmania; Australia and the Great Barrier Reef; and Antarctica via the Ross Sea.

Crystal opened Crystal Endeavor’s inaugural season bookings to Crystal Society members on August 8 and reports significant interest in the expedition yacht’s voyages from that pre-sale alone, with 52 percent of the maiden voyage round-trip from Tokyo reserved; 25 percent of the Antarctica sailings reserved; and 22 percent of the overall season reserved.

“The experiences that await travelers aboard Crystal Endeavor are simply spectacular. We are seeing such tremendous anticipation and enthusiasm surrounding her first season of voyages and are thrilled to present the next step for our guests to plan their adventures,” said Carmen Roig, Crystal’s senior vice president of marketing and sales.

“We are grateful to our Crystal Society members and trusted travel partners around the world for their continued enthusiasm and support, and to new-to-Crystal guests booking one of these incredible journeys – we look forward to welcoming you to the Crystal Family.”

Highlights of Crystal Endeavor’s first season run an immersive gamut from deep cultural connections to far-flung exploration of remote and rugged regions. Guests sailing on her maiden voyage round-trip from Tokyo will enjoy an inclusive overnight pre-cruise stay and are invited to participate in the naming ceremony for the yacht.

On the other voyages, travelers can visit iconic natural wonders like the Great Barrier Reef and Mount Fuji; reflect on ancient heritage at Japan’s most sacred temples and shrines; trek among the treetops of Borneo’s rainforest observing the resident orangutans; and quest for penguin colonies on Antarctica’s expansive icy landscape.

Zodiac quests, aerial expeditions via helicopter, epic dives into the world’s most spectacular reefs and challenging and leisurely hiking opportunities will bring the adventurous spirit of Crystal Endeavor’s journeys to life for Crystal guests.

Fares for Crystal Endeavor’s inaugural season begin at $12,749 per person. In line with Crystal’s commitment to provide the best value to travelers who book early, fares will likely increase for many sailings after the September 30, 2018 “Book Now Savings” promotion ends.

At 20,000 GRT, Crystal Endeavor will be the largest, most spacious purpose-built polar class expedition yacht, accommodating just 200 guests and boasting all the luxurious amenities and special touches for which Crystal is known. The yacht will feature generous public spaces, a full-service spa & salon, six restaurants including Nobu Matsuhisa’s Umi Uma, expedition rooms and elegant suites that contrast beautifully with the rugged adventures beyond the vessel.

Crystal Endeavor’s accommodations will offer private butler service for every suite and feature luxurious touches including king-sized beds, walk-in closets; heated storage for drying parkas; spa-like bathrooms with adjustable heated floors, dual vanities, anti-fog mirrors and rain-showerheads.

Crystal Endeavor’s PC6 designation will enable her to operate in summer and autumn through medium first-year ice. The ship will feature the latest technology, including offshore dynamic positioning capabilities, offering both comfort and safety while exploring the icy waters in the Polar Regions and exotic locations across the globe. The ship will sail a series of charters and special event voyages before it begins its inaugural season in August 2020.

ww.crystalcruises.com

All safe: Akademik Ioffe refloated after grounding in Canada

#expeditioncruising .

Akademik Ioffe, a Russian-flagged expedition vessel that ran aground in the Canadian Arctic on Friday, has now been refloated.

File image of Akademik Ioffe  (R Eime)

The vessel ran aground n the western Gulf of Boothia, Nunavut, in Canada. A spokeswoman for One Ocean Expeditions said on Saturday that the vessel was afloat and all passengers were safe. There have been no reports of pollution. One report suggests the vessel is actually taking water, although not in immediate danger.

Read full report at The Maritime Executive

Captain Cook 2019 and 2020 dates for Fiji Lau Islands and Kadavu Discovery Cruise

#expeditioncruising

Captain Cook Cruises Fiji has released new 2019 and 2020 departure dates for their 11-night Lau & Kadavu Discovery Cruise on board small ship MV Reef Endeavour.

2019 and 2020 departure dates include 5 March and 5 November 2019 and 3 March 2020. Remaining 2018 departures include 6 November.

The Lau and Kadavu Discovery Cruise explores the length of the Lau Group and the island of Kadavu, a part of Fiji rarely seen by tourists and is a mix of cultural experiences and water activities.

Visit Makogai Island, an old leper colony, closed to lepers since the mid-last-century, snorkel over giant clam gardens in the turtle sanctuary and enjoy a traditional song and dance from the local primary school children.

Explore a beautiful beach on the rugged southern coastline of Taveuni at Lavena, hike to a spectacular waterfall and freshwater pool and take part in a guided Kayak tour. Snorkel in the caves and adjoining coral gardens at the Bay of Islands at Qilaqila, known for its pristine waters, limestone caves and mushroom-shaped islands.

Enjoy a Methodist Tongan Church for Sunday service at Oneata and at Wailagilala explore the ruins of an old lighthouse and snorkel beautiful reefs at the top of the Lau group.

Visit Fulaga Island or Komo island, both extinct volcanic craters and known for their crystal lagoons and amazing corals, then spend the afternoon at one of the Yagasa Islands, snorkelling, swimming, coral viewing or kayaking.

Explore uninhabited Vuaqava and its centrally elevated saltwater lake and view turtles, snakes and bird life, taking part in an island walk to explore the relics of this sacred island.

Be entertained by the people of Naikeleyaga Village on the island of Kabara known for their woodturning and Tongan heritage and experience a traditional Tongan meke, Sevusevu and lovo.

On Totoya Island visit a local school and see the children's school work. At Kadavu, famous for its wildlife and underwater world, be amazed by the traditional ceramic craftsmen from a local Village.

Experience the underwater world with scuba diving operated by Viti Water Sports, a PADI 5-Star Dive Centre. Two dives are offered daily and always in different locations.

Stay on board and be pampered in the ship's Senikai Day Spa, work out in the ship's mini gym or simply relax on the sun deck by the jacuzzi or pool and grab a cocktail at the pool bar.

Food is prepared on board using fresh local and imported produce and guests will enjoy alfresco luncheons, casual barbecues and table d'hote dinners.

The cruise departs Port Denarau Marina at 1.00pm and Early Booking Saver fares in a porthole cabin start from AUD$4700.00 per adult, per person, twin share.

Cruise fares include accommodation, all meals, guided village, school and island tours, snorkelling and glass bottom boat excursions, daily island stopovers and water activities, hikes and Kayak safaris, onboard entertainment, kids club (5-10yrs), 24-hour self-service tea and coffee bar, post cruise transfers to Nadi and Denarau hotels and Nadi airport and use of the ship's facilities including a swimming pool, jacuzzi, mini gym, sun deck, cocktail bar and library.

For further information and bookings, please contact Captain Cook Cruises on T: +61 9126 8160 or from within Australia: 1300 To Fiji (86 3454), Email: fiji@captaincookcruisesfiji.com.fj or visit www.captaincookcruisesfiji.com

Lindblad awarded Sustainable Tourism Leadership title

#expeditioncruising .

Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic was recognized by Virtuoso® the international luxury travel network, with their 2018 Sustainable Tourism Leadership Award which honors outstanding leadership and commitment to sustainable tourism principles and practices among Virtuoso Preferred Partners and Hotels.

In its eighth year, the award underscores the valuable role travel and tourism can play in the protection of cultural and natural heritage for future generations, including environmental preservation and the well-being of local communities, and is open to on-site, tour operators, cruise lines, airlines, service and specialty providers.

Lindblad has built a global travel company with conservation and environmental stewardship as core business tenets. The company’s commitment to the places they explore includes (since 1997) $15.8 million to support stewardship efforts, currently through the Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic Fund (LEX-NG Fund), which awards approximately $1.5 million dollars in grants per year. In 2017, that funding supported initiatives in Alaska, Baja, Galápagos, the Peruvian Amazon, Cambodia, Antarctica, the Pacific Northwest, Central America and beyond. Funding also went toward National Geographic’sPristine Seas project, which is working to find, survey and protect the last wild places in the ocean, with a goal of protecting 20 of the ocean’s wildest places by 2020. LEX-NG Fund initiatives include killer whale research in Antarctica, artisan training in the Peruvian Amazon and Galapagos, and conservation-based research projects to protect humpback whales in Southeast Alaska.

The award was presented at Virtuoso’s 30th annual Travel Week before more than 3,000 of luxury travel’s most prominent figures during a gala dinner at Bellagio Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. Hosted by Virtuoso® Chairman and CEO Matthew D. Upchurch, the evening celebrated some of the most innovative and revered agencies, advisors and partners worldwide.

“Receiving international recognition for conservation and sustainability initiatives undertaken by Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic is quite an honor and opportunity,” said Amy Berquist, Director of Conservation and Strategic Initiatives for Lindblad Expeditions. “Having this platform to share our efforts and successes amplifies the potential for the travel industry to make lasting positive impacts throughout the world. We are proud of our teams in the field and at our home offices, and know this award will further fuel everyone’s passion for and commitment toward protecting our planet.”

“We are excited that Virtuoso has recognized the significant sustainability and conservation efforts taken on by our long-time partner, Lindblad Expeditions. We value their shared commitment to conservation—from working to eliminate single-use plastics aboard the Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic fleet, to enabling guests to have a positive impact on the communities to which they travel through the Lindblad-National Geographic Fund. This award only deepens our commitment to continuing to increase the sustainability of our travel operations, both on our own as well as through our like-minded partners,” stated O’Shannon Burns, Sustainability Officer, National Geographic Expeditions.

Introducing Churchill Cruises in Canada

#expeditioncruising .

Churchill Cruises, part of the Kothari Group of Companies, is a new Canadian cruise line based in Winnipeg. They will partner with established Danish operator and full AECO member, Albatros Travel.

The new line will utilise the 198-berth Ocean Atlantic, a 1B Ice Class vessel built in 1985 and refurbished as recently as 2016.

Excursions are planned in Greenland, Nunavut and Churchill using the ship's 20 Zodiacs, with first cruises departing in September 2019

Crystal Endeavor's Keel Laying

#expeditioncruising .

Crystal Endeavor’s Keel Laying Marks Next Construction Milestone For The Game-Changing Ship



German Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel joined the ceremony at MV WERFTEN’s Stralsund shipyard

Crystal Yacht Expedition Cruises celebrated the next important milestone in the construction of Crystal Endeavor as the keel was laid at MV WERFTEN’s Stralsund shipyard for the company’s first luxury expedition yacht.

During the special ceremony, Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel, in her role as a member of the German Bundestag, joined Crystal President and CEO Tom Wolber and Genting Hong Kong's Executive Chairman and CEO Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay, as well as Mecklenburg Western Pomerania’s Prime Minister Manuela Schwesig for the festivities. Also in attendance were Minister of Economic Affairs Harry Glawe and CEO and President of MV WERFTEN Peter Fetten as well as hundreds of MV WERFTEN team members clad in “Team Endeavor” shirts, showing their enthusiasm and anticipation of the grand vessel they will help build. Once the traditional lucky coins had been put into place, the 400-ton section was lowered onto the keel blocks.

“It is truly a thrill to mark this important milestone for Crystal Endeavor and the entire Crystal Family, as this yacht will change the way guests can explore the world both adventurously and luxuriously,” Wolber said. “I am honoured to share this occasion with Chancellor Merkel, Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay and our special guests as well as the skilled workers of MV WERFTEN who are building this game-changing ship.”

Crystal Endeavor (artist rendering)

“The keel laying of Crystal Endeavor here in my political hometown of Stralsund marks a special moment for me that is doubly significant,” said Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel. “Today, the foundation has been laid for this highly sophisticated, state-of-the-art cruise ship. But the ceremony itself, which is taking place in the lively shipyard with the participation of so many employees and trainees, also bodes well for the future of shipbuilding in the Hanseatic City of Stralsund and in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.”

Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay said, “We are delighted with the success and progress of the Crystal fleet and continue to share the company’s vision for expanding the choices for travellers around the world. Crystal Endeavor is a ship like no other, and will take travellers on journeys unlike any they’ve ever experienced.”

“MV WERFTEN breaks new ground with Crystal Endeavor. We wish the company great success in building this ship and other ships of its class, the construction of which safeguards and creates jobs in the shipyards of Wismar, Stralsund, and Warnemünde,” said Prime Minister Manuela Schwesig during her address.

The 20,000 GRT yacht will be the world's largest and most spacious purpose-built Polar Class ship. Crystal Endeavor will feature 100 suites and all the luxurious amenities and special touches for which Crystal is known. The yacht will boast generous public spaces, a full-service spa & salon, six restaurants including Nobu Matsuhisa’s Umi Uma, expedition rooms and elegant suites that contrast beautifully with the rugged adventures beyond the vessel. Crystal Endeavor’s accommodations will offer private butler service for every suite and feature luxurious touches including king-sized beds, walk-in closets; heated storage for drying parkas; spa-like bathrooms with adjustable heated floors, dual vanities, anti-fog mirrors and rain-showerheads.

Crystal Endeavor’s PC6 designation will enable her to operate in summer and autumn through medium first-year ice. The ship will feature the latest technology, including offshore dynamic positioning capabilities, offering both comfort and safety while exploring the icy waters in the Polar Regions and exotic locations across the globe.

Crystal unveiled the itineraries for Crystal Endeavor’s inaugural season on August 1, spanning from August of 2020 through January 2021, offering voyages of 12 to 22 days far off the beaten path of traditional cruise routes. Voyages rich with discovery will explore the cultural and bio-diversity of Japan and the Russian Far East; Indonesia, Borneo and the Philippines; New Zealand and Tasmania; Australia and the Great Barrier Reef; and Antarctica. The ship will sail a series of charters and special event voyages before it begins its inaugural season in August 2020.

Bookings for Crystal Endeavor’s global journeys will open to the public tomorrow on August 23, 2018.

Fall Cruises Aboard Brand New American Constitution

#expeditioncruising .

American Cruise Lines is pleased to announce that this fall it will be offering its popular Hudson River Fall Foliage cruises aboard its newest 2018 ship, American Constitution.

Late September through October 2018, American Constitution will sail the storied Hudson River for American’s 8-day, 7-night Fall Foliage cruises which depart roundtrip from New York City.

Each fall, the Hudson River Valley is adorned by the natural splendor of the Northeast’s most stunning seasonal foliage. The tree tops are awash in a kaleidoscope of colorful hues—burnt orange, red, yellow, and green leaves adorn the landscape as far as the eye can see. Sailing the Hudson River during the fall season, is the most spectacular way to explore it.

The Hudson River Valley is home to many grand historic sites from the Vanderbilt Mansion to the home of Franklin D. Roosevelt. American presidents, titans of industry, illustrious artists, and numerous Gilded Age characters made this region their home. Guests will have the opportunity to visit FDR’s Presidential Library & Museum in Hyde Park, and to explore the infamous town of Sleepy Hollow.

American Cruise Lines’ expert guides will lead guests through all the region’s renowned points of interest including visits to West Point Military Academy and the Clermont Estate, home to Robert Livingston, Jr. negotiator of the Louisiana Purchase.

All American Cruise Line’s itineraries are further highlighted with onboard historians and experts, nightly entertainment, all-inclusive fine dining, and complimentary cocktails every evening. American Cruise Lines offers the newest ships, the most exceptional itineraries, and the finest amenities available in American river and coastal cruising.

Introducing Solomon Islands Discovery Cruises

"a dedicated niche adventure cruise program, operated by a local company with local experts offering insight into our unique culture, history and environment plus the opportunity to experience our amazing underwater world"

Honiara, Solomon Islands - Heralding a long-awaited return to dedicated Solomon Islands small ship cruise programs, newly-formed Solomon Islands Discovery Cruises (SIDC) has announced its plans to operate six adventure itineraries in 2018-2019.

Operating ex-Honiara and timed to dovetail with Solomon Airlines' Brisbane-Honiara services, SIDC has employed the 30-metre MV Taka to operate the six and seven-day cruises, each of which have been designed to highlight two of the South Pacific's truly unspoiled and culturally-rich regions - the Florida and Russell Islands archipelagos.

Passengers will have the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in both region's distinctive cultures and environments.

The cruise itineraries feature visits to remote villages along with plentiful opportunity to discover the region's amazing coral pastures and abundant marine life with daily dive and snorkel options.

Both areas are also rich in WWII history giving passengers insight into the infamous Guadalcanal campaign in 1942 via the many wrecked US and Japanese aircraft, warships and relics which literally litter the seabed.

Congratulating SIDC on its initiative, Tourism Solomons CEO, Josefa 'Jo' Tuamoto said the very nature of the Solomon Islands archipelago of 992 islands lent itself to dedicated small ship adventure itineraries.

"Lindblad Expeditions left a big hole when it decided to redeploy its small ship operation to the Galapagos two years ago," he said.

"And while we regularly welcome Expedition Cruises' vessels, these itineraries are always in conjunction with other destinations, such as Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea, and passengers only get a very small taste of what we have to offer," he said.

"Having a dedicated niche adventure cruise program, operated by a local company with local experts and one that offers insight into our unique culture, history and environment plus the opportunity to experience our amazing underwater world is a huge build on our existing tourism product.

"Add to this, the amazing benefits our local people will accrue from this environmentally-oriented program are immeasurable.

"This product is long overdue and one that I see as being highly successful going forward."

Prices for an inaugural 24 August seven-day/six-night cruises lead-in at AUD2499* per person in quad share accommodation inclusive of all meals and all activities.

A daily per person AUD30.00 'kastom' fee applies. SCUBA diving gear is available to rent.

About the MV TAKA

Serviced by a 12-strong crew, the 30-metre MV Taka features six upper deck cabins all with ensuite facilities and six lower deck cabins in twin and quad configuration with shared bathrooms. All cabins are fully air-conditioned and come with reading lights, towels, bedding and charging stations.

*Conditions apply.

For bookings: Diveplanit Travel info@diveplanit.com
In Australia: FREECALL 1800 607 913 OR (07) 4039 0200

Lindblad Expeditions shores up relationship with National Geographic

#expeditioncruising




Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: LIND; the "Company" or "Lindblad"), a global provider of expedition cruises and adventure travel experiences, announced today that it has expanded its agreement with National Geographic Partners ("National Geographic") to include all of the Americas.

The relationship between Lindblad and National Geographic, founded in 2004 and steeped in a shared interest in exploration, research, technology and conservation, includes co-selling, co-marketing and branding arrangements that run through 2025. With the addition of the Canada and Latin America markets to the existing agreement covering the United States, Australia and New Zealand, Lindblad and National Geographic have further deepened their long-term strategic partnership and will collectively invest to further accelerate growth in these important geographies.

The United States has long been the primary source market for Lindblad, and with the rapidly accelerating demand for authentic and immersive experiential travel the Company certainly expects significant domestic growth for years to come. At the same time, many of the trends powering the increase in expedition travel in the United States are manifesting themselves globally as well, and deepening expansion into select international markets is a core part of Lindblad's growth strategy.

The expanded collaboration with National Geographic provides an opportunity for Lindblad and National Geographic to leverage the strong brand position National Geographic holds in Canada and key Latin American markets, while at the same time building upon Lindblad's long-established leadership position in the United States expedition travel market.

Given the accelerating demand for high quality and authentic expedition travel and the expanded agreement with National Geographic, Lindblad's Board of Directors recently approved the build of an additional blue water vessel to explore the world's most unique and remote locations. This state of the art vessel, which is anticipated to be delivered in 2021, will be the next step in the Company's fleet expansion following the launch of the National Geographic Quest in July 2017, the addition of the National Geographic Venture to the fleet in December 2018 and the delivery of the National Geographic Endurance in the first quarter of 2020.

Sven-Olof Lindblad, President and Chief Executive Officer, said "Lindblad has been a pioneer in expedition travel for fifty years. By extending our successful partnership with National Geographic, energising new markets and expanding our fleet, we are taking the next steps in our long-term growth strategy. Our experience and track record in delivering unparalleled experiences in the world's most amazing locations ideally positions us to capitalise on the explosive growth in high quality adventure travel."

"National Geographic and Lindblad Expeditions have, over the past 14 years, found an extraordinary level of common cause. This manifests itself in knowing the importance of people exploring the world, building understanding and becoming more knowledgeable and energised citizens," says Gary E. Knell, CEO of National Geographic Partners. "Our collaboration goes far beyond business, into education, conservation and storytelling through expedition travel. We know collectively that our partnership's goal is to consistently grow the number of people who explore our world and that's why we're so excited to expand our partnership to include the Canadian and Latin American markets."

For more information visit au.expeditions.com or visit Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest and LinkedIn.

Ponant partners with National Geographic Expeditions

#expeditioncruising .


National Geographic Expeditions and PONANT announce an extensive long-term cruise partnership

• National Geographic and PONANT create a new strategic partnership to develop its Small Ship Expedition programme in Australia, NZ and Asia Pacific.

• With significant shared experience in exploration and luxury travel,
National Geographic Expeditions and PONANT will create unique experiences on board a fleet of state of the art ships

Over 100 unique itineraries have been created by PONANT for National Geographic Expeditions, on sale from 8th August 2018

National Geographic Expeditions, the travel business of one of the world’s most trusted brands, and PONANT, the world leader of luxury expedition cruises, have today announced a new strategic partnership to create an extensive range of co-branded, luxury expedition cruises. With a shared common vision in premium experiences and responsible travel, PONANT and National Geographic Expeditions will offer an extensive range of expedition cruises throughout the world, targeting customers in Australia, NZ and Asia Pacific.

National Geographic Expeditions is the premium provider of travel experiences that embody the renowned National Geographic spirit of adventure, conservation and education. Offering unique access, experiences and expertise that only National Geographic can, the company also returns a portion of all proceeds to the non-profit National Geographic Society to support researchers and explorers who work to preserve, protect, and advance understanding of the planet and its people.

PONANT is the world leader in luxury expedition cruising operating a state of the art fleet of 7 small ships, increasing to 12 by 2021, with the delivery of new Expedition class vessels and a luxury hybrid Icebreaker powered by LNG. The full fleet has been ‘clean ship’ certified and offers a number of leading-edge technologies to protect the environment, including recycling and reuse programmes, reduced exhaust emissions and sustainable purchasing practices. All efforts made by the luxury cruise operator are designed to respect the environment and marine life.

As part of the overall experience, PONANT will create unique itineraries to some of the most remote and inaccessible places on the planet, transporting guests in style and comfort along with innovative new features, including a new multi-sensory underwater lounge called Blue Eye. National Geographic Expeditions will provide a range of expedition resources on-board, including leading experts and National Geographic photographers to travel and engage with all guests to create an immersive and quality experience.

The luxury ships will offer an intimate experience with total passengers ranging from 180 to 240 per cruise and 130 itineraries have been designed for the next four years, with prices per person starting from A$4730 per person. Core destinations will be the Antarctic and Arctic, which will be complemented by a range of global expeditions covering all continents.

Tim Jones, Vice President Travel Asia Pacific, National Geographic Partners commented “Today marks a milestone in growing our National Geographic Expeditions business in Australia, New Zealand and the Asia Pacific region. In PONANT, we have a luxury and ethically minded partner with European flair, experience in traveling to ambitious locations, along with an expansive travel agent network. We will be working together to offer premium expedition experiences, creating unique itineraries that speak to the explorer in all of us.”

Sarina Bratton AM, Chairman Asia Pacific for PONANT added “We are thrilled and gratified that one of the greatest specialist media companies in the world has chosen PONANT to be their expedition cruise partner. This partnership brings together two highly respected global organisations with shared values and a common goal to inspire guests to live curiously, explore our planet and become ambassadors for sustainability.

The new cruise experiences will be available to book from 8th August 2018. Discover the video and expedition cruises on PONANT website at au.ponant.com/national-geographic

Discover more on National Geographic Expeditions website at www.nationalgeographic.com.au/ponant

Dedicated Phone line: Australia: 1800 889 088 | New Zealand: +61 2 8311 0808

Dedicated Email: natgeo.au@ponant.com

Drawing on the National Geographic Society’s 130 years of exploration and storytelling, National Geographic Expeditions offers a wide range of unique travel experiences, including small ship voyages, private jet expeditions, small group tours, private tours, a collection of luxury sustainable lodges, and more. Trips are organised in over 80 countries on all seven continents, from the tropical atolls of French Polynesia to the peaks of Nepal and the ice world of the Arctic.

The Worlds Most Interesting Islands with Lindblad Expeditions

#expeditioncruising

Lindblad Expeditions has launched its 2019 Galápagos brochure; with each trip offering a myriad of encounters with animals found nowhere else but the Galápagos' as well as exploring a region rich in natural treasures.

The dedicated brochure details six in-depth diverse itineraries through the Galápagos as well as explorations to Peru, tropical Andes and the Amazon.

One of the new expeditions to the market is the Wild Galápagos Escape, which is a shorter itinerary for 2019 and packs a ton of activities into one exhilarating week to discover the wonders and wildlife of this magical place, with departures on Saturday and Thursday.  Set aboard the newly refurbished 48-guest National Geographic Islander, the expedition features 5 days in the archipelago exploring the islands and multiple adventures each day on land and undersea.

Guests will enjoy the full Lindblad-National Geographic Galápagos cruise experience on these expeditions with tools to enhance the guests experience, such as a fleet of Zodiacs, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards, plus undersea video technology – with enough equipment to ensure all guests are able to go out on active adventures daily.

For families, Lindblad Expeditions allows children to have fun with cool activities in the Galápagos. Developed in conjunction with National Geographic Education, the program is designed to help kids and teens develop the attitudes, skills and knowledge of an explorer, undertaking activities while being guided by a National Geographic certified field educator.  

Also new for 2019, travellers can enjoy complimentary bar tab and Wifi on all 2019 departures on the National Geographic Islander or National Geographic Endeavour II.*

To coincide with the launch of the new brochure, travellers can receive $500 special savings offer, plus free return flights from Guayaquil to Galápagos – when booking before 31 October 2018.*

Agents can call the dedicated team on 1300 363 055 or order brochures at adventureworld.com.au/brochures

For more information visit au.expeditions.com