Baxter Media's Mitchell McClung just got back from participating in Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic’s Travel Advisory Board Fam trip, set against the breathtaking backdrop of Western Greenland aboard National Geographic Resolution.
Lindblad Expeditions first pioneered private citizen expeditions to Antarctica in 1966, followed by its first private group to the Galapagos in 1967. As a leader in expedition cruising, Lindblad is now turning to its Travel Advisory Board to address the needs and concerns of the travel trade.
Lindblad launched National Geographic Resolution in 2021, joining its sister ship, Endurance, to explore the farthest reaches of the globe. These two new ice-breaking ships of the highest polar exploration class (PCA-5 Cat A) brings Lindblad’s fleet to 17, with two more — the 16-guest Delfina and 48-guest Gemini — set to join in 2025, focusing on the Galapagos region.
“Being on this newer ship, Resolution, has really showcased to me how they elevated their standards from a luxury perspective,” Kemi Wells-Conrad, one of the Canadian members of Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic’s Travel Advisory Board, told Travel Courier on location in Greenland.
Onboard Resolution, clients will be able to enjoy a blend of Scandinavian-inspired luxury with a hands-on expedition itinerary. With no inside rooms on the ship, all passengers enjoy unrestricted views. Suites, in a testament to Lindblad’s partnership with National Geographic, are adorned with National Geographic atlases, magazines and maps.
Photos courtesy of Oivind Haug
Notable features:
- Igloo Suites: Located on deck 8, these suites are available at no extra charge on a first-come basis, with preference given to premium suite occupants.
- The Den: Unwind at the Observation Lounge/Chart Room, Science Hub and Library
- The Sanctuary: Yoga Studio, Quiet Room, Spa, and Sauna.
- Ice Lounge: Here you will find the daily educational sessions and recaps.
- The Bridge: Open 24/7, guests can watch the Captain, Ice Navigators and Officers pilot the ship.
“Everywhere we go, we support the local community,” said Kathi Riddle, SVP Sales & Revenue for Lindblad Expeditions. This ethos permeates the voyage and resonates with environmentally conscious travellers.
During our Wild Greenland Escape adventure, Advisory Board members dined on a zero waste meal at the Cook’s Nook, prepared by chef Aleksandar Mladenovic. Depending on the itinerary length, this experience is available to all guests at least once during their journey. While navigating through the Arctic fog, enjoying cod from Greenlandic fishers and microgreens from a local farm, the conversation naturally shifted to the importance of thoughtful tourism practices.
Photos courtesy of Michael S. Nolan
Our day in the UNESCO-sheltered Ilulissat Icefjord and Disko Bay was done in collaboration with local guides with their own boats. One of our “wet landings” we found ourselves on an afternoon excursion that led us to Quilakitsoq’s archaeological site dating back to 1475 whose significance was shared by Lars, a Greenlander Lindblad had partnered for this particular voyage. He engaged us with Inuit storytelling and provided cultural insights into the artifacts we encountered. Lindblad believes that collaborating with locals both on and offboard brings authenticity, allowing a connection between visitors and the community.
Something for everyone – connecting with the destination
As is typical when sailing with Lindblad, excursions are often tailored to guests’ physical capabilities. In the former trading post of Ilulissat, we chose the highest activity level excursion, which included a long hike in the Sermermiut Valley. This hike starts on a well-maintained boardwalk, which many guests choose to take. However, we followed ship’s captain Martin Graser on a more rugged off-road trail. Both activities offered awe-inspiring views of the Ilulissat Icefjord, ensuring that even guests with some mobility issues could enjoy the same experience. We ended up at the Ilulissat Ice Center, sharing our experiences while exploring this unique monument and education center dedicated to the monuments of ice we had all just witnessed.
Photos courtesy of Oivind Haug
On this particular trip, there were younger guests who were treated to special programming put on by the experts. These sessions often took place in the Science Hub or one of the other specialized areas of the ship.
These types of experiences are especially appealing to intergenerational groups, as Lindblad continues to attract this growing market, which may not necessarily be traditional expedition clients.
Commitment to Canada & travel advisors
“There is so much opportunity in the Canadian market,” Riddle highlighted. In October 2023, Lindblad reinforced its commitment to Canada by hiring industry veteran Cara Mathews as Regional Sales Director – Canada.
Lindblad’s significant investment in advisor support including the Lindblad Travel Advisor Portal where advisors can brush up on the brand by completing the Expedition 360 training program.
Photos courtesy of Michael S. Nolan
Here agents qualify for incentives such as:
- $100 Bonus Commission on the first new booking made within 120 days of completing the course
- Special booking opportunities throughout the year
- Exclusive educational (FAM) opportunities for graduates
- Listing in the ‘Find a Travel Advisor’ section of the Lindblad Expeditions website
- Sales and marketing support for consumer events
- Dedicated social media toolkits
- Access to the Lindblad Expeditions Dedicated Travel Advisor Facebook Community
Lindblad has a high rate of returning guests. Special incentives exist for guests who book their next adventure onboard. Lindblad credits the original booking advisor for any additional trips guests purchase onboard.
Photos courtesy of Mitchell McClung
“There is no other partnership like it in the industry,” said Wells-Conrad. Lindblad’s partnership with National Geographic, extended through 2040, allows for expanded global marketing efforts. This collaboration also leverages the resources of National Geographic owner, Walt Disney Company. Disney specialists will receive additional training on Lindblad products, and a major expansion of onboard kids programs, enriched with Disney’s experienced immersive storytelling capabilities, will attract more families to expedition cruising.
These enhancements build on the already impressive relationship between Lindblad, National Geographic, and Disney, promising a powerful force in expedition cruising for years to come, bringing new guests to remote locations.
At every turn on this voyage, there was a specialized National Geographic expert guiding us. Phil Schermeister, an award-winning National Geographic photographer, often helped guests take the perfect shot. Pat Webster, a National Geographic diver, showcased what was encountered each day under the Arctic waters. These are just two of the fourteen members of the specialized expedition team that Lindblad assembled for our voyage.
