HIGH ARCTIC & THE NORTHLANDS
ARCTIC SVALBARD, GREENLAND, ICELAND & THE CANADIAN MARITIMES
DISCOVER
THE POETRY OF THE ICE CHARISMATIC CREATURES
EXCLUSIVE
ELLESMERE EXPEDITION
SPECIAL OFFERS
ON SELECT EXPEDITIONS
ABOARD NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXPLORER & NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC ORION | 2016
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Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic have joined forces to further inspire the world through expedition travel. Our collaboration in exploration, research, technology and conservation will provide extraordinary travel experiences and disseminate geographic knowledge around the globe.
DEAR TRAVELLER, 66° 33' N is an imaginary line delineating the Arctic Circle. It is an interesting irony that the four million people living above that line are being more profoundly affected by physical change than any population on earth, and yet, they have absolutely nothing to do with the causes of that change. The Arctic is literally melting at an alarming rate. It is a region that will be dramatically different within the span of a generation. It may be hard to imagine, but it is undeniable. Pope Francis, in his address to a joint session of Congress on September 24, said: “ I call for a courageous and responsible effort to ‘redirect our steps’ and to avert the most serious effects of the environmental deterioration caused by human activity. I am convinced that we can make a difference—I’m sure.” Both sides of the aisles erupted in applause. He went on to say: “ And I have no doubt that the United States and this Congress have an important role to play. Now is the time for courageous actions and strategies aimed at implementing a culture of care and an integrated approach to combating poverty, restoring dignity to the excluded and, at the same time, protecting nature.” There is a certain powerful fairness to his words—a kind of plea, if you will—that we come to our senses, and live up to our responsibilities to future generations. Why am I writing this? In part because my entire life has been connected with nature and the people who both depend on and benefit from its myriad of gifts. The Arctic, for many, many reasons, is a very big gift: full of wonder, populated by the most magnificent wildlife, resilient people, and some of the most spectacular scenery on earth. It is a place to be explored, revered and, yes, protected. We would very much like to take you there—to share that gift, and to enrich your life’s experience. All the best,
Sven-Olof Lindblad
Cover: Polar Bear, Baffin Island, Nunavut, Arctic Canada. This page: Zodiac cruise, Bylot Island Migratory Bird Sanctuary, Sirmilik National Park, Nunavut, Arctic Canada. Both photos © Ralph Lee Hopkins. Ships’ registry: Bahamas
National Geographic Explorer navigating pack ice, Baffin Bay, Nunavut, Arctic Canada. 2
THE NORTHLANDS North. Way North. South of North. And North well south. That characterises the headings for the National Geographic Explorer and National Geographic Orion expeditions featured here. Both the Arctic and the sub-Arctic merit our curiosity and understanding, and they, in different ways, reward both. There are no more beautiful regions on Earth—whether it’s the poetry of the ice in all its forms, and the charismatic creatures that thrive at and above the Arctic Circle; or the inspiring presence of the human communities above and below it. In the North category, on Land of the Ice Bears, Norway’s Fjords and Arctic Svalbard and Svalbard, Iceland and Greenland’s East Coast, we range from Svalbard, the Arctic capital of wildness, to the gorgeous glaciercarved coast of Norway, and beyond. We follow the ice leads to discover: polar bears in the glorious pack ice, wildlife from Arctic hares to walrus, and we see colossal icebergs and glaciers. In the Way North category, we seek to answer Local the question: what yearning draws explorers Ilulissat guide. inexorably north? Epic 80ºN: Exploring Greenland, Baffin & Ellesmere Islands, ventures deep into rugged Greenland fjords, and up to the seldomseen coast of Ellesmere Island, where we recently observed extraordinary bear behaviour, elusive narwhal, stunning landscapes and Inuit villages. Turning South of North, we investigate the human drive to explore, settle, and thrive in all manner of locations. Our Iceland Circumnavigation provides a rare 360º perspective on an island nation renowned for its natural wonders and inspiring national character. Our shorter Iceland by Land & Sea combines urbane Reykjavík, iconic natural wonders, plus the wild west coast you wouldn’t see on a land-only visit. On Iceland & Greenland: Viking Legends and Wild Fjords we ricochet from Reykjavík to the wild ice and wildlife of Scoresbysund and King Oscar Fjord on Greenland’s east coast (weather permitting), as well as the south-west to fascinating Viking sites and settlements. On the Canadian Maritimes, a North well south at 46º, we shift into Arcadian rhythms to explore the photogenic charms of Îles de la Madeleine, as well as the unique island provinces of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland, and exult in the pristine air and wild beauty of Gros Morne National Park. Choose your North—and join us.
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Ilulissat Icefjord, Disko Bay, Ilulissat, Greenland.
Two Inuits share a smile inside their tent, made from seal fur.
THERE ARE NO MORE BEAUTIFUL REGIONS ON EARTH In the Northlands, geography is destiny; pick your experience and pick your fate—which manner of extraordinary will you choose?
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Fall Colour, Disko Island, Greenland.
Arctic landscapes come in a variety of heartstopping forms. Will you choose the rugged variation—exploring the regions of ice and polar bears, discovering the tundra sere and brown from the ship rail, alive with saxifrage and colour up-close? Will you venture to the ‘big ice’ of Ilulissat, or the towering Látrabjarg cliffs of Iceland’s west coast? Will you satisfy your curiosity, and expand your knowledge of the world, by visiting north-dwelling people in historic Viking settlements, and Inuit villages? Or will you be lured to the picturesque Arcadian villages and the sylvan wildness of Gros Morne National Park? Lofoten Islands, Norway. 5
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COOL TOOLS ABOARD ENSURE EXTRAORDINARY EXPERIENCES National Geographic Explorer and National Geographic Orion are the only ships exploring these regions with this complete array of exploration tools. These tools, designed to maximise your opportunities for up-close, personal adventures, plus our generous expedition staff-to-guest ratio, provide peerless opportunities to experience life-enhancing encounters with the beauty and wildness of a unique region.
Clockwise from upper left: The staff quickly deploys Zodiacs to get you out exploring at a moment’s notice; National Geographic Explorer and National Geographic Orion are equipped with an ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) capable of exploring depths up to 300 metres, providing footage to view in the dry warmth and comfort of the lounge; our innovative mobile platform lets us embark on a kayak exploration from virtually anywhere in the ice; guests join staff in examining ice charts on the bridge; guests exploring by Zodiac don’t have to worry about getting wet with this floating bridge.
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LISA KELLEY
Expedition leader, naturalist and undersea specialist A member of The Explorers Club, Lisa is probably the first person to learn to dive in the Antarctic, and has since logged over 900 hours exploring the waters of the Antarctic and Arctic using both scuba and a remotely operated vehicle (ROV). With Lindblad since 2000, Lisa now spends most of the year working aboard National Geographic Explorer.
CARL ERIK KILANDER Arctic specialist A Norwegian native focused on environmental issues and natural resource management on Norway’s mainland and in Svalbard, Carl has been with Lindblad since 2003. He has worked as a Senior Adviser at Norwegian Nature Inspectorate (SNO), mainly dealing with law enforcement, monitoring, and public relation tasks connected to more than 100 protected areas in Vest-Agder County (southern-most Norway).
THE QUALITY OF OUR STAFF
ENHANCES THE QUALITY OF YOUR EXPERIENCE Our expedition leaders, known as ELs to staff and guests alike, are outstanding individuals, leaders who attract and inspire the naturalists, marine biologists, geologists, glaciologists, historians, and undersea specialists who return each year, like migratory species, to their respective geographies on NG Explorer and NG Orion’s routes. They help us pioneer new routes, like this season’s Viking Legends and Wild Fjords itinerary. Their commitment and passion will engage you, and their knowledge will illuminate the facets of all you’ll see and do during your expedition.
MICHAEL NOLAN
JENNIFER KINGSLEY
A longtime naturalist/ photographer, Michael has travelled the world’s oceans and his photography has been featured in hundreds of magazines, calendars, and books in over 45 countries.
Jennifer is a Canadian naturalist, journalist, and radio producer who has travelled extensively in the Arctic. Lindblad is sponsoring her current project, Meet the North, which aims to share the stories of some of the four million people living above the Arctic Circle. Learn more at meetthenorth.org
Naturalist, certified photo instructor
Naturalist
ERIC GUTH
Naturalist, certified photo instructor Eric began work with Lindblad in 2006, and his passion for exploring and photographing glaciated areas has recently earned him the title “Ice Man” in media outlets the world over.
ADAM CROPP
Expedition leader, naturalist With a unique background spanning internationally-acclaimed documentary filmmaking, diving, animal husbandry, and operating ships, Adam is an exceptional part of any voyage.
VISIT WWW.EXPEDITIONS.COM/EXPERTBIOS AND SELECT YOUR ITINERARY TO LEARN WHICH STAFF ARE TRAVELLING ON YOUR DEPARTURE.
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SHOOT WITH THE WORLD’S TOP PROS Whether you think of yourself as a photographer or simply want to capture the moments at the heart of your voyage, you’ll take your best photos ever aboard National Geographic Explorer or National Geographic Orion. You’ll have a top National Geographic photographer onboard to provide inspiration, tips and advice gleaned over the course of significant careers. Point-and-shoot, iPhone and DSLR users alike will find the quality of their images, and their storytelling, will improve greatly during the voyage. And regardless of your skill level, you’ll return home a more confident photographer, with shots you’ll enjoy sharing. LEARN MORE AT WWW.EXPEDITIONS.COM/PHOTO AND FIND INTERESTING BIOS FOR ALL PHOTOGRAPHERS AT WWW.EXPEDITIONS.COM/NGPS
National Geographic photographers aboard Explorer this season are (clockwise from top left): Rich Reid, Eric Kruszewski, Michael Melford, Jay Dickman and Sisse Brimberg.
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Guests photographing polar bears in Lancaster Sound, Nunavut.
Top photography gear and knowledgeable advice. Stellar shipping and customer service. These reasons are why Lindblad Expeditions formed a unique partnership with Ted’s Cameras - Australia’s renowned camera retailer. Book with us, and in addition to region -specific gear recommendations, you’ll also receive exclusive guest discounts on camera gear and accessories. Helping you capture life Call an expedition specialist for more details.
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SHARE THE EXPERIENCE WITH RELEVANT EXPERTS FROM DIVERSE FIELDS “Raw, powerful, shockingly beautiful, spangled with surprises… are the reasons I keep returning to the Polar Regions. Like all on board, I’m a curiosity junkie. Every polar journey brings mystery, magic and exceptional moments of personal discovery.” —Dr. Joe MacInnis
“Greenland is one of the few places on Earth where you can go to see rock from the early days of the planet, more than four billion years old. The jagged mountains of Svalbard are ancient as well. Then contrast them to Iceland, where new land is being created with active volcanoes. And the geology is made all the more spectacular, raw and sharp-edged, by the relentless erosion of the glaciers. It is as close as you will ever get to being on another planet. —Michael Wysession
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PREMIER EVA AARIAK Premier Eva Qamaniq Aariak is a Canadian politician and was the second Premier of Nunavut. Her background as Languages Commissioner in Nunavut provides connection and insight into the local language and culture. ü Epic 800 N, Aug. 14, 2016
DR. GRO BRUNDTLAND Former Prime Minister of Norway, now UN Special Envoy on Climate Change. Stateswoman, physician and international activist, for over four decades Dr. Brundtland has been dedicated to global interdependence, focusing on global environmental awareness. ü Land of the Ice Bears, Jun. 5, 2016
ANDREW CLARKE An ecologist with a lifelong interest in birds, Andrew Clarke has spent his working life in the polar regions, including geological fieldwork in Svalbard. ü Land of the Ice Bears, Jun. 19, 2016
DR. JOE MACINNIS Deep sea pioneer and poet, he was the first person to explore the ocean under the North Pole and among the first to dive to the Titanic. ü Norway’s Fjords, May 23, 2016 NOTE: All these speakers are aboard NG Explorer departures only.
Dr. Gro Brundtland.
Premier Eva Aariak.
Andrew Clarke.
Robert MacNeil.
“I found Svalbard thrilling on many levels. There is the sheer exhilaration of being above 80 degrees North—just hundreds of miles from the North Pole—and watching the sun circling well above the horizon 24 hours a day. For lovers of ice and Antarctica, Svalbard offers the same starkly beautiful vistas of massive glaciers, ice caps, and mountains. And Svalbard boasts something that Antarctica doesn’t— at least four centuries of human exploration.” —Fen Montaigne
“I have been to Iceland several times and am always excited to go back. In over a half century of global travels, I have been at both geographic poles and the deepest place in the World Ocean. But Iceland still remains a unique experience.” —Don Walsh
ROBERT MACNEIL Raised in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Robin, as he is known, is a Canadian American author, journalist and former television news anchor for The MacNeil/Lehrer Report. ü Canadian Maritimes, Sep. 8 & 15, 2016
FEN MONTAIGNE The lead lecturer on a 22-lecture series on the polar regions for The Great Courses, entitled “National Geographic Polar Explorations”, and made in collaboration with Lindblad Expeditions. His work has appeared in National Geographic, The New Yorker, and others. ü Land of the Ice Bears, Jun. 12, 2016
DON WALSH Oceanographer, explorer and Honorary President of The Explorers Club, Don was awarded National Geographic’s prestigious Hubbard Medal. He has travelled to the deepest point of the ocean and has participated in dozens of polar expeditions. ü Circumnavigation of Iceland, Jul. 11 & 20, 2016
MICHAEL WYSESSION A professor, author and leader in the areas of seismology and geophysical education. He participated in a lecture series on the polar regions for The Great Courses entitled “National Geographic Polar Explorations”, covering all aspects of life in the Arctic and Antarctic. ü Svalbard, Iceland and Greenland, Jun. 26, 2016
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ARCTIC CREATURES: AMONG EARTH’S MOST CHARISMATIC 14
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Only the North presents the opportunity to see such fascinating creatures and observe them in wondering stillness, as they move wild and free through their respective landscapes of air, ice, moraine, and tundra. To see huddles of long-tusked walrus, hauled out of the glacial sea, turn a glowing brick red in their shared warmth. To admire blunt-shouldered musk ox, a sight as old as the indigenous peoples’ memories, one that greeted the Vikings. Clouds of Arctic terns and other seabirds wheeling above massive rookeries. Whales exultantly feeding in the nutrient-rich Arctic sea. Caribou. Only here—in the implacable purity of the North.
Clockwise from far left: Black-legged kittiwake flock feeding in front of Monaco Glacier, Leifdefjorden, Svalbard, Norway; walrus hauled out on rocky shore, Philpots Island, Canadian Arctic; adult Svalbard reindeer grazing on the tundra on Edgeøya (Edge Island) in the Svalbard Archipelago, Norway; musk ox grazing in Arctic Canada; arctic fox.
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“The total polar bear count for this EPIC voyage has been 52… Wow, what a journey.” — Rich Reid, National Geographic Photographer aboard Epic 80ºN 2015
POLAR BEARS: ENCOUNTERS ON ICE The High Arctic, with its deep fjords, vast tidewater glaciers, and pack ice, is the region to explore to see polar bears—the wild, majestic and charismatic creatures whose expressive eyes, massive bodies and improbably graceful movements among ice sheets and floes have made them the unquestionable symbol of the Arctic. Spotting a polar bear in the wild, apart from being a bucket-list item for many, is a chance for all ages to experience, on a visceral level, the magnitude and singularity of the Arctic. To see frolicking polar bear cubs, an adult hunting, or simply eyeing our ship with its trademark curiosity, makes an indelible impression, and provides an emotional context to the real fact that despite the vagaries of the pack ice’s drift in any given year, ice, the polar bear’s lifeblood is diminishing at an alarming rate.
In over 30 years of Arctic exploration, we have learned an enormous amount about where to find polar bears. Our ace spotters know how to find the bears; our Captains know how to approach the animals for optimal sightings, respectfully. Our 2015 season total for bears spotted and observed was an exhilarating 111. And, on our Epic 80ºN voyage alone, our bear count was an ‘epic’ 52, including observing behaviour the world’s top scientists haven’t yet witnessed—a condition, and a total, not likely to be duplicated. Choose Svalbard for classic bear sightings, or add Norway’s green fjord-carved coast to Svalbard’s ice for a perfect balance between the charmingly scenic and the spectacularly wild. Venture beyond Svalbard into Iceland and Greenland, and you’ll see wildlife in three quintessential Arctic/sub-Arctic locations, along with stunning geography and a dose of enduring Arctic culture.
Facing page, clockwise from upper left: Polar bear reflection in Lancaster Sound; you’ll learn to read bears’ body language to time your photos and capture leaps; a rare event witnessed this past season—this mother nursed her two second-year cubs just off our bow; a bear and cub at ease off Baffin Island.
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LAND OF THE ICE BEARS: AN IN-DEPTH EXPLORATION OF ARCTIC SVALBARD 10 DAYS/9 NIGHTS—ABOARD NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXPLORER
EXPERIENCE & EXPERTISE
▶▶ Take naturalist-led walks, and cruise among beautiful icebergs in a Zodiac or a kayak.
Ace spotters, our veteran expedition leader and 8 naturalists are your best assurance of seeing polar EXPERIENCE bears in their native habitat, on the ice. Our undersea specialist will reveal the deep, and the National Geographic photographer and LindbladNational Geographic certified photo instructor aboard will see to it that you get your shots, while the video chronicler creates a lasting record of your voyage. A Global Perspectives guest speaker also enhances your experience.
▶▶ Experience the legendary midnight sun: the ethereal light of the northern summer, when the sun never sets.
Visit our website to read staff and guest speaker bios for this expedition.
PRICES FROM: $12,290 to $22,700 (See pages 44-45 for complete prices.)
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high Arctic archipelago situated between Norway and the North Pole, Svalbard is a place of deep fjords, snowcapped mountains, massive sheets of ice, and magnificent polar bears. Travel under the midnight sun aboard National Geographic Explorer, and experience nature in its purest form.
EXPEDITION HIGHLIGHTS ▶▶ Search for the very symbol of the Arctic—polar bears—and observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat, on the sea ice.
+ 30 YEARS
▶▶ Watch for walruses, bearded and ringed seals, arctic foxes, and reindeer. A mother polar bear with her two cubs.
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sparkling icebergs, and explore fjords that split the coastline. Hike through miniature gardens blooming on the tundra; and search the edge of the pack ice for polar bears, walruses, seals, reindeer, and arctic foxes. Nowhere can the polar bear be seen more reliably in its natural environment than here. (B,L,D)
Kayakers off Svalbard’s pristine coast.
Edgeøya Longyearbyen SVALBARD Barents Sea
DAY 2: OSLO/LONGYEARBYEN/ EMBARK Depart Oslo on a charter flight, and enjoy breathtaking vistas en route to Longyearbyen. Embark National Geographic Explorer, your base for the next six days. (B,L,D) DAYS 3-8: EXPLORING SVALBARD This voyage is undertaken in the spirit of discovery, and our travel in the archipelago is exploratory by design. In a region ruled not by humans but by polar bears, we let nature guide our course. Svalbard lies north of the Arctic Circle, where the summer midnight sun never sets. With our fully stabilised ice-class expedition ship, we are able to probe the ice in search of wildlife; our exact day-to-day itinerary remains flexible, depending on local ice and weather conditions. Zodiacs and kayaks take us closer to experience the region’s geologic features and the wildlife that flourishes during the summer months. With our National Geographic photographer and a seasoned naturalist staff, venture to the foot of vast tidewater glaciers, kayak among
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DAY 1: OSLO, NORWAY Upon arrival in Oslo, check into the Thon Hotel Bristol (or similar). Explore this charming city, stroll among the famed Vigeland sculptures— hundreds of life-size human figures set in terraced parkland. Visit the Fram Museum, dedicated to the wooden ship sailed by Norwegian explorers Nansen and Amundsen.
Norway
EXPEDITION DETAILS DATES: 2016 Jun. 5, 12, 19 OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS Add a five-day pre-voyage extension to Norway’s Fjords, or a four-day post-voyage extension to Iceland’s Natural Wonders. See page 40.
A reindeer lopes along the tundra. DAY 9: LONGYEARBYEN/ DISEMBARK/OSLO In Longyearbyen, the largest settlement in Svalbard, disembark and enjoy time to explore. Founded by an American coal executive in 1906, this is one of the northern-most human settlements on Earth. Fly back to Oslo and overnight at the SAS Radisson Blu Airport Hotel. (B,L) DAY 10: OSLO (B)
GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES GUEST SPEAKERS Travel with the former Prime Minister of Norway Gro Brundtland (right), Jun. 5, 2016; author Fen Montaigne, Jun. 12, 2016; or ecologist Andrew Clarke Jun. 19, 2016. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PHOTOGRAPHER Travel with award-winning nature photographer and filmmaker Rich Reid, Jun. 12 & 19, 2016. Learn more at expeditions.com/photo
Walrus close-up.
LEARN MORE AT WWW.EXPEDITIONS.COM/BEAR
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NORWAY’S FJORDS AND ARCTIC SVALBARD 16 DAYS/15 NIGHTS—ABOARD NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXPLORER AND NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC ORION PRICES FROM: $19,910 to $36,420 (See pages 44-45 for complete National Geographic Explorer prices; see pages 46-47 for National Geographic Orion prices.)
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eander along Norway’s fjord-carved coast, from the Hanseatic town of Bergen, north of the North Cape to the ice and wildlife of the Svalbard Archipelago, only 965 kilometres from the North Pole. Visit tiny fishing hamlets, kayak narrow inlets between towering peaks, and hike wildflower-strewn islands. Then search for the polar bears of Svalbard and other arctic wildlife.
EXPEDITION HIGHLIGHTS ▶▶ Follow the bucket-list-worthy fjord-carved coast and see its small islets and island communities. ▶▶ Explore the High Arctic of Svalbard, and watch for polar bears, walruses, reindeers, whales and rich birdlife. ▶▶ Actively explore: hike, walk, Zodiac-cruise and kayak amid stunning fjord scenery and soaring icebergs. ▶▶ Enjoy superlative photo ops and on-board photo assistance.
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EXPERIENCE & EXPERTISE Ace spotters, our veteran expedition leader and 8 naturalists are your best assurance of seeing polar EXPERIENCE bears in their native habitat, on the ice. Our undersea specialist will reveal the deep, and the National Geographic photographer and LindbladNational Geographic certified photo instructor aboard will see to it that you get your shots, while the video chronicler creates a lasting record of your voyage. A Global Perspectives guest speaker also enhances your experience aboard National Geographic Explorer.
+ 30 YEARS
Visit our website to read staff and guest speaker bios for this expedition. National Geographic Explorer in Trollfjord, Norway.
DAY 2: NORDFJORD Today we enter the ‘gateway to the glaciers’, Nordfjord where we are transported via coach along Loen Valley’s jagged mountains and turquoise-coloured lake. Hike groomed trails to Briksdal Glacier. (B,L,D)
DAY 8: TROMSØ Tromsø is known as the ‘gateway to the Arctic’ because so many Arctic expeditions originated here. Visit the Polar Museum and the Arctic Cathedral, where the unique architecture evokes icebergs. (B,L,D)
Photographing wildflowers.
DAY 3: SMØLA After over 30 years of exploring this extraordinary coastline, we still find new and exciting places to visit. Explore the scenic little island of Smøla, where we have been specially invited by the local residents. (B,L,D) DAYS 4 AND 5: EXPLORING THE FJORDS OF NORWAY Amid the rugged, mountainous islands and steep-walled fjords we explore a variety of landings: Zodiac along vertical rock faces, paddle a kayak in a deep fjord surrounded by cascading waterfalls, or hike with our naturalists. Over the years, we’ve discovered special places, including Melfjord, a narrow channel surrounded by high granite cliffs. (B,L,D) DAY 6: LOFOTEN ISLANDS The Lofoten Archipelago is an enchanting area of picturesque villages by the sea, backed with jagged peaks. By Zodiac, view Atlantic puffins, razorbills and guillemots. Go ashore at the island of Værøy, and be on deck as we cruise into dramatic Trollfjord, one of Norway’s most famous fjords. (B,L,D)
DAY 9: BEAR ISLAND Zodiac around mist-shrouded Bear Island, populated by thousands of fulmars, kittiwakes, guillemots and gulls. (B,L,D) DAYS 10-14: EXPLORING SVALBARD Arctic Svalbard is a place of deep fjords, snowcapped mountains, and massive ice sheets. Our focus is the search for walruses, seals, reindeer, arctic foxes and polar bears. Nowhere can the polar bear be seen more reliably in its natural environment than here. With our stabilised, ice-class ship, a flexible itinerary, and years of experience here, we are able to venture to the foot of vast tidewater glaciers, kayak among sparkling icebergs, hike the tundra, and explore fjords that split the coastline. (B,L,D)
Nordaustlandet Spitsbergen Edgeøya SVALBARD
Longyearbyen Barents Sea
Bear Island North Cape
Tromsø
Lofoten Islands
Arctic Circle
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DAY 7: TYSFJORDEN Enter the long Tysfjorden, where only a few small villages cling to rocky shores. Explore the u-shaped valley of Hellemobotn by Zodiac, kayak or on foot. (B,L,D)
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DAY 1 : BERGEN, NORWAY/EMBARK Arrive in the Hanseatic town of Bergen, the gateway to the fjordlands. Stroll Bryggens Wharf, a UNESCO World Heritage site, before embarkation. (L,D)
Smøla SWEDEN
Nordfjord
Bergen
NORWAY
Oslo
EXPEDITION DETAILS DATES: (Explorer): 2016 May 23 (Orion): 2016 Jul. 3, 16* *This voyage travels in reverse and will overnight Day 1 at the Thon Hotel Opera. OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS Add a four-day post-voyage extension to Iceland’s Natural Wonders - Explorer only. See page 40, or visit our website. GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES GUEST SPEAKER Dr. Joe MacInnis was the first person to explore the ocean beneath the North Pole and joins the May 23 departure.
Polar bear. DAY 15: LONGYEARBYEN/DISEMBARK/ OSLO Disembark in Longyearbyen and visit the Svalbard Art Gallery and Museum before boarding our charter flight to Oslo. Check in to the SAS Radisson Blu Airport Hotel. (B,L)
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PHOTOGRAPHER Travel with National Geographic photographer Sisse Brimberg on May 23. Learn more at expeditions.com/photo
DAY 16: OSLO (B)
LEARN MORE AT WWW.EXPEDITIONS.COM/CAPE
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SVALBARD, ICELAND & GREENLAND’S EAST COAST 16 DAYS/15 NIGHTS—ABOARD NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXPLORER
EXPERIENCE & EXPERTISE
PRICES FROM: $18,140 to $33,110 (See pages 44-45 for complete prices.)
Our unparalleled expedition team is key to an in-depth experience, and our generous EXPEDITION expedition staff-to-guest ratio of 1:10 means more choice in activities, and more diverse personalities and interests you can gravitate to. An expedition leader, 8 naturalists/historians, a National Geographic photographer, a Lindblad-National Geographic certified photo instructor, a Global Perspectives guest speaker, an undersea specialist, a video chronicler, and a wellness specialist all contribute to your experience of the region’s wonders.
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xplore three iconic and stunningly beautiful Arctic regions: the Svalbard Archipelago of Norway, and the countries of Iceland and Greenland. Go aboard the world’s ultimate expedition ship, and rely on the planet’s best ice team as you probe the ice edge to search for wildlife, including polar bears, walrus, reindeer, and arctic foxes. This is an authentic expedition aboard National Geographic Explorer, a ship perfectly suited to the ever-changing ice. Like the brave sailors of the golden age of exploration who set out with no set itinerary—seeking adventure, knowledge, and the unknown—we are completely dependent on ice, wildlife, and weather conditions, allowing nature to guide us to her wonderful surprises.
EXPEDITION HIGHLIGHTS ▶▶ Explore Arctic Svalbard, one of the best places on the planet to observe majestic polar bears in their natural habitat, on the sea ice. ▶▶ Navigate the arctic wilderness of the Greenland Sea to Iceland’s wild western coast, with expert naturalists and a fully equipped expedition ship— making multiple stops en route completely dependent on ice, wildlife, and weather conditions. ▶▶ Watch for huge walruses, whales, and reindeer, and spot rich birdlife. ▶▶ Glide between ice floes, exploring via ship, Zodiac, and kayak.
A walrus flicks his huge tusks.
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TEAM
Visit our website to read staff and guest speaker bios for this expedition.
JUN. 26: OSLO, NORWAY Arrive in Oslo and check into the Thon Hotel Bristol (or similar) and explore this charming city. Stroll amid Oslo’s famed Vigeland sculptures— hundreds of life-size human figures set in parkland. Visit the Fram Museum, dedicated to the wooden ship sailed by Norwegian polar explorers Nansen and Amundsen.
Polar bear and cub.
SVALBARD
GREENLAND (KALAALLIT NUNAAT)
Barents Sea
Scoresbysund
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Dependent on ice conditions
trait ark S Denm
Ísafjördur Flatey Is. ICELAND Reykjavík
the tundra, and explore fjords that split the coastline. Svalbard’s wonders are a prelude to discoveries on unknown shores, following the ice’s edge. Our quest is to discover the Arctic’s grand wilderness. Be on deck as our captain navigates between icebergs that drift from the calving glaciers. And if the ice yields, we’ll aim for Scoresbysund, on the east coast of Greenland, awakening from winter’s icy grip. If the ice is unrelenting, we’ll explore a bit further south, where there are spectacular fjords generally ice-free at this time of year. And if the ice is completely unrelenting, we will head to Iceland. Our journey ends on the west coast of Iceland: Isafjördur, a picture postcard of Icelandic life; the immense Látrabjarg cliffs, home to a huge population of razorbills; and Flatey Island, a former trading post. (B,L,D)
sional photographers on board, you’ll get your best photos ever. Svalbard Norway is a place of deep fjords, snowcapped mountains, and massive ice sheets. Nowhere can the polar bear be seen more reliably in its natural environment than here. Venture to the foot of vast tidewater glaciers, kayak among sparkling icebergs, hike
Longyearbyen
From Oslo
JUN. 28-JUL. 10: EXPLORING SVALBARD, GREENLAND & ICELAND Our itinerary, in keeping with the nature of an expedition, will be a thoughtfully considered framework based on our experience in this dynamic arctic region. We’ll take advantage of our ‘human resources’—our experienced captain, expedition leader and naturalists—as well as our technological resources. Armed with the latest satellite imagery, we’ll chart where the ice is impenetrable, and where there are leads guiding us to exciting discoveries. We have an ice-strengthened hull and forward-searching sonar, plus agile Zodiacs and kayaks, allowing us to make forays among the ice. The undersea specialist will deploy the ROV, bringing back imagery few, if any, have ever seen. And with unforgettable days in the ice, and two profes-
Edgeøya
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Gr ee nla nd Se a
JUN. 27: OSLO/LONGYEARBYEN/ EMBARK Depart Oslo on a charter flight, and enjoy breathtaking vistas en route to Longyearbyen. Embark National Geographic Explorer. (B,L,D)
Nordaustlandet Spitsbergen
JUL. 11: REYKJAVÍK/DISEMBARK We’ll see Iceland’s capital, Reykjavík, for a guided overview of the old town, visit the famous Blue Lagoon thermal baths, and have lunch prior to our flight home. (B,L)
ARCTIC CIRCLE
SWEDEN NORWAY
EXPEDITION DETAILS DATE: 2016 Jun. 26 SPECIAL OFFER: Book by Jan. 1, 2016 to receive complimentary charter airfare (one-way Oslo/Longyearbyen). Call for details. OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS Take a five-day pre-voyage extension to the Norwegian Fjords, a four-day postvoyage to Iceland, or a one-day post-voyage extension to Reykjavík’s Golden Circle & Blue Lagoon. See pages 40-41. GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES GUEST SPEAKER Travel on this departure with lecturer and author of National Geographic’s Polar Explorations Course Michael Wysession. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PHOTOGRAPHER Travel with award-winning nature photographer and filmmaker Rich Reid. Learn more at expeditions.com/photo
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EPIC 80ºN: EXPLORING GREENLAND, BAFFIN & ELLESMERE ISLANDS 23 DAYS/22 NIGHTS—ABOARD NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXPLORER PRICES FROM: $31,490 to $59,950 (See pages 44-45 for complete prices.)
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dventure and the unexpected star on this epic voyage to vast and wild shores. Our recent extraordinary experiences aboard Explorer at remote Ellesmere Island made us excited to return. We’ll explore familiar and new parts of Baffin Island and Lancaster Sound, then make our way up the beautiful coast of Ellesmere Island, which reaches farther north than any other land, except for Greenland, and we allow time to go as far north as the ice allows. We then trace the rarely explored coast of northwest Greenland, going places we’ve never been—where tidewater glaciers of extreme beauty dominate.
EXPEDITION HIGHLIGHTS ▶▶ Experience unbridled 21st-century exploration, as we venture deep into the far reaches of the ice to Zodiac cruise, kayak, and hike the tundra.
EXPERIENCE & EXPERTISE There is simply no better, more veteran team with whom to head into this bellwether geography. Our EXPERIENCE expedition leader, and 8 naturalists are Arctic-adept. A National Geographic photographer, LindbladNational Geographic certified photo instructor and video chronicler will help you capture the experience. An undersea specialist and wellness specialist round out our team. The Global Perspectives guest speaker adds relevant insight.
+ 30 YEARS
Visit our website to read staff and guest speaker bios for this expedition.
▶▶ Encounter hardy Inuit communities, and learn the legacy of the ancient Thule and Dorset at remote archaeological sites, some marvellously preserved. ▶▶ Observe polar bears, musk oxen, and perhaps elusive narwhals.
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A Zodiac ride amid the big ice of Philpots Island.
AUG. 26 AND 27: FARTHER NORTH Explore to 80ºN and hopefully beyond, if the ice allows. Our experienced captain and expedition team as well as our technological resources chart where the ice is penetrable. Perhaps we’ll scout a fine place for a ‘polar plunge’ into icy waters! (B,L,D) Inuit family ‘selfie’. AUG. 17-19: BAFFIN ISLAND Over these days we stretch our legs on hiking trails at Qikiqtarjuaq, our first stop on Baffin Island. Weather depending, stops may include Coronation Fiord where 1500 metre cliffs soar near the Coronation Glacier; Niaqurnak Point, a former Inuit camp where walruses haul out; and Isabella Bay, a marine habitat ideal for bowhead whales. (B,L,D) AUG. 20-22: THE CANADIAN HIGH ARCTIC We search for ringed seals, arctic foxes, and polar bears, as well as beluga and bowhead whales. Perhaps even see the elusive narwhal, known for the long, spiraling tooth that projects up to three metres from its upper jaw. Possible stops to explore Milne Bay for possible narwhal sightings and Lancaster Sound for polar bears on ice. (B,L,D)
AUG. 28-31: NORTHWEST GREENLAND The remote coast of Northwest Greenland is terra incognita with a history of expeditions: Peary, Hall and more. Explorer will be in true expedition mode as we search this vast uninhabited region for wildlife (no humans means no hunting, thus prolific wildlife). Walk on land where humans have never set foot. Encounter glaciers and fjords. Visit the small community of Etah to learn about the people of the Far North. (B,L,D) SEP. 1: UUMMANNAQ Today we are back in familiar waters, stopping at Uummannaq, where a collection of mummies dating back to 1475 was discovered in 1972 and featured on the cover of National Geographic magazine. (B,L,D) SEP. 2: ILULISSAT Sail into Disko Bay to explore the UNESCO site of Ilulissat Icefjord. Cruise among towering
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Lancaster Sound Baffin Bay
Uummannaq Ilulissat Sisimiut Kangerlussuaq
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AUG. 16: GREENLAND’S WEST COAST & SISIMUIT/AT SEA Dozens of deep fjords carve into Greenland’s west coast, many with glaciers fed by the ice cap that covers much of the country. We search for humpback and minke whales, and at Sisimiut, a former whaling port, visit the museum and wander amid a jumble of wooden 18th-century buildings. (B,L,D)
AUG. 24 AND 25: ELLESMERE ISLAND Depending on ice and weather, head north up the beautiful and remote east coast of Ellesmere Island, where Explorer first ventured in 2014. Cruise along scenic Smith Bay bordered by steep mountains and tumbling glacial ice. Search for polar bears from the ship or hike and kayak in picturesque surroundings. Explore Skraeling Island, an archaeological find that shows the Norse once traded with the native Inuit here at Ellesmere. We recently discovered unexpectedly the remains of a Thule encampment. (B,L,D)
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AUG. 15: REYKJAVÍK/ KANGERLUSSUAQ, GREENLAND Fly by chartered aircraft to Greenland. Embark National Geographic Explorer. (B,L,D)
AUG. 23: DEVON ISLAND At the entrance to the Northwest Passage, we encounter Devon Island’s Dundas Harbour, full of well-preserved Thule remains as well as the most recent artefacts of an RCMP station. At Philpots Island we hike the tundra and search for wildlife, and perhaps musk oxen. (B,L,D)
lan n Is Baffi
AUG. 14: KEFLAVÍK, ICELAND/ REYKJAVÍK Arrive in Keflavík and transfer to our hotel in Reykjavík. Take a guided overview of the old town, including Hallgrímskirkja Cathedral. Or choose to explore the Blue Lagoon and soak in the geothermal waters. (L,D)
Reykjavík
Atlantic Ocean
icebergs and visit the archaeological Inuit fishing village of Sermermiut. (B,L,D) SEP. 3: GREENLAND’S WEST COAST Our final day in the scenic fjords north of Sondre Stromfjord offers Zodiac cruising, kayaking, or a hike across the tundra. (B,L,D) SEP. 4: KANGERLUSSUAQ/ DISEMBARK/REYKJAVÍK, ICELAND Disembark in Kangerlussuaq, and after a tour of the city, fly by charter to Reykjavík for stunning views over the Greenland icecap. Check in to the Natura Hotel or similar. (B,L,D) SEP. 5: REYKJAVÍK/KEFLAVÍK Have a guided tour of Reykjanes Peninsula. Transfer to Keflavík for your onward flights. (B,L)
EXPEDITION DETAILS DATE: 2016 Aug. 14 OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS Take a 3-day post-voyage to Iceland, or a one-day-post-voyage extension to Reykjavík’s Golden Circle & Blue Lagoon. See page 41. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PHOTOGRAPHER Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Jay Dickman joins this departure. Learn more at expeditions.com/photo GLOBAL PERSEPCTIVES GUEST SPEAKER Canadian politician and the former Languages Commissioner for Nunavut, Premier Eva Aariak joins this departure.
LEARN MORE AT WWW.EXPEDITIONS.COM/ELLESMERE
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Guests explore the ice via Zodiac, Scoresbysund, Northeast Greenland.
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“The Arctic spring is a time of measurable energy release: tundra snows melt exposing hardy lichens, mosses, flowers and berries. Sea ice thins and open water ‘leads’ appear. Icebergs locked-in all winter are freed of the ice pressure and become alive, heaving and rolling. Thousands of whales begin their migrations, making unbelievable underwater ‘hops’ between thin open water leads. The world’s largest carnivorous predator, the polar bear, fattens up fast on seal. It is the most awesome release of power on the planet.” — Paul Rose, Expedition Leader for Enric Sala’s Arctic documentary film team, in conjunction with National Geographic’s Pristine Seas Project. Learn more at www.expeditions.com/pristineseas
ICE & GREEN IN ONE EON-SPANNING SAIL The best of both Arctic worlds, this expedition delivers the thrill of big ice and the awe of human history. Ricocheting off Iceland’s wild west coast, we enter the ice-charged mouth of Scoresbysund on Greenland’s East coast (weather permitting), one of the world’s largest fjord systems. We’ll linger in King Oscar Fjord, the northern-most point of the Scoresby Land peninsula, with our sights trained on the ice edge, searching for wildlife. Then, feeling the stir of our inner Viking, we’ll leave the ice and its creatures and make our way along Greenland’s southwestern coast, a rare opportunity to see the green in Greenland. We’ll steep in the lingering aura of fascinating Viking history, captured by Tim Folger in “Viking Weather,” National Geographic, June 2010, “Some 4,000 Norse eventually settled in Greenland. The Vikings, notwithstanding their reputation for ferocity, were essentially farmers who did a bit of pillaging, plundering, and New World discovering on the side… Erik’s son Leif set out from a farm about 35 miles northeast of Qaqortoq and discovered North America sometime around 1000.” These coastal Viking sites are UNESCO World Heritage treasures, bucket list inspirations for many.
First Christian church, Brattahlid, Eriksfjord, Greenland.
As we make our way inexorably Wildflowers. north toward Kangerlussuaq, the region’s smallest city, we will visit Nuuk, Greenland’s capital and largest city with its National Museum and the famous Uummannaq mummies. Marvelling at the pristine air and the evidence of summer on the tundra, we’ll hike, kayak and Zodiac cruise, mentally imagining our lives there, if we’d been the first Norsemen to land.
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ICELAND & GREENLAND: VIKING LEGENDS AND WILD FJORDS 15 DAYS/14 NIGHTS—ABOARD NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXPLORER
EXPERIENCE & EXPERTISE
PRICES FROM: $18,690 to $34,560 (See pages 44-45 for complete prices.)
Our unparalleled expedition team is key to an in-depth experience, and our generous EXPEDITION expedition staff-to-guest ratio of 1:10 means more choice in activities, and more diverse personalities and interests you can gravitate to. An expedition leader, 8 naturalists/historians, a National Geographic photographer, a Lindblad-National Geographic certified photo instructor, a Global Perspectives guest speaker, undersea specialist, video chronicler, and a wellness specialist all contribute to your experience of the wonders.
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ollow the route of Erik the Red from Iceland’s beautiful western coast across the Denmark Strait to the rugged, ice-sculpted shores of eastern Greenland. Trace the coast northwards to seek out the big ice—from towering tidewater glaciers to huge icebergs calved from Greenland’s ice sheet—and venture into magnificent fjords to search for polar bears, whales, and other wildlife. Continue our epic journey around Greenland’s southern tip and encounter the vestiges of Viking settlements from the 15th century. In brightly painted coastal villages from Flatey Island to Nuuk, learn about everyday life on the Arctic Circle.
EXPEDITION HIGHLIGHTS ▶▶ Search for polar bears on the sea ice as we explore eastern Greenland, and glide in a Zodiac or kayak amid a wonderland of glistening glaciers and icebergs. ▶▶ Spot razorbills among the towering cliffs of Látrabjarg, on Iceland’s western coast, and watch for blue whales as we cross the Denmark Strait. ▶▶ Trace the saga of Erik the Red at his former homestead, and explore ancient Norse culture among remarkable ruins on Greenland’s southwestern shores.
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Visit our website to read staff bios for this expedition. Guest photographs Hvalsey ruins, Greenland.
AUG. 3: THE WEST COAST OF ICELAND National Geographic Explorer navigates Iceland’s wild western frontier, sailing past the immense Látrabjarg cliffs, the western-most point of Iceland and home to a huge population of razorbills. Continue to Flatey Island, a trading post for centuries, for walks in the village and Zodiac explorations. (B,L,D)
King Oscar Fjord GREENLAND (KALAALLIT NUNAAT) Scoresbysund
Davis Strait
AUG. 5 AND 6: KING OSCAR FJORD We explore north over the next two days using our tools for exploration to the fullest, taking Zodiac or kayak forays among the icebergs, deploying our ROV and setting out on foot to hike. Our ace spotters will help us search for polar bears. If ice conditions are unrelenting, we will explore a bit further south, where there are spectacular fjords that are generally ice-free at this time of year. (B,L,D) AUG. 7 AND 8: AT SEA National Geographic Explorer heads south to follow in the wake of Eric the Red and Brendan the Navigator. Watch for whales and bird life. (B,L,D) AUG. 9: SKJOLDUNGEN FJORD The Greenland Ice Sheet is the second largest ice body in the world, after the Antarctic ice sheet, roughly 80% of the surface of Greenland. The high arctic-like climate is dominated by ice floes. Explore by Zodiac, kayak or enjoy a variety of hikes. (B,L,D)
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Skjoldungen Fjord Atlantic Ocean Brattahlid
Barents Sea Qaqortoq
Nanortalik
AUG. 4: SCORESBYSUND, GREENLAND We cross the Denmark Strait and arrive at the mouth of Scoresbysund (the planet’s largest fjord system) in the afternoon. This area is marked by mountains that rise straight out of the sea, glistening tidewater glaciers and is also a major area to capture the ice calving off from the east side of the Greenland ice cap and depending on ice conditions we’ll explore the area by hiking, Zodiac and will keep an eye out for whales and other marine life. (B,L,D)
Dependent on ice conditions
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AUG. 2: REYKJAVÍK, ICELAND/EMBARK Arrive in Reykjavík for an overview of the old town, visit Hallgrímskirkja Cathedral and delve into Viking history at the National Museum, with its Viking treasures. Embark our ship. (L,D)
Prins Christian Sund
AUG. 10: PRINS CHRISTIAN SUND & NANORTALIK Prins Christian Sund is a fjord on the southern coast of Greenland. Surrounded by mountain pinnacles and glaciers, the decks are perfect for viewing this landscape. Anchor off Nanortalik, Greenland’s most southerly town. Go ashore to the picturesque town. (B,L,D) AUG. 11: HVALSEY RUINS (QAQORTUKULOOQ) & QAQORTOQ Today you’ll explore a remarkable site on the Viking Trail. Qaqortukulooq was settled by one of Erik the Red’s cousins in 986 AD. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it is the most extensive Norse site in Greenland. Continue to Qaqortoq. Inhabited since Norse times, the Scandinavian influence is still apparent in the colourful wooden buildings and town museum, displaying Greenlandic kayaks, hunting equipment, art, and crafts. (B,L,D) AUG. 12: BRATTAHLID/ERIKSFORD Eriksfjord is the area that Erik the Red chose for his farm when he settled here in 982 AD. You’ll explore Brattahlid, site of the first Christian church in the western hemisphere, built by Erik’s wife, Tjodhilde. This region is also the starting point of the first voyages to North America by his son, Leif Eriksson, 500 years before Columbus. (B,L,D) AUG. 13: NUUK Nuuk is the world’s smallest capital city with 15,000 inhabitants. Visit the National Museum with its famous 15th-century Qilakitsoq mummies, found near Uummannaq and the subject of a National Geographic cover story. (B,L,D)
AUG. 14: GREENLAND’S WEST COAST Today is for exploration. Take a Zodiac cruise, kayak, or hike across the tundra. Our undersea specialist may launch the ROV to see the marine life inhabiting the fjord floor. (B,L,D) AUG. 15: KANGERLUSSUAQ/ DISEMBARK/REYKJAVÍK, ICELAND Disembark in Kangerlussuaq. After a tour of the city, fly by charter to Reykjavík and check in to the Natura Hotel or the Hilton Nordica. (B,L,D) AUG. 16: REYKJAVÍK/KEFLAVÍK Have a guided tour of Reykjanes Peninsula. Transfer to Keflavík for flights home. (B,L)
Zodiac among grounded icebergs, Scoresbysund.
EXPEDITION DETAILS DATE: 2016 Aug. 2 SPECIAL OFFER: Book by Jan. 1, 2016 to receive complimentary charter airfare (Kangerlussuaq to Reykjavík). Call for details. OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS Add a 3-day pre-voyage extension Iceland’s Wonders, or a 1-day pre-voyage extension to see Reykjavík’s Golden Circle & Blue Lagoon. See page 41.
LEARN MORE AT WWW.EXPEDITIONS.COM//VIKINGLEGENDS
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High cliffs rising to over 390 metres at Lรกtrabjarg, the largest bird colony in Europe, West Fjords, Iceland.
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“Iceland By Land & Sea provided a deep immersion into this fascinating country. On the surface, you have the spectacular landscapes that make the trip itself worthwhile. Lindblad Expeditions’ ability to invite interesting locals aboard the ship, giving guests a deeper understanding of Iceland’s economy, history, culture, music, food, social issues, and politics made me come away wanting more. My fondest memories were the evenings spent with talented Icelandic musicians who brought their country to life in such a unique way. Furthermore, the relationships I developed while aboard was the glue that will have me returning.” — Joe Diaz, Co-Founder, AFAR, on his experience aboard National Geographic Explorer last season
ICELAND FROM EVERY ANGLE Herring ladies, Maritime Museum, Siglufjörður.
unique cultural heritage, and their admirable national character. And a compact land and sea itinerary, also a rare opportunity, bringing fascinating citizens onboard for stimulating discussions, and the country’s top musicians for exclusive performances. It provides time in Reykjavík and its environs, including the must-see geologic marvels, and days aboard National Geographic Explorer discovering the wild west coast. So join us for one of two exceptionally rewarding ways to experience Iceland, currently topping many travellers’ must-see lists.
There’s one place on Earth where geology is so universally exciting, it’s downright sexy: Iceland. Iceland is located on both the Iceland hotspot and the Mid-Atlantic Ridge—which means it is highly geologically active with hundreds of volcanoes. You may recall the volcano Eyjafjallajökull, which famously erupted in 2010, disrupting global air travel for days, and serving as a reminder that geology is far more than fossils and ancient history. In short, Iceland’s geology is world-class. This season, we’re again offering two unique ways to experience Iceland: a circumnavigation, a rare opportunity, encompassing all Iceland’s varied facets: the fantastic geology and stunning landscapes, the wildlife, the Icelandic people, their
Icelandic horses.
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A CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF ICELAND 10 DAYS/9 NIGHTS—ABOARD NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXPLORER
EXPERIENCE & EXPERTISE
PRICES FROM: $12,270 to $24,190 (See pages 44-45 for complete prices.)
EXPEDITION HIGHLIGHTS
A circumnavigation is a rare and wonderful opportunity, in this case abetted by our EXPEDITION veteran team: an expedition leader, 8 naturalists, several with geology expertise, and an undersea specialist. To help you capture the experience: a National Geographic photographer, Lindblad-National Geographic certified photo instructor, and our video chronicler. Rely on our wellness specialist to help you start and end your active days well. Count on our Global Perspectives guest speaker for relevant insights.
▶▶ Explore one of Europe’s largest ice caps, and discover the lava-sculpted landscapes of the Westman Islands.
Visit our website to read staff and guest speaker bios for this expedition.
▶▶ See boiling mud pots and the thundering Goðafoss Waterfall.
Guests take in the power and beauty of Goðafoss waterfall.
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xperience an enchanting land of geological extremes on a circumnavigation of Iceland. Encounter vast volcanic landscapes and the world’s youngest island, walk on lava fields and ice sheets, and feel the power of gushing hot springs and cascading waterfalls. Cruise among magnificent icebergs in Jökulsárlón, and spend a day on the Arctic Circle spotting rich birdlife. Kayak into fjords and serene bays, and go hiking on magnificent and remote stretches of the coast. Cap off the adventure with a soak in the famous Blue Lagoon.
▶▶ Hike through the wilds of Iceland and spot birdlife on its shores and surrounding isles.
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DAY 1: REYKJAVÍK, ICELAND/EMBARK Arrive in Reykjavík, the world’s northern-most capital. Take a guided overview of the Old Town, including Hallgrímskirkja Cathedral. Learn about Norse culture at the National Museum, whose collection includes Viking treasures, artefacts, and whalebone carvings. Embark ship. (L,D)
before continuing on for an unforgettable sight: Goðafoss, the ‘waterfall of the gods’. Meet the ship in Húsavík and set sail for the tiny island of Grímsey, where we officially arrive in the Arctic Circle. (B,L,D)
DAY 4: EXPLORING NORTHWESTERN ICELAND Hornstrandir is Iceland's northern-most peninsula, situated in the Westfjords region. Stunningly beautiful and peaceful, this remote corner of Iceland is uninhabited and can only be accessed on foot or by boat. Summertime is magical with 24 hours of daylight and many species of seabirds, including puffins, guillemots, razorbills, and kittiwakes. (B,L,D) DAY 5: SIGLUFJÖRÐUR AND AKUREYRI Start the day in Siglufjörður, the centre of Iceland’s once-thriving herring industry, and stop by the Herring Museum for a talk and a tasting. Then continue on to picturesque Akureyri, Iceland’s second largest city. Explore the old town, with its beautifully maintained period houses set against a backdrop of snowcapped mountains, or visit the botanical garden. (B,L,D) DAY 6: MÝVATN AND HÚSAVÍK Drive to Mývatn, the most geologically active area in Iceland. See the bubbling mud pools at Hverarönd and the volcanic crater at Viti
Ísafjördur
Húsavík Flatey Is.
Guests exploring Langanes Peninsula.
Akureyri
Lake Mývatn
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Reykjavík Atlantic Ocean
DAY 2: EXPLORING THE WEST COAST OF ICELAND Navigate Iceland’s wild western frontier, sailing past the soaring Látrabjarg cliffs, the westernmost point of Iceland and home to a huge population of razorbills. Continue to the island of Flatey, a trading post for many centuries, for walks and explorations of the coast by Zodiac. (B,L,D) DAY 3: ÍSAFJÖRDUR Located in the Western Fjords, Ísafjördur is a classic landscape sculpted by past glaciers, and renowned for its traditional eiderdown production. It’s a picture postcard of Icelandic life and a great place for hiking, kayaking and for spotting eider ducks. (B,L,D)
Langanes Peninsula
Grímsey
Surtsey Island
Heimaey Island
EXPEDITION DETAILS DATE: 2016 Jul. 11, 20 OPTIONAL EXTENSION Add a one-day pre-voyage extension to see Reykjavík’s Golden Circle & Blue Lagoon. See page 41, or visit our website. DAY 7: EXPLORING NORTHEAST ICELAND Iceland’s rugged east coast is an unspoiled stretch of rocky outcrops, hidden coves, and hills that beckon hikers. Today is left open to explore this beautiful landscape with our naturalists by Zodiac and on foot. (B,L,D)
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PHOTOGRAPHER Join award winning National Geographic photographer Michael Melford on both departures. Learn more at expeditions.com/photo
DAY 8: DJÚPIVOGUR Dock in Djúpivogur to explore the vast Vatnajökull ice cap. For a closer look at the ice cap, take a boat ride through Jökulsárlón, a lagoon strewn with spectacular icebergs sculpted into all shapes and sizes. (B,L,D)
GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES GUEST SPEAKER Travel on both departures with oceanographer, explorer and Honourary President of The Explorer’s Club, Don Walsh.
DAY 9: WESTMAN ISLANDS The Westman Islands were formed by undersea volcanoes between 5,000 and 10,000 years ago and are among the youngest of the world’s archipelagos. In 1963, the world witnessed on film the birth of its newest island, Surtsey—a UNESCO World Heritage site—which we’ll see as we cruise past the coast. In 1973, Heimaey was threatened by lava flows that nearly closed off its harbour. Visit the crater, where the earth is still hot, and take in amazing views of areas that were engulfed by lava. (B,L,D)
Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon.
DAY 10: REYKJAVÍK/DISEMBARK We complete our circumnavigation and disembark in Reykjavík. Soak in the geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon and then have lunch before your onward flight. (B,L)
LEARN MORE AT WWW.EXPEDITIONS.COM/ICELAND
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ICELAND BY LAND & SEA: FROM REYKJAVÍK TO THE WILD WEST 6 DAYS/5 NIGHTS—ABOARD NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXPLORER
EXPERIENCE & EXPERTISE
PRICES FROM: $6,240 to $12,460 (See pages 44-45 for complete prices.)
Our experienced expedition leader and team of naturalists are your conEXPEDITION duit to an extraordinary experience. The National Geographic photographer and LindbladNational Geographic certified photo instructor on board, ours exclusively, are key to capturing the incredible wildlife. Our video chronicler will record the entire voyage. The undersea specialist will reveal the deep, while our wellness specialist helps you feel the ‘tonic of wildness’. There’s a generous expedition staff-to guest ratio and local guest speakers add relevant insight.
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xplore with us in Iceland and enjoy a compact, uniquely immersive land and sea adventure full of insider access with the soul of a party. Actively explore Reykjavík and the Golden Circle for two days—and thrill to the natural beauty of the ‘land of fire and ice’. Then, go deep into the wild over three days aboard National Geographic Explorer, exploring the wild western coast. Enjoy stimulating conversation with some of the country’s most fascinating individuals, who’ll join us along the way. Savour an exclusive private dinner on Viðey Island prepared by one of Iceland’s top chefs. And discover Iceland’s top musicians through performances arranged by our ethnomusicologist.
EXPEDITION HIGHLIGHTS ▶▶ Explore Iceland’s geologic wonders: the spout of Geysir, Gullfoss Falls and Thingvellir National Park, Iceland’s first parliament. ▶▶ Get active: Hike, kayak, and Zodiac cruise the remote, spectacular natural reserve of Hornstrandir accessible only on foot or by boat. ▶▶ Savour an exclusive dinner on Viðey Island prepared by one of Iceland’s top chefs, and discover Iceland’s top musicians through performances arranged by our musicologist.
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Visit our website to read staff and guest speaker bios for this expedition. 19th-century village on the island of Flatey.
DAY 1: REYKJAVÍK, ICELAND Arrive in Reykjavík. We are whisked away past colourful, Scandinavian-style buildings to hear about today’s exciting options during breakfast. Note: for those who wish to go directly to our hotel, for early check-in we can reserve your room for an additional charge. Choose a scenic drive amid the volcanic landscapes and natural hot springs of the Reykjanes peninsula to the tiny fishing village of Grindavík. Or soak in the soothing geothermal waters of the iconic Blue Lagoon. After lunch, check into the Borg Hotel or similar. Tonight explore one of Reykjavík’s fine restaurants on your own. (B,L)
Puffins. DAY 2: REYKJAVÍK & GOLDEN CIRCLE/ EMBARK SHIP Encounter Iceland’s nature in all its wildness amid the geological wonders of the Golden Circle. Feel the spray of thundering Gullfoss falls, wander the steaming landscape of Geysir and see its amazing spout. With our expert guides, visit the ancient, open-air parliament at Thingvellir National Park. Or choose a guided walk around Reykjavík, including the National Museum and the Museum of Whales.
Flatey for walks around the picture-postcard 19th-century village, and take a Zodiac cruise along the coast. (B,L,D) DAYS 4 AND 5: EXPLORING THE WESTFJORDS & HORNSTRANDIR Just south of the Arctic Circle, Hornstrandir— the spiky peninsula at the northern tip of the Westfjords—is Iceland’s truest wilderness, an uninhabited nature reserve backed by the majestic Hornbjarg cliffs and only accessible on foot or by boat. You’ll have a choice of activities each day in the Westfjords region, and the option to join the naturalist whose interests mirror yours. Hike with our botanist or birder through a wildflower-filled meadow, kayak quiet coves or hop aboard a Zodiac. Join a photo hike with our National Geographic photographer and soak up the legendary scenery. (B,L,D) DAY 6: REYKJAVÍK/DISEMBARK Disembark in Reykjavík and connect with your onward flight or continue exploring with us. Opt to visit the Saga Museum; wander among bubbling mud pools and hot springs; or stop at a farm to see and photograph Icelandic horses. Continue to lunch and transfer to the airport for onward flights. (B,L)
Hornstrandir
Látrabjarg Cliffs
Flatey Island ICELAND Thingvellir Nat’l Park Gullfoss
Atlantic Ocean
Geysir Reykjavík
Viðey Island
Grindavik
EXPEDITION DETAILS DATE: 2016 Jul. 28 OPTIONAL EXTENSION Extend your time with active options on a 1-day pre-voyage extension Reykjavík Adventure. Go on a city bike tour, horseback ride, even go flight-seeing. See page 41. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PHOTOGRAPHER Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Jay Dickman has worked in photojournalism for more than 35 years, and his work is often seen in National Geographic magazine. Jay joins this departure.
In the late afternoon, embark National Geographic Explorer and settle in. Tonight, a special treat: ride a ferry to scenic Viðey Island, where an exclusive dinner in a historic house awaits. One of Iceland’s top chefs, Friðgeir Ingi Eiríksson, will cater our dinner and we will have a musical concert. This evening will be memorable! (B,L,D) DAY 3: EXPLORING THE WEST COAST OF ICELAND National Geographic Explorer navigates Iceland’s wild western frontier coastline, sailing beneath the immense Látrabjarg cliffs home to a huge population of razorbills. The cliffs were once famous for egg collecting; men were tied to ropes and lowered down onto the ledges like spiders. Stop at the charming island of
Reykjavík’s iconic Blue Lagoon.
LEARN MORE AT WWW.EXPEDITIONS.COM/ICELAND_EXPLORE
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Fjord and fog at Western Brook Pond, Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland, Canada.
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“I am a child of the Canadian Maritimes, so this is my psychic home and my inspiration. Nova Scotia, where I grew up, is the setting for two of my novels, Burden of Desire and Portrait of Julia, and my memoir of childhood, Wordstruck; and it remains the doorway to my imagination. I spend summers there in our house on the Atlantic coast. So I am steeped in the history and romance of this corner of the New World settled by Europeans as early as 1604, my mother’s family arriving in 1750. I grew up with the sea. The sea was my father’s work on Royal Canadian Mounted Police patrol boats during Prohibition chasing rum-runners over the waters we will sail. In WWII, he commanded a series of warships protecting convoys in the Battle of the Atlantic. My brother Hugh became an Admiral in the Canadian Navy, and I am an amateur cruising sailor. So, the sea is in our bones, and I love to tell the stories of how it shaped four centuries of our history.” —Robert MacNeil
HOME TO CULTURES SINCE 1100 A.D. To experience this exquisite part of the world by sea is a gift in itself; and to enjoy it in the genial company of our Global Perspectives guest speaker, Robert MacNeil, with all this specific geography represents to him, is a deeper, richer experience indeed. We’ll explore the remains of an 11thcentury Viking village, the first of its kind in North America. We’ll learn about the enduring Acadian culture on the Îles de la Madeleine. And witness the breathtaking effects of plate tectonics amid the cliffs, fjords and sweeping alpine plateau of Gros Morne National Park. And history and geology will come alive among the wild landscapes and island outposts of the rugged and beautiful Canadian Maritimes.
L’Anse-aux Meadows.
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THE CANADIAN MARITIMES 8 DAYS/7 NIGHTS—ABOARD NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXPLORER
EXPERIENCE & EXPERTISE
PRICES FROM: $9,910 to $18,540 (See pages 44-45 for complete prices.)
Our unparalleled expedition team is key to an in-depth experience, and our generous EXPEDITION expedition staff-to-guest ratio of 1:10 means more choice in activities, and more diverse personalities and interests you can gravitate to. An expedition leader, 8 naturalists/historians, a National Geographic photographer, a Lindblad-National Geographic certified photo instructor, a Global Perspectives guest speaker, an undersea specialist, a video chronicler, and a wellness specialist all contribute to your experience of the region’s wonders.
T
his expedition circumnavigates Newfoundland and visits the islands of Cape Breton, St.-Pierre (France) and Îles de la Madeleine. We’ll sail through The Narrows of St. John’s, Newfoundland—along rugged coastline, the isles of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia. Special highlights include hiking on the nature trails of Gros Morne National Park, known for its unique geological features; learning the saga of the Vikings at L’Anse aux Meadows; and exploring the life of Alexander Graham Bell, National Geographic’s second president, at the Bell Museum at Baddeck, Cape Breton Island, where he had his summer home.
EXPEDITION HIGHLIGHTS ▶▶ Combine Canada’s magnificent scenery and historic places—at a wonderful time of year. ▶▶ Discover coastal villages and small islands, like Cape Breton. ▶▶ Explore two UNESCO sites: Gros Morne National Park and the 11th-century Viking village at L’Anse aux Meadows. ▶▶ Discover the dunes, sandstone cliffs, and Acadian culture of the Îles de la Madeleine.
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A+
TEAM
Visit our website to read staff and guest speaker bios for this expedition. Lobster fishing huts at sunset.
DAY 7: EXPLORING EASTERN NEWFOUNDLAND Wild, rugged, and often accessible only by sea, Newfoundland’s east coast is dotted with tiny fishing villages tucked into coves. Explore these stunning shores, and back aboard, you’ll gain insights from our experts into the island's people and wildlife. (B,L,D) DAY 8: ST. JOHN’S/DISEMBARK Sail through The Narrows in the early morning as our ship approaches St. John’s, the picturesque capital city of Newfoundland and the most easterly point of North America. Visit the colourful waterfront and historic Signal Hill or the Rooms Museum before you transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (B)
Quebec
Labrador Sea
n
L’Anse aux Meadows
Gros Morne National Park
or
DAY 4: ÎLES DE LA MADELEINE, QUEBEC A cluster of wispy islands isolated in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the Îles de la Madeleine are home to kilometres of dunes, grassy hills, and dazzling red sandstone cliffs. Local experts will guide us across this landscape of caves and sea arches, stopping along the way in colourful fishing villages as we learn about Acadian culture. Weather permitting, you may explore on a bike or sea kayak with local operators. (B,L,D)
DAY 6: L’ANSE AUX MEADOWS In the World Heritage site of L’Anse aux Meadows, walk among 11th-century Norse ruins and reconstructed sod huts and learn the saga of the Vikings in North America—nearly 500 years before Columbus arrived. (B,L,D)
CANADA
ou
brad
DAY 3: LOUISBOURG & BADDECK, CAPE BRETON ISLAND, NOVA SCOTIA Today we visit the reconstructed Fortress of Louisbourg, an 18th-century fort where the British and French fought. Later, we visit the village of Baddeck, where Alexander Graham Bell built his summer home, now the centrepiece of a beautiful park and museum. Explore the life of Bell and enjoy an optional ‘white glove’ tour of the Bell Museum and have the opportunity to hold historic artefacts. (B,L,D)
New f
La and
DAY 2: ST.-PIERRE, FRANCE Our first landfall is St.-Pierre, France’s oldest remaining overseas territory. Explore this picturesque French fishing enclave where we will stop at a scenic whale watching lookout and a French-style graveyard. (B,L,D)
DAY 5: GROS MORNE NATIONAL PARK Graced by cliffs, fjords, and a sweeping alpine plateau, Gros Morne National Park has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site for its spectacular geology. Go on a variety of walks with our naturalists along waterfalls, marine inlets, and forested trails. Learn about the forces that shaped this land and the ancient serpentine rock that illustrates the phenomenon of plate tectonics. (B,L,D)
nd dla
DAY 1: ST. JOHN’S, NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR, CANADA/EMBARK Arrive in St. John’s, the picturesque capital city of Newfoundland and Labrador. Settle into National Geographic Explorer and take to the sea. (D)
Gulf of St. Lawrence Îles de la Madeleine Baddeck Nova Scotia
Island of St. John’s Newfoundland St.-Pierre and Miquelon (Fr.) Louisbourg Cape Breton Island Atlantic Ocean
EXPEDITION DETAILS DATES: 2016 Sep. 8, 15 GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES GUEST SPEAKER Renowned television news anchor, journalist and Canadian Robert MacNeil will join both departures. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PHOTOGRAPHER Eric Kruszewski has been published in National Geographic Traveler and received numerous honours and joins both departures. Learn more at expeditions.com/photo Explore Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Red sandstone cliffs, Îles de la Madeleine.
LEARN MORE AT WWW.EXPEDITIONS.COM/MARITIMES
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OPTIONAL EXPEDITION EXTENSIONS TO EXPLORE MORE ADD NORWAY’S FJORDS
Sognefjord, Norway.
PRE-VOYAGE/5 DAYS/5 NIGHTS 2016*: From $5,490 Per Person, Double Occupancy The rich landscapes of southern Norway, including Sognefjord—the longest and deepest fjord in Norway—are the ideal addition to your adventures. Thundering waterfalls and snowy peaks offer wonderful photo ops. The Norwegian Fjords extension can be taken before Land of the Ice Bears and Svalbard, Iceland & Greenland’s East Coast.
ADD ICELAND’S NATURAL WONDERS POST-VOYAGE/4 DAYS/4 NIGHTS 2016*: $4,700 Per Person, Double Occupancy
Blue Lagoon hot spring spa in Reykjavík, Iceland.
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Once you’ve seen the land of ice, it only makes sense to see its counterpart: the land of fire and ice—Iceland. Luxuriate in the famous Blue Lagoon hot springs, said to have rejuvenating health benefits. And explore Iceland’s bubbling mud pools, spouting geysers, and massive icecaps and glaciers. Add it after departures of Land of the Ice Bears; Norway’s Fjords and Arctic Svalbard (Explorer only); and Svalbard, Iceland & Greenland’s East Coast.
ADD REYKJAVÍK ADVENTURE PRE-VOYAGE/1 DAY/1 NIGHT 2016*: $930 Per Person, Double Occupancy Experience fascinating ReykjavÍk on an active adventurous day that includes an urban exploration by bike or on foot—and a host of ways to discover the countryside or culture including horseback riding, cooking stylish Nordic cuisine, or a helicopter outing that reveals the wonders of the wild landscape of craters and glaciers surrounding the city. Add it before your expedition Iceland By Land and Sea: Reykjavík to the Wild West.
Salt Kitchen cooking class.
ADD ICELAND’S WONDERS PRE- AND POST-VOYAGE/3 DAYS/3 NIGHTS 2016*: $3,690 Per Person, Double Occupancy Discover geothermal ponds that serve as sanctuaries for birdlife and see towering, churning waterfalls in this land where roiling, wild geology literally bubbles to the surface in geysers and mud pools. Add it before Iceland & Greenland: Viking Legends and Wild Fjords or after Epic 80°.
Gulfoss Waterfall, Iceland.
ADD REYKJAVÍK’S GOLDEN CIRCLE PRE OR POST-VOYAGE/1 DAY/1 NIGHT 2016*: $1,150 Per Person, Double Occupancy Extend your stay in Reykjavík, the world’s northern-most capital. Enjoy the surreal Blue Lagoon, and have a guided in-depth experience along the famed Golden Circle with its boiling pools, geysers and waterfalls. Add it before Circumnavigating Iceland and Iceland & Greenland: Viking Legends and Wild Fjords, or after Svalbard, Iceland and Greenland and Epic 80°. Geyser, Golden Circle, Iceland.
*On all extensions, airfare is not included.
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THE LUXURY OF COMFORT The excitement of authentic Arctic exploration plus inviting public spaces, convivial dining rooms, excellent food and cossetting private quarters— National Geographic Explorer and National Geographic Orion’s warm, hospitable interiors run counterpoint to the surrounding ice vistas. Watch polar bears from the deck, and then duck inside the nearby Chart Room for a hot chocolate. Or stay connected to outdoors in the warmth of the glasslined Observation Lounge. Find sedentary pleasures in the Library. Or get in a workout in the fitness centre, with its ‘million-dollar’ views.
S ee a video tour of NG Explorer or NG Orion at EXPEDITIONS.COM/NGEXPLORER or EXPEDITIONS.COM/NGORION
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Opposite page from top: Hotel Manager Henrik Ahlberg represents an entire hotel staff dedicated to your happiness; classic wellness spa with sauna; the observation lounge and library have exceptional views and a quiet place to seep yourself in panoramic vistas or a bounty of books; the fitness centre has sweeping views.
Clockwise from above: dining is an interesting and varied experience: completely casual with no assigned seating for easy mingling. Choose the windowed dining room or the more intimate bistro bar aboard National Geographic Explorer; the strikingly plated dishes dazzle daily, with healthy options from wholesome to indulgent; National Geographic Orion’s spacious lounge is where the main bar is located; it is also the social hub of the ship.
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THE FLAGSHIP OF OUR FLEET
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXPLORER CAPACITY: 148 guests in 81 outside cabins. REGISTRY: Bahamas. OVERALL LENGTH: 112 metres. National Geographic Explorer is a state-of-the-art expedition ship, and the flagship of the Lindblad fleet. It is a fully stabilised, iceclass vessel, with an Ice-1A Super on the forward hull, enabling it to navigate polar passages while providing exceptional comfort. It carries kayaks and a fleet of Zodiac landing craft. An undersea specialist operates a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and sophisticated video equipment, extending access to the underwater world. PUBLIC AREAS: Bistro bar; chart room; restaurant; global gallery; library, lounge with full service bar and state-of-the-art facilities for films, slideshows and presentations; mudroom with lockers for expedition gear, and observation lounge. Our ‘open bridge’ provides guests an opportunity to meet our officers and captain and learn about navigation.
MEALS: Served in single seatings with unassigned tables for an informal atmosphere and easy mingling. Menu is international with local flair. CABINS: All cabins face outside with windows or portholes, private facilities and climate controls. Some cabins have balconies. EXPEDITION EQUIPMENT: Zodiac landing craft, kayaks, Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), hydrophone, splashcam, underwater video camera, crow’s nest remote controlled camera and video microscope. SPECIAL FEATURES: A full-time doctor, undersea specialist, Global Perspectives guest speaker, National Geographic photographer, LEX photo specialist and video chronicler, internet café and laundry. WELLNESS: The vessel is staffed by a wellness specialist and features a glass-enclosed fitness centre, outdoor stretching area, two LEXspa treatment rooms and sauna.
CATEGORY 1: Main Deck with one or two portholes #301-308
CATEGORY A SOLO: Main Deck with window #309-312, 329-334 CATEGORY B SOLO: Upper and Veranda Decks with window #105-106, 203, 208 CATEGORY 3 TRIPLE: Main Deck with window #341, 343 SHARED ACCOMMODATIONS: Available in Categories 1 and 2. NOTE: Cabins #209, 211, 214, 216-218, 220, 222, 224, 226, 228, 303-306—These cabins have one queen-sized bed. All other double cabins have two lower single beds; some can convert to a queen-sized bed. Note: Sole occupancy cabins available in Categories A and B. Third person rates are available in the designated triple occupancy cabins at one-half the double occupancy rate. Cabins #341, 343, 101, 102, 215, 219, and 230 can accommodate a third person.
CATEGORY 2: Main Deck with window #317-320, 335-336 CATEGORY 3: Main Deck with window #313-316, 321-328, 337340, 342, 344, 346, 348, 350 CATEGORY 4: Upper and Veranda Decks with window #103-104, 107-108, 201-202, 204-207, 210, 212, 217, 226, 228 CATEGORY 5: Upper Deck with balcony #209, 211, 214, 216, 218, 220-222, 224 CATEGORY 6: Veranda Deck–Suite #101-102; Upper Deck-Suite with balcony #213 CATEGORY 7: Upper Deck–Suite with balcony #215, 219, 230
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ELEVATOR
LIBRARY
OBSERVATION LOUNGE
BRIDGE
BRIDGE DECK
WELLNESS DECK
CHART ROOM
FITNESS CENTRE
LOUNGE 107
103
105-S
101
DECK
LEXspa
SAUNA
SUN DECK
108
104
106-S
102
DECK
VERANDA DECK RESTAURANT
BISTRO
RECEPTION BAL.
230
228
226
222
224
220
218
212
206
204
202
BAL. BAL. BAL. BAL. BAL. BAL.
219 221
GLOBAL GALLERY
GALLEY
BALCONY BAL. BALCONY
215
216
217
BAL.
213
214
210
211
208-S
209
205
207
203-S
201
BAL. BAL.
UPPER DECK 325
327
329-S
331-S
333-S
335
337
320
322
324
326
328
330-S
332-S
334-S
336
338
346
344
342
340
350
323
318
348
321
316
343-T
319
314
341-T
317
312-S
339
315
310-S
311-S
309-S
313
308
304
306
302
307
303
305
301
MAIN DECK INTERNET CAFE
UNDERSEA SPECIALIST
ZB
LOCKERS
WC IW
DOCTOR’S OFFICE
From top: Upper Deck cabin with balcony; a standard bathroom; example of a spacious solo cabin with window.
MUD ROOM
+
STAFF OFFICE
ZODIAC BOARDING
ZB
B DECK
Prices are per person, double occupancy, in Australian dollars unless indicated as solo. ITINERARY
YEAR
Land of the Ice Bears – Page 18
2016 $12,290 $13,090 $13,600
CAT. 1
CAT. 2
CAT. 3
CAT. 4
CAT. 5
$14,410
$17,010
CAT. 6
CAT. 7
CAT. A SOLO
$19,860 $22,700 $16,360
CAT. B SOLO
DEPOSIT
NOTE
$17,010
$1,000
Includes two hotel nights. Charter Airfare: $910 (roundtrip Oslo/Longyearbyen).
Norway’s Fjords & Arctic 2016 $19,910 $20,990 $22,070 $23,750 $26,590 $31,700 $36,420 $26,240 $27,600 $2,500 Svalbard – Page 20
Includes one hotel night. Charter airfare: $450 (Longyearbyen/Oslo).
Svalbard, Iceland & Greenland’s East Coast – Page 22
2016
$23,940 $25,070
$1,500
Includes one hotel night. Charter Airfare: $450 (Oslo/Longyearbyen).
Epic 80°N: Greenland, Baffin & Ellesmere Islands – Page 24
2016 $31,490 $33,740 $34,990 $37,490 $45,250 $51,590 $59,950 $42,180 $43,740
$3,000
Includes two hotel nights Reykjavík. Round trip charter airfare: $1,810 (Reykjavík/ Kangerlussuaq).
Iceland & Greenland: Viking Legends and Wild Fjords – Page 28
2016 $18,690 $19,940 $20,780 $21,990 $25,940 $30,220 $34,560 $24,930 $25,960
$1,500
Includes one hotel night Reykjavík. Charter airfare: $910 (Kangerlussuaq/ Reykjavík).
A Circumnavigation of Iceland – Page 32
2016 $12,270 $13,350
$18,140
$19,150 $20,060 $21,610
$24,700 $28,820 $33,110
$13,740
$14,990
$17,790
$21,240
$24,190
$16,690
$17,170
$1,000
Iceland by Land & Sea: 2016 $6,240 From Reykjavík to the Wild West – Page 34
$6,790
$7,020
$7,620
$9,020
$10,810
$12,460
$8,490
$8,790
$750
The Canadian Maritimes – Page 38
$10,490 $10,870
$11,550
$13,610
$15,900 $18,540
$13,110
$13,600
$1,000
2016
$9,910
Includes one hotel night.
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OUR NEWEST EXPEDITION SHIP
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC ORION CAPACITY: 102 guests in 53 outside cabins. REGISTRY: Bahamas. OVERALL LENGTH: 103 metres. The state-of-the-art National Geographic Orion is the newest addition to the Lindblad-National Geographic fleet. A fully stabilised, ice-class vessel with a reinforced hull. PUBLIC AREAS: Outdoor café, lounge with bar, restaurant, sundeck, reception desk, observation lounge and library, global gallery, marina platform, and mud room. Our ‘open bridge’ allows guests to meet our captain and officers and learn about navigation. MEALS: All meals are served in a single seating with unassigned tables for an informal atmosphere and easy mingling. The cuisine is international with local flair, featuring tastes of the regions we explore.
CATEGORY 1: Main Deck with oval window #316, 318, 319-321 CATEGORY 2: Main Deck with oval window #302-312, 314, 315, 317
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CABINS: All cabins feature ocean views, private facilities, climate controls, internet access for your own laptop, and a flat-screen TV with DVD/CD player. Some cabins have French balconies. Single cabins in Category 1 and Category 3 include #301, 322, 323, and 512. EXPEDITION EQUIPMENT: Zodiac landing craft, a hydrophone, underwater video cameras, kayaks, and a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV). SPECIAL FEATURES: Laundry, a full-time doctor, video chronicler, National Geographic photographer and Lindblad-National Geographic certified photo instructor, plus undersea specialists. WELLNESS: A wellness specialist, fitness centre, LEXspa treatment room and sauna are on board.
CATEGORY 6: Bridge Deck—Owner’s suite with French balcony #502, 507, 509*, 510 *Cabin 509 has two windows in lieu of a French balcony.
CATEGORY 3: Upper Deck—Suite with window #401-412, 414-419
CATEGORY 1 SOLO: Main Deck with oval window or two portholes #301, 322, 323 CATEGORY 3 SOLO: Bridge Deck—Suite with two windows #512
CATEGORY 4: Bridge Deck—Deluxe suite with window #511, 515
NOTE: Sole occupancy cabins available in Categories 1 and 3. Shared accommodations available in Categories 1 and 2.
CATEGORY 5: Bridge Deck—Suite with French balcony #501, 503-506, 508
NOTE: Third person rates available at one-half the double occupancy rate in designated triple occupancy cabins.
1300 361 012 (Australia)
Category 6 French balcony suite.
OBSERVATION LOUNGE & LIBRARY
ELEVATOR
Main lounge and bar.
WHIRLPOOL HOT TUB
THEATRE
SAUNA SUNDECK
FITNESS CENTRE/ LEXSPA TREATMENT ROOM
OBSERVATION DECK
ELEVATOR
504
503
501
BRIDGE
506
505
502
508
507
511
515
509
510
512
Category 3 cabin.
BRIDGE DECK ELEVATOR
LOUNGE
404
402
405
403
401
411
407
415
406
412
417
408
414
419
409
416
410
418
UPPER DECK
RECEPTION
GLOBAL GALLERY
OUTDOOR CAFE
ELEVATOR
302 304 306 308 310
311 315
301 303 305 307 309
319 321
312 314
323
316 318
322
320
317
RESTAURANT
Marble bathrooms are generously sized.
MARINA PLATFORM
DOCTOR’S OFFICE
MAIN DECK
ZODIAC BOARDING
ITINERARY EXPEDITION DECK
YEAR
Norway’s Fjords & Arctic Svalbard – Page 20
2016
CAT. 1
CAT. 2
MUD ROOM
Prices are per person, double occupancy in Australian dollars unless indicated as solo. CAT. 3
CAT. 4
CAT. 5
CAT. 6
CAT. A SOLO
CAT. B SOLO
$19,910 $20,990 $23,750 $26,590 $31,700 $36,420 $29,860 $31,490
DEPOSIT
NOTE
$2,500
Includes one hotel night. Charter airfare: $450 (between Longyearbyen/Oslo).
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TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR SPECIAL OFFERS BOOK BY JAN. 1, 2016 to take advantage of special offers that appear on select expeditions in this catalogue. On voyages with complimentary air offers, airfare is based on economy group flights that must be ticketed by Lindblad Expeditions. In the case that Lindblad’s group or charter flights are no longer available at time of booking, we reserve the right to issue a credit certificate. For all other special savings, these will be applied to the voyage cost. All offers are valid for new bookings only, subject to availability at the time of booking, and may not be combined with other offers and pre- and post-extensions. Call for details. BACK-TO-BACK SAVINGS: Save 10% on any consecutive journeys taken aboard National Geographic Explorer and National Geographic Orion. This saving is applicable on voyage fares only, and is not valid on extensions or airfare. TRAVELLING AS A GROUP: Save 5% when travelling as a group of 8 or more people. Take advantage of these great savings, while enjoying travelling with your friends and family. This saving is applicable to voyage fares only, and is not valid on extensions or airfare. Deposit, final payments, and cancellation policies for group travel vary from our regular policies. BRINGING THE KIDS: We believe sharing an expedition with your kids or grandkids is a life-enhancing experience. So, take $500 off for each child under the age of 18. COMBINING OFFERS: Certain offers may be combinable, up to two savings opportunities except where noted otherwise. For example, travel with a group of 8 or more on back-to-back expeditions, and take advantage of both savings!
INCLUSIVE PRICING We include just about everything you have the opportunity to do as part of your expedition aboard ship and ashore. The only things not included are those of a personal nature—alcohol, internet usage, tips to the crew, wellness treatments and other specialised arrangements. ABOARD SHIP All meals and non-alcoholic beverages Cappuccinos, lattes & complimentary refillable water bottle 24-hour coffee, tea & soft drink on demand Hors d’oeuvres & snacks during lounge recap Sauna Fitness centre Fully stocked library The guidance and company of our expedition staff
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ASHORE Meals on land, as indicated in itinerary Special access permits, park fees, port taxes Transfers to and from group flights The expertise of our expedition staff ACTIVITIES All excursions Zodiac & kayak explorations Lectures & presentations in the lounge
LOG ON TO EXPEDITIONS.COM Find everything you need to dream, research or plan travel to 40+ destinations worldwide. Be part of our expedition community Join in! Here’s how: ⊲ Check our daily blog: expeditions.com/blog ⊲ Like us on Facebook: get inspired and chime in: facebook.com/LindbladExpeditions ⊲ Subscribe to our videos on youtube.com/lindbladexpeditions ⊲ Follow @LindbladEXP on Instagram and Twitter, and find Sven Lindblad on Instagram at @solindblad.
EXPLORATIONS
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Photo Credits: All Canada Photos/Alamy, David Cothran, Sisse Brimberg & Cotton Coulson, Stewart Cohen, Eric Guth, Pal Hermansen/Getty, Sven-Olof Lindblad, Ralph Lee Hopkins, Sue Flood, Eric Kruszewski, Luis Louro/Alamy, Michael Luppino, Michael Melford, Flip Nicklin, Paul Nicklen, Michael S. Nolan, Rich Reid, Philippe Renault/Hemis/Corbis, Marco Ricca, Kevin Schafer, Shutterstock, Gerhard Zwerger-Schon/Superstock, SIME/eStock Photo, Tom Till, Suranga Weeratuna/Alamy, Robert Harding World Imagery/Alamy, Dani Vernon.
RESERVATION INFORMATION Costs Include: All accommodations aboard ships or in hotels per itinerary or similar, all meals and nonalcoholic beverages aboard ship, meals on land as indicated, air transportation where indicated as included, shore excursions, sightseeing and entrance fees, special access permits, transfers to and from group flights, use of snorkelling equipment and wet suits (where available), use of kayaks, tips (except to ship’s crew), taxes and service charges, services of a ship physician on most voyages, and services of our expedition staff. Not Included: Air transportation (except where shown as included), extensions, passport, visa, immigration fees, meals not indicated, travel insurance, items of a personal nature, such as alcoholic beverages, e-mail, voyage DVD, laundry. Gratuities to ship’s crew are at your discretion. Airfare: For all programs, airfare is an additional cost unless otherwise indicated. Sample airfares are subject to change. We will gladly assist in making your air arrangements for a $50 per person service fee. TERMS & CONDITIONS Reservations: To reserve your place, an advance payment is required at the time of reservation. The per person advance payment amount varies by program, and is outlined on pages 45 and 47, as well as on our website. Certain longer voyages may carry additional advance deposit requirements due to high demand for these voyages. Payment is accepted by Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Direct Debit or Australian Dollar cheque. Receipt of your initial payment indicates your acceptance of our complete Terms and Conditions. We require written notice at the time of reservation for any physical condition, diet, or treatment requiring special attention. Once your reservation is confirmed, we urge you to use your personalised online account for important information to help you prepare for your voyage. Managing your documents online will facilitate fast and accurate communication, and allow you to provide us with pertinent details we require, in order to complete your reservation. Your online account gives you access to your Expedition Guide, which includes valuable information specific to your voyage. You can also use your online account to make easy payments, view recommended flights and reading material, packing list, and more. Final Payment: Final payment is due 120 days prior to departure. Payment schedules may vary for certain longer voyages, due to high demand for these voyages. We reserve the right to cancel your reservation if payment has not been received by final payment due date. Travel Insurance: We strongly recommend that you take advantage of our travel insurance policy. Travel insurance offers comprehensive coverage to protect you from cancellation fees, costs incurred due to trip delays/ interruption, medical assistance, and damaged or lost baggage, and provides medical assistance and evacuation during your travels. Travel insurance premiums are non-refundable once plan is purchased. Smoking Policy: Smoking is allowed only in designated outdoor areas. Responsibility and Other Terms & Conditions: Certain other provisions concerning, among other things, limitations of Lindblad Expeditions’ and the National Geographic Society’s liability for loss of property, injury, illness or death during the voyage will be provided to all guests on the ship’s ticket sent prior to departure, and are also available on our website at www. expeditions.com/terms, or upon request. By registering for a trip, the guest agrees to all such terms and conditions. Note: Itineraries and prices listed in this brochure are valid as of publication date, and are subject to change. Under normal conditions, the total expedition cost is guaranteed at the time of booking. However, the published price is determined far in advance of initial departure on the basis of then-existing projections of fuel and other costs. In the event we determine that current costs create an unsustainable financial model, including but not limited to increases in the price of fuel, currency fluctuations, increases in government taxes or levies, or increased security costs, we reserve the right to pass on these costs to you, to cover such unexpected increases. We will always provide a transparent accounting of the reason for such an increase in costs.
CANCELLATION POLICY Number of Days Prior to Expedition Start 180 or more days 179–120 days 119–90 days 89–60 days 59–0 days
Per Person Cancellation Fee $750* Loss of deposit 25% of trip cost 50% of trip cost No refund
*$750 will be rewarded in the form of a Lindblad Expeditions Travel Certificate. This cancellation policy applies to expeditions as well as pre- or post- extensions. The effective date of a cancellation will be the date on which your cancellation notice is received. Note: Airline cancellation policies vary by carrier, as well as the type of fare used to issue your ticket. Any revisions you make within the cancellation penalty period, such as departure date or choice of voyage, are subject to cancellation fees. Cancellation policy for certain longer voyages and Holiday departures may vary due to high demand for these voyages. Our Group cancellation policies are listed in the Terms and Conditions section of our website, or you may call us for details. We stress the importance of purchasing a travel protection plan to protect yourself from fees in the event you need to cancel your reservation.
We are proud to be a Founding Member of Adventure Collection—a family of the world’s most trusted and experienced active travel companies. Each member company of Adventure Collection is dedicated to enriching the lives of its guests and to giving back to the areas in which it travels. For more information visit www.AdventureCollection.com. ©2015 Lindblad Expeditions Lindblad Expeditions and the Eye are the trademarks of Lindblad Expeditions. All rights reserved. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC and the Yellow Border are the trademarks of the National Geographic Society. All rights reserved.
Lindblad Expeditions:
Level 2, 8 West Street, North Sydney, NSW, 2060 Reservation hours: Monday – Friday 9:00am – 5:30pm AEST Australia: 1300 361 012 NZ: 0800 444 462 Int’l: +61 (02) 9033 8700 Email: auinfo@expeditions.com For additional information please contact your travel agent or visit www.expeditions.com
WWW.EXPEDITIONS.COM 49
POSTAGE PAID
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AUSTRALIA
If undelivered, return to 2/8 West St, North Sydney, NSW 2060
Expedition Code:
AUSTRALIA: 1300 361 012 NEW ZEALAND: 0800 444 462 WWW.EXPEDITIONS.COM OR SEE YOUR TRAVEL AGENT
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SPECIAL SAVINGS OFFERS:&DETAILS INSIDE - BOOK BY JANUARY 1, 2016 SELECTED HONOURS AWARDS » Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’
» Condé Nast Traveler “Gold List”, 2013,
» Cruise Critic Editor’s Pick Awards “Best
» Condé Nast Traveler’s 2014 Readers’
» Virtuoso “Sustainable Tourism Leadership-Supplier” Award, 2013
» Climate Champion Award to Sven Lindblad by Clean Air-Cool Planet, 2009
» Travel + Leisure “World’s Best” Award
» Conservation Achievement Award for
» Travel + Leisure “World’s Best for
» Tourism for Tomorrow “Global Tourism
Choice Award—Top Small Ship Cruise Lines, 2014
Poll—Top 20 Small Cruise Ships in the World, 2014
2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005
for Small-Ship Cruise Lines, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008
» Condé Nast Traveler World Savers “Doing it All” Award, 2013
» Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Award—Top 25 Cruise Lines, 2013
Families” Award for Small-Ship Cruise Lines, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009
for Adventure,” 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010
Corporate Achievement from National Wildlife Federation, 2008 Business Award,” 2007
GO TO WWW.EXPEDITIONS.COM/AWARDS FOR AN EXTENDED LIST.
Up close with ancient ice on Greenland’s west coast.
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