Trip Reports
A lot has happened in the expedition market since the founder of Lindblad Expeditions, Lars Eric Lindblad, first took a small group of citizen scientists to Antarctica back in 1966. One is that the modern generation of expedition ships brings a whole new luxury feel to a market sector which used to be all wonder and no comfort. Read on for my review of Lindblad Expeditions' National Geographic Endurance...
Despite that, I was unprepared for the relaxed light-filled environment of Lindblad's National Geographic Endurance when she sailed through Tower Bridge to dock in the Pool of London next to HMS Belfast at the beginning of May.
The outline of the ship, with the unusual patented X-bow designed to minimise movement in heavy seas (mimicking as it does the shape of marine mammals), is quite strange, but once on board, the fresh décor, spacious accommodation and extensive public areas make this a ship you would certainly put on your list as your base camp for exploration.
Because of the seaworthiness of the ship (ice class 5), it can operate longer seasons in wilderness areas, enhancing itineraries and increasing the opportunity to view certain types of wildlife, with reduced movement and reduced spray.
Just 138 guests are accommodate in seven categories of sea view accommodation including some dedicated singles, and of course you can upgrade for additional space if required. The Fore Deck cabins feature windows, with a comfortable window seat to watch the world go by. On higher decks each balcony boasts a comfortable hammock, and beds which can be configured as twins or doubles, with lots of storage space and comfortable bathrooms (I loved the quirky miniature Zodiac soap dishes).
Spacious public areas include an observation lounge, library with science hub, fitness room, spacious spa and more, whilst a variety of dining options are available from a Chef's Table (all guests have the opportunity to dine here at least once on each cruise) to a casual and relaxed area for snacks and a main restaurant with wrap-around views.
The Ice Lounge, used regularly for updates, lectures and seminars, features screens throughout so that every single seat has a clear view and passengers are able to engage with everything that is being shared. Expedition travellers particularly love the interaction with the expedition team, with expertise in such a wide range of disciplines including history, marine biology, climate change, ethnography and more.
The relationship with National Geographic further enhances the on board experience, and many guests sign up for the specialist photography programme, as well as getting involved with the citizen science, whereby guests are actively participating in global research projects into climate change, migration patterns, exploration and more. Responsible exploration includes giving back to the communities you visit, as well as getting involved in projects such as the eradication of invasive species.
The service on board reflects the understated community feel of the Lindblad travelling experience, and we experienced the unpretentiously warm and heartfelt service even on a quick overnight stay.
Down on the expedition deck we got a feel for the slick organisation: zodiacs can be launched speedily to get everyone out onto the ocean or into the ice in just 15 minutes, whilst an extensive locker room adjacent to the mudroom enables guests to get togged up speedily, and an expedition desk helps you with planning and easy zodiac and kayak boarding. A serious dive team equipped with sophisticated camera equipment operates alongside ROVs to report back to guests what is going on under the water.
The dive specialists are excited because, as they say, you never know what you are going to find - you are diving where nobody else has ever dived. An expedition team ratio of 1 to every 10 guests is industry leading, and further up close and personal access to the extraordinary areas you visit is provided by 24 hour bridge access, extended viewing areas and plenty of open decks front and back.
I absolutely loved the Igloos on the Observation Deck, equipped with cosy beds and plenty of warm clothes and blankets enabling you to sleep under the stars in polar regions - quite extraordinary. If you need to warm up, the Nordic and Tropic Saunas are just a hop away, and you can arrange to be woken with yummy chocolate croissants and hot chocolate in the morning if you actually manage to make it through the night!
One stand-out programme I hadn't expected was an extensive kids programme for 'Explorers in Training' - on specific sailings children can enjoy a dedicated interactive curriculum. This isn't about X boxes and silent discos though - it's learning to drive a zodiac and to discover the world like scientists.
This quick visit to National Geographic Endurance is enough to convince me that this is an excellent choice for curious individuals planning to explore the world away from the crowds, in the company of serious scientists and congenial fellow travellers.
Header Image Credit: Ralph Lee Hopkins for Lindblad Expeditions
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