Antarctic Week: Lindblad Expeditions | National Geographic

An Antarctic expedition offers a true departure from

the normal ocean cruise.

Photo courtesy of Lindblad Expeditions

To close this special Antarctic Cruise Week feature here on From the Deck Chair, it's only fitting that we talk about Lindblad Expeditions and its unique partnership with the big kahuna of world travel, National Geographic.  If you're looking for expedition cruises that revolve heavily around science, knowledge and exploration, look no further. 

National Geographic Explorer sails the beautiful

waters of Antarctica.

Photo courtesy of Lindblad Expeditions

When the line partnered with National Geographic in 2004, it enhanced its already-extensive expedition offerings by making their vessels true working ships.  Not only do they transport passengers curious about some of the most remote locations on Earth, they play host to a wide variety of researchers, photographers, scientists and oceanographers who aren't just there to cruise; they're there to work.  Their ships also boast some very cool toys: bow cameras, ROV's (remote-operated-vehicles), kayaks, undersea cameras, hydrophones, and more.

What passengers sailing aboard Lindblad ships get is an expedition in the truest sense - and one such voyage is highlighted below.

Antarctica: The White Continent - 14 Days aboard National Geographic Explorer.  
Various Departures between November 2011 and February 2012. 

Day 1	U.S./Fly to Buenos Aires, Argentina
Day 2	Buenos Aires/Overnight Hotel
Day 3	Buenos Aires/Ushuaia, Argentina/Embark Ship
Day 4	At Sea
Day 5-10	Antarctica
Day 11-12	At Sea
Day 13	Ushuaia/Disembark/Buenos Aires
Day 14	Arrive U.S./Home

With six full days in Antarctica, the possibilities are as varied as they are endless.  Like many Antarctic itineraries, much of what you'll actually see and do depends largely on weather and navigation conditions, but this flexibility allows the line to tailor each voyage specifically to ensure that passengers get the most out of their Antarctic experience.

One of the comfortable suites aboard

National Geographic Explorer.

Photo courtesy of Lindblad Expeditions

Almost 24 hours of daylight offer endless possibilities on any ship, but perhaps moreso aboard a Lindblad Expedition ship.  While sailing through the icy waters, passengers can take advantage of those little unexpected moments that appear, like a massive, 40-ton humpback whale surfacing near the ship.  Officers and Expedition leaders are out and about daily, interacting with passengers and ensuring they are constantly enthralled by both their external and shipboard surroundings.

But the real magic begins ashore, as passengers board Zodiac landing craft for a jaunt amid icebergs almost too enormous to comprehend.  Seas as blue as the Caribbean defy explanation, as do shore landings among a large penguin colony, a hike to a summit for breathtaking views and photographic opportunities, or maybe a kayak trip along a cliff-side rookery?

 Stopped in the ice, this Polar Bear is almost invisible.

Photo courtesy of Lindblad Expeditions / Michael Nolan

With any Antarctic cruise, surely the greatest joy may be watching as your vessel plows through the pack ice - crunching, crashing, and vibrating the ship as you go.  National Geographic photographers are on hand to give you photographic tips, and the ship's resident Undersea Specialist might present some video shot from the ROV; rare footage shot from a depth of almost 1,000 feet below the surface of your vessel.

Some suites even feature private balconies.

Photo courtesy of Lindblad Expeditions

Another pleasant surprise is the emphasis placed on passenger comfort.  These are some of the most comfortable "working ships" you can arguably sail aboard, and National Geographic Explorer is no exception.

Absolutely massive: National Geographic Explorer is

eclipsed by one of the region's many icebergs.

Photo courtesy of Lindblad Expeditions

While all the lines we've covered here this week offer a stellar Antarctic experience, few have the same depth of education and passenger stimulation that Lindblad Expeditions provides.  Through their unique partnership with National Geographic, passengers are sure to come away from the experience awed by the sights, and stimulated by the incredible knowledge of the professionals they've shared this journey with.

For more information about Lindblad Expeditions, their diverse fleet of expedition ships, and their varied Antarctic itineraries, be sure to visit their website.