Bookings Now Live Online and Via Travel
Advisors for Departures Starting in February
2025
New Intimately Scaled, Purpose-Built Ships to
Sail Year-Round in the Galápagos Islands, Offering More Departures,
More Expedition Staff, and More Opportunities to Experience the
Wonders of the Iconic Archipelago
Lindblad Expeditions is the Longest-Standing
International Operator in the Galápagos, Since Pioneering
Expedition Cruising in the Region Together with Legendary
Ecuadorian Eduardo Proaño in 1967
NEW
YORK, July 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Lindblad
Expeditions-National Geographic has unveiled the two newest
additions to the pioneering expedition cruise brand's fleet, the
16-guest National Geographic
Delfina and the 48-guest National
Geographic Gemini. Following separate revitalizations in
early 2025, the two purpose-built expedition vessels will embark on
their inaugural voyages on February 14,
2025, and March 14, 2025,
respectively.
"The launch of National Geographic Delfina and
National Geographic Gemini represent a significant milestone
for Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic, doubling the size of
our fleet in the Galápagos and further strengthening our deep ties
to the islands and their people," said Sven-Olof Lindblad, Founder and CEO, Lindblad
Expeditions. "These two ships will diversify our range of
offerings, capitalizing on our nearly 60 years of providing
expeditions to these enchanted islands."
"We are excited to offer even more opportunities for our
travelers to experience the Galapagos Islands, which is a
quintessential National Geographic destination," said Nancy Schumacher,
senior vice president and general manager,
National Geographic Expeditions. "These voyages are steeped in
learning and action-packed excursions led by expert naturalists
with a passion for preserving and protecting the vast wildlife
found throughout this one-of-a-kind archipelago. And an expedition
aboard these new vessels will be filled with awe-inspiring
experiences that will deepen our travelers' understanding of this
important chain of islands and its incredible biodiversity."
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC DELFINA
Designed to bring
guests closer together while they explore the wild Galápagos
archipelago, National Geographic Delfina is the most
intimate ship in the Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic
fleet.
Setting sail February 14, 2025,
this sleek, contemporary vessel is a luxury catamaran designed for
cruising the Galápagos Islands in style and comfort. The elegant,
well-appointed National Geographic Delfina accommodates just
16 guests in eight spacious, air-conditioned staterooms adorned
with polished wood décor and featuring either a private balcony
(Category 5) or direct access to an expansive outer deck (Category
4). The ship, the smallest in Lindblad Expeditions' growing fleet,
is named in honor of the Company's Founder Sven-Olof Lindblad's youngest daughter,
Delfina.
On board, the open-air Observation Deck offers guests sweeping
360-degree views of the islands, with a cozy shaded area for
relaxation, a Whirlpool Hot Tub, and lounge chairs to kick-up their
feet and take in their surroundings or stargaze. On the wrap-around
Upper Deck, guests can dine al fresco at the Outdoor Café and enjoy
spectacular island views from the bow as they watch for dolphins,
whales, and other dazzling endemic marine life. The Dining Room,
Bar, and Lounge with library are also found on the Main
Deck.
National Geographic Delfina will sail year-round in
the archipelago, offering two new itineraries: the 10-day
Galápagos by Catamaran: An Intimate Voyage—which allows
guests to experience the Galápagos aboard the stylish and stable
catamaran with just 16 fellow guests—and the 16-day Galápagos by
Catamaran + Machu Picchu and Peru's Land of the Inca—which combines the
wilds of the Galápagos and the wonders of Peru in one grand expedition.
On National Geographic Delfina, guests will explore
Galápagos in good company, with two veteran Lindblad
Expeditions-National Geographic expedition staff, an Expedition
Leader and National Geographic certified photo instructor, both
licensed naturalists. Staff are certified as Field Educators to
offer the National Geographic Global Explorers program for kids and
teens as well. The intimate vessel will still be equipped with
state-of-the-art tools for exploration for guests, including
Zodiacs, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and complete snorkeling
gear.
At just 16 guests, the intimately scaled National Geographic
Delfina is perfect for family vacations, affinity
groups, private charters, and couples looking for a more
personal escape. Bookings for National Geographic Delfina's
inaugural season are now available online at www.expeditions.com
and via travel advisor.
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC GEMINI
The highly
maneuverable, shallow-draft National Geographic Gemini was
purpose built to explore remote areas with ease and in extreme
comfort. The 48-guest National Geographic Gemini features 27
well-appointed, outward-facing accommodations, offering guests the
choice of larger suites, cabins with private balconies, and a mix
of solo, double, and triple-occupancy options.
The Upper Deck on National Geographic Gemini features a
Whirlpool Hot Tub, and windowed Fitness Center and Spa, ideal for
unwinding after an eventful, adventure-filled day. An Outdoor Café
on the Lounge Deck beckons guests to bask in the sun and dine al
fresco, with another glass-wrapped restaurant on the Marina Deck
available for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The sun-soaked Lounge is
ideal for presentations and informal gatherings, with a large bar
and well-stocked library adjacent to the ship's reception area.
Carrying a fleet of quick-to-deploy Mark VI Zodiacs, a
glass-bottom boat, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and complete
snorkeling gear, National Geographic Gemini is well-equipped
for exploring the Galápagos Islands and marine reserve.
Guests on board National Geographic Gemini can choose
between two iconic year-round itineraries: the 10-day Exploring
Galápagos: One Week Sailing the Islands—where they will travel
by zodiac to beautiful beaches, kayak or stand-up paddleboard along
volcanic shores, explore wildlife on land or under the sea—and the
16-day Exploring Galápagos + Machu Picchu and Peru's Land of the Inca—which also
includes a several-day extension exploring the culture and history
of Peru and the legendary ruins of
Machu Picchu. Bookings for both itineraries on board National
Geographic Gemini are now available both online at
www.expeditions.com and via travel advisor. To commemorate the
ship's inaugural season, Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic
will be offering guests who book select departures on board
National Geographic Gemini an unprecedented 25% Wild
Adventures Savings, plus an additional $1,000 off per child.
From the food and beverage program meticulously crafted in
partnership with Ecuadorian chefs to highlight the four regions of
Ecuador with locally sourced and
regionally farmed high-quality ingredients, to artwork and decor
created by local artists and artisans, future National
Geographic Delfina and National Geographic Gemini guests
will be immersed in the beauty and wonder of Ecuador both on and off the ships.
To learn more about Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic's
offerings in the Galápagos, visit
www.expeditions.com/destinations/galapagos. Information
about Lindblad Expeditions' growing fleet of 19 owned, leased and
chartered expedition vessels can be found at
www.expeditions.com/about/fleet.
About Lindblad Expeditions:
Lindblad Expeditions reveals the beauty and wonder of the world by
leading high quality, authentic and immersive travel to the world's
most remarkable and wild places. In collaboration with National
Geographic Expeditions, Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic is
a co-brand that offers expeditions in 120+ destinations across all
seven continents for curious and discerning travelers seeking to
experience the world from a new perspective.
For reservations or additional information on voyages to some of
the most beautiful, remote, and fascinating places on Earth, visit
www.expeditions.com, call (855) 734-3271 to speak to an Expedition
Specialist, or contact a travel advisor. Connect with Lindblad
Expeditions on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Pinterest.
About National Geographic Expeditions:
For more than 135 years, National Geographic Explorers have
ventured across continents and into remote cultures, down to the
oceans' depths and up the highest mountains to further their
understanding of the world. National Geographic Expeditions builds
upon this legacy, inviting travelers to embrace their inner
explorer and encounter the wonders of the world firsthand — up
close and in depth — and be inspired by the experience. With many
ways to explore the world via Signature Land, Expedition Cruise,
River Cruise, or Private Jet,
National Geographic Expeditions gives travelers unparalleled access
to the world through the eyes of knowledgeable Experts.
Additionally, traveling with National Geographic Expeditions helps
further the work of the global community of National Geographic
Explorers around the world. Through every trip booked, travelers
support the National Geographic Society's researchers and Explorers
who work to preserve, protect, and advance our understanding of the
planet.
Media Contact:
Bradley Norman, Lindblad
Expeditions: bradleyn@expeditions.com
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SOURCE Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc.