I had the honor of being invited to tour Lindblad’s newest addition to their fleet, the day before she was christened in San Francisco. The National Geographic Venture was docked at Treasure Island before heading to Mexico to spend the winter in Baja California, and then next summer in Alaska. And I am so excited to have clients being some of the first to experience it in both of these destinations!
Two beauties: The Bay Bridge and the National Geographic Venture.
I was lucky to travel on her sister ship, the National Geographic Endeavour II, in the Galapagos when she was only a few months old. So I knew the Venture was going to be beautiful, but I was still wow’ed by how Lindblad keeps finding new ways to improve their already fantastic expedition experience.
- Accommodations – The cabins were very spacious for the size of the ship, and the designers continue to do a great job with proving ample storage space. There is no bad choice, but for the best views book the cabins with balconies, or the suites on the Observation Deck with larger bathrooms, and a comfy sofa.
All cabins have beds that can be converted to two twins or a queen configuration. Some with balconies!
Suites offer extra space and amenities, and huge windows (tinted for one way viewing).
- Dining – Expedition cruising does not mean sacrificing on quality (or quantity) of food. The Venture offers a lovely dining area with gorgeous views, an extensive wine list, and happy hour snacks to tide over hungry adventurers til dinner.
A glass of wine is the perfect way to end an adventurous day.
No dark dining rooms! And you may have some whale-watching with your wine.
- Indoor spaces – Though there are 100 passengers plus crew, the ship never feels crowded. There is plenty of space for guests to relax between excursions (or take a break for an afternoon), and to gather for the daily recap.
Every passenger has a seat when it’s time to gather for happy hour and listen to a talk by one of the Nat Geo experts.
Don’t worry about missing wildlife while exercising.
- Outdoor spaces – The upper decks are designed to provide unobstructed and comfortable wildlife viewing. Passengers can walk completely around the ship on the Observation Deck, to get some exercise or just a change of view.
Every single passenger can comfortablly fit in this area.
Take a front row seat to wildlife and spectacular scenery!
The Sun Deck offers comfy seating protected from the elements, perfect for enjoying a cocktail from the outdoor bar, reading a book, or enjoying the never ending scenery.
In Baja, the captain offers lunch once a week on the Sun Deck.
- The mudroom – This is new to the National Geographic Quest and the Venture, and my favorite upgrade of all. It’s a warm place to change in and out of wetsuits and boots, and store your gear for easy retrieval.
This is nicer than many gym locker rooms!
- Technology: One of biggest benefits of traveling on a Lindblad expedition is getting to rub elbows with National Geographic photographers. There’s also high tech camera gear and powerful binoculars available for loan. But with an expert’s instruction and some hands-on assistance, I quickly learned how to take amazing wildlife photos even with just an iPhone. For those who’d like to learn the nuts and bolts of operating the ship (or just like looking at all the gauges and switches), then head to the bridge for a chat with the crew.
Take an expedition photography class led by a Nat Geo photographer, and borrow gear from the B&H Photo Video Gear Locker.
When conditions keep the underwater videographers on the ship, they can still capture great footage with this remotely operated submersible camera.
You can always get Instagram worthy pics from the bridge.
My clients are always VIP’ed with Lindblad, and receive a Virtuoso amenity of $25 per person onboard credit. And my gift to all clients is a expedition DVD filled with images from their voyage. So whether you are new to expedition cruising and want to learn more about the experience, or a seasoned Lindblad traveler who wants some extra perks, contact me for information about upcoming voyages and promotions.
Please be aware that peak holidays periods sell out early! For example, reservations are open now for Galapagos 2020 Christmas sailings, and will be completely sold out well before December 2019. So give me a call now if you’d like to put a Lindblad trip under the tree for someone you love.
I took this as a sign that there are fantastic adventures in store for all who board this ship!
