Thanks to Lindblad’s alliance with National Geographic, you can take a National Geographic cruise on a fleet of ships to the planet’s most extraordinary places in the company of world-renowned scientists, naturalists, and researchers, and explore stunning natural environments alongside skilled specialists using state-of-the-art exploration tools.

Lindblad believes that travelers don’t want to be passive tourists, so their expeditions foster active engagement. Their ships are equipped with tools for exploration to get you out there for up-close forays, or to let you see deeper into the marine or terrestrial environments surrounding you. A superb expedition team greatly adds to your understanding and appreciation and is dedicated to make sure you miss nothing (finding Arctic polar bears against white ice isn’t easy; knowing where whales are congregating takes insider knowledge of Alaska), will provide insightful commentary on all you see, and give engaging presentations that weave the expedition into a cohesive narrative.

You will share the experience with genuinely interesting people. The woman to your right shooting carefully composed portraits of an albatross? Her career was White House photographer until she retired at the end of the Clinton administration. The man sharing the deck rail with you, thoughtfully contemplating the volcanic Galápagos landscape? He’s an IMAX director, currently developing a documentary on Alaska. You can dine with whom you wish, and share a drink with anyone from a naturalist to the guest speaker on board. Many friendships are sparked aboard Lindblad ships. And families traveling together reaffirm bonds in revitalizing ways.

Style: Comfortable to Luxury (depending on specific ship)

Destinations: Alaska, Amazon, Arctic/Antarctica, Caribbean, Cuba, Galapagos Islands, Mediterranean, Mexico, Scotland, South America, South Pacific

Ship Size: 28 to 148 guests

An expedition with Silversea luxury cruises is unlike any other form of travel — thrilling, awe-inspiring and humbling all at the same time. It takes you to some of the most remote regions of the planet and reveals them to you intimately. But no matter where you go, you’ll enjoy a uniquely immersive experience, expanding your global perspective and prompting you to re-evaluate what really matters. And rest assured – no creature comfort will be denied on an expedition cruise with Silversea.

Silversea’s purpose-built expedition ships are designed with ice-strengthened hulls and the latest technologies to ensure maximum comfort and safety while sailing to the world’s most remote destinations. A fleet of Zodiac inflatable boats allows guests to explore even the most off-the-beaten-path locations, and an expedition team of the highest caliber adds insight and understanding to each unforgettable journey.

Enjoy the welcoming and attentive support of an experienced on-board crew, with the benefit of the best crew-to-guest ratio in expedition cruising. Highly personalized cruising is the hallmark of the Silversea experience, a distinction well illustrated in some of the most spacious accommodations in expedition cruising. Many include verandas, and all are equipped with every comfort and convenience.

Style: Luxury

Destinations: Africa, Alaska, Arctic/Antarctica, Asia, Australia/New Zealand, Galapagos Islands, Mexico, North America, Russia, South America, South Pacific

Ship Size: 100 to 296 guests

Hurtigruten’s unique heritage, combined with highly skilled crews and a diverse fleet consisting of nimble, intimately-scaled expedition ships, enables them to offer breathtaking nature-based experiences in remote corners of the world.

Hurtigruten is the only company to operate year-round on polar itineraries. Unlike other operations, the ship, captain, and crew do not deploy to the Mediterranean or the South Pacific or other non-polar parts of the world in the ‘off’ season. This fact alone creates an exclusive level of dedicated expertise not found with any other polar expedition operator. Not to mention no one knows the coastline of Norway better than Hurtigruten.

When you start your journey on a Hurtigruten coastal ship, the first thing you will notice is the atmosphere on board. All ships include large lounges and deck space affording perfect views to the changing scenery, creating a proximity to nature throughout the ship. This atmosphere gives you the energy to participate in onboard activities and excursions that take you even closer to the coast. Friendly and attentive staff help to create a relaxed atmosphere between the crew and guests. From Antarctica to the Arctic and from Greenland to Norway, Hurtigruten is a journey unlike any other.

Style: Comfortable

Destinations: Arctic/Antarctica, Canada, Greenland, Iceland, Northern Europe, Northwest Passage, Norwegian Fjords, Russia, South America

Ship Size: 243 to 822 guests