Lindblad Expeditions/National Geographic Cruises Review: Ships, Destinations, Accommodations, and More

Lindblad Expeditions/National Geographic is a cruise line like no other. When you’re on a one of these cruises, you’ll not only travel to remote and exotic locations, but you’ll do so in the company of world-renowned photographers, naturalists, and scientists.

While cruising with Lindblad Expeditions/National Geographic isn’t inexpensive, almost everything you can imagine is included in your fare both on board and on shore. That means you won’t pay extra for shore excursions, meals, hotels on land, most meals on land, transfers to and from group flights, and activities like zodiacs, kayaks, and snorkeling. Some ships even include things like alcohol, gratuities, and Wi-Fi.

We’ll explore all aspects of cruising with Lindblad Expeditions/National Geographic so you can decide if it’s right for your next vacation.

Basic Information

Name: Lindblad Expeditions/National Geographic

Parent Company: Partnership between Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic

Number of Ships: 16

Destinations: 25 regions across all 7 continents

Loyalty Program: None

Credit Card: None

Bottom Line: National Geographic Expeditions cruises are operated in partnership with Lindblad Expeditions. There are additional NatGeo land-based trips that aren’t associated with Lindblad.

Ships

Lindblad Expeditions/National Geographic has a fleet of 15 vessels, including 11 expedition ships, 4 river ships, and 1 yacht. The newest ship, the National Geographic Islander II, was introduced in August 2022.

National Geographic Expedition Ships

National Geographic River Ships

• Delfin II
• Jahan
• Lord of the Glens
• Oberoi Philae

National Geographic Yacht

• Sea Cloud

Departure Ports

Lindblad Expeditions/National Geographic travels to destinations across the globe from 33 departure ports.

*Some departure ports are not located where you’ll board your boat. For example, Galápagos cruises start in Guayaquil, Ecuador even though you won’t get on your ship until you arrive in the Galápagos.

Private Ports/Islands

Lindblad Expeditions/National Geographic does not have any private ports or islands.

Onboard Activities

Sailing on a Lindblad Expeditions/National Geographic ship is different than any other cruise line. You won’t find the typical cruise ship activities like pools, casinos, broadway-style shows, or an endless list of activities. Instead, these small ships offer a fantastic cultural experience, local experts on board, and the opportunity to explore remote and exotic locations.

You’ll be able to immerse yourself in your destination during the day and continue the experience on board with daily recaps, plus guest speakers and destination-specific presentations.

Look for these amenities and activities on board (not all are available on every ship):

Dress Code

There is no dress code or formal nights on any Lindblad Expeditions/National Geographic cruise. Guests are allowed to dress comfortably and casually anywhere on board.

Bottom Line: You can book a Lindblad Expeditions/National Geographic cruise by calling its expedition specialists at 800-397-3348, by filling out a reservation request online, or by contacting your local travel agent. You won’t be able to book through an online travel agency.

Dining and Beverages

Sailing with Lindblad Expeditions/ National Geographic Expeditions is different than any other cruise line. When you’re on board a National Geographic ship, riverboat, or yacht, all of your food is included.

There are no specialty restaurants or charges for any type of food on board. This includes all meals on board, as well as snacks during recap. Many meals on shore are also included (these will be indicated on your itinerary).

Each ship has 1 to 2 restaurants, and seating is unassigned.

Bars and Beverages

When you’re on a National Geographic cruise, many of your beverages will be included in your cruise fare. Coffee, tea, and soda are available 24 hours a day. Cappuccinos, lattes, and filtered water are also complimentary. Alcoholic beverages are not included unless you’re sailing on select ships.

Alcoholic beverages ARE included on the following ships (except for super-premium brands):

Accommodations

Accommodations vary widely across the National Geographic fleet. Here’s what you can expect on each ship:

National Geographic Endurance and National Geographic Resolution

• 69 outside-facing cabins, including 12 solo cabins for up to 126 guests
• 53 of the cabins have a small balcony, others have a large window
• All have an expedition command center with tablets

National Geographic Venture and National Geographic Quest

• 50 outside-facing cabins for up to 100 guests
• 22 of the cabins have a small balcony
• 6 of the cabins connect via an internal door
• Select cabins can accommodate a third person

National Geographic Explorer

• 81 outside-facing cabins, including 14 for solo travelers, for up to 148 total guests
• 13 cabins have balconies
• 6 suites that can accommodate a third person

National Geographic Orion

• 53 outside-facing cabins for up to 102 guests
• Select cabins feature a Juliette Balcony
• All cabins feature an armchair or sofa plus a TV and bathroom with a glass-walled shower stall

National Geographic Islander

• 24 outside-facing cabins, including 2 suites for up to 48 guests
• 8 cabins have private glassed-in terraces
• A limited number of cabins can accommodate a third person

National Geographic Islander II (Coming August 2022)

• 26 suites for up to 48 guests
• 18 regular suites, 4 solo suites, 4 Islander suites
• All suites have large windows and in-room coffee and tea

National Geographic Endeavour II

• 52 cabins, including 9 designed for solo travelers and 4 suites for up to 96 guests
• 7 sets of cabins can connect to accommodate families
• All cabins have windows only — there are no balcony rooms
• Select cabins can accommodate a third guest

Hot Tip: Check out our full review of a cruise to the Galápagos Islands onboard the National Geographic Endeavour II.

National Geographic Sea Bird and National Geographic Sea Lion

• 31 outside-facing cabins with a window or porthole for up to 62 guests
• Select cabins have a door to the outside deck
• Select cabins can accommodate a third person

Delfin II

• 14 outside-facing suites for up to 28 guests
• 4 master suites with wraparound windows offering a 90-degree view
• All suites have at least 1 large window, closet, chair, and private bathroom

Jahan

• 24 cabins, including 2 suites, each with a private balcony, accommodating up to 48 guests in total
• Each cabin has a mini-bar with refrigerator

Lord of the Glens

• 25 cabins with a picture window or 2 large portholes
• Holds a total of 48 guests

Sea Cloud

• 30 outside-facing cabins with a window or porthole, including 2 owner’s suites, accommodating up to 58 guests in total
• 2 owner’s suites feature original marble bath and fireplace
• Each cabin has a minibar stocked with soft drinks and water
  

Oberoi Philae

• 22 cabins, including 4 suites, with large almost floor-to-ceiling windows that can be opened
• Holds a maximum of 42 guests
• Category 5 suites feature a private terrace and heated whirlpool
• All cabins have a large bathroom with an overhead shower and hand-held shower; suites have a separate bathtub

Hot Tip: If you’re curious about other small ship cruises, check out Crystal Cruises or Viking River Cruises.

Loyalty Program

Lindblad Expeditions/National Geographic does not have a loyalty program.

Final Thoughts

A Lindblad Expeditions/National Geographic cruise isn’t like any other cruise. You’ll experience a unique trip that will immerse you into the culture of your destinations.

Lindblad’s small ships ensure an intimate and personalized experience. On board, you’ll be surrounded by National Geographic experts, including photographers, naturalists, and scientists, so you can make the most of your trip.

If you’re looking for waterslides and deck parties, Lindblad Expeditions/National Geographic isn’t for you. However, if you want a true cultural experience that enriches your mind and temps your senses, you may want to book a Lindblad Expeditions/National Geographic cruise for your next vacation!