National Geographic Explorer

Antarctica

November

Pros: Top class Expedition style trip. Wildlife exttrodinare!

Cons: None

Recommended: Yes

I waited 50 year to go on this trip. All my expectations were exceeded by Lindblad. If expeditions style trips are what you are looking for, you can’t beat this experience.

Newfoundland via the National Geographic Explorer

September

Pros: Rooms, dining, educational talks, hikes, nature walks.

Cons: none

Recommended: Yes

Very well educated staff and presenters. National Geographic photographers area huge help and gave valuable tips on better photographing.

The White Continent: Antarctica

December

Pros: Organization, staff, food, cleanliness, programs, time allowed ashore.

Cons: Drake Passage! No one has control over that though.

Recommended: Yes

Wow, where to begin! Pre-ship activities were awesome including Tierra del Fuego drive through and catamaran lunch cruise. Boarding the Explorer was very well organized. Coats were on the bed, room was great with a nice bathroom/shower. Plenty of storage for clothes and luggage fits under the bed. Ship was very clean at all times. Dining was buffet for breakfast and lunch with sit down dinners. Generally 3 entrees each meal with fresh fruit available 24/7 as well as coffee, tea and hot chocolate. Layout of ship was nice. Library offered quiet and beautiful views. Linblad allows guests to go on the bridge and most of the time the bow of the ship was also open. Daily re-caps in the lounge were incredible with photos of the day, speakers on ice core, penguins, Shackelton and other Antarctic explorers. Offered several movies in the evening or other activities. Most recaps and programs were shown on the ship TV so could be watched in the comfort of your cabin if a person chose. Organization of zodiac excursions to shore was impeccable. Guests signed up in groups and groups were called 15 minutes prior to get ready. Key card to sign in and out of the ship. Antarctica Treaty allows 100 people on shore at a time so groups were staggered with each having minimal 1 1/2 hours on shore which was more than adequate. Boots were kept in the mud room so no dragging of wet boots to your room. Was more than I expected and would highly recommend it to anyone. Shore excursions are not mandatory as some were not able to go ashore. Great, understanding, knowledgeable staff!