National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions Expands 2028-29 Voyage Map

The upcoming season introduces a comprehensive expansion across the Arctic, Antarctica, and the South Pacific. A centerpiece of the new deployment is the return to French Polynesia, where the fleet will offer rare access to Makatea, an uplifted coral atoll rarely visited by other operators. These voyages feature navigation led by Pwo navigator Tua Pittman, blending traditional wayfinding with modern expedition design. In the high latitudes, the schedule includes longer Southeast Alaska routes that allow for direct exploration of the Inian Islands and the Tongass, moving beyond the standard offshore wildlife viewing typical of the region.

Antarctic operations are also seeing significant changes, with new holiday departures and combined itineraries that link Patagonia, the Falklands, and South Georgia. These extended voyages aim to reach further past the Antarctic Circle, targeting areas inaccessible to most cruise traffic. Meanwhile, in the Arctic, the company is increasing its presence on Baffin Island and introducing a 10-night circumnavigation of Iceland. These journeys are supported by a fleet of 22 mission-built vessels, with experts ranging from ethnomusicologists to field scientists integrated into the daily programming to provide immediate context for the remote landscapes encountered.