On this episode of Humans of Travel, Captain Heidi Norling shares how a childhood spent sailing with her father in the Stockholm archipelago sparked a lifelong fascination with navigation and the sea.
A graduate of Sweden’s Kalmar Maritime Academy, Norling learned by doing, studying nautical English, celestial navigation, radar communications, safety procedures and more while on ships all around the world. She joined National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions in 2019 as a captain — the first-ever female captain of the fleet — and she’s currently helming National Geographic Resolution, a 138-guest expedition ship.
Women remain a small minority among the world’s sea captains, making Norling a role model for many. Listen in to hear about her daily life on an expedition ship and why she loves the work she does.
This episode is sponsored by National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions.
Captain Heidi Norling first joined National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions in 2019.
Credit: 2026 TravelAge WestResources Mentioned in the Episode
National Geographic Resolution
National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions on Instagram
In Good Company: Captain Heidi Norling
On TravelAge West: Review: Sailing on National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions’ Islander II
On TravelAge West: What’s on the Horizon for National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions
About Your Host
Chelsee Lowe is Senior Editor of TravelAge West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She’s an avid reader, writer, interviewer and traveler. Los Angeles is her home base.
TravelAge West also produces events including Future Leaders in Travel, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala and the Napa Valley Leadership Forum.
About the Show
TravelAge West’s award-winning podcast, “Humans of Travel,” features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from notable authorities in the travel industry, high-profile executives, passionate explorers, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the highs and lows that make them human.
