Updated as of May 18, 2021: Due to increased demand, Lindblad is adding an extra two ships to its 2021 Alaskan deployment. National Geographic Sea Bird and National Geographic Sea Lion — both U.S.-registered and carrying 62 passengers — will depart on 13 voyages beginning on June 25, 2021.
In an announcement today, small-ship expedition cruise and adventure travel company Lindblad Expeditions revealed plans to resume cruise operations this summer in Alaska and the Galapagos Islands.
Lindblad has consulted with medical experts and other authorities to create comprehensive COVID-19 health and safety protocols in preparation for resuming operations. Key components for the summer cruises include proof of vaccination for all guests 16 years old and older, two negative COVID-19 tests prior to boarding, daily guest temperature checks and thorough sanitation procedures. The line notes that guests will travel exclusively with the cruise’s expedition community of fellow guests and staff, which will all be equally tested. The full list of Lindblad’s health and safety protocols can be viewed here. [https://www.expeditions.com/covid-protocol/]
“Our internal team has spent the last year examining every single aspect of our operation to be prepared to operate in the ‘new normal,’” said Sven Lindblad, CEO of Lindblad Expeditions, in a statement. “Led by our resident medical expert, Dr. David Lorber, we have enlisted the assistance of many health and safety experts and met with authorities in the regions we intend to explore to ensure we are welcome and meet or exceed their expectations. We will also require that all guests 16 years of age and over be vaccinated prior to traveling onboard.”
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The destinations for the June sailings reflect Lindblad’s focus on exploring remote places.
In Alaska, for example, the company intends to sail into “the far reaches of [the destination’s] straits and waterways” to give clients experiences deep in nature. The season will begin with six- and eight-day sailings onboard Lindblad’s 100-guest sister ships National Geographic Quest and National Geographic Venture on June 5 and 6.
In the Galapagos, Lindblad will explore the destination’s remote volcanic islands with a 10-day itinerary on the 96-guest National Geographic Endeavour II, set for an initial departure on June 4.
The Details
Lindblad Expeditions
www.expeditions.com
