LINDBLAD Expeditions: Expert Cruise Review

Lindblad Expeditions — Unbiased Reviews and Tips

Based in New York, Lindblad Expeditions has a long legacy dating back to Lars-Eric Lindblad’s pioneering expeditions to Antarctica, Easter Island and the Galapagos beginning in the mid-1960s. In the intervening years, the firm, under the leadership of his son, Sven-Olof Lindblad, has expanded its fleet and ship charters to basically blanket the world for those in search of adventures by sea.

In 2021, Dolf Berle, who was CEO of Topgolf Entertainment Group, became the president and CEO on Lindblad. Founder and longtime chief executive Sven-Olof Lindblad became co-chair Lindblad Expeditions Holdings.

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Itineraries include expeditions to the Arctic and Antarctica; natural history and wildlife cruises to the Galapagos, Indonesia and Borneo; cultural and historical voyages to the British Isles, Greek Isles and Morocco; and cruise tours to Ancient Egypt. The list goes on and on to cover most of the world, hence the loyal following has much new to choose from.

The joint venture with the National Geographic Society established in 2004 expanded Lindblad Expeditions’ passenger base and drew on the Society’s expertise — especially its photographers who enrich the pages of National Geographic magazine and National Geographic Traveler. The relationship has expanded from itineraries in the US, Australia and New Zealand to Canada and Latin America.

As a four-time passenger I have always had the strong sense that the expedition and enrichment staff genuinely want to bring you absolutely the best experience possible. The large number on every voyage makes a huge difference in having them readily at hand when ashore or in Zodiacs and providing a rich variety of expertise. — Ted Scull

The N.G. ENDURANCE represents the latest in Expedition ship design. * Rendering: Lindblad Expeditions

A Quick Overview of Lindblad’s Fleet Renewal & Expansion

In January 2017, Lindblad Expeditions took delivery of the 96-passenger National Geographic Endeavour II to replace the long-serving NatGeo Endeavour in the Galápagos. Then in July 2017, a newly-built 100-passenger NatGeo Quest became the first of two ordered ships to sail alongside the venerable veterans NatGeo Sea Bird and NatGeo Sea Lion in Alaska, British Columbia, the Pacific Northwest and to reintroduce Belize itineraries.

The second, NatGeo Venture, entered service in October 2018 on the U.S. west coast. Her seasonal itineraries will be in Baja, Pacific Northwest, and Alaska. US-flag ships come from Nichols Brothers Boat Builders, near Seattle. Not stopping there, in May 2020, just as the COVID19 pandemic was taking hold, Lindblad’s NatGeo Endurance (126 passengers) was delivered from the Crist Shipyard in Gdynia, Poland. The Polar Class 5 rated Endurance recalls the name of Ernest Shackleton’s pioneering Antarctic expedition vessel. Sister-ship NatGeo Resolution arrived in late 2021.

In June 2024, Lindblad has bought two addition expedition ships, both originally designed for Galapagos expeditions. In January 2025 the pair undergo multimillion dollar refits in Panama. The number of departures will double and operate year-round. Lindblad has been offering expedition trips for over 60 years.

Fleet

Sea Cloud (built 1931 & 64 passengers) — Mediterranean & Caribbean Seas

National Geographic Sea Lion (b. 1982 & 62 p) — Coastal US, Alaska, Belize, Bahamas

National Geographic Sea Bird (b. 1982 & 62 p) — Alaska, Baja California & Pacific Northwest

National Geographic Explorer (b. 1982 & 148 p) — Arctic, Antarctica & Patagonia

Lord of the Glens (b. 1985 & 54 p) — Scotland

Oberoi Philae (b. 1996 & 42 p) — Nile River

National Geographic Islander (b. 1995 & 48 p) — Galápagos Islands (NOTE: Leaving fleet in Aug 2023)

National Geographic Islander II (b. 1988 & 48 p) — Galápagos Islands

National Geographic Orion (b. 2003 & 102 p) — Australia, New Zealand & South Pacific

National Geographic Endeavour II (b. 2005; rebuilt in 2016 & 96 p) — Galápagos Islands

Deflin II (b. 2009 & 28 p) — Amazon River

Jahan (b. 2011 & 48 p) — Mekong River

National Geographic Quest (b. 2017 & 100 p) — Alaska, Costa Rica, Panama, Pacific Northwest & California’s Channel Islands

National Geographic Venture (b. 2018 & 100p) — Alaska, Sea of Cortez & Baja California

National Geographic Endurance (b. 2020 & 126 p) — Arctic, Antarctica & Patagonia

National Geographic Resolution (b. 2021 & 126 p) — Coastal Japan, Arctic, Antarctica, Patagonia & Tahiti

**Two additional ships for Galapagos are expected to have the names and passenger capacities revealed in July 2024.

N.G. EXPLORER. * Photo: Ted Scull

Passenger Profile

Mainly 50+, though younger passengers come on selected expeditions and so do families especially during school holidays. Lindblad has a fine program for children, best in the polar regions and Galápagos.

Mostly Americans, but increasingly Europeans and Australians, especially for the polar regions and South Pacific.

Price

$$$

Super Pricey, then you are investing in the best.

Included Features

All onboard meals
24-hour coffee, tea & soft drinks (except for soft drinks on Lord of the Glens)
Select alcohol on National Geographic Explorer, National Geographic Orion, National Geographic Endurance, National Geographic Resolution, Sea Cloud & Lord of the Glens
All excursions
Sightseeing entrance fees, permits, park fees & port taxes
Zodiac & kayak explorations
Snorkeling, including use of wet suits, masks, fins & snorkels
Onboard presentations
Crew gratuities on National Geographic Explorer, National Geographic Endurance, National Geographic Resolution & National Geographic Orion
Wi-Fi on some ships
Group flight transfers

Lindblad Itineraries (will vary from year to year)

In North America, Lindblad Expeditions cruises 5- to 21-night itineraries to Southeast Alaska’s Inside Passage between Juneau and Sitka and along the coast of Canada’s British Columbia; 7-night Pacific Northwest cruises including San Juan Islands and the Snake and Columbia Rivers; and 4- to 14-night trips to the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean Coast of California and Baja California, including the Channel Islands.

For Central America, Lindblad sails 7- to 14-night cruises along the Costa Rican coast and islands, and Panama, including canal transit to Colombia, including the Channel Islands.

In South America, cruises visit the West Coast from Peru to Chile and Argentina for 7- to 18-night itineraries; 6- to 15-night Galápagos island wildlife cruises with land extensions available to Peru — Lima, Cusco and Machu Picchu; 8- to 9-night Amazon River cruises; and 23-night cruises along South America’s East Coast.

A national reserve in remote Amazonia is the highlight, looking out for exotic bird species, monkeys and anacondas of the rain forest, and pink and gray dolphins, piranhas and red-eyed caiman in the dark waters, sometimes decorated with giant water lilies. — Ted Scull

Lindblad also has voyages to the polar regions: in winter months to Antarctica, the Falklands and South Georgia from Ushuaia, Argentina for 13- to 34-night voyages; in summer months to the Norwegian fjords, Arctic Norway, Svalbard, Iceland (including a circumnavigation), Greenland, Canadian Arctic and Canadian Maritimes for 5- to 25-night voyages.

European itineraries include 15 nights around the British Isles and Ireland; in Scotland, a 10-night cruise exploring the cruise exploring the Shetlands, Orkneys & Inner Hebrides; and in the Mediterranean, 8- to 11-night trips that include the Greek islands from Piraeus (Athens), along the Greek and Dalmatian coasts between Piraeus (Athens) and Dubrovnik, and Sicily and Malta.

Further afield, Lindblad sails in the South Pacific, with itineraries from 9- to 19-nights via Easter Island and Pitcairn Island for cruises to Tahiti and around French Polynesia. In Southeast Asia, 14-night Mekong River cruises sail between Siem Reap (Angkor Wat), Cambodia and My Tho (near Saigon/Ho Chi Minh City).

In Japan, a few cruises last for 13 to 14 nights. Finally, land-cruise itineraries include a 12-night trip that includes cruising along the Nile River in Egypt.

Sample Itineraries

The Galapagos

One of the most spectacular small-ship expedition cruising spots in the world, the Galapagos islands’ breathtaking wildlife is the big draw. Lindblad Expeditions offers 7- to 16-night Galápagos island wildlife cruises with land extensions available to Peru — Lima, Cusco and Machu Picchu.

Their 6-night “Wild Galapagos Escape” option aboard the 48-passenger National Geographic Islander II features all the highlights. Mind-blowing snorkeling and kayaking among a rainbow of colorful fish, sea turtles, penguins, and playful sea lions is the big highlight. And so is walking among colonies of wildlife and seabirds.

Fly between Guayaquil, on the mainland of Ecuador to Baltra island where your expedition cruise will start and end, sailing to North Seymour (encounter nesting frigatebirds, plus land and marine iguanas); Santa Cruz (headquarters of both the Galápagos National Park and Charles Darwin Research Station; see the legendary giant tortoises roaming in the wild); Isabela (see whales and dolphins); Fernandina (one of the world’s most active volcanoes, see flightless cormorant and huge marine iguanas); San Cristobal (fall in love with red-footed boobies, endemic mockingbird, lava lizards and sea lions); Española (see swallow-tailed gulls, Española mockingbirds, Nazca boobies and seasonally, the world’s only population of waved albatross); and Floreana (marvel at a pink-tinted lagoon frequented by flamingos, and snorkel among sea lions).

Alaska & Canada

The Voyage to Great Bear Rainforest cruise is an 8-day voyage from Ketchikan to Prince Rupert, British Columbia, visiting the rainforest and fjords where you can spot black and grizzly bears among the deep valleys of the Coast Range. You will circumnavigate Gribbell Island in search of the elusive white bears. The itinerary is filled with Zodiac and kayak adventures in the wild and remote places on this journey.

Mediterranean

In the Mediterranean, the Sailing the Ancient Shores of Sicily & Malta cruise aboard the four-masted Sea Cloud is a 12-day roundtrip voyage from Naples, spending the first day at sea before calling at Trapani on Sicily for an excursion to Mount Erice. The itinerary also includes visits to Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples, the Strait of Messina, Taormina, Sicily, Siracusa, Lipari and Malta.

Coastal Japan

The 16-day Coastal Japan: Imperial Dynasties and Modern Culture cruise begins with city tours of Tokyo before riding a bullet train to the port city of Niigata for embarkation. From there, sail toward Kobe, with stops at Kanazawa, Matsue and Hagi along the Japanese coast before heading to Ulsan in South Korea for an excursion to the ancient city of Gyeongju. Back along Japan’s coast, visit Nagasaki, Kagoshima, Yakushima Island, Uwajima, Uchicko, Miyajima and Hiroshima; Naoshima Island, Takamatsu on Shikoku Island, Okayama and Kobe, where passengers disembark.

Why Go?

Lindblad Expeditions has some of the best-equipped expedition ships afloat, with sophisticated equipment and fleets of recreational craft on board, as well as historians, wildlife and cultural experts. On some itineraries National Geographic photographers impart skills and share their creative wisdom. They sail all the major destinations worldwide and then some, with a smattering of themed cruises as well.

National Geographic Sea Lion and National Geographic Sea Bird are about as simple as any small ships get, a bit pokey, past their prime, yet well maintained with excellent expedition staffs. So forget any thought of luxury and go for the wonderful experience. The Columbia-Snake rivers route was my first soft-adventure by ship — the Sea Lion some three decades ago. — Ted Scull

When to Go?

Itineraries cover the most suitable seasons for the regions, for example Antarctica in the Northern Hemisphere winter and the Arctic regions in summer.

In the Galápagos, peak seasons can follow school holidays, from mid-June to early September and mid-December to mid-January. December through May, the water is warm for snorkeling and swimming but there will be fewer fish to see. Most days in the first months will see some rain. The latter part of the season is spring mating time for animals and birds on land, especially sea lions and turtles, plus wild flowers in bloom. June through November brings on the colder waters of the Humboldt Current, therefore, more fish and sea birds are looking for prey, but snorkeling is going to be less comfortable and the ocean is rougher.

Sustainability Initiatives

To support National Geographic’s “Planet or Plastic?” campaign, Lindblad Expeditions has done away with all single-use plastics on every ship, with even made crew uniforms made from recycled plastic. The company also works with vendors to encourage them to make sustainable changes to the supply chains.

Since 2019, Lindblad has been offsetting carbon emissions of its fleet, employee travel and land-based operations. It also operates the Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic (LEX-NG) Fund, which channels traveler contributions towards conservation and education and the LEX-NG Artisan Fund which supports artisans in the areas where it sails.

Activities & Entertainment

Apart from the excursions ashore and in Zodiacs accompanied by the expedition staff, sharing pre-dinner recaps are amongst the expedition highlights — with underwater videos shot that day being shown, a look back at the day’s happenings, and a plan for tomorrow presented by the expedition staff. Unscheduled Zodiac excursions may occur when wildlife appears along the shore. Naturalists who Lindblad hires are likely to be amongst the best available in a very active cruising area.

On Svalbard, for example, a polar bear may be spotted as a tiny speck on the ice, and passengers begin to gather, standing in total silence at the bow to watch the distance between the ship nosed into the pack ice and curious bear get ever shorter. I have seen polar bears walk up to the bow and sniff the smells we give off. — Ted Scull

In warmer climates, some ships have water sports equipment on board and snorkel gear.

In Galápagos, apart from the hikes ashore, in Zodiacs and the glass-bottom boat with guides and snorkeling (wet suits in cold weather), the evening pre-dinner recaps are jolly affairs with videos and the day’s results of the underwater camera screened, a look back at the day’s happenings, and a plan for tomorrow presented by the naturalists. A newly introduced activity is plein air drawing where a resident artist instructs passengers during regular sessions on board and shore to create images of the wildlife they see, and many are tame enough to pose for you. Look for the departure dates that include this activity.

Ships may also have a feature called the global market, a collection of artisanal items made by craftspeople in the areas visited by Lindblad ships. A portion of the profits are matched by the company and go to the Lindblad Artisan Fund.

Ships

National Geographic Endurance
National Geographic Resolution

The newest additions to the Lindblad Expeditions fleet, these two striking 126-passenger ships feature an eye-catching Ulstein CX104 patented X-BOW. Built for luxury and exploration, the ships have tons of features on six decks, accessed by two elevators.

Public Rooms

There are two restaurants: a main dining room, located aft of the lounge deck, that has no assigned seating and windows that offer 270-degree views, plus a Chef’s Table for small groups. Lighter meals can also be served on the observation deck in nice weather. Also on the observation deck are two open-air infinity hot tubs, a spa with treatment rooms, two saunas with ocean views (one tropical and one Nordic) and a glass-enclosed yoga studio, and a library.

The Observation Lounge and chart room has a full-service bar, state-of-the-art facilities for films, slideshows and presentations, and a photo workshop area. The ship also has a gym, Internet café and laundry. The “open bridge” allows for access to the captain and officers and a peek into the navigation of the ship.

They each have an expedition base with lockers for expedition gear, a fleet of Zodiac landing craft and kayaks, plus snowshoes and cross-country skis. There’s also a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) and underwater video camera, hydrophone, aerial remote-controlled camera and video microscope.

Cabins

Of the 69 cabins, all are outside-facing and most have sliding glass doors leading to small balconies. Even the 12 single cabins have them. Cabins also have what Lindblad calls an expedition command center, with an atlas, a tablet and places to charge your electronics.

In cabin: en suite, individual temperature controls,TV, hair dryer.

National Geographic Explorer (NGEX)

The 148-passenger National Geographic Explorer was built in 1982 as the rugged Norwegian coastal passenger and roll-on, roll-off ferry liner Midnatsol, and was enlarged for the same service 1989, then rebuilt into an expedition ship in 2008. The ship has six decks, and an elevator serves all decks apart from B-Deck for the internet center, mud room and lockers.

Public Rooms

A single-seating dining room forward and adjacent Bistro (same menu) has additional seating (some tables for two) in a more relaxed arrangement. Lunch buffets also take place up in the domed observation lounge. Go for it; the view while eating is great!

The main lounge seats everyone and has a bar equipped for films, slide shows and presentations. The observation lounge on the Bridge Deck has a domed-roof and adjacent library. The navigation bridge is generally open to passengers for meeting officers, learning about navigation and spotting wildlife. There’s also a chart room for studying the region sailing to, a fitness center, spa and sauna and internet café. A full-time doctor is aboard.

National Geographic Explorer has a fleet of Zodiacs and kayaks, as well as sophisticated equipment such as a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) for underwater exploration, hydrophone and an underwater video camera.

Cabins

All cabins, of mostly moderate size (some larger suites), are outside. While the majority have windows, eight have only portholes, and all thankfully have blackout curtains for 24-hour daylight sailings. Beds are queen-size or twins with some convertible to queens, and seven can take a third person at 50% reduction of the double occupancy rate. Thirteen have balconies. A nice extra is a World Atlas placed in cabins and open to the page you will be exploring. How about that for service?

In cabin: en suite, individual climate control, TV, hair dryers.

The bridge aboard the NGEX is often another public room for the passengers.

The bridge aboard the NGEX is popular gathering place for passengers, one of the delights of expedition cruising. * Photo: Ted Scull

National Geographic Orion

The National Geographic Orion was built in 2003 for 102 passengers as Orion for Australian-based Orion Cruises. The ship was acquired by Lindblad in 2013, after which it underwent a major refit. It has five decks with an elevator connecting all but the Expedition Deck for the mud room, Zodiac boarding and doctor’s office.

Public Rooms

Meals are served at one open seating in a restaurant with large windows; a delightful outdoor café serves buffet breakfast and lunches, and barbecue dinners when the weather is warm. An attractive main lounge has a sit-up bar that seats all for talks and films. There’s an observation lounge and library and an open-bridge policy that makes the navigation center another well-used public room.

National Geographic Orion is a prime example of an expedition ship that excels for its comforts, style and travel adventure. It is particularly well-equipped with a fleet of Zodiacs, kayaks, snorkeling gear, scuba diving gear for 24 passengers (on certain itineraries), a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), hydrophone, underwater video cameras and video microscope. There’s a small hot tub aft on the Observation Deck, plus a fitness center, sauna and spa. A full-time doctor is aboard.

Cabins

Roomy for a small ship and beautifully-designed and furnished, cabins have twin beds that can convert to queens. All are outside; 19 have oval windows while nine have balconies, some of which are small and some shared with neighbors (no partitions). Third person pays 50% of double-occupancy rate in triple-bed cabins and there are four single cabins.

In cabin: en suite, individual climate control, TV with CD/DVD, internet access, minifridge, safe.

Approaching the Orion from the stern off Australia's Kimberley Coast.

Approaching the Orion from the stern off Australia’s remote Kimberley Coast. * Photo: Ted Scull

Orion: Lunchtime on deck. * Photo: Ted Scull

Orion: Lunchtime on deck in Australia. * Photo: Ted Scull

National Geographic Endeavour II

This ship replaced the long-serving National Geographic Endeavour in early January 2017. The replacement, National Geographic Endeavour II, started life in 2005 as the 136-passenger Via Australis, and after a major refit now carries just 96 passengers. The ship has six decks, connected by stairwells.

Public Rooms

A restaurant is forward on the Upper Deck with large view windows either side. A lounge with a bar seats all passengers, and there’s a separate library on the deck above. The open bridge policy provides another room and an opportunity for fraternizing with the officers. There’s also a spa, sauna and fitness center. A doctor is aboard.

Cabins

The family-friendly ship has seven sets of connecting cabins and six triples, and for solo passengers, nine single cabins. In total there are 56, all outside with windows or portholes on Main and A Decks. Most cabins are smallish and have compact bathrooms with showers.

In cabin: en suite, individual climate control.

National Geographic Islander II

Launched in the Galápagos in August 2022, National Geographic Islander II sails year-round in the islands. The ship is the former Crystal Esprit (built in 1988 and carrying 48 passengers), and with a 1:1 guest-to-crew ratio, it has the feel of a private yacht.

Each of the 26 suites is a sanctuary, featuring large windows, king/twin convertible beds, sofa and comfortable chair, desk, and marble baths. The four Islander Suites have four large windows, separate living rooms and bathrooms outfitted with a tub in addition to a glassed-in rain shower. Suites are available as connecting, with dedicated solo and triple options. The Santa Cruz Islander Suite can be reserved as a Family Suite with a connecting double suite.

Designed for active exploration, National Geographic Islander II carries a fleet of kayaks and stand-up paddleboards, a custom-built glass bottom Zodiac and flotilla of versatile Mark V Zodiacs—so that everyone can be out exploring at once. The ship carries five expedition staff, among them the expedition leader, undersea specialist, certified photo instructor, and trained field educators who run the National Geographic Explorers family program.

(National Geographic Islander II replaces the 48-passenger four-deck National Geographic Islander, which was built in 1995 as the twin-hulled catamaran Islander, which first cruised in Scotland until she was taken on by Lindblad in 2004 and renamed.)

Public rooms

The open-seating dining room is called the Yacht Club Restaurant, and lunch is served up on deck at The Grill, and there is also a casual eatery, The Patio Cafe. The forward lounge and bar is where everyone ends up for evening recaps, lectures and films, and there is a viewing platform on the bow.

The ship carries a fleet of kayaks and stand-up paddleboards, a custom-built glass bottom Zodiac and a fleet of Zodiacs.

National Geographic Islander II also has a Chart Room, library, sauna, pool, small gym and spa. A typical feature of Lindblad ships is the open bridge, where passengers love to gather and learn about the ship’s navigation and the region from the captain and crew. A doctor is aboard.

The new Science Hub — with an interactive video display, lab benches and seating — connects cruisers to the Lindblad-National Geographic legacy of supporting conservation and research.

Cabins

Each of the 26 suites offers large windows, king/twin convertible beds, sofa and comfortable chair, desk and marble baths. The four Islander Suites have four large windows, separate living rooms and bathrooms outfitted with a tub in addition to a glassed-in rain shower. Suites are available as connecting, with dedicated solo and triple options. The Santa Cruz Islander Suite can be reserved as a Family Suite with a connecting double suite.

In cabin: en suite, individual climate control.

National Geographic Quest
National Geographic Venture

The 100-passenger National Geographic Quest was built in 2017, and sister-ship National Geographic Venture followed in 2019.

They are identical in most ways, with four decks all served by an elevator.

Public Rooms

The main dining room, aft of the lounge deck and with windows on three sides, handles all meals, while lunches can sometimes be served up on the observation deck, weather permitting. A forward lounge also has big picture windows with views on three sides of the ship, and doors that open to the bow observation area. It’s here that passengers can find a small library of books and games and can attend presentations delivered via state-of-the-art audio/visual gear.

There’s a full bar on board. The sun deck hosts morning exercise classes and has lots of seating; there’s also a gym. A mudroom with lockers makes expeditions easy.

The ships have eight landing craft, an underwater Remotely Operate Vehicle, a fleet of kayaks (there’s a floating platform for boarding straight from the ship), plus snorkeling gear and wetsuits. An underwater camera, video microscope and hydrophone provide a high-tech glimpse of sea life.

Cabins

Each ship has 50 outside cabins, ranging in size from 136 to 185 sq. ft., and 22 of these have step-out balconies). Of the remainder, some have windows and others two portholes. Six cabins connect, providing side-by-side accommodations for families.

In cabin: en suite, individual climate controls, Wi-Fi and USB outlets.

National Geographic Sea Lion
National Geographic Sea Bird

These twin ships were both built in 1981, and were later upgraded, with changes that reduced passenger capacity to just 62 by eliminating the lowest-deck cabins. They have three passenger decks without elevators.

Public Rooms

The main deck dining room handles most meals and has open seating. However, some meals are served on the sun deck in nicer weather. The forward lounge has a full bar for cocktails during evening wrap-ups, presentations and classes. There’s also a 24-hour hot and cold beverage station and a small library with reference guides and board games. On the upper deck, there’s an open bow observation area big enough for all passengers.

The topmost sundeck has shady areas for morning fitness classes and afternoon cocktail service. There’s also some gym equipment and a spa. As it the case on all Lindblad ships, the bridge welcomes passengers much of the time. The ships carries sea kayaks, a fleet of paddleboats, video microscope, hydrophone and bow camera. A doctor is aboard on in Baja and Costa Rica/Panama and an undersea specialist in Alaska and Baja.

Cabins

Small and all outside with view windows, some twins may be converted to a double bed, and a few can take a third person at 50% of the double occupancy rate. Cabins on the Bridge and Upper decks open onto a side promenade, while Main Deck cabins are accessed from a central corridor. These latter six cabins are also adjacent to the dining room, therefore a convenient, but also trafficked corridor.

In cabin: en suite, individual climate control, hair dryer.

Sea Cloud

Lindblad charters the 64-passenger Sea Cloud , a legendary sailing vessel built in Germany as a private yacht in 1931 and converted to a cruise vessel in 1979. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience to sail this ship in the Mediterranean, the Greek islands from Piraeus (Athens); along the Greek and Dalmatian coasts between Piraeus (Athens) and Dubrovnik; and Sicily and Malta.

The best, and the most expensive cabins, are the beautifully furnished eight originals on the Main Deck, from when Sea Cloud was E.F. Hutton’s private yacht built for his wife, cereal heiress Marjorie Meriweather Post. The added cabins are modern, very attractively fitted and considerably less expensive, though not cheap. The main lounge is beautifully paneled and with parquet floors. Food and service are great, and some meals are taken out on deck.

Delfin II

Lindblad has chartered the Amazon riverboat Deflln II since 2010 taking 28 passengers in 14 luxurious cabins on one-week cruises along two of the river’s upper tributaries. The riverboat has an enclosed lounge, an open lounge and bar under a top deck canopy. The dining saloon is the deck below with big windows facing aft, and the food is quite special and sometimes exotically sourced from the rainforest.

The cabins, with a desk and chair, are lovely with wood trim, wooden floors, large view windows, twin beds that can form kings; and two suites have king-size beds only. Some can be interconnected for families, and four face forward with terrific views. Bathrooms are roomy. Excursions ashore are made in 10-person skiffs and kayaks, plus some walking where paths exist.

Jahan

The more-than-comfortable 48-passenger riverboat Jahan cruises the Mekong RIver between Siem Reap (Angkor Wat), Cambodia and My Tho (near Saigon/Ho Chi Minh City), with highlights at the famous temple complex, Cambodia’s capital at Phnom Penh, and the teeming life along the river.

Lord of the Glens

Lord of the Glens was originally built in Greece in the 1980s and then rebuilt for Magna Carta Steamship Company in 2000. In 2020, it was sold to Hebridean Island Cruises. Taking up to 54 passengers, the ship has four decks and no elevator. Lindblad charters the vessel for the Caledonian Canal cruises connecting both Scottish coasts.

Public Rooms

The highest of the four decks is given over to an observation lounge with a glass-domed ceiling and a mahogany-trimmed bar/lounge with good views, while the dining room seating all passengers at one time is on the deck below. The forward deck has uninterrupted views ahead and to port and starboard. For ocean liner buffs, some decorative features and some furnishings are from the SS France, RMS Rhodesia Castle and RMS Windsor Castle, and the original Orient Express.

Cabins

The 27 cabins (average about 135 sq. ft.) are divided into four categories over three decks, all with dressing table, private shower, toilet, and washbasin. Suitcases fit under the beds. Windows bring in abundant natural light in all rooms apart from four lower deck units with double portholes. Beds are mostly twin.

In cabin: en suite, individual climate controls, TV, radio, safe, hair dryer.

Oberoi Philae

A rebuilt luxury riverboat, Oberoi Philae is chartered by Lindblad for Nile River cruises. The boat’s main restaurant is a fine dining affair with a menu that features Eastern and Western cuisines, while up on the sun deck, passengers can also have al fresco light meals, snacks and cocktails under a canopy. A bar and cigar lounge has dancing on some nights and also doubles as a theater for movie nights. The spa has treatment rooms, a temperature- controlled pool, fitness center and beauty salon.

Cabins

All 22 cabins have floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open to French balconies, and have either king or twin beds. All categories are treated to 24-hour butler service and a pillow menu. Cabins also have a coffee and tea making machine, alarm and docking station. Of the four suites, a couple come with with private terrace and heated whirlpool.

In cabin: en suite, TV with DVD player, telephone, minibar, safe, hairdryer.