National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions gave birth to the Antarctic cruising industry, and in 2026 it will be 60 years since their founder Lars-Eric Lindblad led the very first commercial cruise to Antarctica. Since teaming up with National Geographic more than 20 years ago they’ve led the way in marrying an expeditionary spirit with the ease and comfort of the most modern polar vessels.

Swoop’s relationship with Lindblad is rooted in a mutual enduring passion for all things polar, and we’re proud to have been partnering with them since 2022.

Proudly working with every operator in the industry

Swoop says

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National Geographic-Lindblad has been at the forefront of Antarctic expedition cruising since 1966 – an unmatched pedigree. This long history of exploration is clearly reflected in our guests’ experiences. The Lindblad team goes above and beyond every time.

Cassia Jackson Antarctica Specialist

Who are National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions?

No polar operator has a history like Lindblad. Their founder, Lars-Eric Lindblad led the very first private cruise to Antarctica way back in 1966, repeating the same trick the following year in the Galapagos Island in 1967. His ship Lindblad Explorer (aka ‘The Little Red Ship’) was the first commercial cruise vessel built to operate in polar waters; its maiden voyage in 1969 also established Ushuaia as Antarctic cruising’s main departure port.

After four decades of successful operations in the Antarctic, Arctic and beyond, Lindblad partnered with National Geographic in 2004 to create National-Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions, and now operate some of the most modern and comfortable ships in the polar fleet.

NG-Lindblad Expeditions logo

Why Swoop loves working with National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions

  • National-Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions’ long history in Antarctic cruising means they innately understand our guests’ needs – and how to exceed their expectations.
  • National-Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions make everything easy for our travellers the moment they arrive in South America, with charter flights from Buenos Aires or Santiago to connect seamlessly with the polar experience.
  • On board inclusions are the order of the day during cruises, with free WiFi and drinks – as well as pre- and post-trip hotel accommodation.
  • Lindblad's two decades-long partnership with National Geographic gives guests access to leading wildlife photography experts, with complimentary gear rental onboard.
  • With saunas, fitness studios and (on some ships) infinity hot tubs and glamping igloos, their ships are ultra-comfortable while still maintaining an expeditionary atmosphere. 
  • National-Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions are the most child-friendly polar operator, with an immersive ‘Explorers-in-Training’ programme to help younger guests engage deeply with nature
  • All departures offer guests a complimentary one-off kayaking session for all guests, allowing them to enjoy an extra taste of adventure without committing to a full programme.
  • Through their onboard Visiting Scientists programme, scientist and conservations regularly travel with guests, carrying research on everything from microplastic pollution to phytoplankton and whale ecology. 

What Swoop travellers think about National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions

National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions trips scored 4.3/5 from 44 reviews

10/10 - Superseded expectations - ship and all the crew 5 stars. We were able to explore all the hidden areas, thanks to the Captain.

Travelled: November 2025

Anne Gilmore - USA

First-rate expedition team, all very friendly and helpful, providing many great lectures. Our leader was beyond fantastic — he had great energy and never stopped pushing for us to have the best experiences possible, resulting in a lot of zodiac and landing activity.

Travelled: October 2025

Ronnie Lee Silverberg - USA

I would happily do another expedition on the NG Resolution. Cabin and food were both very good.

Travelled: October 2025

David Sedgeley - USA

The ship was well kept, the staff were very accommodating, friendly and professional. You could tell that they were like a family.

Travelled: October 2025

Christine Sly-Prochnow - USA

10/10 - Professional and courteous crew/staff. Read the full review

Travelled: February 2025

Kathleen Thompson Dickinson - Chile

Overall a very impressive package. Both the staff and specialists were charming coupled with a busy and interesting daily schedule. Read the full review

Travelled: February 2025

Neil Robert Farquhar Donaldson - UK

Jason, the Nat Geo photographer, was the best! The staff did a good job.

Travelled: February 2025

Jeffrey Jacobs - USA

I was surprised to find most of the team were very highly qualified and enjoyed their talks. Read the full review

Travelled: December 2024

Raghu Venkataraman - USA

The expedition team are very professional. The brand is well known and respected, and rightly so. I'd go anywhere with them. The Captain and crew were fantastic, friendly, and professional. I enjoyed exploring the vessel and going up to the Bridge to see what I could learn.

Travelled: December 2024

Jacqueline Wigglesworth - UK

The expedition team were so nice & very knowledgeable.

Travelled: November 2024

Ileana Maria Cutie - USA

10/10 - Each and every team member on the Resolution played a big role in the experience. Each team worked well independently and interacted well with others. A shoutout to the expedition team as they were exceptional. Read the full review

Travelled: January 2024

Elaine McClure - USA

The Nat Geo Resolution is hands down the BEST ship I have ever been on... and a shoutout to Heidi the Captain and her team who sail that mega ship as if it was a zodiac! It has amazing views from wherever you are, it's cosy, the rooms couldn't be better thought out. The food was really excellent - the chefs really came up with a good menu, and we even had a really delicious outdoor barbeque! Read the full review

Travelled: December 2023

Patricia Zobel de Ayala - Philippines

I am struggling to find any words to describe my trip; I absolutely loved every minute of it. I literally could not fault any part of the trip, staff, food, the ship, landings, other passengers. It was absolutely amazing and so surreal.

Travelled: February 2016

Beverley - UK

Swoop's trips with National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions

Price Match Promise - We’ll match any price you find elsewhere for the same trip

National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions' ships

Swoop works with every major Antarctic operator

Swoop’s unrivalled network of trusted partners across the polar fleet make it easy to find your dream Antarctic adventure.

Our expertise means we can offer impartial advice on which operator, ship, and departure is best for you.

And our Price Match Promise means that we’ll always match any price you find elsewhere for the same trip.

Discover all Swoop's Antarctic partners

Ready to plan your Antarctic adventure?

1. Listen

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2. Match

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3. Reserve

We'll place a 24 hour hold on your preferred option - without obligation - whilst we talk through the details.