The ship is The bear acknowledged us and went back to eating barnacles, bivalves, and berries along the shoreline and the forest edge. The passengers and naturalists amassed on the bow to watch for megafauna and chat while the day warmed up. And the expedition staff is not afraid to use the National Geographic name to pull strings, getting us permission to traverse a lock in Zodiac boats or arranging an impromptu tour of the Bonneville Dam with the Army Corps of Engineers. The rainforest greeted us with the full rain shower service we have come to love and expect, and we greeted the rainforest first thing in the morning with the option to either hike or cruise through this lovely place. Hike or join a white-water rafting trip outside Valdez after strolling its streets and learning its fascinating modern history. For more details, see ourPrivacy Policy. This trip has been so full of bears that we are struggling to keep count. Starting in 2024, your full bar tab (excluding super-premium brands) will be included. The passengers and naturalists amassed on the bow to watch for megafauna and chat while the day warmed up. This includes passports and visas for any country they may visit during their trip. Started October 12, 2018, Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. You don't say which cruise you're going on . Book by April 30, 2023, to receive a $700 air credit per person on select departures. The indigenous Tlingit people have made their home on this island for thousands of years. One would never think you could ever see anything more unique and awe-inspiring than a white Kermode bear, but all of us aboard the ship were happily mistaken when a pod of orcas started to engage with a humpback mother and calf. The early morning started off with dense fog obscuring the coastline, but as the sun continued to rise, the fog burned off and the conditions changed to an overcast sky and a slight drizzle. November 14, 2010. Book by April 30, 2023, and we will waive the solo premium on solo cabins on select departures. Tap the "Send Quote" button to get a quote include unadvertised prices including Senior, Military and Resident promotions. My Favorites | Already Booked| Shore Excursions| Make a Payment US Toll Free:1-800-201-6937 International Callers Click Here Alaska Cruise Finder Explore wild Alaska on an action-packed expedition aboard the National Geographic Sea Lion or National Geographic Sea Bird. We could not imagine a more beautiful way to end our day searching for wildlife. Fields in bold with an asterisk (*) are required. Have you looked at their own website for answers? We did the British Isles trip last year on NG Explorer. Discover a rugged landscape of mist-shrouded fjords, tidewater glaciers, and islands teeming with wildlifefrom bald eagles and brown bears to orcas and humpback whales. Using an array of tools, including a high-definition camera, our Cousteau-like undersea specialist dives frequently during the voyage to show you strikingly clear images of the seldom-seen world beneath the ship. National Geographic representative Lauren Eckert was in the lounge giving her presentation, Welcome to the Great Bear Rainforest: The Land of the Spirit Bear & So Much More. Almost immediately, our team of naturalists on the bow spotted a group of killer whales! Cruises on Lindblad Expeditions National Geographic Sea Bird start from per person. Had checked the web site and am hoping for some first hand observations. Valid on cabin fare only, not valid on extensions or airfare. We quietly floated for almost an hour as we witnessed this beautiful animal in its environment. Travel in the wake of John Muir and the 1899 Harriman Expedition through College Fjord, then described as a great ice chest.. Credit will be deducted from cabin fare prior to any additional applicable savings. Day 4: Exploring Frederick Sound and Chatham Strait, Day 6: Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, Day 7: Exploring Alaska's Islands, Bays, and Fjords, https://www.nationalgeographic.com/expeditions/destinations/north-america/ocean/alaska-cruise.html, Air Credit on Select 2023 & 2024 Expedition Cruise Departures. What a magical moment for all! NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC and the Yellow Border are trademarks of National Geographic Society and used with permission. 2023 Lindblad Expeditions. Where these animals live, how they need this forest to survive, who the people that live here are, and how they continue to fight for this land after calling it their home for thousands of years. On this, the final day of our expedition, we awoke to the sound of rain in Lowe Inlet Marine Provincial Park. Packed with the ruins of temples, pagodas, and palaces dating back more than a thousand years, the historic areas of the city have been collectively designated a UNESCO World, In the castle town of Hagi, known for its fine ceramic arts, tour the historic district, once home to wealthy merchants and samurai. Single parents and grandparents may redeem offer when booking a single double- or triple-occupancy cabin, pending availability. The caretaker, Shane, hosted us, answered our questions, and talked about life in this small native town of about 480 residents. It was truly a once in a lifetime experience, one that I am sure can never be repeated. Enjoy free beer and wine (excluding super-premium brands) on all 2023 departures aboard National Geographic Venture, National Geographic Quest, National Geographic Sea Bird, and National Geographic Sea Lion. Naturalist Jesse Humbert was on the spotting scope, prepared to spot another spirit bear! WebNational Geographic Quest - Cruises from $3,360 Lindblad Expeditions National Geographic Quest is a state-of-the-art, purpose-built expedition vessel made for We had overall good weather for our cruise. WebOn this 8-day Exploring Alaskas Coastal Wilderness cruise, explore Southeast Alaska on an unrivaled experience, guaranteed of in-depth encounters with all its wonders. Many have advanced degrees and have conducted research or taught for years. Celebrate your voyage with a farewell dinner on board. Were we witnessing an active hunt? Through our Global Explorers program, young travelers hone their skills as scientists and storytellers while learning about rainforest ecology and wildlife behavior from experienced naturalists. I wore a fleece and was very comfortable. Join us and discover why awe-inspiring Alaska is even better when shared. Venture into narrow fjords, where virgin rock that has never before been seen or touched by humans is now being exposed by receding glaciers. Explore the breathtaking bays of Baranof or Chichagof Islands, both part of the ancient Tongass National Forest. We thought the cabin, 203, was very comfortable although the bathroom was a little tight but it was certainly adequate. Get National Geographic Sea Bird price drops 250,000+ people have entered their email. After exploring the old growth forests and intertidal regions, the hikers returned to the ship as the sun passed behind the surrounding peaks. Lindblad Expeditions has been exploring the region for 40 years and our long legacy translates into an incredibly meaningful and authentic Alaska experience for our guests. Breakfast was a buffet with the usual and lunch was often also a buffet and dinner usually had a choice of 3 entrees. Henry David Thoreau called it the "tonic of wildness." All Rights Reserved. From climate conditions, to cabin information, to packing the right footwear, find answers to the questions Expedition Specialists get most often. Sea Bird's trips are priced like luxury cruises, but you're paying for the incredible enrichment programming, the best technology to enhance your experience and an intimate experience focused on the passenger. (Fun fact: Because Sea Bird is an American-flagged vessel, the boats are not Zodiac brand but actually an American-based company called D.I.B, which stands for Demaree Inflatable Boats. After several days of attempting to make our way to Lowe, only to get thwarted by whales, killer whales, bears, and other wildlife, we finally arrived today. A couple of the naturalists noticed a tall dark fin rise above the surface of the water only a few hundred feet from a small sailboat. View our itinerary pages for more exclusive 2023 offers, including family and solo traveler savings. We arrived in Foch-Gilttoyees Provincial Park early in the morning, slowly entering the final stretch of the park as the sun rose over the surrounding peaks. Offer applicable only on bookings of 2 double-occupancy cabins, and the second cabin must be in same category or lower as the first cabin. Already more than satisfied with the day, we continued to cruise. And the mostly American crew and staff are hard-working and ready to assist passengers with anything they need. Take a walk in Sitka National Historical Park, where Tlingit and Haida totem poles tower over coastal trails. Transfer to downtown Juneau and visit the Alaska State Museum to learn more about the history and culture of this incredible region of the world, then, settle in aboard the National Geographic Sea Lion or the National Geographic Sea Bird. Tour the 17th-century Matsue Castle built as a defensive fortress, and discover its clever design elements intended to foil the enemy. You don't say which cruise you're going on . You probably will. Its what Alaska, with its beauty and wildness intact, gives youa spirit lift. The groups on shore found a trail across the peninsula that led to a muskeg with fascinating plants. Witnessing this seemingly playful interaction was absolutely breathtaking. Kayak or paddleboard along rugged coastlines, and in the afternoon, go hiking through the temperate rain forest, listening for bald eagles calling out from the tops of towering spruce and hemlock trees. It was truly a once in a lifetime experience, one that I am sure can never be repeated. Traveling solo, we rarely had an awkward moment and were welcomed warmly when approaching a dinner table or conversation group. The naturalists are all excellent and the food is great. Sightings of bald eagles are very common. 2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC. (B,L,D), Peace Park, where a poignant exhibition illustrates the aftermath of the atomic bomb drop on the city, and see the somber monument erected at ground zero. View our itinerary pages for more exclusive 2023 offers, including family and solo traveler savings. Two black Kermode bears were also quickly spotted, adding to the magical moment. Book by April 30, 2023, and we will waive the solo premium on solo cabins on select departures. Lindblad Expeditions National Geographic Sea Bird Cruiser Reviews. Visit Oura Cathedral, the oldest Christian church in Japan, and venture into Sofukuji, a 400-year-old Ming-style Zen Buddhist temple. The ship turns north, At the southern end of Kyushu, the city of Kagoshima sits just across the bay from the active volcano Sakurajima. This trip has been so full of bears that we are struggling to keep count. I see that no-one has answered your query with first-hand experience. I usually wore a long sleeve shirt with a waterproof parka shell. Venture into narrow fjords, where virgin rock that has never before been seen or touched by humans is now being exposed by receding glaciers. WebTraveling aboard the National Geographic-Lindblad fleet, youll explore alongside a dynamic expedition teamseasoned photographers, marine biologists, historians, or Sea Bird is a utilitarian vessel, not a floating resort hotel. Everyone was blown away by seeing one spirit bear, and it never crossed our minds that we might have the extraordinary luck to see a spirit bear twice! It was so full of life and memories that we will carry with us as long as we tell the story of where, how, and who. Transfer to your hotel, located steps from the lively Ginza district. Today we explore the LeConte Glacier, one of the most active glaciers in Southeast Alaska and the southernmost tidewater glacier in the Northern Hemisphere. Meet First Nations people in mutually rewarding encounters and learn their traditions and ways of life. Continue to Uchiko, once a center of wax production. By A visitor to Alaska since the mid-1990s, award-winning writer Fran Golden shares some well-traveled wisdom, gleaned from the depth of immersion only small ships can offer. When Zodiac cruising around icebergs, I always feel like I'm in the middle of nature's sculpture garden. WebExperience Alaska: Expedition Cruises | Adventure Travel | Lindblad Expeditions Alaska Expeditions View itineraries Skip to Request Brochure Book Now $700 Air Credit on Visit the quintessential Alaskan town of Cordova, and taste the difference of its famed Copper River salmon. My wife and took this Lindblad cruise on the Lord of the Glens 3 yrs ago and had a great time. Search for humpback whales as we head toward the small town of Petersburg on Mitkof Island, founded more than a hundred years ago by Norwegian fishermen. The caretaker, Shane, hosted us, answered our questions, and talked about life in this small native town of about 480 residents. Hike nearby islands, kayak, and search for marine mammals in the rich waters off Icy Strait. From Antarctica to Alaska, our expedition cruisesoperated through our alliance with Lindblad Expeditionsbring you to some of the most remote and pristine places on the planet. Please enter your email address to Add to Favorites. Single parents and grandparents may redeem offer when booking a single double- or triple-occupancy cabin, pending availability. (B,L,D), toward the island of Shikoku this evening. Doug Gould, Naturalist/Certified Photo Instructor. Every expedition aboard a ship in our National Geographic-flagged fleet offers an exclusive servicea Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic certified photo instructor. With our nimble expedition ship as our moving basecamp, kayak deep into glacially carved fjords, hike beneath towering spruce and hemlocks in old-growth rain forests, raft from an ancient Tlingit village, and more. Book online with LindbladCruises.com or call 1-877 In the more 30 years Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic been exploring Alaska, we have provided the richest experience possible. Two black Kermode bears were also quickly spotted, adding to the magical moment. Kayak past towering cliffs and roaring waterfalls, and hike through old-growth forests in the Tongass National Forest in search of moose, black bears, bald eagles, and other iconic wildlife. The food was very good but very european. All activities, including a charter that takes you snorkeling with whale sharks in Baja California Sur, are included in your fare. The fourth person travels free with 3 full fare paying guests on select 2023 departures. On select 2023 departures, every two full-paying adults are welcome to bring a child (22 and under) at 50% off and a second child for FREE. This has much to do with the line's dedication to, where possible, sourcing local ingredients and presenting simple dishes with lots of flavor. Wilderness aboundsmountain goats and brown bears patrol the shore; and harbor seals, Steller sea lions, and puffins swim in these icy waters. We scanned the shoreline when suddenly an announcement came over the ships internal public address speaker: Good afternoon to those aboard National Geographic Venture . Explore the coast by kayak or expedition landing craft, and go ashore to trace bear trails through forests intersected by crystalline salmon streams as you learn about the rain forest ecosystem from our naturalists. It was a good cultural learning experience. except for a couple of special programs. Powered by Invision Community, I see that no-one has answered your query with first-hand experience. See the A-Bomb Dome, one of only a few buildings left standing after the attack, Rise early for a morning hike to Uwajima Castle, one of just 12 original Edo-period castles that remain intact. Choose from five voyages that sail among the wildlife-rich islands and channels of Southeast Alaska. Wander paths that wind along forest streams and past traditional teahouses tucked amid maple and cherry trees. Our guests consistently cite the expertise and engaging company of our staff as key reasons to repeatedly travel with us. After lunch, cross to Takamatsu on Shikoku Island. Today, guests of National Geographic Venture were honored and privileged to be invited to the Big House at the Kitasoo/XaiXais Nation village of Klemtu, on the east side of Swindle Island. When timing is in your favor, magical moments take place. There is no place like Alaskaa vast, pristine wilderness of snow-capped mountains, Foch-Gilttoyees Provincial Park, British Columbia. Southeast Alaska is simply magical. Spend the afternoon exploring the town, including a visit to a tribal house and a beach famous for native petroglyphs, or set out on an optional jet boat excursion up the Stikine River. Our guests consistently cite the expertise and engaging company of our staff as key reasons to repeatedly travel with us. 1. Lindblad passengers hail mainly from the U.S., they're aged 50 and older and they're well-off and well-traveled. Valid for new bookings only, subject to availability. Or visit the ancient Tlingit village of Klukwan and enjoy a traditional dance and cultural performance before setting off on a rafting excursion, keeping an eye out for bald eagles, bears, and moose as we float through the spectacular Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. Lindblad-National Geographic Expedition has everything a discerning cruiser could want, bars, sports venues and shops. Navigate the stunning Wrangell Narrows, an area inaccessible to larger ships, and then cruise into the Sumner Strait, keeping watch for humpback whales surfacing and sea otters gliding through the clear water around our ship. Icebergs regularly break off from the glacier face, getting caught in this shallow moraine and along the shoreline. Get inbox inspiration you'll look forward to: photos, videos, live webinar invites, special offers, and updates. The rainforest greeted us with the full rain shower service we have come to love and expect, and we greeted the rainforest first thing in the morning with the option to either hike or cruise through this lovely place. The pace is very relaxed and the dress is informal. Baffle Falls is an interesting feature that flows the other direction when the tide gets high enough. Traveler contributions to the LEX We have spotted a Spirit Bear along the shore. The persistent rain and winds did not stop the bow from filling up with excited guests, crew, and staff. Your feedback is very helpful - we have been on a number of Lindblad trips but this is the first one on a boat not in the Lindblad fleet. Kids always sail free on Royal Caribbean cruises. We visited Green Inlet in the afternoon and explored by Zodiac and on foot. The state-of-the-art National Geographic Quest*, one of the latest additions to the National Geographic-Lindblad fleet, is the first expedition ship ever built from scratch in the U.S. WMPH Vacations is located in Delray Beach, Florida. WebSee low rates on this 12 Night Lindblad Asia / Orient departing Kobe 8/24/2023 on the National Geographic Resolution. Meet First Nations people in mutually rewarding encounters and learn their traditions and ways of life. Snorkeling with whale sharks in Baja California Sur, are included in your fare and venture into Sofukuji a... Air credit per person spotting scope, prepared to spot another spirit bear the glacier,... Websee low rates on this 12 Night Lindblad Asia / Orient national geographic alaska cruise lindblad Kobe on! To Favorites single double- or triple-occupancy cabin, pending availability engaging company of our staff key... Cruise on the bow to watch for megafauna and chat while the day warmed up amid. Bar tab ( excluding super-premium brands ) will be included button to get a Quote unadvertised! Walk in Sitka National Historical Park, British Columbia youa spirit lift of the Glens 3 yrs and! Lindblad passengers hail mainly from the glacier face, getting caught in this shallow and... Or airfare in mutually rewarding encounters and learn their traditions and ways of life it! Whale sharks in Baja California Sur, are included in your favor magical! The enemy naturalist Jesse Humbert was on the spotting scope, prepared to spot another bear... 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Filling up with excited guests, crew, and we will waive the solo premium on cabins. Also a buffet with the day, we awoke to the questions expedition get.