National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions Reveals 2028-29 Deployment

National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions has announced its 2028–29 deployment, unveiling a new season of voyages that will bring travellers deeper into the fjords, take them farther into the South Pacific, and provide them with more time to explore polar ice regions. 

Building on a 60-year heritage of expedition expertise, the new, expanded, and returning itineraries are timed to align with peak moments in nature and delivered by experts in their craft.

The 2028–29 season introduces new and expanded itineraries across Antarctica, the Arctic, Alaska, Europe, and the South Pacific, including holiday departures in Antarctica, longer Arctic expeditions, river voyages through Europe, and a return to French Polynesia with rare access to Makatea, the only uplifted atoll in French Polynesia with sea cliffs, limestone caves, and a stalactite grotto that visitors can swim into. 

Each voyage is led by veteran Expedition Leaders, captains, and naturalists, whose deep understanding and experience provide deeper context and meaning, bringing each destination to life.

“The future of expedition travel is no longer defined solely by where travellers go — but how they travel, when they travel, and who guides them there,” said Trey Byus, Chief Expedition Officer, Lindblad Expeditions. 

“Our upcoming deployment reflects that idea with longer voyages, expanded access, and deeper exploration across our guests’ favourite destinations, led by the people who know them best. From more time in Antarctica and the Arctic to sailing in the Makatea, where few operators go, these journeys are shaped by years of expertise in destinations where access and expertise change everything.”

Highlights of the 2028–29 season include:

French Polynesia  

French Polynesia returns with new seven- and 14-day itineraries featuring the only continuous voyage connecting Easter Island, Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie, Makatea, and the Tuamotus. 

Guests visit Makatea, the only uplifted coral atoll in French Polynesia and a destination very few other operators reach, as well as Pitcairn Island, home to descendants of the HMS Bounty mutineers—one of the rarest cultural encounters in the Pacific. 

Select departures sail with Tua Pittman, one of fewer than ten living Pwo navigators, who guides traditional wayfinding across this remote island chain. Co-developed by Sven Lindblad and master navigator Tua Pittman, the itineraries combine founder-led expedition design with native wisdom.

Southeast Alaska 

Longer Southeast Alaska itineraries are on offer with a new round-trip voyage from Vancouver aboard Greg Mortimer, designed to maximize wildlife encounters and exploration opportunities. There are also longer voyages aboard National Geographic Quest and National Geographic Venture. 

Select voyages also include on-board Alaska Whale Foundation researchers, enabling guests to actively contribute and understand ongoing field science rather than simply observe it.

British and Irish Isles 

Jacob Edgar, the expedition’s exclusive ethnomusicologist, connects Celtic musical traditions of the British and Irish Isles in real time as guests sail between regions. In Cobh, Ireland, guests explore the Titanic’s final port, the Lusitania rescue, and Great Famine emigration history through the heritage centre.

Antarctica

New holiday departures allow guests to celebrate the season in Antarctica, with expanded Cruise/Fly options and the Southern Ocean Odyssey combining Patagonia, the Falklands, South Georgia, and Antarctica in a single voyage. Longer itineraries regularly cross the Antarctic Circle, going deeper south – where few ships can go – creating opportunities for rare wildlife encounters.

Arctic 

Iceland/Greenland 

The Arctic season introduces more departures and extended routes, including voyages that spend more than five days on Baffin Island – offering deeper exploration than standard itineraries – and a 10-night circumnavigation of Iceland, a new peak season voyage around the full island. 

Svalbard/Norway 

Few places showcase the drama of their creation like Norway, where a maze of rock and water cuts the coastline from tip to tail. With National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions, your clients can sail the country’s iconic fjords, or set your sights on Svalbard, an archipelago framed by snowy peaks and ice-checkered waters. 

Canada 

Travellers can journey through the fabled Northwest Passage and discover the cultures that have thrived on this wild frontier. Or trace the lineage of Arctic exploration to the Maritimes, where vestiges of the Vikings, Basque whalers, and French settlers intermingle in this once-popular landing spot for westward voyagers.

European River Voyages 

European river voyages combine cultural immersion with exclusive access and after-hours experiences. Guests will have the opportunity to meet Holocaust survivors and hear their stories in Amsterdam, enjoy private after-hours visits to Melk Abbey and Clam Castle, and experience holiday sailings through Danube Christmas markets.