By: Alicia Harriman, a Marvelous Mouse Travels agent
One of the questions I get asked the most if “What’s included on a National Geographic-Lindblad Expedition and what costs extra?” It’s a great question because while the upfront price may seem higher than a traditional cruise, the value becomes obvious once you realize just how much is included. This isn’t the kind of vacation where you’re constantly pulling out your wallet to pay for excursions, specialty dining, or activities. Instead, nearly everything is built into the experience so you can focus on what really matters—exploring some of the most incredible places on Earth.
The first thing to understand is that this isn’t your typical cruise vacation. There are no casinos, Broadway-style shows, waterslides, or shopping promenades. Instead, every aspect of the voyage is designed around exploration, education, and experiencing nature in places that few people ever have the opportunity to visit.
Every day is different. There isn’t a set schedule because Mother Nature is in charge. The captain and expedition leaders adjust the itinerary based on weather, sea ice, and wildlife sightings, making each expedition completely unique.
Your stateroom is included and is thoughtfully designed for expedition travel. They’re comfortable, modern, and surprisingly spacious, with plenty of storage for all of your cold-weather gear, if needed.
Since you’ll spend most of your day outside exploring or attending presentations, the cabins are designed to be a relaxing place to recharge before your next adventure.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks are all included throughout your voyage.
Meals are served in an open-seating dining room where you’ll enjoy everything from fresh seafood and locally inspired cuisine to comfort food favorites. The menus change daily, and the culinary team does an incredible job accommodating dietary restrictions and food allergies.
There are no specialty restaurants with extra cover charges, no dining packages to purchase, and no worrying about additional meal costs. Even the Chef’s Dinner is included!
Another pleasant surprise is that most beverages are included.
That means coffee, tea, soft drinks, bottled water, beer, wine, and standard cocktails are available throughout your trip without constantly signing receipts.
It’s a nice touch that allows you to simply relax after a day of exploring with your favorite drink in hand while watching glaciers drift past your window.
All expeditions (and the transportation needed) are included! This is where the real value of a Lindblad expedition shines.
Every single day (weather dependent) offers opportunities to leave the ship and experience your destination firsthand.
Depending on your itinerary and weather conditions, your adventures may include:
On a traditional cruise, excursions like these could easily cost hundreds of dollars per person each day.
All scheduled Zodiac excursions are included. This has been one of my favorite inclusions! We’ve cruised through fields of icebergs, floated alongside glaciers, and quietly searched for wildlife while surrounded by breathtaking scenery.
Every Zodiac excursion is led by knowledgeable guides who are constantly teaching us about the environment around us.
Instead of cruise directors and entertainers, your voyage is led by an expedition team made up of experts in their fields.
On board you’ll find naturalists, marine biologists, geologists, historians, photographers, ornithologists, culturalists and other specialists who spend the entire trip sharing their knowledge.
Seeing a polar bear is exciting.
Learning why it’s behaving a certain way, how it’s adapted to survive, and how climate and sea ice affect its future makes the experience unforgettable.
When you’re not outside exploring, you’ll likely be attending one of the many fascinating presentations offered throughout the day.
Topics often include:
One of the most memorable moments of our expedition happened during our polar bear safety briefing…when an actual polar bear swam right past the ship.
Needless to say, class was temporarily dismissed!
Many National Geographic-Lindblad expeditions feature National Geographic photographers who offer workshops and one-on-one guidance.
Whether you’re carrying a professional camera or simply using your smartphone, you’ll learn techniques that help you capture incredible images throughout your journey.
It’s like having your own photography coach traveling with you.
My all-time favorite inclusion, that also doubles as an incredible souvenir, is the expedition parka.
Guests receive a high-quality waterproof expedition jacket that becomes theirs to keep after the voyage as well as a stainless steel water bottle!
Walking poles and sticks are also available to use, as well as mosquito nets. You may also bring any of these things from home as well, if you prefer.
When operationally possible (which is most of the time), guests are welcome to visit the ship’s bridge.
Watching the officers navigate through sea ice while listening to them explain the technology and decision-making behind expedition navigation is fascinating.
It’s another experience that’s difficult to find on most cruise ships and if it is available, it typically costs extra. Not here!!
Although most of your experience is included, there are still a few optional expenses to be aware of.
Spa treatments and massages are available for an additional charge if you’d like a little extra relaxation after a day of hiking or kayaking.
The onboard gift shop offers clothing, books, souvenirs, and National Geographic merchandise if you’d like to bring home a reminder of your adventure.
Basic Wi-Fi is included but you can upgrade to a few different packages if you’d like. This can vary by ship and itinerary, so it’s always worth checking the details of your specific expedition before you travel.
Waterproof boots are not provided for use during the expedition, however they can be rented from Base Camp (or you can bring some from home if you have space in your suitcase). This ensures everyone has the proper gear for shore landings and Zodiac excursions.
An overnight igloo experience is also available on most sailings but is not included in the excursion price.
All of these additional expenses are completely optional and are available to enhance your experience if you find it’s necessary.
It’s an education.
After experiencing it firsthand, I can honestly say this isn’t simply a vacation. It’s an adventure. It’s an opportunity to disconnect from everyday life and reconnect with the natural world.
You’re not standing in line for a waterslide or wondering what show starts at 8:00 tonight.
You’re scanning the horizon for whales.
Watching a glacier calve into the ocean.
Learning from people who’ve dedicated their lives to studying these remote places.
And if you’re lucky, your polar bear safety briefing might even get interrupted by an actual polar bear.
For travelers who crave adventure, lifelong learning, incredible wildlife encounters, and experiences few people will ever have, it’s difficult to imagine a more rewarding journey than a National Geographic-Lindblad Expedition.
An expedition cruise is very different from a traditional cruise, and choosing the right itinerary, ship, and time of year can make all the difference. Contact Marvelous Mouse Travels to help you explore the options and find an adventure that fits your travel interests.
