Bookings to Open Later this Month, with Two
Newly Added Purpose-Built Ships to Set Sail in Early 2025
Lindblad Expeditions is the Longest-Standing
International Operator in the Galápagos, Since Pioneering
Expedition Cruising in the Region Together with Legendary
Ecuadorian Eduardo Proaño in 1967
NEW
YORK, June 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/
-- Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: LIND;
the "Company" or "Lindblad Expeditions"), recognized global leader
of adventure travel and the pioneer of modern expedition cruising,
today announced that it has added two
purpose-built Galápagos expedition vessels to join
the Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic fleet.
"We recognize and appreciate the immense privilege our Company
has to operate and grow our expedition cruise offerings in
the Galápagos Islands," said Sven-Olof
Lindblad, Founder and CEO of Lindblad Expeditions.
"By sourcing well-appointed vessels and onboarding the most
experienced crew and staff who meet our exacting standards of
responsible exploration, we're able to transport guests from around
the world to the iconic archipelago and help them understand the
importance of protecting and preserving its wonders and wildlife,
as a consequence of their personal experience."
He continued: "When my father, Lars-Eric
Lindblad, led the first international citizen expedition to
the Galápagos nearly 60 years ago, I don't think he ever could have
dreamed it would serve as the foundation for ecotourism in the
archipelago and would be the catalyst for meaningful, positively
impactful connections. We look forward to not only bringing more
Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic guests to the islands with
the growth of our fleet, but also to having a greater positive
social impact supporting conservation, education and the creation
of livelihoods."
Later this month, bookings will open for sale and the names of
the two ships will be revealed. The first of the two new ships
(formerly Celebrity Xpedition) is a 48-guest configuration
and features two unique dining venues and 24 outward-facing cabins,
including 13 balcony suites. Even more intimate, the second
vessel (formerly Celebrity Xploration) is a 16-guest,
eight-cabin catamaran perfect for family vacations,
affinity groups, and private charters.
Following the closing of the transaction in January 2025, the ships will undergo
multi-million-dollar revitalizations. Once complete, the ships
will embody the spirit of adventure and extreme comfort, both
synonymous with Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic, and will
celebrate the Company's deep connection to the islands,
Ecuador, and its people.
"For decades, Lindblad Expeditions has set the standards
for sustainable tourism in Galápagos and been an extraordinary
friend and supporter to the Charles Darwin Foundation and the
greater conservation community in the islands," said Rakan Zahawi, Executive Director of the Charles
Darwin Foundation. "Together with community leaders, farmers,
scientists and researchers, as well as Ecuadorians from Galápagos
and the continent, Lindblad Expeditions has helped to uplift local
communities and safeguard the archipelago's precious species and
habitats. We are grateful for their continued commitment to
protecting, promoting, and preserving our home, while showcasing
its beauty to responsible travelers."
Lindblad Expeditions has been the global leader and pioneer of
modern expedition cruising in the Galápagos since leading the
first-ever non-scientific international civilian expedition to the
region in 1967. For years, the Company has operated two ships in
the region, the state-of-the-art 96-guest National Geographic
Endeavour II and the 48-guest former mega-yacht turned
expedition vessel National Geographic Islander II,
and offers six immersive itineraries across more than 100
departures year-round. The addition of the newly added 48-guest and
16-guest ships will double the size of the Company's Galápagos
fleet.
To learn more about Lindblad Expeditions-National
Geographic's offerings in the
Galápagos, visit www.expeditions.com/destinations/galapagos.
Information about Lindblad Expeditions' growing fleet of 17—soon to
be 19—owned, leased and chartered expedition vessels can be found
at www.expeditions.com/about/fleet.
About Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc.:
Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc. is an expedition travel company
that focuses on ship-based voyages through its Lindblad Expeditions
brand and land-based travel through its subsidiaries, Natural
Habitat, Inc. ("Natural Habitat"), Off the Beaten Path LLC ("Off
the Beaten Path"), DuVine Cycling + Adventure Co. ("DuVine") and
Classic Journeys, LLC ("Classic Journeys").
Lindblad Expeditions works in collaboration with National
Geographic to inspire people to explore and care about the planet.
The organizations work in tandem to produce innovative marine
expedition programs and promote conservation and sustainable
tourism around the world. The educationally oriented voyages of
Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic allow guests to interact
with and learn from leading scientists, naturalists and researchers
while discovering stunning natural environments, above and below
the sea, through state-of-the-art exploration tools.
Natural Habitat's adventures include polar bear tours in
Churchill, Canada, Alaskan grizzly
bear adventures and African safaris.
Classic Journeys is a luxury cultural walking tour company that
operates a portfolio of curated tours centered around cinematic
walks led by expert local guides. Classic Journeys offers active
small-group and private custom journeys in over 50 countries around
the world.
DuVine designs and leads luxury bike tours in the world's most
amazing destinations, from Italy's
sun-bleached villages and the medieval towns of Provence to
Portugal's Douro Valley and the
vineyards of Napa, California.
Guests bike, eat, drink, and sleep their way through these
regions and many more while sampling the finest cuisine, hotels and
wine.
Off the Beaten Path is an outdoor, active travel company
offering guided small group adventures and private custom journeys
that connect travelers with the wild nature and authentic culture
of their destinations. Off the Beaten Path's trips extend across
the globe, with a focus on exceptional national park experiences in
the Rocky Mountains, Desert Southwest and Alaska.
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SOURCE Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc.
