NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXPLORER New For 2013 Viking Trail Arctic Quest Circumnavigating Iceland Epic South America Celebrating 125 years Of National Geographic bringing us the world and all that’s in it

2013-14 Expedition Season TM As astonishing as the photos in National Geographic. And an exhilarating life adventure: A Lindblad-National Geographic expedition— Aboard National Geographic Explorer

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Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic have joined to further inspire the world through expedition travel. Our collaboration in exploration, research, technology and conservation will provide extraordinary travel experi- ences and disseminate geographic knowledge around the globe. Dear Traveler, The National Geographic Explorer will have its fifth anniversary in 2013. She has What’s Inside for You really developed a soul and is loved by countless guests, staff, and crew. For those returning, she’s a familiar and comforting base and for those joining her for the West Africa 20 first time, a delightful surprise. A Circumnavigation of the 24 Arctic 30 In truth, however, it’s the geography she travels through that’s most remarkable, ’s & Arctic Svalbard 34 and the chemistry that develops when smart, engaged guests, a dedicated crew NEW Viking Trail: Iceland to 36 and staff share a mission—to explore, to understand, and to converse about the NEW Arctic Quest: Canadian High Arctic 38 world’s wondrous places. NEW Circumnavigating Iceland 42 Aside from the tried and honed, there’s a lot to consider that is NEW in 2013. Antarctica 46 » A spring circumnavigation of the Baltic Sea, which is about as encompassing Antarctica, So. Georgia, Falklands 48 as you can get. And it’s particularly enjoyable to go to the homelands of our NEW Epic South America 52 captain and many of our officers. Aboard Explorer 58 Deck Plan & Voyage Pricing 60-63 A far more expanded summer in the Arctic, incorporating not only Svalbard but » Reservation Information 65 Iceland, Greenland, and the Canadian Arctic. » In South America we will begin an epic journey in Trinidad on September 18th, ending in Buenos Aires, Argentina 36 days later, visiting eight distinctly different countries. This and our “Epic West Africa” program are the most ambitious expeditions we’ve ever offered and we will be developing added nuances to the expedition for the next 14 months. (See pages 52-57 for highlights and details.) » And 2013 will be a year of celebration as the National Geographic Society turns 125 years old, bringing everyone “the world and all that’s in it.” Their explorers, photographers, and educators are an invaluable service to the world, and specifically to you and us, as we develop and explore the world together. And, finally, when you next come aboard National Geographic Explorer, you will see the ultimate interactive exhibit in the world as we and National Geographic have curated a Celebration of the Ocean on board, while outside our decks is the ultimate day-in, day-out experience of all the ocean gives us. See you soon, I hope. All the best,

Sven-Olof Lindblad

P.S. When we offered our Oct. 2013 expedition to Patagonia, it nearly sold out immediately. However, there are a very limited number of cabins available. If you are interested in this expedition, please call an Expedition Specialist as soon as possible.

Cover photo: National Geographic Explorer in Antarctica. ©Sisse Brimberg & . This page: Golden light on the Antarctic landscape.

Ships’ registry: Bahamas

1 2013 Expedition SEASON date voyage No. of days ANTARCTICA Jan. 6 Antarctica 14 Jan. 16 Antarctica 14 Jan. 26 Antarctica 14 Feb. 5 Antarctica 14 Feb. 15 Antarctica, South Georgia & the Falklands 24

WEST AFRICA Mar. 18 West Africa 37

BALTICS May 10 A Circumnavigation of the Baltic Sea 16

ARCTIC May 24 Norway’s Fjords & Arctic Svalbard 18 Jun. 7 Ice Bears 11 Jun. 14 Ice Bears 11 Jun. 21 Ice Bears 11 Jun. 28 Ice Bears 11

ICELAND/GREENLAND Jul. 10 A Circumnavigation of Iceland 10 Jul. 18 Viking Trail: Iceland to Greenland 12 Jul. 27 Greenland & Canadian High Arctic 17 Aug. 10 Greenland & Canadian High Arctic 17

SOUTH AMERICA Sep. 18 Epic South America: Jungle Rivers, Rain forests & the Colonial 37 Oct. 22 Patagonia 2013: Argentina & the Chilean Fjords 20

ANTARCTICA Nov. 7 Antarctica, South Georgia & the Falklands 24 Nov. 27 Antarctica 14 Dec. 7 Antarctica 14 Dec. 17 Antarctica 14 Dec. 27 Antarctica 14 2014 date voyage No. of days

ANTARCTICA Jan. 6 Antarctica 14 Jan. 16 Antarctica 14 Jan. 26 Antarctica 14 Feb. 5 Antarctica 14 Feb. 15 Antarctica, South Georgia & the Falklands 24

VIDEO PREVIEW HOW-TO! These colorful squares are your link to adventure. Called ‘image tags,’ they enable your smartphone to play a video anywhere they appear. 1. Go to http://gettag.mobi. 2. Download the free mobile app. 3. Using the app, snap or scan any tag and your browser will take you to a video. Enjoy; exploring by video is fun!

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Celebrating 125 years of incredible National Geographic moments

In 2013, National Geographic will celebrate its 125th anniversary—a historic milestone that encompasses an extraordinary legacy of exploration and discovery. From Hiram Bingham’s excavation of Machu Picchu a century ago to Richard E. Byrd’s historic flight over the South Pole in 1929 to ’s deep-sea explorations decades later, the past 125 years have included many unforgettable “National Geographic moments.”

Today, we continue this rich tradition aboard the Lindblad- National Geographic fleet, putting you in the explorer’s seat and connecting you to incredible places, cultures, and people around the world. Our expeditions are filled with one-of-a-kind moments, whether you’re spotting the legendary pink dolphins of the Orinoco, meeting the Inuit people who thrive at the Arctic’s edge, or, as traveler Ethel Scully (opposite page) recalls, getting swept off your feet by the former President of Poland, Lech Walesa, during our expedition in the Baltics. Celebrating 125 years of incredible National Geographic moments

I like to travel to learn and to grow, “ and am always looking for enriching experiences. This expedition really did that for me. It took a horizontal slice through history. It was tremendously exciting [to meet Lech Walesa]. Here is a Nobel Peace Prize–winning man who had a tremendous role in changing the course of history. At the end of his talk, Walesa was gracious and invited people to come up and take photos with him. He’d posed with about a dozen people before I got up with him. I was by myself, just smiling and happy to be there. And instead of a stiff photo, he broke into dance! And it made my Christmas Card: ‘Polka With Peace Prize Winning–Polish President!’ Over the course of my life, I’ve measured experiences by asking ‘Is this a National Geographic moment?’ I’ve had many figurative National Geographic moments, but this was my first literal National Geographic moment. It was lots of fun, and very memorable. This experience will always stay special for me.

— Ethel Scully; Exploring the Baltic’s Historic Waterways; September” 2011 “We live on a water planet. The human relationship to

the sea is simple: as the oceans go, so do we.” —, National Geographic Photographer

A Galápagos sea lion swims through a circle of salema, Cousins Rock, Galápagos . Photo by David Doubilet.

A note about “Oceans” Part of what drives us as a company is to inspire people to care about the planet. And, I would add, to act on behalf of the planet, our only realistic home.

The ocean is the common denominator of all our voyages—and I use the singular term with good reason as, ultimately, all the ocean realm is connected. And now the ocean is the focus of our attention.

You’ll experience the wonder, the challenges and the opportunities of a healthy vibrant ocean through photo displays and videos aboard Explorer curated by experts from the National Geographic Ocean Initiative and Museum divisions. Our hope is that Explorer inspires our guests to become our partners in strategic actions to change the destiny of our blue planet.

The exhibit includes photographs by National Geographic photographers David Doubilet, Ralph Lee Hopkins, Paul Nicklen, Dr. Enric Sala and . It also includes an iPad displaying eight compelling photo galleries and eight videos featuring some of the ocean’s leading proponents—Dr. , Dr. Enric Sala, Dr. Bob Ballard, myself and others.

This is just the first step in what will be an ongoing collaboration between Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic focused on ocean conservation and education. I look forward to presenting new developments as they occur.

If you choose to join us aboard National Geographic Explorer, I hope you will spend some time exploring this installation—in the reception area, central/forward stairwells and additional locations throughout the ship. And enjoy the opportunity to consider the ocean even as you travel upon it to the planet’s most inspiring places.

8 1.800.EXPEDITION (1.800.397.3348) Clockwise from upper left: A corner of the library with a photo from the Oceans installation. Guest viewing a stairwell display. Ship’s passageway with incredible undersea photo. Two images from the exhibit: common dolphins bow-ride before sunrise in the Sea of Cortez—by Ralph Lee Hopkins; A moray eel hides among corals on Easter —by Dr. Enric Sala.

WWW.EXPEDITIONS.COM 9 A moving window on the world National Geographic Explorer is a 21st-century expedition ship thanks to her nooks and crannies, as much as her tools and technology. All of Explorer’s public spaces maintain a dialogue with the sea and the scenery—with expansive windows and instant access to the outside decks. So, when a call like “Bear to starboard” rings out, everyone has an immediate, and excellent, viewing spot. The Observation Lounge is the visual equivalent of “being there”—with its panoramic view and pairs of binoculars on stand-by. And the handsomely designed Library, equally well-windowed but with reading chairs, is the best-stocked library afloat. It invites you to curl up with a good book or go deeper into a new topic that interests you. The combination of our itineraries, your conversations with the expedition team, guest speakers, and the library can add up to a virtual continuing education course, custom-tailored to your interests. Explorer’s library, brimming with definitive guides, books, novels, and gorgeously illustrated coffeetable books, is a comfortable and relaxing place to read or study a topic. The combination of recap, the library and the ongoing dialogue with the expedition staff and guest experts is the virtual equivalent of auditing a college course. Below: Explorer’s bow has a specially built viewing platform that puts you right in the action.

SEE EXPLORER NAVIGATE THROUGH THE ICE, GO TO WWW.EXPEDITIONS.COM/THEICE The Perfect Platform for Exploring National Geographic Explorer is a genuine expedition ship, not a cruise ship in expedition clothing. She is the only expedition ship designed and equipped by individuals with 150 years of collective expedition experience. With a fleet of Zodiacs, the best landing craft in the industry, and untippable sea kayaks, plus an undersea program complete with diver, undersea video technology and an ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle), National Geographic Explorer fosters genuine exploration, enabling you to have personal encounters with beauty, wildness and the seldom-seen. Traveling aboard her also means voyaging with experts adapted to help you see, do and learn more than any other travel experience can offer. Top, from left: A video chronicler captures every facet of your unique adventure and professionally edits a DVD prior to departure; swift Zodiac deployment makes the most of exploration time. Bottom, from left: Our innovative proprietary launch platform enables guests to kayak virtually anywhere; an undersea specialist who’ll dive with a video camera, or deploy our ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle), shows us images of the deep’s denizens during recap in the lounge.

GO ON A DIVE WITH AN UNDERSEA SPECIALIST AT WWW.EXPEDITIONS.COM/USDIVER SEE HOW THE ROV BRINGS THE UNDERSEA TO LIFE AT WWW.EXPEDITIONS.COM/ROV

WWW.EXPEDITIONS.COM 13

Opposite page: Veteran naturalist Tom Ritchie specializes in the far reaches of the globe. This page, clockwise from top left: Richard White is an avid birder; expedition Travel with the best & the brightest leader Bud Lehnhausen; marine mammal scientist Stephanie Martin; historian David Our expedition leaders, known as ELs to staff and guests alike, are outstanding Barnes; naturalist Karen Copeland. individuals, leaders who attract and inspire the naturalists, marine biologists, geologists, historians, archaeologists and undersea specialists who return each year like migratory creatures to their respective geographies on Explorer’s route— toward the sun or into the ice. Their commitment and passion will engage you, and help reveal all the facets of everything you’ll see during your expedition.

Please visit www.expeditions.com/expertbios and select your itinerary to learn which staff is traveling on your departure

WWW.EXPEDITIONS.COM 15 Take your best photos ever Every Lindblad-National Geographic ship travels with a Aboard National Geographic Explorer, you’ll also be accom- Lindblad-National Geographic certified photo instructor panied by a National Geographic photographer. At your side on board. These veteran naturalists are specially trained on deck or in field situations, they provide inspiration, tips to assist you with camera settings and the basic elements and advice gleaned over the course of significant careers. of framing, composition, and lighting. Because your photo They also offer supportive critiques and informative onboard instructor is also a skilled naturalist, he or she can help you presentations. Nothing boosts your confidence like shooting better understand the wildlife, so you can be at the right alongside a published pro—knowing that you’re aiming at place at the right time to capture amazing behavior. And the same extraordinary animal or incredible sunset, and whether you think of yourself as a photographer or simply a getting the same awesome shot. You’ll return home a better, traveler with a camera, you’ll take your best photos ever. more confident photographer for having had this opportunity.

National Geographic photographers aboard Explorer this season are: Chris Rainier, Sisse Brimberg and Cotton Coulson, Michael Melford, Kevin Schafer, Jay Dickman, Ralph Lee Hopkins, Massimo Bassano, Jim Richardson, Flip Nickin.

Everyone got the shot as a polar bear approached our ship in Svalbard. Take your best photos ever

A guest has a unique vantage point for photographing two stately king penguins in South Georgia.

Exclusively yours: Expedition Photo Journal Book an expedition with us, and you’ll receive a link to an exclusive guest site—your Expedition Photo Journal. You can use it to: meet people on your departure before you go; organize your photos and notes on your laptop during the voyage; share and swap photos after the voyage with new-found friends, or share your photos on Facebook, Flickr and Twitter. Best of all, you can create a gorgeous photo book, containing your images, words as text or captions, and even voyage DERs (Daily Expedition Reports), if you choose. Handy templates make book designing easy and rewarding—and you’ll have a wonderful keepsake to share with family and friends. Ask your Expedition Specialist about your Expedition Photo Journal when you book.

LEARN MORE AT WWW.EXPEDITIONS.COM/PHOTO

WWW.EXPEDITIONS.COM 17 Share the adventure with interesting & engaging experts from diverse fields GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES PROGRAM Traveling aboard National Geographic Explorer this season

JAMES BALOG. Author of Extreme Ice ANDREW CLARKE. Ecologist with JOHN EVANS. Member of a historic and contributing editor to National a lifelong interest in birds, who has 10-member expedition in 1966, Geographic Adventure; photographed spent all of his working life in the sponsored in part by the National the June 2007 National Geographic polar regions. Geographic Society, that became cover story on melting glaciers.  Antarctica, Jan. 6, 2013 the first to summit the highest point  Antarctica, Dec. 27, 2012 in Antarctica. The expedition was JARED DIAMOND. National featured in the June 1967 edition of ROBERT BINDSCHADLER. Former Geographic Explorer-in-Residence, National Geographic magazine. Chief Scientist at NASA; has led field scientist and a Pulitzer Prize-winning  Antarctica, Dec. 17 & 27, 2013 expeditions to study dynamics of the author best known for his popular West Antarctic ice sheet. science books, including Guns, PETER HILLARY. Born into  Antarctica, S. Georgia & Falklands, Germs, and Steel. mountaineering royalty. Member Feb. 15, 2014  Ice Bears, Jun. 21, 2013 of the National Geographic 50th Anniversary Everest Expedition. REAR ADMIRAL GEOFFREY LYNN ANDREW EVANS. Travels the globe Summitted the highest mountain CHESBROUGH, U.S. Navy (Ret.) A as contributing editor at National on each of the seven continents & distinguished naval career led him to Geographic Traveler. Author of the established a new overland route to in 1990, where he served Bradt Travel Guide: Iceland. the South Pole. as the Oceanographer of the Navy  Circumnavigating Iceland,  Antarctica, S.Georgia, Falklands, until retirement. Jul. 10, 2013 Feb. 15 & Nov. 7, 2013  Antarctica, Jan. 6 & 16, 2014  Antarctica, Nov. 27, 2013

At left: Jared Diamond. Facing page, clockwise from upper left: Don Walsh, Peter Hillary, Greg Marshall, Tim Severin, and Lech Walesa. ED LARSON. Pepperdine University TIM SEVERIN. Explorer, filmmaker LECH WALESA. From labor leader professor and Pulitzer Prize-winning and regular contributor to National to Nobel Prize winner to the elected author. His latest book is An Empire Geographic. Tim has literally traveled President of Poland, Walesa left a of Ice: Scott, Shackleton, and the the route of myth and established changed world. He is fascinating and Heroic Age of Antarctic Science. historic facts. Author of the Viking will visit with Lindblad guests in his Antarctica, Feb. 5, 2013 Trilogy, a best-seller translated into hometown of Gda´nsk. more than a dozen languages.  Baltics, May 10, 2013 GREG MARSHALL. Scientist &  Viking Trail, Jul. 18, 2013 National Geographic filmmaker; DON WALSH. Oceanographer & inventor of Crittercam, a research KENDRICK TAYLOR. Chief scientist Honorary President of the Explorers tool to record data from an animal’s for a project investigating the role of Club. Awarded National Geographic’s perspective, especially marine greenhouse gases in climate change prestigious Hubbard Medal, Don species. Greg is dedicated to and the stability of the Antarctic ice traveled 50 years ago to the deepest studying, exploring, and documenting sheet. Leading the effort to analyze point of the ocean. life in the oceans. the two-mile thick ice core.  Norway’s Fjords, May 24, 2013;  Antarctica, Dec. 7 & 17, 2012  Antarctica, Jan. 16 & 26, 2013 Ice Bears, Jun. 7, 2013

FOR UPDATED GUEST SPEAKERS, VISIT WWW.EXPEDITIONS.COM/PERSPECTIVES

WWW.EXPEDITIONS.COM 19 National Geographic Explorer is greeted in Liberia by dancers costumed in red, white and blue, performing against a stage of brightly colored shipping containers. Blazing new trails in West Africa On March 20, 2012 National Geographic Explorer set off for an epic 37-day voyage along the coast of West Africa, embarking in Town, South Africa and disembarking in Agadir, Morocco and traveling to Marrakech. The 148 accomplished travelers aboard were anticipating a kaleidoscopic encounter with West African culture and history. Little did they know that they would make history, as well. When Explorer docked in Monrovia, Liberia, she carried the largest cohort of travelers the country had seen since the 1970s.

Our guests had already had myriad experiences—concerts by Angolan, Congolese and other countries’ artists; caravanning across oceans of and snacking on champagne and From top: Liberia’s Vice chilled fresh oysters in the stunning desert of Namibia; and President Joseph Boakai exploring the stilt villages of Benin aboard motorized pirogues addresses Explorer’s expedition community in the ship’s lounge; (dugout canoes), to name just a few. For them Liberia was Explorer’s staff and crew greet Day 26 of an epic voyage. For Liberia, judging from the ship’s Liberian guests. reception, it was an epic event.

Since 2003, Nobel Laureate and President Ellen Johnson accompanying him. There was ample time for questions Sirleaf, the first democratically-elected female head of state and general give-and-take, and eventually everyone, on the African continent, and her country have accomplished Liberian leaders and Explorer’s guests, headed for a much. She feels Liberia still has a way to go, but her companionable dinner. countrymates were clearly in the mood to celebrate when Explorer, an encouraging sign of tourism interest, arrived. As our vice president of expedition development, Ralph Hammelbacher, relayed to us, “It was a great The ship was greeted by an avid welcoming committee of experience… After all, the purpose of our expeditions dancers and drummers, costumed in graphic red, white, and is to introduce our guests to people who are making blue. As cameras clicked, Vice President Joseph Boakai and an a difference in the places we visit. So, it was an honor entourage including the Hon. Elizabeth Hoff, Deputy Minister for us to meet the Vice President of Liberia, and really for Information, Culture and Tourism and Karl Albrecht, Chargé interesting to hear about his commitment to rebuilding D’Affaires, U.S. Embassy and his wife were welcomed aboard. his beautiful country.”

Vice President Boakai in turn, warmly welcomed the Who knows what Explorer will discover in 2013, when we assembled expedition guests. He was exceedingly repeat this event-rich West Africa expedition, or what parts eloquent and well-received, as were the other dignitaries will prove most memorable to you? Join us and see.

LISTEN TO NPR’S COVERAGE OF THE EVENT AT EXPEDITIONS.COM/LIBERIA VISIT EXPEDITIONS.COM/DER TO READ ABOUT & SEE VIDEO CLIPS FROM THE March 2012 VOYAGE

WWW.EXPEDITIONS.COM 21 Exploring Africa’s West Coast 37 DAYS/35 NIGHTS—Aboard National Geographic explorer Experience & Expertise PRICES FROM: $29,990 to $54,950 (See pages 62-63 for complete prices.) Our unparalleled expedition team is key to an in-depth Aboard the National Geographic Explorer, encounter majestic land- A+ experience, and our generous scapes from the flora of South Africa’s Western Cape to the volcanic exped ition team staff-to-guest ratio of 1:10 of São Tomé and Príncipe on an epic voyage exploring means more choice in 16 countries. Discover the desert of Namibia, the coastal savannas activities, and more diverse personalities and interests you can gravitate to. An of Congo and Gabon, and the forests of Cameroon. Delve into the expedition leader, 8 naturalists/historians, histories of empires, tribes, and colonists; and meet inspiring Africans a National Geographic photographer, a working to develop their countries. Lindblad-National Geographic certified photo instructor, a Global Perspectives Expedition Highlights guest speaker, undersea specialist, video chronicler and a wellness specialist ▶▶ Boat across Benin’s Lake Nokoué to explore a remarkable village built on stilts. all contribute to your experience of the ▶▶ Trace the history of the transatlantic slave trade at ’s Castle and region’s wonders. Senegal’s Gorée Island, both UNESCO World Heritage sites. Visit our website for bios on the staff and ▶▶ Explore a Namibian township, and have dinner by candlelight in the Namib Desert. experts scheduled. ▶▶ See some of West Africa’s flora and fauna, from the rain forests of Ghana to a chimpanzee rehabilitation center in Sierra Leone.

Dugout canoe on Lake Nokoué, Benin.

22 africa

Mar. 18–20: U.S./Cape Town, Apr. 3 and 4: Kribi and Limbé, Cameroon South Africa/EMBARK At Kribi, we’ll be poled in dugout canoes up Marrakech Tenerife, Morocco Depart on an overnight flight to Cape Town. the Lobé River to visit an encampment of Canary Is. Agadir Western Upon arrival, check into the Table Hotel. Bagyeli pygmies. The next day, visit the Limbé Sahara The next day, ascend Table Mountain by cable Wildlife Centre, among other places. (B,L,D) Dakhla car (weather permitting) and visit Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. Embark National Apr. 5 and 6: At Sea/Cotonou, Benin Dakar Senegal Banjul The gambia Geographic Explorer. (D; B,L,D) Explore Ouidah, a center of the animist voodoo togo Sierra Leone benin Freetown Liberia Ghana Cotonou religion, and go by boat across Lake Nokoué to Limbé Monrovia cameroon Mar. 21–24: At Sea/Lüderitz, Walvis Lomé Príncipe Kribi visit a village built on stilts. (B,L,D) Accra Takoradi Libreville Bay, and Swakopmund, Namibia sÃo tomÉ São gabon & prÍncipe Tomé congo Dock in Lüderitz and visit the ghost town of Apr. 7 and 8: Lomé, Togo/Accra, Ghana Pointe-Noire

Kolmanskop. Then anchor at Walvis Bay and Encounter the fascinating Ewe people and angola spot marine life on a bay cruise; venture into explore Ghana’s capital. (B,L,D) Lobito the Namib Desert; and visit a township and Swakopmund. (B,L,D) Apr. 9–11: Cape Coast/At Sea Namibia Walvis Bay Visit the Cape Coast Castle, where many Lüderitz

Mar. 25–27: At Sea/Lobito and thousands of slaves were dispatched through South Benguela, Angola the “Door of No Return.” Explore the rain africa Cape Town Ride the Benguela Railway; discover the forest of Kakum National Park. (B,L,D) region’s art deco architecture. (B,L,D) Apr. 12: Monrovia, Liberia EXPEDITION DETAILS Through meetings with local officials and DATES: 2013 March 18 communities, learn about the remarkable See page 62-63 for rates. strides that Liberia has made since its civil OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS war ended in 2003. Tour the city. (B,L,D) Add 2 days in Cape Town and environs, or spend 3 days pre-voyage in South Africa’s Apr. 13–15: Freetown, Sierra Leone/ Mala Mala Reserve. Extend your stay in At Sea/Banjul, Gambia Marrakech. Visit our website or call for details. Chimpanzees, Rehabilitation Center. Following a tour of Freetown, visit the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary, or NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PHOTOGRAPHER: Mar. 28 and 29: AT SEA/Pointe-Noire, visit communities. Then encounter Massimo Bassano has published his work Republic of the Congo Gambia’s rich culture and wildlife. (B,L,D) in National Geographic Traveler, and has At Pointe-Noire we visit the Ma-Loango explored over 20 countries in Africa. Regional Museum, the residence of the rulers of Apr. 16–18: Dakar, Senegal/At Sea Learn more at expeditions.com/photo the Kingdom of Loango for hundreds of years, Discover the history of the and browse a superb handicraft market. A drive at Gorée Island, and enjoy a Senegalese EXPEDITION staff: through the attractive countryside takes us to music performance. (B,L,D) You’re traveling in good company. Visit our Diosso Gorge, with its red rock cliffs. (B,L,D) website to learn about your expedition team. Apr. 19-21: Ad Dakhla, Use your smartphone to Mar. 30 and 31: At Sea/Libreville, Gabon Western Sahara (Morocco)/ watch our West Africa video. Explore Libreville, seeing the carved pillars TENERIFE, Canary Is./at sea See pg. 3 for details. of St. Michel de Nkembo, and walk in the Explore the incredible White on the Mondah Forest. Or, take a boat to Pointe Denis Bay of Dakhla, and visit Tenerife in the lush for the chance to swim, birdwatch and see the Canary Islands. (B,L,D) turtle museum. (B,L,D) Apr. 22–23: AGADIR, MOROCCO/ Apr. 1 and 2: São Tomé, São Tomé and OVERNIGHT MARRAKECH/U.S. Príncipe Disembark at Agadir and spend a day Spend two days exploring this stunning exploring Marrakech. The following morning, archipelago nation on and walking transfer to the airport for your return flight. At cacao plantation, São Tomé. excursions. (B,L,D) Overnight Sofitel Marrakech. (B,L,D)

VIEW THIS ITINERARY AT WWW.EXPEDITIONS.COM/WESTAFRICA 23 The Catherine Palace, St. Petersburg, . The Baltics: Rich in meaning

The nine countries with shorelines on the Baltic Sea. The former province of Imperial Russia, today’s Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. The countries on the historical trade route through the Baltic Sea, including and Norway. Depending on the context, the term Baltic region can mean all three of the above, and more. And in the context of an expedition aboard National Geographic Explorer, it means an opportunity to see more facets and learn more about this prismatic and meaningful region.

Fascinating layers of history, geopolitical relationships and merchant ambition over the centuries are revealed on our itinerary. And an entertaining level of diversity is encountered—contrasting countries, languages, cultures. There is something for everyone: for lovers of history, art, architecture, cuisine, music, as Explorer, like a needle threading a tapestry, weaves the connections between these fascinating countries that share a single sea. A sea that will be a vital dimension on our expedition: giving us the same grand access that the nobles and traders of yesteryear enjoyed—to enter water-facing cities through their regal front doors.

We’ll range from the imperial splendors of St. Petersburg to the charms of quaint, age-old villages. We’ll revel in the dimmed luster of the former Hanseatic League, and discover living history in the free people of Estonia. Accompanied by our knowledgeable expedition team, we’ll see the dots on the map of the Baltic region bloom and reveal their facets—in the context of a meaningful voyage.

Copenhagen.

WWW.EXPEDITIONS.COM 25 A CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF THE BALTIC SEA 16 DAYS/14 NIGHTS—Aboard National Geographic explorer Experience & Expertise PRICES FROM: $13,990 to $25,670 (See pages 62-63 for complete prices.) Whether it’s on deck, on walks through medieval Traveling aboard the National Geographic Explorer, discover the A+ towns or in informative countries united by the Baltic Sea, encountering fascinating cultures exped ition team lectures aboard, your team and histories. Meet former President Lech Walesa and see the historic of an expedition leader, shipyards in Gda´nsk, Poland; stroll through medieval towns; visit the 8 historians/naturalists, a National Geographic photographer, LEX/NG-certified great maritime capital of Stockholm; and explore the treasures of the photo instructor, undersea specialist Hermitage Museum during a two-day stay in stunning St. Petersburg. and Global Perspectives guest speaker will illuminate all you see. Our wellness Expedition Highlights specialist is on call for treatments. And our ▶▶ Venture into the medieval Old Towns of Lübeck, Riga, and Tallinn, video chronicler will create a lasting record designated UNESCO World Heritage sites. of your unique voyage. ▶▶ Explore the tiny islands along the Finnish and Swedish by kayak or on nature walks. ▶▶ View one of the world’s greatest art collections at the Hermitage Museum, explore St. Petersburg’s imperial treasures, including the palace of Catherine the First. ▶▶ Meet with former President of Poland Lech Walesa.

Two young girls from Riga, in dance costumes.

May 10 and 11: U.S./Amsterdam, THE NETHERLANDS/EMBARK St. Petersburg Depart on an overnight flight to Amsterdam Stockholm Tallinn and embark our ship. (L,D) ESTONIA RUSSIA May 12: At Sea/Kiel Canal, GERMANY Visby SWEDEN Sail along the German coast this morning LATVIA Riga and transit the Kiel Canal, which passes DENMARK Copenhagen Baltic Sea south of Denmark, connecting the North Sea Christiansø Klaipeda LITHUANIA and the Baltic Sea. (B,L,D) Kiel Canal Bornholm

Gdansk May 13: Lübeck, Germany Lübeck GERMANY POLAND Our ship heads into the canals of Lübeck, Amsterdam the medieval capital of the former Hanseatic League. Take a boat ride along the canals and a walking tour after lunch. (B,L,D) May 19 and 20: St. Petersburg, Russia EXPEDITION DETAILS Explore Catherine Palace in Pushkin, admire DATES: 2013 May 10 the treasures of the Hermitage Museum, and May 14: Christiansø and Bornholm See pages 62-63 for rates. Islands, Denmark visit the Peter and Paul Fortress and golden- Travel by Zodiac to the small island of domed St. Isaac’s Cathedral. (B,L,D) NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PHOTOGRAPHERs: Christiansø and wander through an artists’ vil- Photographers Sisse Brimberg and Cotton lage that occupies the site of an 18th-century May 21: Exploring Coastal Finland Coulson have collectively photographed more castle. At the island of Bornholm, explore the Today we explore the granite islands along than 50 stories for National Geographic and ruins of Denmark’s largest fortress. (B,L,D) the coastline, looking for an idyllic place to National Geographic Traveler magazines. take a Zodiac cruise, launch our kayaks, and Learn more at expeditions.com/photo May 15: Gda´nsk, Poland go for a hike. (B,L,D) GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES GUEST SPEAKER Poland’s Solidarity movement was born in From electrician to labor leader the Gda´nsk shipyards. Visit the Monument to May 22: Stockholm, SWEDEN to Nobel Peace Prize Laureate the Fallen Shipyard Workers and a museum At the Museum, see a 17th-century to elected President of Poland, detailing the fall of communism in Poland. In warship—the prize of King Gustavus Lech Walesa was a key player Gda´nsk’s Old Town, see the 15th-century Artus Adolphus’s navy that sank on its maiden in Poland’s transition from com- Court. Then, by special arrangement, meet voyage. Then stroll the cobbled streets of munism, and he will meet with guests in his with former President of Poland and Nobel Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s pastel-hued Old hometown of Gda´nsk. Peace Prize Laureate Lech Walesa. (B,L,D) Town. (B,L,D) EXPEDITION STAFF May 16: Klaipeda, Lithuania May 23: Visby, Gotland You’re traveling in good company. Visit our From Klaipeda, travel north to the seaside At this former Viking trading post, see website to learn about your expedition team. town of Palanga, stopping at a 19th-century fascinating Viking artifacts at the Fornsal estate that houses the celebrated Amber Museum, explore the walled old city, and visit Use your smartphone to Museum. (B,L,D) the botanical gardens. (B,L,D) watch our Baltic video. See pg. 3 for details. May 17: Riga, Latvia May 24: Exploring southern Sweden A former Hanseatic League port, Riga is Today, our plans are flexible so we can enjoy Picturesque Tallinn. renowned for its architectural diversity. the best of spring in southern Sweden. Take Venture into its 14th-century castle, and leisurely walks, get acquainted with Swedish explore the Great Guild Hall Square. (B,L,D) coastal culture, and photograph everyday life in centuries-old seaside villages. (B,L,D) May 18: Tallinn, Estonia Tallinn’s Hanseatic Old Town is one of the May 25: Copenhagen, Denmark/ Baltic’s best preserved medieval cities. DISEMBARK/U.S. Explore this World Heritage site, and, if you Disembark in Copenhagen and transfer to wish, have lunch ashore. (B,L,D) the airport for your return flight home. (B)

VIEW THIS ITINERARY AT WWW.EXPEDITIONS.COM/BALTICS 27 Polar bear trio, Svalbard Archipelago. The Arctic: A pole apart

The Arctic, like Antarctica at the other end of the world, is imbued with romance, a romance that clings to both poles like a glittering mantle of ice. A romance that stems from the history of polar exploration, from the singular, dashing figures of the explorers who made their various claims on it. And from the Arctic’s extraordinary beauty, plus its central symbol—the polar bear, a super-predator of singular majesty. Inuit woman and son.

While lordly and solitary, the polar bear is not alone in the vastness of the Arctic. We see all manner of fascinating creatures there. Huddles of walrus turning from dun to terra cotta as they profit from communal heat. Caribou drifting like smoke over the blooming spring tundra. Musk-oxen, one of the oldest species on earth, enduring through time and . And many species of whales including, with luck, the rarest: the belugas, “canaries of the ocean,” and the improbable, elusive narwhals.

We also see people. Unlike Antarctica, irredeemably un-peopled, the Arctic has been inhabited by native communities for thousands of years, despite having some of the most inhospitable terrain on earth: one of the contradictions that makes the Arctic so intriguing we’ve returned to explore it for more than 30 years.

The Arctic is, as we all know by now, a bellwether geography. In 2007, we hosted the Arctic Summit, a gathering of top business, religious and political leaders to maximize awareness and inspire action on global environmental issues, aboard National Geographic Endeavour. The Arctic’s vulner- ability, evidenced in changes we’ve witnessed in our decades of exploring, and documented by the scientific community, in addition to the region’s allures, has inspired us to deepen Photographer on the tundra in Svalbard. our commitment to exploring there.

In 2013 we will offer five expeditions to various sectors of the vast Arctic geography. Our season is a unique opportunity for travelers to delve into natural history and human history in one of the planet’s most inspiring geographies.

WWW.EXPEDITIONS.COM 29 LAND OF THE ICE BEARS: AN IN-DEPTH EXPLORATION OF ARCTIC SVALBARD 11 DAYS/9 NIGHTS—Aboard National Geographic explorer Experience & Expertise PRICES FROM: $8,650 to $15,990 (See pages 62-63 for complete prices.) Ace spotters, our veteran expedition leader and 8 A high Arctic archipelago situated between Norway and the North + 30 naturalists, are your best Pole, Svalbard is a place of deep fjords, snowcapped mountains, years assurance of seeing polar experience massive sheets of ice, and magnificent polar bears. Travel under bears in their native habitat, the midnight sun aboard the National Geographic Explorer, and the ice. Our undersea specialist will reveal experience nature in its purest form. the deep, and the National Geographic photographer and LEX/NG-certified photo instructor aboard will see to it that you Expedition Highlights get your shots, while the video chronicler ▶▶ Search for the very symbol of the Arctic—the polar bear—and observe these majestic creates a lasting record of your voyage. creatures in their natural habitat, on the sea ice. Visit our website for staff bios and see ▶▶ Take naturalist-led walks, and cruise among beautiful icebergs in a Zodiac or a kayak. the scheduled guest speakers on the ▶▶ Experience the legendary midnight sun: the ethereal light of the northern summer, facing page. when the sun never sets. ▶▶ Watch for huge walruses, bearded and ringed seals, arctic foxes, and reindeer.

A polar bear leaps from an ice floe in Svalbard.

30 arctic

DAYS 1 and 2: U.S./OSLO, NORWAY and a seasoned naturalist staff, venture to

Depart on an overnight flight to Oslo. Upon the foot of vast tidewater glaciers, kayak 80°N Spitsbergen arrival, check into the Continental Hotel (or among sparkling icebergs, and explore Nordaustlandet

similar). Explore this charming city, stroll fjords that split the coastline. Hike through Edgeøya among the famed Vigeland sculptures— miniature gardens blooming on the tundra; Longyearbyen hundreds of life-size human figures set in and search the edge of the pack ice for polar SVALBARD terraced parkland. Visit the Fram Museum, bears, walruses, seals, reindeer, and arctic Barents Sea dedicated to the wooden ship sailed by foxes. Nowhere can the polar bear be seen Norwegian explorers Nansen and Amundsen. more reliably in its natural environment than The evening is free to explore Oslo on your own. here. (B,L,D)

T � o/From Oslo DAY 3: OSLO/LONGYEARBYEN/EMBARK Depart Oslo on a charter flight, and enjoy breathtaking vistas en route to Longyearbyen. Norway Embark National Geographic Explorer, your base for the next six days. (B,L,D) EXPEDITION DETAILS DATES: 2013 Jun. 7, 14, 21, 28 Days 4–9: Exploring Svalbard See pages 62-63 for rates. This voyage is undertaken in the spirit of Optional Extensions discovery, and our travel in the archipelago is Add a five-day pre-voyage extension to exploratory by design. In a region ruled not Norway’s Fjords, or a four-day post-voyage by humans but by polar bears, we let nature A reindeer lopes along the tundra. extension to Iceland. See pages 32-33 or guide our course. Svalbard lies north of the call for details. Arctic Circle, where the summer midnight sun DAY 10: LONGYEARBYEN/DISEMBARK/OSLO never sets. With our fully-stabilized ice-class In Longyearbyen, the largest settlement GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES expedition ship, we are able to probe the ice in Svalbard, disembark and enjoy time GUEST SPEAKERS: in search of wildlife; our exact day-to-day to explore. Founded by an American coal Travel with scientist & author itinerary remains flexible, depending on executive in 1906, this is one of the north- Jared Diamond (Jun. 21), or local ice and weather conditions. Zodiacs ernmost human settlements on Earth. Fly oceanographer Don Walsh and kayaks take us closer to experience the back to Oslo and overnight at the Radisson (right) (Jun. 7). region’s geologic features and the wildlife Blu Hotel. (B,L) that flourish during the summer months. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PHOTOGRAPHER: With our National Geographic photographer DAY 11: OSLO/FLY TO U.S. (B) Michael Melford has produced 14 feature stories for National Geographic magazine, and more than 30 stories for National Geographic Traveler. He will join the June 21 & 28 voyages. Learn more at expeditions.com/photo

EXPEDITION STAFF You’re traveling in good company. Select the date that interests you and visit our website to learn about your expedition team.

Use your smartphone to watch our Arctic Svalbard video. See pg. 3 for details. A polar bear leaps from an ice floe in Svalbard. Kayakers off Svalbard’s pristine coast.

VIEW THIS ITINERARY AT WWW.EXPEDITIONS.COM/BEAR 31 OPTIONAL PRE-VOYAGE EXTENSION THE HEART OF NORWAY’S FJORDS 5 DAYS/5 NIGHTS 2013 PRICES*: Please call for extension rates *To be added to the voyage cost. Airfare not included. Ask for details. Adds 5 days/5 nights to the voyage. The “Norwegian Fjords” extension can be taken before “Land of the Ice Bears.”

The rich landscapes of southern Norway, including Sognefjord—the longest and deepest in Norway—are the ideal addition to your adventures. Thundering waterfalls and snowy peaks offer wonderful photo ops. Expedition Highlights ▶▶ Hike, kayak and canoe along the Sognefjord, the longest and deepest fjord in Norway. ▶▶ Explore Bergen, seeing the historic Bryggen Wharf area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. ▶▶ Take a thrilling ride on the Flam Railway through Norway’s magnificent scenery. Bergen.

DAY 1: U.S./FLY TO BERGEN, NORWAY (via Hanseatic Museum. Venture into St. Mary’s scenery: rivers that cut through deep ravines, Copenhagen) Church and the rebuilt Fantoft Stave Church, tiny hamlets and impressive waterfalls. Next as well as composer Edvard Grieg’s home. Ride we take a spectacular fjord cruise across DAY 2: BERGEN the funicular for an extraordinary view. (B,L) the dramatic fjords of Naeroy and both arms Arrive in the lovely Hansa city of Bergen, of the Sognefjord. Back on land, we motor gateway to the Norwegian fjords. The powerful DAY 4: FLÅM RAILWAY/SOGNEFJORD/ through the Naeroydal Valley via Stalheim Hanseatic League once ruled the seas of ULLENSVANG Canyon with breathtaking views. Check into Northern Europe. Check in to the Radisson A must-do on any exploration of the fjordlands, the Hotel Ullensvang for two nights. (B,L,D) Blu Royal, or similar. (D) a thrilling ride on the Flåm Railway con- nects the mountain plateau of Myrdal down DAY 5: ULLENSVANG DAY 3: BERGEN 2,838 feet to the town of Flåm. See some Set on the of Sorfjord, our hotel Visit the historic Bryggen Wharf and the of Norway’s wildest and most magnificent offers a day of relaxing activities. Kayak or canoe in the fjord, hike the trails, visit the Hardanger Folkmuseum, or simply enjoy the fjord views. (B,L,D)

DAY 6: ULLENSVANG/OSLO Today’s opening act is the Tvindefoss and Voeringsfossen waterfalls and Lake Oppheim. Continue our scenic drive to Oslo, stopping en route for a visit to a well-preserved Norwegian wooden stave church, built over 800 years ago. Arrive in Oslo and check into the Continental Hotel, or similar. (B,L)

DAY 7: OSLO This morning is at leisure before meeting the Flåm Railway. main group. (B)

32 1.800.EXPEDITION (1.800.397.3348) arctic

OPTIONAL Post-VOYAGE EXTENSION ICELAND’S NATURAL WONDERS 4 DAYS/4 NIGHTS DAY 1: OSLO, NORWAY/KEFLAVIK, ICELAND/ 2013 PRICES*: Please call for extension rates AKUREYRI Fly to Iceland, arriving in Akureyri. Check in *To be added to the voyage cost. Airfares not included. Ask for details. to the Edda Hotel (or similar) where dinner is Adds 4 days/4 nights to the voyage. served. (B,D) The “Iceland’s Natural Wonders” extension can be taken after “Land of the Ice Bears” and “Norway’s Fjords and Arctic Svalbard” departures. DAY 2: AKUREYRI/LAKE MYVATN/AKUREYRI The geothermal waters at Lake Mývatn are Once you’ve seen the land of ice, it only makes sense to see its counter- a sanctuary for bird part: the land of fire and ice—Iceland. Explore Iceland’s hot springs, life. The lava field is dotted with natural bubbling mud pools, spouting geysers and massive icecaps and glaciers. sculptures. Return to Akureyri. (B,L,D) Expedition Highlights DAY 3: AKUREYRI/ ▶▶ Explore Iceland’s glaciers, waterfalls,hot springs and boiling mud pools. REYKJAVIK Bergen. ▶▶ Stroll the old town of Reykjavik, the world’s northernmost capital. Fly to Reykjavík, ▶▶ See nature and history converge at Thingvellir National Park. capital of Iceland, and transfer to the Centrum Hotel. This afternoon, we explore the city: Albingi Parliament House, Government House (a former prison, which was Geysir Hot Springs. built in the 18th century), and the impressive Hallgrímskirkja Church with its 240-foot-high tower are among our stops. (B,L)

DAY 4: GOLDEN CIRCLE: GULLFOSS AND GEYSIR/REYKJAVIK See Iceland’s wild side: glacial waterfalls, rivers and hot springs. Gullfoss Falls thunders. Geysir Hot Springs steam. And at Thingvellir National Park we see nature and history converge: it’s the open-air site of the ancient Parliament. (B,L,D)

DAY 5: REYKJAVIK/KEFLAVIK/U.S. Morning is at leisure. Opt to spend your time at the famous Blue thermal baths. All guests transfer to the Blue Lagoon for lunch, continuing to Keflavik Airport for Gullfoss falls. flights home. (B,L)

WWW.EXPEDITIONS.COM 33 Norway’s Fjords and Arctic Svalbard 18 DAYS/16 NIGHTS—Aboard National Geographic explorer Experience & Expertise PRICES FROM: $13,820 to $25,320 (See pages 62-63 for complete prices.) Our unparalleled expedition team is key to an in-depth Follow Norway’s fjord-carved coast past the North Cape to the icy + 30 experience, and our generous isles of Svalbard on board the National Geographic Explorer. From years staff-to-guest ratio of 1:10 experience the charming town of Bergen, enter the fjord lands, kayaking narrow means more choice in that slice between towering peaks, visiting fishing villages, and activities, and more diverse personalities hiking wildflower-strewn islands. Explore Tromsø and Bear Island on and interests you can gravitate to. An expedition leader, 8 naturalists/historians, the way to the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard, where polar bears prowl a National Geographic photographer, a and walruses haul out on ice floes and rocky shores. Lindblad-National Geographic certified photo instructor, a Global Perspectives Expedition Highlights guest speaker, undersea specialist, video chronicler and a wellness specialist ▶▶ Stroll past medieval wooden houses in Bryggen, a UNESCO site in Bergen. all contribute to your experience of the ▶▶ Discover hidden inlets and cascading waterfalls while kayaking in the spectacular region’s wonders. Visit our website for staff fjord lands. and guest speaker bios. ▶▶ Learn about the cultures that flourish on the Arctic’s edge. ▶▶ Spot polar bears and seals on the ice floes of the Svalbard archipelago.

Late evening view in a small Norwegian fishing village. arctic

May 24 and 25: U.S./Copenhagen June 2: Tromsø DENMARK/EMBARK Tromsø is known as the “gateway to the Nordaustlandet Depart on an overnight flight to Copenhagen, Arctic” because so many Arctic expeditions Spitsbergen

Denmark. Stop to see the famous Little originated here. Visit the Polar Museum and Edgeøya Mermaid statue before boarding the National the Arctic Cathedral, where the unique archi- SVALBARD Longyearbyen Geographic Explorer. (L, D) tecture evokes snow and icebergs. (B,L,D) Barents Sea May 26: Rasvag, Norway June 3 and 4: At Sea/Bjørnøya Bear Island Drop anchor at the picturesque village of (Bear Island) Rasvag on the island of Hidra. Photograph We now set our sights on the high Arctic, North Cape the sailboats in the harbor, visit the museum, taking advantage of opportunities to explore or stop for tea in the Skipperhuset, the on our way to Bear Island. Glide a Zodiac into “Captain’s House.” (B,L,D) the and inlets of this mist-shrouded island, populated by hundreds of thousands Tromsø May 27: Bergen of fulmars, kittiwakes, and guillemots. (B,L,D) Arrive in Bergen, the gateway to the fjord lands. Ringed by seven hills, this beautiful Lofoten Islands city was once an important Hanseatic trading center. Discover Bergen’s maritime history on Arctic Circle

s d a guided walk of Bryggen, a UNESCO World n a l d Heritage site. (B,L,D) r jo F May 28: Nordfjord Nordfjord sweden Glide through the little-known Nordfjord and travel overland to see the jagged peaks and Norway turquoise lake of Olden Valley. Hike through Bergen deep, glacially carved valleys to Briksdal Glacier. (B,L,D) Oslo

May 29 and 30: Exploring the Fjords Rasvag of Norway A curious polar bear cub and its mother. denmark Copenhagen Along the dramatic coast of central Norway, cruise in a Zodiac along vertical rock faces, June 5-8: Exploring Svalbard paddle a kayak past countless waterfalls, Spend four days searching for walruses, and go for a hike with our naturalists. Explore seals, reindeer, arctic foxes, and polar bears EXPEDITION DETAILS hidden gems such as Melfjorden, a spectacu- among the deep fjords, mountains, and ice DATE: 2013 May 24 lar narrow that cuts between high sheets of Svalbard. Our itinerary is flexible to See pages 62-63 for rates. granite cliffs. (B,L,D) allow us to make the most of ice and weather conditions, and wildlife sightings. Optional Extension May 31: Lofoten Islands walks and Zodiac and kayaking adventures Add a four-day post-voyage extension to Travel among the by Zodiac to view bring us up close to untouched landscapes Iceland. Visit our website or call for details. Atlantic puffins, razorbills, and guillemots. and passing icebergs. (B,L,D) GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES GUEST SPEAKER: Stroll through one of the small fishing villages. Travel with oceanographer Don Walsh. Cruise into dramatic Trollfjorden, one of the June 9: Longyearbyen/DISEMBARK/OSLO most famous fjords in Norway. (B,L,D) Disembark in Longyearbyen, one of the NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PHOTOGRAPHERs: northernmost human settlements on Earth. Travel with renowned photographers Sisse June 1: Tysfjorden Visit the Svalbard Museum and the art Brimberg and Cotton Coulson. This morning, enter the long fjord of gallery. Board a charter flight to Oslo. Tysfjorden, where only a few small villages Overnight at the Radisson Blu Airport Use your smartphone to cling to the rocky shores. Explore Hellemobotn Hotel. (B,L) watch our Arctic Norway video. and the area’s numerous side channels by See pg. 3 for details. Zodiac, kayak, or on foot. (B,L,D) JUNE 10: Oslo/FLY TO U.S. (B)

VIEW THIS ITINERARY AT WWW.EXPEDITIONS.COM/NORTHCAPE 35 NEWAlong the Viking Trail: from ICELAND TO GREENLAND 12 DAYS/10 NIGHTS—Aboard National Geographic explorer Experience & Expertise PRICES FROM: $9,620 to $17,770 (See pages 62-63 for complete prices.) Our Scandinavian heritage and our expert team of Traveling aboard National Geographic Explorer, follow in the wake of A+ an expedition leader, 8 legendary explorers as you discover the dramatic landscapes and exped ition team naturalists/historians, rich traditions of Greenland and Iceland. Explore Iceland’s western a National Geographic fjords by Zodiac; kayak among the magnificent icebergs of East photographer, LEX/NG-certified photo instructor, video chronicler, and undersea Greenland; and hike amid charming northern hamlets. Along the way, specialist are your assurance of an in- get immersed in Nordic history on visits to fascinating Viking sites depth and memorable experience. Our and settlements with our experts. Global Perspectives guest speaker (page right) adds unique insight to our interest in Expedition Highlights Viking achievements. ▶▶ Explore Reykjavik, the world’s northernmost town, and discover Visit our website for staff and guest the wild western coast of Iceland. speaker bios. ▶▶ Venture to two remarkable sites on the Viking Trail, settled by Erik the Red 500 years before Columbus. ▶▶ Glide between soaring ice floes in East Greenland, exploring via Zodiac, kayak and on foot. ▶▶ Meet the friendly Greenlanders who maintain their traditional lifestyle.

A puffin on the clifftops.

36 arctic

JUL. 18: U.S./FLY OVERNIGHT TO REYKJAVíK, GREENLAND ICELAND (KALAALLIT NUNAAT) Davis Kangerlussuaq JUL. 19: REYKJAVíK/EMBARK Denmark Strait Arrive in Reykjavík, the world’s northernmost ARCTIC CIRCLE Flatey Is. capital which lies only a fraction below the iceland Arctic Circle. Have a guided overview of the Nuuk Skjoldungen Fjord Reykjavík Old Town, including Hallgrímskirkja Cathedral Napasorsuaq with its 240-foot tower, and shed some light Fjord Atlantic Ocean Barents Sea on Nordic culture at the National Museum, Brattahlid with its Viking treasures and artifacts. Embark Qaqortoq Prins Christian Sund National Geographic Explorer. (L,D) Nanortalik

JUL. 20: THE WEST COAST OF ICELAND National Geographic Explorer navigates Site, it is the most extensive Norse site in EXPEDITION DETAILS Iceland’s wild western frontier, sailing past Greenland. Our ship continues to Eriksfjord, DATE: 2013 Jul. 18 the immense Latrabjarg cliffs, the western- the area Erik the Red chose for his farm when See pages 62-63 for rates. most point of Iceland and home to a huge he settled here in 982 AD. Explore Brattahlid, population of razorbills. Continue to Flatey, site of the first Christian church in the western SPECIAL OFFER hemisphere, built by Erik’s wife, Tjodhilde. This an island trading post for centuries, for walks Book by Oct. 31, 2012 and receive free region is also the starting point of the first voy- around the charming hamlet. (B,L,D) charter airfare (based on charter flight ages to North America by his son Leif Eriksson Kangerlussuaq to Ottawa.) Please see page 500 years before Columbus. (B,L,D) JUL. 21: CROSSING THE DENMARK STRAIT 64 or call for details. National Geographic Explorer crosses to Greenland, following in the wake of Eric the JUL. 25: QAQORTOQ Back-to-back savings: Save 10% when Red and Brendan the Navigator. Watch for Inhabited since Norse times, the you combine Viking Trails with the voyage blue whales. (B,L,D) Scandinavian influence is still apparent preceding it (Circumnavigating Iceland) and/ in the colorful wooden buildings and town or the voyage following it (Arctic Quest). Call JUL. 22: EXPLORING EAST GREENLAND museum, displaying Greenlandic kayaks, for details. The Greenland Ice Sheet is the second largest hunting equipment, art and crafts. (B,L,D) OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS ice body in the world, after the Antarctic ice Add four days pre-voyage exploring Iceland. sheet, covering roughly 80% of the surface of JUL. 26: NUUK Visit our website, or call for details. Greenland. The high arctic-like climate is dom- Nuuk is the world’s smallest capital inated by ice floes. Among our options are city with 15,000 inhabitants. Visit the GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES GUEST SPEAKER: landings at Skjoldungen fjord or Napasorsuaq National Museum with its famous 15th- Author and adventurer Tim Severin is one of fjord. We’ll use our tools for exploration to the century Qilakitsoq mummies, found near the last traditional-style explorers—testing fullest, taking Zodiac or kayak forays among Uummannaq, and the subject of a National theories of early migration for over 20 years. the icebergs and deploying our ROV. (B,L,D) Geographic cover story. (B,L,D) NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PHOTOGRAPHERS: JUL. 23: PRINS CHRISTIAN SUND & JUL. 27: GREENLAND’S WEST COAST Travel with renowned photographers Sisse NANORTALIK Today is for exploration. Take a Zodiac cruise, Brimberg and Cotton Coulson. Be on deck to view Prins Christian Sund, a kayak, or hike across the tundra. Our under- Learn more, at expeditions.com/exphoto. major fjord surrounded by mountain pinnacles sea specialist may launch the ROV to see the Colorful Scandinavian-style houses. and glaciers. Anchor off Nanortalik, Greenland’s marine life inhabiting the fjord floor. (B,L,D) most southerly town. Go ashore to the picturesque little town. (B,L,D) JUL. 28: KANGERLUSSUAQ/DISEMBARK/ FLY TO OTTAWA, CANADA/U.S. JUL. 24: QAQORTUKULOOQ (HVALSEY Disembark in Kangerlussuaq and fly to Ottawa RUINS)/QASSIARSUK & BRATTAHLID via chartered aircraft. Overnight at the Fairmont Explore two remarkable sites on the Viking Chateau Laurier. (B) Trail. Qaqortukulooq was settled by one of Erik the Red’s cousins in 986 AD. A World Heritage JUL. 29: OTTAWA/FLY TO U.S. (B)

VIEW THIS ITINERARY AT WWW.EXPEDITIONS.COM/VIKINGTRAIL 37 NEWarctic quest: GREENLAND and THE CANADIAN HIGH ARCTIC 17 DAYS/15 NIGHTS—Aboard National Geographic explorer Experience & Expertise PRICES FROM: $16,160 to $29,850 (See pages 62-63 for complete prices.) There is simply no better, more veteran team with Venture deep into the far reaches of the Arctic, a land where polar + 30 whom to head into this bears roam, walruses loll, and hardy Inuit communities maintain their years bell-wether geography. Our experience traditional way of life. Aboard National Geographic Explorer, trace expedition leader, and 8 the rugged fjords of Greenland and navigate the mouth of Canada’s naturalists are Arctic-adept. A National Geographic photographer, LEX/NG-certified legendary Northwest Passage. Spot polar bears on the pack ice, photo instructor and video chronicler watch for a wide variety of whales—from minke and killer whales to will help you capture the experience. An the rare narwhal. Get up close to massive glaciers, and hike the wild undersea specialist and wellness specialist islands that dot Canada’s northern shores. round out our team. And the Global Perspectives Guest Speaker adds relevant Expedition Highlights insight. Visit our website for staff and guest speaker bios. ▶▶ Glide between soaring icebergs at the mouth of the Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO site. ▶▶ Observe polar bears, walruses, ringed seals, belugas, and narwhals in their natural habitat. ▶▶ Spend a week discovering the incredible wildlife and landscapes of the Canadian High Arctic. A magnificent iceberg rises like a cathedral ▶▶ Explore Ummannaq, the site of an impressive mummy find featured in National in Greenland’s Ilulissat Icefjord. Geographic magazine. arctic

Day 1: U.S./Ottawa, Canada Beechy Island Devon Island Fly to Ottawa and check in to the Fairmont Chateau Laurier, or similar. (D) Prince Lancaster Leopold Island Bylot Is. GREENLAND (KALAALLIT NUNAAT) Day 2: OTTAWA/IQALUIT, CANADA/EMBARK Admiralty Baffin Bay Pond Inlet Take our charter flight to Iqaluit, Canada, where we embark National Geographic Baffin Island Explorer. (B,L,D) Uummannaq Ilulissat Day 3: SOUTH BAFFIN IS./FROBISHER BAY The southeastern tip of Baffin Island forms t v u n a the mouth of the Hudson Strait and is N u Kangerlussuaq surrounded by tiny islands. Lower Savage and Sisimiut Resolution Islands are often a summer home

to polar bears stranded by the retreating Iqaluit Hall pack ice. Navigate the ice floes and rocks Hudson Strait Pen. Davis Strait in a Zodiac, and spot harbor seals frolicking Lady Franklin Island in the icy waters. Continue into Frobisher Resolution Island Bay—named for the English navigator who came across it on his quest for the Northwest discovered in 1972 among the remains of EXPEDITION DETAILS Passage—and sail northward. (B,L,D) an old Inuit settlement. The mummies were DATES: 2013 Jul. 27*, Aug. 10 featured on the cover of the February 1985 *This voyage travels from Kangerlussuaq Day 4: HALL issue of National Geographic magazine. to Iqaluit. Spend the day exploring the wild Hall (B,L,D) See pages 62-63 for rates. Peninsula of Baffin Island. Hike the tundra in search of caribou and arctic foxes, or Day 14: DISKO BAY & ILULISSAT ARCTIC GREENLAND follow our botanist to learn more about hardy Sail into Disko Bay to explore the World SPECIALIST: arctic plants. Then cruise along the cliffs of Heritage site of Ilulissat Icefjord, a tongue Henning Thing is a native Monumental and Lady Franklin Islands to see of the Greenland ice cap that extends to of Denmark and has a walruses hauled out on the rocks. (B,L,D) the bay. Take an extraordinary cruise among Ph.D. in arctic wildlife ecology. towering icebergs. Then walk alongside this (Aug. 10, 2013) DAYS 5-11: EXPLORING THE CANADIAN immense, calving glacier to the Inuit fishing NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PHOTOGRAPHER: HIGH ARCTIC village of Sermermiut. (B,L,D) Flip Nicklin (left) is one of Lancaster Sound is the eastern gateway to the the world’s leading pho- Arctic Archipelago, named by explorer William DAY 15: GREENLAND’S WEST COAST & tographers of whales (Aug. Baffin when he ventured here in the 17th SISIMIUT 10, 2013); Chris Rainier century to search for the Northwest Passage. Dozens of deep fjords carve into Greenland’s is a leading documentary Our days here will be spent searching for west coast, many with glaciers fed by the ice photographer (Jul. 27, 2013). ringed seals, arctic foxes, walruses, and polar cap that covers 80% of the country. Discover Learn more at expeditions.com/photo bears, as well as beluga, killer, and bowhead this beautiful and ragged coastline, searching whales. We may even see the elusive narwhal, for humpback and minke whales. At Sisimiut, an arctic whale known for the spiraling tooth a former whaling port, visit the museum that projects up to ten feet from its upper jaw. and wander amid a jumble of 18th-century Delve into the region’s cultural history on visits wooden buildings. (B,L,D) to archaeological sites of the Thule people and traditional Inuit villages. (B,L,D) DAY 16: KANGERLUSSUAQ/DISEMBARK/ OTTAWA, CANADA DAY 12: AT SEA IN BAFFIN BAY (B,L,D) Disembark in Kangerlussuaq and fly to Ottawa by chartered aircraft. Overnight at Day 13: UUMMANNAQ, GREENLAND our hotel. (B,L) Stop at Uummannaq, where a collection With luck, we may spot narwhals. of mummies dating back to 1475 was DAY 17: OTTAWA/HOME (B)

VIEW THIS ITINERARY AT WWW.EXPEDITIONS.COM/QUEST 39 Travelers take in the power and beauty of Godafoss waterfall in Iceland. Of ice and men

To a geologist, there’s little that’s more exciting than geology. For the rest of us (curious, intelligent travelers that we are) geology is interesting, to greater or lesser degrees, depending on where we are and what we’re looking at. But there’s one place on earth where geol- ogy is so exciting, it’s downright sexy: Iceland.

Geologically young, Iceland is located on both the Iceland hotspot and the Mid-Atlantic Ridge—which means it is highly geologically active with many volcanoes—hundreds of them, in fact. Most famously, the volcano in Eyjafjallajökull erupted in 2010, forcing Icelandic horses. hundreds of Icelanders to abandon their homes, and sending ash billowing skyward, disrupting global air travel for days.

Iceland’s geology in all its manifestations—glaciers, geysers, thundering waterfalls, immense cliffs, geothermal springs, boiling mud pots and rock-and lava-scapes of unearthly beauty—is world class. It alone makes a circum- navigation a very compelling idea. And when you add in the other itinerary components—Iceland’s people, their unique cultural heritage and contempo- rary character, the island’s geography and wildlife—seeing it all is irresistible.

Voyaging from Iceland’s west coast, which gives fresh meaning to the term “wild west,” to Siglufjordur in the north, to the rarely visited, rugged east coast and culminating in the Westman Islands, among the youngest of the world’s , you’ll gain a rare 360º perspective on a small island nation that contains multitudinous treasures.

A soak in the Blue Lagoon.

WWW.EXPEDITIONS.COM 41 A CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF ICELAND 10 DAYS/8 NIGHTS—Aboard NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXPLORER Experience & Expertise PRICES FROM: $7,990 to $14,920 (See pages 62-63 for complete prices.) A circumnavigation is a rare and wonderful opportunity, Experience an enchanting land of geological extremes on a A+ in this case, abetted by our circumnavigation of Iceland. Encounter vast volcanic landscapes and exped ition team veteran team: an expedition the world’s youngest island, walk on lava fields and ice sheets, and leader, 8 naturalists, feel the spray of gushing hot springs and cascading waterfalls. Cruise several with geology expertise, and an undersea specialist. To help you capture among magnificent icebergs in Jökulsárlón, and spend a day on the the experience: a National Geographic Arctic Circle spotting rich birdlife. Kayak into fjords and serene bays, and photographer, LEX/NG-certified photo go hiking on magnificent and remote stretches of the coast. Cap off the instructor and our video chronicler. Rely adventure with a soak in the famous Blue Lagoon. on our wellness specialist to help you start and end your active days well. And count Expedition Highlights on our Global Perspectives guest speaker (see next page) for relevant insights. ▶▶ Explore Europe’s largest ice cap, and discover the lava-sculpted landscapes of the Westman Islands. ▶▶ Soak in hot springs, and see boiling mud pots and the thundering Godafoss Waterfall. ▶▶ Go whale-watching and spot birdlife on the shores of Iceland and its surrounding isles.

Natural basalt arch, Langanes Peninsula. iceland

JULy 10 and 11: U.S./Reykjavík, Iceland/ area in Iceland. See the bubbling mud pools Langanes EMBARK at Hverarönd and the volcanic crater at Viti Peninsula Fly overnight to Reykjavík, the world’s before continuing on for an unforgettable Ísafjördur northernmost capital. Take a guided overview sight: Godafoss, the “waterfall of the gods.” Húsavík Akureyri Lake of the Old Town, including Hallgrímskirkja Meet the ship in Húsavík, and set sail for Mývatn Cathedral. Learn about Norse culture at the the tiny island of Grímsey where we officially Flatey Is. iceland Djúpivogur National Museum, whose collection includes arrive in the Arctic Circle. (B,L,D) Viking treasures, artifacts, and whalebone Reykjavík carvings. Embark ship. (L,D) Atlantic Ocean Heimaey Island Surtsey Island JULy 12: Exploring the West Coast of Iceland Navigate Iceland’s wild western frontier, EXPEDITION DETAILS sailing past the soaring Latrabjarg cliffs, the DATE: 2013 Jul. 10 westernmost point of Iceland and home to See pages 62-63 for rates. a huge population of razorbills. Continue to Optional Extension the island of Flatey, a trading post for many Bubbling mud pools at Hverarönd. Add a one-day pre-voyage extension to see centuries, for walks and explorations of the ReykjavÍk’s Golden Circle. Visit our website or coast by Zodiac. (B,L,D) JULy 16: Exploring the Langanes call for details. Iceland’s rugged east coast is an unspoiled JULy 13: Ísafjördur stretch of rocky outcrops, hidden coves, and GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES GUEST SPEAKER: Located in the Western Fjords, Ísafjördur hills that beckon hikers. Today is left open National Geographic travel writer Andrew is a classic landscape sculpted by past to explore this beautiful landscape with our Evans, author of Bradt Travel Guide: Iceland. glaciers, and renowned for its traditional naturalists by Zodiac and on foot. (B,L,D) eider down production. It’s a picture postcard NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PHOTOGRAPHER: of Icelandic life and a great place for hiking, JULy 17: Djúpivogur Chris Rainier is considered one kayaking and for spotting eider ducks. (B,L,D) Dock in Djúpivogur to explore the vast of the leading documentary Vatnajökull ice cap. For a closer look at the photographers working today, ice cap, take a boat ride through Jökulsárlón, and has traveled to Iceland a lagoon strewn with spectacular icebergs often over the past 20 years to sculpted into all shapes and sizes by the capture the island’s stunning beauty. elements. (B,L,D) Learn more at expeditions.com/photo EXPEDITION STAFF JULy 18: Westman Islands You’re traveling in good company. Select the The Westman Islands were formed by undersea date that interests you and visit our website volcanoes between 5,000 and 10,000 years Razorbills. to learn about your expedition team. ago and are among the youngest of the world’s archipelagos. In 1963, the world witnessed on JULy 14: Exploring Iceland’s film the birth of its newest island, Surtsey—a Northern Coast UNESCO World Heritage Site—which we’ll see Start the day in Siglufjordur, the center of as we cruise past the coast. In 1973, Heimaey Iceland’s once-thriving herring industry, and was threatened by lava flows that nearly stop by the Herring Museum for a talk and closed off its harbor. Visit the crater, where the a tasting. Then continue on to picturesque earth is still hot, and take in amazing views of Akureyri, Iceland’s second largest city. Explore areas that were engulfed by lava. (B,L,D) the old town, with its beautifully maintained period houses set against a backdrop JULy 19: Reykjavík/DISEMBARK/U.S. of snow-capped mountains, or visit the We complete our circumnavigation today botanical garden. (B,L,D) and disembark in Reykjavík. Enjoy lunch in town, and take a soak in the geothermal JULy 15: Mývatn and Húsavík waters of the Blue Lagoon before your flight Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. Drive to Mývatn, the most geologically active home. (B,L)

VIEW THIS ITINERARY AT WWW.EXPEDITIONS.COM/ICELAND 43 Explorers hiking Cuverville Island, Antarctica. A pole for all seasons In October and November, the waters warm, and the fast ice enveloping Antarctic shores begins to give way. Virtually doubling the size of the continent, this annual sea ice is a massive nursery where Antarctic krill safely wait out the winter, until sunshine again produces its dramatic effect on the Southern Ocean.

As springtime advances and the sea ice retreats, phytoplankton begin to bloom, setting the feast for all successive life forms—from krill to whales, and all the penguins and seals in between. Hundreds of gentoo penguins parade before us, reestablishing their bonds, mating, staking their claims, and patiently waiting for the melting snow to yield nesting sites. There is a constant coming and going to and from the ocean. There’s the courtship behavior—one of the chief rewards of traveling to Antarctica in the spring. And the onset of -stealing, one of the most amusing of the vast repertoire of penguin behaviors to see.

Over the entire course of the brief but splendid arc of the Antarctic season, there are untold wonders to behold. From the magnificence of the ice in all its myriad forms, to teeming penguin colonies, to seas alive with thriving whales, and the deadly beauties of hunting leopard seals and killer whale pods.

From November to the last sailing in February, you have the opportunity for a genuine adventure of a lifetime, in the company of genuine explorers, accom- panied by genuine National Geographic photographers to help you capture the moments at the heart of it.

King penguins in the surf, South Georgia.

WWW.EXPEDITIONS.COM 45 JOURNEY TO ANTARCTICA: THE WHITE CONTINENT 14 DAYS/11 NIGHTS—Aboard NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXPLORER Experience & Expertise PRICES FROM: $11,740 to $22,870 (See pages 62-63 for complete prices.) Our unparalleled expedition team is key to an in-depth Traveling aboard the state-of-the-art National Geographic Explorer, + 40 experience, and our generous encounter the spectacular Antarctic Peninsula and the surrounding years staff-to-guest ratio of 1:10 experience islands and waterways. Glide around enormous tabular icebergs by means more choice in Zodiac, walk along covered with thousands of penguins, and activities, and more diverse personalities and interests you can gravitate to. An kayak amid abundant marine life. expedition leader, 8 naturalists/historians, a National Geographic photographer, a Expedition Highlights LEX/NG-certified photo instructor, a Global ▶▶ View magnificent mountains, towering icebergs, and ice formations that make up the Perspectives guest speaker, undersea dramatic Antarctic landscape. specialist, video chronicler and a wellness ▶▶ Cruise aboard sturdy Zodiac landing craft in search of leopard seals. specialist all contribute to your experience ▶▶ Kayak in protected waters, paddling around icebergs as penguins swim nearby. of the wonders. ▶▶ Walk on shore amid thousands of penguins, including gentoo, Adélie, and chinstrap. Visit our website for staff and guest ▶▶ Explore the world’s last great wilderness in the company of a team of top naturalists. speaker bios.

Gentoo penguins cluster on the vast Antarctic ice shelf.

antarctica Days 1 and 2: U.S./Buenos Aires, anticipate making several Zodiac landings � From Buenos Aires Argentina each day to hike, kayak among the icebergs, Depart on an overnight flight to Buenos Aires, and experience close encounters with Ushuaia Argentina’s cosmopolitan capital. Settle into wildlife. You may have the thrill of watching the Caesar Park Hotel before taking a guided our powerful ship crunch through the pack Drake Passage overview of the city, seeing its Beaux Arts ice, or step ashore to the cries of thousands palaces, grand boulevards, and the famous of gentoo penguins. You’ll learn how climate balcony forever associated with Eva Peron. change affects the penguin populations, and how best to capture images of those Port Lockroy Paulet Is. Day 3: Buenos Aires/Ushuaia/EMBARK same penguins from a National Geographic Lemaire Channel Lindblad Fly by private charter to Ushuaia, the south- photographer. Back aboard, our undersea Paradise Bay Antarctic Circle Antarctic ernmost city in the world, and enjoy lunch on specialist may present video from that day’s Peninsula Weddell Sea Bellingshausen Sea a catamaran cruise of the Beagle Channel. dive or show rare images taken up to 1,000 Then embark the National Geographic feet below the surface using our ROV. Our Explorer and set sail. (B,L,D) expert staff will craft an expedition where you EXPEDITION DETAILS will learn more, see more and experience Day 4: At Sea/Drake Passage more. (B,L,D) DATES: 2012 Nov. 27; Dec. 7, 17, 27 While crossing the spectacular Drake 2013 Jan. 6, 16, 26; Feb. 5; Nov. 27; Passage, spot albatross and other Days 11 and 12: At Sea Dec. 7, 17, 27; 2014 Jan. 6, 16, 26; Feb. 5 that glide alongside the ship. (B,L,D) Enjoy the ship’s amenities as the Antarctic Departures in red are sold out. coast disappears from view. Round the SPECIAL OFFER Days 5–10: Exploring Antarctica southernmost tip of South America, and With long hours of daylight at this time of see the meeting of the Atlantic and Pacific Book by Oct. 31, 2012 on select 2012 year, we have ample opportunity to explore Oceans. Celebrate your voyage at a farewell voyages to receive a $700 air credit, plus two the Antarctic Peninsula and the surrounding dinner on board. (B,L,D) free days in Buenos Aires, or a $1,400 air islands. In keeping with the nature of an credit. Or book select 2013 voyages to receive expedition, the schedule is flexible so that Days 13 and 14: Ushuaia, Argentina/ free airfare Miami/Buenos Aires/Miami. New we can take advantage of the unexpected— DISEMBARK/Buenos Aires/U.S. bookings only, not combinable with other watching whales perform off the bow, taking Disembark in Ushuaia. After lunch, fly to offers. See page 64 and call for details. an after-dinner Zodiac cruise, or heading Buenos Aires and connect with your overnight Optional Extensions out on an extra landing during the day. We flight home. (B, L) Add 5 days post-voyage in Easter Island or 4 days post-voyage in Iquazu Falls. Visit our website, or see pages 50-51 for details.

GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES GUEST SPEAKERS: Travel with oceanographer Don Walsh (Nov. 27, 2012); scientists Greg Marshall (Dec. 7, 2012), Andrew Clarke (Jan. 6, 2013), Kendrick Taylor (Jan. 16, 2013); explorers Peter Hillary (Nov. 27, 2013) & John Evans (Dec. 17 & 27, 2013); Adm. Geof Chesbrough (Jan. 16, 2014).

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PHOTOGRAPHERs: Travel with Kim Heacox (Nov. 27 & Dec. 7, 2012); Mark Thiessen (Jan. 26 & Feb. 5, 2013); Kevin Schafer (Jan. 6 & 16, 2014). Learn more at expeditions.com/photo

Use your smartphone to watch our Antarctica video. See pg. 3 for details. Kayakers paddle past a sweeping iceberg.

VIEW THIS ITINERARY AT WWW.EXPEDITIONS.COM/ANTARCTICA_ITINERARY 47 Antarctica, South Georgia, and the Falklands 24 DAYS/21 NIGHTS—Aboard NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXPLORER Experience & Expertise PRICES FROM: $19,940 to $39,990 (See pages 62-63 for complete prices.) Our experienced expedition leader and team of eight Set out on an epic voyage to the remote lands made famous by + 40 naturalists are your conduit to Ernest Shackleton. Traveling aboard the ice-class expedition ship years an extraordinary experience. experience National Geographic Explorer, spend five days discovering the Antarctic And the National Geographic Peninsula. Stroll through lively crowds of penguins in stunning South photographer and LEX/NG-certified photo instructor onboard, ours exclusively, are Georgia, and hike the shores of the Falkland Islands. Experience key to capturing the incredible wildlife. boundless wildlife and captivating beauty as you venture into some of Our video chronicler will record the entire the planet’s most unspoiled landscapes. voyage. The undersea specialist will reveal the deep, while our wellness specialist Expedition Highlights helps you feel the “tonic of wildness.” Count on the Global Perspectives guest speaker ▶▶ Glide in a Zodiac or a kayak past massive icebergs. (see next page) for relevant insights. ▶▶ Trace the story of Shackleton’s fateful expedition to South Georgia. ▶▶ Become immersed in a sea of black and white amid a 200,000-strong king penguin Getting up close and personal with South colony in South Georgia. Georgia’s king penguin colony is an incredible ▶▶ Visit the outposts of Port Stanley in the Falklands and Port Lockroy in Antarctica. experience.

antarctica Days 1 and 2: U.S./Buenos Aires, �

Argentina From Buenos Aires Depart on an overnight flight to Buenos Aires, Argentina’s cosmopolitan capital. Settle into Falkland Islands the Caesar Park Hotel before taking a guided Port Stanley overview of the city, seeing its Beaux Arts palaces, grand boulevards, and the famous Ushuaia South Georgia balcony forever associated with Eva Peron. Drake Passage

Day 3: Buenos Aires/Ushuaia/EMBARK Fly to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in Paulet Is. the world, and enjoy lunch on a catamaran Port Lockroy Lindblad Cove cruise of the Beagle Channel. Then set sail Paradise Bay Antarctic Circle Lemaire Channel on the National Geographic Explorer. (B,L,D) Bellingshausen Antarctic Weddell Sea Day 4: At Sea Sea Peninsula Settle in to shipboard life as we sail to the Falkland Islands. Keep a lookout for albatross and other seabirds that glide alongside the DAYS 14-15: AT SEA (B,L,D) EXPEDITION DETAILS ship. (B,L,D) DATES: 2012 Nov. 7; 2013 Feb. 15; Nov. 7; DAYS 16-20: ANTARCTICA 2014 Feb. 15 Departure in red is sold out. With long hours of daylight, we make the most of our days exploring the Antarctic Optional Extensions Peninsula and surrounding islands. Our Add a four-day post-trip extension to Iguazú schedule is flexible, allowing us to take Falls or a five-day post-trip extension to Easter advantage of the unexpected. We’ll sail Island. Visit our web site or see pages 50-51. through the incomparable Lemaire Channel and land on the “White Continent,” exploring SPECIAL OFFER via Zodiac, kayak and on foot, and using our Book by Oct. 31, 2012 and receive arsenal of tools for exploration. (B,L,D) complimentary round-trip airfare (Miami/ Black-browed albatross. Buenos Aires) on the Nov. 7, 2013 departure. DAYS 5-6: FALKLAND ISLANDS DAYS 21 AND 22: At Sea See page 64. On our final days at sea, enjoy one last The Falklands boast the largest black- GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES GUEST SPEAKERS: chance to view the marine life of these browed albatross colony in the world, king Travel with oceanographer Don Walsh, southern waters. Toast our epic voyage at a cormorants, nesting rockhopper penguins, (Nov. 27, 2012); mountaineer festive farewell dinner. (B,L,D) and Magellanic penguins in their green & explorer Peter Hillary tussock grass burrows. Stroll the photogenic (right) (Nov. 7, 2013); Robert Days 23 and 24: Ushuaia, Argentina/ Victorian-style town of Port Stanley and visit Bindschadler, NASA scientist DISEMBARK/Buenos Aires/U.S. the evocative Anglican Cathedral with its & glaciologist (Feb. 15, 2014). archway of whalebones. (B,L,D) Disembark in Ushuaia. After lunch and some time to explore, fly to Buenos Aires by private NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PHOTOGRAPHER: DAYS 7-8: AT SEA (B,L,D) charter. Connect to your flight home, arriving Pulitzer Prize–winning photographer Jay the next day. (B, L) Dickman has worked in photojournalism for DAYS 9-13: SOUTH GEORGIA ISLAND more than 35 years, and has had over 25 This is the final resting place for explorer Sir assignments for the National Geographic Ernest Shackleton and we’ll hoist a toast at Society. (Nov. 7, 2012 & Feb. 15, 2014) his gravesite. Teeming wildlife and breath- Learn more at expeditions.com/photo taking scenery greet our ship. Hundreds of Antarctic fur seals are on hand as our Use your smartphone to Zodiacs make landfall. And at a vast penguin watch our South Georgia video. colony you’ll be surrounded by 200,000 king See pg. 3 for details. Photographing elephant seal pups. penguins! (B,L,D)

VIEW THIS ITINERARY AT WWW.EXPEDITIONS.COM/ITINERARY_ANTARCTICA 49 Optional Post-voyage Extension Iguazú Falls 4 DAYS/3 NIGHTS 2012/13 PRICES*: $2,290 per person double occupancy; $2,990 per person sole occupancy. *To be added to the voyage cost. Airfares not included. Ask for details. The Iguazú Falls extension can be taken after departures of “Antarctica,” and “Antarctica, South Georgia & Falklands.” Adds three nights to the voyage.

Taller than Niagara, Iguazú Falls is also twice as wide with 275 cascades spread in a horseshoe shape over nearly two miles of the Iguazú River. Situated in Iguazú National Park in northeastern Argentina, this nature sanctuary is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, owing to its beautiful subtropical forest, with 450 species of birds, including toucans and parrots, and butterflies, orchids and endangered jaguars. The monumental Devil’s Throat is the culmination of our experience as water thunders 350 feet down into a river canyon—an incredible display of raw power. Expedition Highlights ▶▶ Get thrilling views of the Falls by boat and above via catwalk. ▶▶ Guided by our naturalists, search for wildlife in Iguazú National Park. ▶▶ Stay at the only hotel within Iguazú National Park. Iguazú Falls.

DAY 1: USHUAIA, ARGENTINA/DISEMBARK/ the fashionable Recoleta district with its DAY 3: DEVIL’S THROAT BUENOS AIRES shops and galleries, and have dinner at your Explore the National Park’s diverse environ- Disembark our ship in Ushuaia and proceed leisure. (B) ments with our local guides, who have a to the airport for our flight to Buenos special license to access restricted areas of Aires, where we transfer to the luxurious DAY 2: IGUAZÚ FALLS-LOWER CIRCUIT the park to spot toucans and parrots. Next, Caesar Park Hotel. This seductive city set After our short flight from Buenos Aires visit the awe-inspiring Devil’s Throat (Garganta along the Rio de La Plata is the gateway to to Iguazú, we take a 15-minute bus ride del Diablo), where 14 cascades drop 350 Argentina. Settle into your hotel located in to Iguazú National Park, where we check feet with such that there is always a in to our rooms overlooking the Falls at 100-foot cloud of spray overhead. Watch for the Sheraton Hotel, the only hotel within the rainbow! Dinner this evening will be at a Iguazú National Park. Following lunch, we typical restaurant in Puerto Iguazú. (B,D) have our first close-up views of the Falls. A naturalist-led walk of the Lower Circuit offers DAY 4: IGUAZÚ FALLS-UPPER CIRCUIT/ an intimate experience of the landscape. BUENOS AIRES/U.S. We stroll the catwalk that leads to river Join a morning walk to the Upper Circuit level, where we board small boats for a ride of the Falls for our last view of the rushing over water rapids—a spectacular approach waters. Early this afternoon, fly back to offering panoramic views of the rushing Buenos Aires and connect to an overnight waters. (B,L) flight home. (B,L)

Toucan.

50 Optional Post-voyage Extension EASTER ISLAND 5 DAYS/4 NIGHTS 2012/13 PRICES: $2,890 per person double occupancy; $3,460 per person sole occupancy. DAY 1: USHUAIA/DISEMBARK/SANTIAGO, CHILE To be added to the voyage cost. Chilean immigration fee, all airfares are not included. (via Buenos Aires) Today we disembark National Geographic NOTE: Due to airline schedules, on select departures the extension spends an additional Explorer in Ushuaia and fly to Santiago, where night in Buenos Aires. Additional costs will apply. Ask for details. we check in to our hotel. (B,L) The Easter Island extension can be taken after select departures of “Antarctica,” and “Antarctica, South Georgia & Falklands.” Adds 5 days/4 nights to the voyage. DAY 2: SANTIAGO/EASTER ISLAND Fly to Easter Island and begin your exploration. Check in to the fine Altiplanico Hotel, our base Follow your expedition with a visit to one of the most mysterious for the next three nights. (B,L,D) places on Earth—Easter Island. Home to silent sentinels of a long- lost culture, this tiny island is located 2,300 miles west of Chile in DAY 3-4: EASTER ISLAND Visit the Tahai archaeological complex and mu- the Pacific Ocean and almost 1,200 miles from its nearest island seum to learn about the prehistory of the island, neighbor. Learn about the ancient Rapa Nui culture that grew up and the Rano Kau ceremonial site of Orongo, in isolation. Where did these people come from and why did they sited magnificently at the very edge of a volcanic crater. Explore Ahu Te Pito Kura, Punapau red carve more than 600 giant moai or stone statues? Learn from key stone quarry and Ahu Akivi, one of the latest archaeologists Edmundo Edwards and Claudio Cristino who have constructions on the island, with seven moai 14 worked on uncovering these great relics. feet tall. See Rano Raraku, where most of the stone statues were carved. Visit Ahu Tongariki, Expedition Highlights the largest ceremonial altar in Polynesia. (B,L,D) ▶▶ See the 100-ton stone statues & ceremonial site set on a volcanic crater. DAY 5: EASTER ISLAND/SANTIAGO/U.S. We have the morning to continue our explorations ▶▶ Visit the research center with archaeologist Edmundo Edwards. of Easter Island before our flight to Santiago, ▶▶ Share in Polynesian traditions at dinner at a private home. connecting to an overnight flight home. (B,L)

Giant moais (stone statues), Easter Island.

WWW.EXPEDITIONS.COM 51 Epic South America: Jungle Rivers, Rain forests & the Colonial Coast departing september 18, 2013—38 Days/ 36 Nights Sep. 18: U.S./Fly To Port Of Spain, Trinidad Oct. 12: Ilhéus Sep. 19-20: Trinidad/Embark Oct. 13: Abrolhos Archipelago National Park Sep. 21-23: Orinoco River, Venezuela Oct. 14: At Sea Sep. 24-26: Essequibo River, Guyana/Georgetown Oct. 15-16: Rio De Janeiro Sep. 27: Paramaribo, Suriname Oct. 17: Parati Sep. 28: Devil’s Island, French Guiana Oct. 18: At Sea Sep. 29: At Sea Oct. 19: Curitiba & Paranaguá Sep. 30-Oct. 2: Amazon River/Belem, Brazil Oct. 20: At Sea Oct. 3-5: At Sea Oct. 21: Rio Grande Oct. 6-7: Fernando De Noronha Oct. 22: At Sea Oct. 8-9: At Sea Oct. 23: Montevideo, Uruguay Oct. 10-11: Salvador Oct. 24-25: Buenos Aires, Argentina/Disembark/U.S. Trinidad & Tobago TRINIDAD See hundreds of scarlet ibis return Port of Spain to roost in the mangroves: a Essequibo River Orinoco River superb birding spectacle. Georgetown DEVIL’S ISLAND GUYANA Paramaribo Visit the notorious penal colony Devil’s Island suriname of Henri Charrière’s Papillon. French Guiana Amazon River Belém 3 LEGENDARY Fernando de Noronha RIVERS Discover the Orinoco, FERNANDO DE NORONHA Essequibo & the Amazon. A rare opportunity to visit Go in by ship, go deeper by Zodiac. this marine UNESCO site by brazil special permission.

Salvador

Ilhéus SALVADOR Abrolhos Capital of the vibrant Bahian lifestyle: regional cuisine, capoeira dancing & peerless colonial architecture.

Rio de Janeiro Parati ABROLHOS NATIONAL PARK Paranaguá See humpback whales at their Curitiba breeding grounds.

RIO DE JANEIRO Discover one of Brazil’s most Rio Grande storied & iconic locales. uruguay PARANAGUÁ Montevideo Buenos Aires For a thrilling train ride on the ‘world-wonder’ Litorina. argentina

MONTEVIDEO Exquisite colonial architecture & an asado (BBQ) at a private estancia in gaucho country.

53 An ambitious itinerary that returns us to our explorer roots As you can see on the preceding pages, we are offering another ambitious itinerary that has us blazing a trail, so to speak, where few travel companies have ever gone—and none with the level of depth and attention to detail we’re committing.

As the at-a-glance itinerary shows, our development team, working for months with our naturalist and Brazil expert Suzana Machado D’Oliveira and other South American specialists, has established our route. We have carefully selected places that will reveal the absolute best of this vibrant and historic coast to you and your fellow guests.

Salvador, Brazil. But, as you will undoubtedly agree, the genius is in the details. So, over the course of the next few months, we collectively will be working to create the singular opportunities and experiences that will turn an extraordinary itinerary into a profoundly enriching, meaningful experience for you.

To give you an example of the kind of singular opportunities I mean: we’re obtaining special permission to visit Brazil’s Fernando De Noronha Archipelago, a marine UNESCO World Heritage site and carefully protected eco-wonderland—from which ships have been excluded for some time now. And I am personally contacting our wide network of special friends in South America, as I did when we planned our Patagonia expedition, which resulted in exclusive access to private parklands. And I guarantee that as this itinerary evolves over the coming months, it will include a wealth of opportunities and events simply not achievable with any other company.

You can count on: experiencing three jungle rivers and superb tropical natural history— Tom Ritchie, Richard White and the rest of our naturalists will ensure it. Exploring a storied coast with an exceptional human history and vibrant contemporary life, accom- panied by Brazil expert Suzana Machado D’Oliveira and others. Taking the best photos of your life with National Geographic photographer Tyrone Turner, whose camera has been trained on Brazilian subjects for many years. And returning home with memories and stories to last a lifetime.

I know this itinerary, like the other new ones we’ve added in recent years, will meet with considerable enthusiasm. To avoid disappointment, I urge you to act decisively to secure your place. I will send updates as the various aspects of the itinerary are honed and new experts sign on to join us. It will be epic!

54 1.800.EXPEDITION (1.800.397.3348) I’m excited at the prospect of showing my country, Brazil, to our guests. There’s a “ rich and colorful Portuguese heritage, which will be there for us to see. The 1494 Treaty of Tordessillas granted Portugal one half of South America, creating Brazil, ultimately the largest, most successful country in South America. Since then, the fates of Europe and Brazil have been inexorably linked. To escape Napoleon, the King of Portugal relocated his entire court to Rio de Janeiro, and today Rio still bears the marks of its royal past. Indigenous Amerindians along with African slaves have had an equally important impact on Brazil’s culture, affecting the country’s language, foods, music, and religion. This epic voyage immerses you in my unique country, a vibrant place of endless variety and surprises.” —Suzana Machado D’Oliveira, naturalist Bahian woman.

Being in Brazil is a true adventure. “ The “calor humano” or warmth of the people is very captivating and this leads to fascinating experiences. I am very excited about the itinerary of this expedition. The Amazon River is one of the wonders of the world, and seeing it in person is an opportunity of a lifetime. I can’t wait to be in Salvador da Bahia again, with its historic Pelourinho area. And then what else can one say about Rio de Janeiro? It really is the “marvelous city” and one of my favorite places in the world.” —Tyrone Turner, National Geographic photographer

Fernando De Noronha. 55 Orinoco River.

Blue morpho butterfly.

White-throated toucan. Pink river dolphin. Red howler monkey.

56 1.800.EXPEDITION (1.800.397.3348) As a kid growing up near the Everglades, I learned very “ early to appreciate tropical swamps, marshes, and flooded forests. When I got older and began traveling with Lindblad Expeditions, I became obsessed with the vastness and wild- ness of the great river systems of South America. This is why I’m so excited about next year’s Epic South America voyage. It will take in three great jungle rivers in the tropical northern region: the Orinoco of Venezuela, Essequibo of Guyana, and Amazon of Brazil. The Orinoco is the third largest river system in the world (after the Amazon and the Congo) and is noted for rich wildlife, including monkeys and parrots that can often be seen from the water. The Essequibo River is Kaieteur Falls. the largest river in Guyana, and the largest river between the Orinoco and Amazon rivers. Although Guyana is known for some of the most pristine rain forest and tropical natural history in the world, this river became the site of the country’s colonial development and has many interesting historic buildings and markets. We also plan to fly to Kaieteur Falls—often called Guyana’s crown jewel. The Amazon River is by far the greatest river in the world with the largest volume of water movement, and a course length that rivals that of the Nile River. We’ll spend two days exploring the river and its tributaries by ship and Zodiac, which will give us good opportunities to enjoy some of the rich wildlife, including colorful macaws, toucans and kingfishers, as well as monkeys and pink river dolphins.” —Tom Ritchie, naturalist

report from Caroni Swamp, Trinidad We were driven to the Caroni Swamp Bird Sanctuary, a “ 40-square mile area of mangrove swamp and shallow and waterways that has been preserved as a refuge for wading birds, particularly the resplendent scarlet ibis… Passing through a narrow channel lined mostly with red and black mangrove, we emerged into an extensive lagoon dotted with small mangrove-covered islets…groups of birds came flying in from all directions to find a clear spot in the bushes where they could land. While the birds were still pouring in, already the deep green of the mangrove was being eclipsed by brilliant scarlet. The sinking sun was behind us, so the colors showed up at their most vivid… Surely this is one of the world’s great ornithological spectacles.” —Dennis Puleston, reporting from M.S. Polaris on a 1992 Lindblad Expeditions voyage Illustration by Sue Quinlan.

WWW.EXPEDITIONS.COM 57 Above: Head Waiter Gaylord’s mellow- toned announcement, “Good evening, good evening, Ladies and Gentlemen, dinner is now served in the dining room and bistro bar” is a favorite ritual of expedition life. Bottom: Desserts are always visually pleasing and delicious. A kaleidoscopic array of baked-fresh- daily breads surprise and delight.

Dining is an interesting and varied daily experience: completely casual, with no assigned seating, and the opportunity to have a changing cast of dining companions, from fellow guests to expedition team members and special experts. You can choose the radiant, windowed dining room or the more intimate bistro bar. Breakfast and lunch are buffet-style, with an array of options to satisfy any yearnings. Dinner is served.

58 1.800.EXPEDITION (1.800.397.3348) Life aboard happens at knot speed

Days aboard National Geographic Explorer are filled with active, engaging adventures, yet somehow time manages to expand to include everything else you want to do, too. Establish a beachhead on a sunny outdoor deck, in the observation lounge, or any of a dozen nooks and crannies. Curl up and catch up on your reading, or learn about a subject that interests you in the library. Work out, rewind, socialize—it’s part of the expedition experience.

Right: The expansive aft deck is a welcoming place in all seasons, all regions—perfect for a snack, tea time or reading in the invigorating air of pristine places.

Left: The fitness center offers a panoramic view instead of the usual gym TV screens; and the aft deck invites you to stretch or do yoga in fresh air.

WWW.EXPEDITIONS.COM 59 The world’s ultimate expedition ship Use your smartphone to watch our NG Explorer video. National Geographic Explorer See pg. 3 for details.

Capacity: 148 guests in 81 outside cabins. Meals: Served in single seatings with unassigned tables for an Registry: Bahamas. Overall Length: 367 feet. informal atmosphere and easy mingling. Menu is international National Geographic Explorer is a state-of-the-art expedition ship, with local flair. and the newest addition to the Lindblad fleet. It is a fully stabi- Cabins: All cabins face outside with windows or portholes, private lized, ice-class vessel, with an Ice-1A Super on the forward hull, facilities and climate controls. Some cabins have balconies. enabling it to navigate polar passages while providing exceptional Expedition Equipment: Zodiac landing craft, kayaks, Remotely comfort. It carries kayaks and a fleet of Zodiac landing craft. An Operated Vehicle (ROV), hydrophone, splashcam, underwater video undersea specialist operates a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) camera, crow’s nest remote controlled camera, video microscope, and sophisticated video equipment, extending access to the snorkeling gear. underwater world. Special Features: A full-time doctor, undersea specialist, Public areas: Bistro bar; chart room; restaurant; global gallery; National Geographic photographer, LEX/NG-certified photo library, lounge with full service bar and state-of-the-art facilities specialist and video chronicler, internet café and laundry. for films, slideshows and presentations; mud room with lockers Wellness: The vessel is staffed by a wellness specialist and for expedition gear, and observation lounge. Our “open bridge” features a glass-enclosed fitness center, outdoor stretching area, provides guests an opportunity to meet our officers and captain two LEXspa treatment rooms and sauna. and learn about navigation.

Category 1: Main Deck with one or two portholes Category A Solo: Main Deck with window #309-312, #301-308 329-334 Category 2: Main Deck with window #317-320, 335-336 Category B Solo: Upper and Veranda Decks with window #105-106, 203, 208 Category 3: Main Deck with window #313-316, 321-328, 337-340, 342, 344, 346, 348, 350 Category 3 Triple: Main Deck with window #341, 343 Category 4: Upper and Veranda Decks with window #103-104, Shared accommodations: Available in Categories 1 and 2. 107-108, 201-202, 204-207, 210, 212, 217, 226, 228 Note: Cabins #209, 211, 214, 216-218, 220, 222, 224, 226, 228, 303-306—These cabins have one queen-sized bed. All Category 5: Upper Deck with balcony #209, 211, 214, 216, other double cabins have two lower single beds; some can 218, 220-222, 224 convert to a queen-sized bed. Note: Sole occupancy cabins Category 6: Veranda Deck–Suite #101-102; available in Categories A and B. Third person rates are available Upper Deck-Suite with balcony #213 in the designated triple occupancy cabins at one-half the double Category 7: Upper Deck–Suite with balcony #215, 219, 230 occupancy rate.

60 1.800.EXPEDITION (1.800.397.3348) ELEVATOR LIBRARY OBSERVATION LOUNGE

BRIDGE

BRIDGE DECK

SAUNA LEXspa FITNESS CENTER

CHART WELLNESS DECK ROOM LOUNGE 101 105-S 103 107

DECK

SUN DECK 106-S 104 108 102 DECK

VERANDA DECK RESTAURANT BISTRO RECEPTION

201 203-S 205 207 BAL. BAL. BAL. BAL. 217 B ALCONY 219 213 215 209 211 221 B

GLOBAL AL. GALLERY B ALCONY 224 214 216 218 220 222 230 208-S 20 2 20 4 20 6 21 0 21 2 GALLEY 22 6 22 8

BAL. BAL. BAL. BAL. BAL. BAL. UPPER DECK 313 315 317 319 321 323 325 327 335 337 339 309-S 311-S 329-S 331-S 333-S 305 307 301 303 343-T 341-T 302 304 306 308 310-S 312-S 330-S 332-S 334-S 348 350 314 316 318 320 322 324 326 328 336 338 340 342 344 346

MAIN DECK SPECIALIS T UNDERSEA INTERNET CAFE ZB

LOCKERS WC

IW + OFFIC E DOCTOR’S

MUD ROOM ZODIA ST C BO AFF OFFIC

ARDING ZB E B DECK

TAKE A VIRTUAL VIDEO TOUR OF OUR NEWEST SHIP AT WWW.EXPEDITIONS.COM/NGEXPLORER

WWW.EXPEDITIONS.COM 61 National Geographic Explorer Prices are per person, double occupancy unless indicated otherwise.

Advance YEAR Cat. 1 Cat. 2 Cat. 3 Cat. 4 Cat. 5 Cat. 6 Cat. 7 Cat. a solo Cat. B solo Note Itinerary payment

Include two hotels nights. Immigration/visa fees are not included. Sample Airfare: West Africa Odyssey – Page 22 2013 $29,990 $31,990 $33,290 $35,990 $41,400 $47,950 $54,950 $39,960 $41,460 $3,000 New York/Cape Town, Marrakech/New York: Economy from $1,500; Business from $11,300. A variation of our cancellation policy applies to this voyage. Ask for details.

The Baltic’s Historic Russian visa fee not included. Sample Airfare: New York/Amsterdam, Copenhagen/ 2013 $13,990 $14,990 $15,720 $16,990 $19,250 $22,460 $25,670 $18,740 $19,650 $1,000 Waterways – Page 26 New York: Economy from $1,050; Business from $4,590.

Includes two hotel nights. Sample Airfare: round-trip New York/Oslo. Economy Land of the Ice Bears – Page 30 2013 $8,650 $9,230 $9,580 $10,150 $11,990 $13,990 $15,990 $11,540 $11,980 $1,000 from: $1,250; Business from $2,300. Charter Airfare: $725 (round-trip Oslo/ Longyearbyen).

Includes one hotel night. Sample Airfare: New York/Oslo, Bergen/New York. Norway’s Fjords & Arctic Svalbard – Page 34 2013 $13,820 $14,590 $15,290 $16,470 $18,820 $21,960 $25,320 $18,240 $19,110 $1,000 Economy from: $1,250; Business from $2,300. Charter Airfare: $360 (Longyearbyen/Oslo).

Along the Viking Trail: From Iceland to Includes one hotel night. Sample Airfare: New York/Reykjavik, Ottawa/New York: 2013 $9,620 $10,260 $10,640 $11,280 $13,340 $15,550 $17,770 $12,830 $13,300 $1,000 Greenland – Page 36 Economy from $650. Charter Airfare: $1,200 (Kangerlussuaq/Ottawa).

Arctic Quest: Greenland & the Includes two hotel nights in Ottawa. Sample Airfare: round-trip New York/Ottawa: 2013 $16,160 $17,240 $17,840 $18,890 $22,400 $25,690 $29,850 $21,550 $22,290 $1,800 Economy from $600. Charter Airfare: $1,600 (Ottawa/Iqaluit, Kangerlussuaq/ Canadian High Arctic – Page 38 Ottawa, or vice versa).

A Circumnavigation of Sample Airfares: round-trip NY/Reykjavik/NY: Economy from $700; 2013 $7,990 $8,710 $8,920 $9,590 $11,380 $12,990 $14,920 $10,860 $11,250 $1,000 Iceland – Page 42 Business from $1,900.

2012/13 $11,740 $12,390 $12,850 $13,760 $16,490 $18,890 $21,990 $15,390 $15,940 $1,000 Includes one hotel night. Immigration fees are not included. Sample Airfare: Antarctica – Page 46 round-trip Miami/Buenos Aires: Economy from $1,400; Business from $4,300. 2013/14 $11,990 $12,890 $13,290 $14,290 $17,150 $19,650 $22,870 $16,110 $16,620 $1,000 Charter Airfare: $690-$790 (round-trip Buenos Aires/Ushuaia).

2012/13 $19,940 $21,380 $22,460 $23,220 $28,460 $32,850 $38,140 $26,720 $27,990 $1,800 Antarctica, South Georgia & Falklands – Includes one hotel night. Immigration fees are not included. Sample Airfare: round-trip Miami/Buenos Aires: Economy from $1,400; Business from $4,300. Page 48 2013/14 $20,740 $22,240 $23,260 $24,350 $29,890 $34,490 $39,990 $27,790 $28,990 $1,800 Charter Airfare: $690-$790 (round-trip Buenos Aires/Ushuaia).

Includes two hotel nights in Trinidad and charter aircraft to Kaieteur Falls. Epic South America: Jungle Rivers, Immigration/visa fees are not included. Sample Airfares: New York/Port of Spain, 2013 $34,730 $37,430 $38,220 $41,590 $48,290 $56,580 $64,920 $46,790 $47,990 $3,500 Rainforests, & the Colonial Coast – Page 52 Buenos Aires/New York; Economy from $900; Business from $2,400. A variation of our cancellation policy applies to this voyage. Ask for details.

62 1.800.EXPEDITION (1.800.397.3348) Photos left to right: Our chefs cook with fresh, local ingredients like this catch of the day; example of a suite with balcony; learn about navigation in the chart room; example of a Main Deck cabin with window; relaxing on deck; spacious solo cabins are available on all decks; standard bathrooms are stocked with amenities.

National Geographic Explorer Prices are per person, double occupancy unless indicated otherwise.

Advance YEAR Cat. 1 Cat. 2 Cat. 3 Cat. 4 Cat. 5 Cat. 6 Cat. 7 Cat. a solo Cat. B solo Note Itinerary payment

Include two hotels nights. Immigration/visa fees are not included. Sample Airfare: West Africa Odyssey – Page 22 2013 $29,990 $31,990 $33,290 $35,990 $41,400 $47,950 $54,950 $39,960 $41,460 $3,000 New York/Cape Town, Marrakech/New York: Economy from $1,500; Business from $11,300. A variation of our cancellation policy applies to this voyage. Ask for details.

The Baltic’s Historic Russian visa fee not included. Sample Airfare: New York/Amsterdam, Copenhagen/ 2013 $13,990 $14,990 $15,720 $16,990 $19,250 $22,460 $25,670 $18,740 $19,650 $1,000 Waterways – Page 26 New York: Economy from $1,050; Business from $4,590.

Includes two hotel nights. Sample Airfare: round-trip New York/Oslo. Economy Land of the Ice Bears – Page 30 2013 $8,650 $9,230 $9,580 $10,150 $11,990 $13,990 $15,990 $11,540 $11,980 $1,000 from: $1,250; Business from $2,300. Charter Airfare: $725 (round-trip Oslo/ Longyearbyen).

Includes one hotel night. Sample Airfare: New York/Oslo, Bergen/New York. Norway’s Fjords & Arctic Svalbard – Page 34 2013 $13,820 $14,590 $15,290 $16,470 $18,820 $21,960 $25,320 $18,240 $19,110 $1,000 Economy from: $1,250; Business from $2,300. Charter Airfare: $360 (Longyearbyen/Oslo).

Along the Viking Trail: From Iceland to Includes one hotel night. Sample Airfare: New York/Reykjavik, Ottawa/New York: 2013 $9,620 $10,260 $10,640 $11,280 $13,340 $15,550 $17,770 $12,830 $13,300 $1,000 Greenland – Page 36 Economy from $650. Charter Airfare: $1,200 (Kangerlussuaq/Ottawa).

Arctic Quest: Greenland & the Includes two hotel nights in Ottawa. Sample Airfare: round-trip New York/Ottawa: 2013 $16,160 $17,240 $17,840 $18,890 $22,400 $25,690 $29,850 $21,550 $22,290 $1,800 Economy from $600. Charter Airfare: $1,600 (Ottawa/Iqaluit, Kangerlussuaq/ Canadian High Arctic – Page 38 Ottawa, or vice versa).

A Circumnavigation of Sample Airfares: round-trip NY/Reykjavik/NY: Economy from $700; 2013 $7,990 $8,710 $8,920 $9,590 $11,380 $12,990 $14,920 $10,860 $11,250 $1,000 Iceland – Page 42 Business from $1,900.

2012/13 $11,740 $12,390 $12,850 $13,760 $16,490 $18,890 $21,990 $15,390 $15,940 $1,000 Includes one hotel night. Immigration fees are not included. Sample Airfare: Antarctica – Page 46 round-trip Miami/Buenos Aires: Economy from $1,400; Business from $4,300. 2013/14 $11,990 $12,890 $13,290 $14,290 $17,150 $19,650 $22,870 $16,110 $16,620 $1,000 Charter Airfare: $690-$790 (round-trip Buenos Aires/Ushuaia).

2012/13 $19,940 $21,380 $22,460 $23,220 $28,460 $32,850 $38,140 $26,720 $27,990 $1,800 Antarctica, South Georgia & Falklands – Includes one hotel night. Immigration fees are not included. Sample Airfare: round-trip Miami/Buenos Aires: Economy from $1,400; Business from $4,300. Page 48 2013/14 $20,740 $22,240 $23,260 $24,350 $29,890 $34,490 $39,990 $27,790 $28,990 $1,800 Charter Airfare: $690-$790 (round-trip Buenos Aires/Ushuaia).

Includes two hotel nights in Trinidad and charter aircraft to Kaieteur Falls. Epic South America: Jungle Rivers, Immigration/visa fees are not included. Sample Airfares: New York/Port of Spain, 2013 $34,730 $37,430 $38,220 $41,590 $48,290 $56,580 $64,920 $46,790 $47,990 $3,500 Rainforests, & the Colonial Coast – Page 52 Buenos Aires/New York; Economy from $900; Business from $2,400. A variation of our cancellation policy applies to this voyage. Ask for details.

WWW.EXPEDITIONS.COM 63 Take advantage of our special offers BOOK BY OCT. 31, 2012 to take advantage of special offers that appear on select expeditions in this catalog. On voyages with complimentary air offers, airfare is based on round-trip economy group flights that must be ticketed by Lindblad Expeditions, subject to availability. In the case that Lindblad’s group or charter flights are no longer available at time of booking, we reserve the right to issue a credit certificate. All offers are valid for new bookings only, subject to availability at the time of booking, and may not be combined with other offers and pre- and post-extensions. Call for details. BACK-TO-BACK SAVINGS: Save 10% on any consecutive journeys taken aboard National Geographic Explorer. This saving is applicable on voyage fares only, and is not valid on extensions or airfare. Inclusive Pricing BRINGING A GROUP: For your party of eight people or more, you will each receive We include just about everything you 5% off the cost of your expedition. A deposit of 10% of the trip cost is required at have the opportunity to do as part the time of reservation, and an additional 25% is required 120 days in advance. of your expedition aboard ship and Final payment is due 90 days in advance. (Excludes extension and airfare.) Note: ashore. The only things not included are If taking advantage of this discount, a variation of the cancellation policy will apply. those of a personal nature—alcohol, Please ask upon making your reservation. internet usage, tips to the crew, wellness BRINGING THE KIDS: We believe sharing an expedition with your kids or grandkids treatments and other specialized is a life-enhancing experience. So, take $500 off the double occupancy rate for arrangements. each person under 18. Aboard ship OUR POLICY ON COMBINING OFFERS: If the expedition that interests you provides  All meals and non-alcoholic beverages more than one savings opportunity (e.g. it is eligible for group and kids savings),  Cappuccinos, lattes & complimentary we won’t make you choose—you may combine up to two offers from any of the refillable water bottle applicable savings offers, unless indicated otherwise.  24-hour coffee, tea & soda on demand  Hors d’oeuvres & snacks during lounge recap  Sauna, with complimentary terry robes, towels  Fitness center with towels, water  Fully stocked library  The guidance and company of our expedition staff Ashore  Meals on land, as indicated in itinerary  Sightseeing & entrance fees  Special access permits, park fees, port taxes  Transfers to and from group flights  The expertise of our expedition staff activities Everything you need in one convenient place  All excursions  Zodiac & kayak explorations Log on to expeditions.com to learn why traveling with us is unlike traveling with  Snorkeling, including , masks, any other company. fins, where relevant  Lectures & presentations in the lounge EXPLORATIONS join us online FOLLOW US BLOG

64 1.800.EXPEDITION (1.800.397.3348) Reservation Information Costs Include: All accommodations aboard ships or in hotels per itinerary or similar, all meals and nonalcoholic beverages aboard ship, meals on land as indicated, United States Tour Operators Association air transportation where indicated as included, shore excursions, sightseeing and $1 Million Travelers Assistance Program entrance fees, special access permits, transfers to and from group flights, use of Lindblad Expeditions, as an Active Member snorkeling equipment and wet suits, use of kayaks (where available), tips (except to of USTOA, is required to post $1 Million with USTOA to be used to reimburse, ship’s crew), taxes and service charges, services of a ship physician on most voyages, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the USTOA $1 Million Travelers and services of our expedition staff. Assistance Program, the advance payments of (Active Members Name) customers in the unlikely event of (Active Members Name) bankruptcy, insolvency or ces- Not Included: Air transportation (except where shown as included), extensions, sation of business. Further, you should understand that the $1 Million posted passport, visa, immigration fees, (where available), meals not indicated, by (Active Member Name) may be sufficient to provide only a partial recovery travel protection plan, items of a personal nature, such as alcoholic beverages, e-mail, of the advance payments received by (Active Member Name). More details of voyage DVD, laundry. Gratuities to ship’s crew are at your discretion. the USTOA Travelers Assistance Program may be obtained by writing to USTOA Airfare: For all programs, airfare is an additional cost unless otherwise indicated. at 345 Seventh Avenue, Suite 1801, New York, New York 10001, or by email to Sample airfares are subject to change. We will gladly assist in making your air arrange- [email protected] or by visiting their website at www.USTOA.com. ments for a $50 per person service fee. TERMS & CONDITIONS We are proud to be a Founding Member of Adventure Reservations: To reserve your place, an advance payment is required at the time Collection—a family of the world’s most trusted and of reservation. The per person advance payment amount varies by program, and is experienced active travel companies. Each member outlined in our brochures, as well as on our website. Holiday departure dates and company of Adventure Collection is dedicated to enriching the lives of its guests certain longer voyages may carry additional advance deposit requirements due to and to giving back to the areas in which it travels. For more information visit high demand for these voyages. Payment is accepted by Visa, MasterCard, American www.AdventureCollection.com. Express, Discover, or by check. Receipt of your initial payment indicates your acceptance of our complete Terms and Conditions. We require written notice at the time of reservation for any physical CANCELLATION POLICY condition, diet, or treatment requiring special attention. For Expeditions 8 Nights or Less Once your reservation is confirmed, we urge you to use your personalized online Number of Days Prior to Expedition Start Per Person Cancellation Fee account for important information to help you prepare for your voyage. Managing your 90 or more days $150* documents online will facilitate fast and accurate communication, and allow you to 89–60 days Advance payment cost provide us with pertinent details we require, in order to complete your reservation. Your online account gives you access to your Expedition Guide, which includes valuable 59–30 days 50% of trip cost information specific to your voyage. You can also use your online account to make 29–0 days No refund easy payments, view recommended flights and reading material, packing list, and so For Expeditions 9 Nights or More much more. Number of Days Prior to Expedition Start Per Person Cancellation Fee Final Payment: For expeditions of eight nights or less, final payment is due 60 days prior to departure. For expeditions of nine nights or more, final payment is due 90 120 or more days $150* days prior to departure. Payment schedules may vary for Holiday departures and 119–90 days Advance payment cost certain longer voyages, due to high demand for these voyages. We reserve the right to 89–60 days 25% of trip cost cancel your reservation if payment has not been received by final payment due date. 59–30 days 50% of trip cost Travel Protection Plan: We strongly recommend that you take advantage of our 29–0 days No refund Travel Protection Plan. This plan offers comprehensive coverage to protect you from *$150 will be rewarded in the form of a Lindblad Expeditions Travel Certificate. cancellation fees, costs incurred due to trip delays/interruption, medical assistance, and damaged or lost baggage, and provides medial assistance and evacuation during This cancellation policy applies to expeditions as well as pre and post extensions. your travels. Our Travel Protection Plan is available for U.S. and Canadian residents Cancellation policy for certain longer voyages and Holiday departures may vary due to only, and may be purchased any time prior to final payment due date. Travel Protection high demand for these voyages. For more information visit our website and refer to the premiums are non-refundable once plan is purchased. Group cancellation policy section of our Terms and Conditions, or call us for details. We stress the importance of purchasing a travel protection plan to protect yourself from Smoking Policy: Smoking is allowed only in designated outdoor areas. fees in the event you need to cancel your reservation. The effective date of a cancella- Responsibility and Other Terms & Conditions: Certain other provisions concerning, tion will be the date on which your notice is received. Note: Airline cancellation policies among other things, limitations of Lindblad Expeditions’ and the National Geographic vary by carrier, as well as the type of fare used to issue your ticket. Society’s liability for loss of property, injury, illness or death during the voyage will be Any revisions you make within the cancellation penalty period, such as departure date provided to all guests on the ship’s ticket sent prior to departure, and are also available or choice of voyage, are subject to cancellation fees. Additional Terms and Conditions on our website at www.expeditions.com/terms, or upon request. By registering for a trip, may apply. For complete terms, please visit our website at www.expeditions.com/terms the guest agrees to all such terms and conditions. ©2012 Lindblad Expeditions Note: Itineraries and prices listed in this brochure are valid as of publication date, Lindblad Expeditions and the Eye are the trademarks of Lindblad Expeditions. All rights reserved. and are subject to change. Under normal conditions, the total expedition cost is NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC and the Yellow Border are the trademarks of the National Geographic Society. guaranteed at the time of booking. However, the published price is determined far in All rights reserved. advance of initial departure on the basis of then-existing projections of fuel and other costs. In the event we determine that costs create an unsustainable financial For Reservations: model, including but not limited to increases in the price of fuel, currency fluctuations, Contact your travel agent or Lindblad Expeditions increases in government taxes or levies, or increased security costs, we reserve the right to pass on these costs to you, to cover such unexpected increases. We will always 1.800.EXPEDITION (1.800.397.3348) provide a transparent accounting of the reason for such an increase in costs. Reservation Hours: Monday – Friday 9am – 8pm ET Photo Credits: Stewart Aitchison, Bryan & Cherry Alexander, Bjoern Backe/Alamy, Sisse Saturday & Sunday 10am – 5pm ET Brimberg, Stewart Cohen, Connie Coleman, David Cothran, Cotton Coulson, David Lindblad Expeditions, Inc., 96 Morton Street, New York, NY 10014 Doubilet, Sue Flood, Jean Gortner, Eric Guth, Ralph Lee Hopkins, Jerry Kobalenko, Sven- Phone: 212.261.9000 • Fax: 212.265.3770 Olof Lindblad, Michael Luppino, Richard Maack, Michael Melford, Flip Nicklin, Michael S. Nolan, Jim Richardson, Stefan Rosengren/Alamy, Dr. Enric Sala, Kevin Schafer, Superstock, email: [email protected] For additional information and Jack Swenson, Rikki Swenson, Mark Thiessen, Tyrone Turner, Gary Yim/Shutterstock. online reservations, visit us on the Web: www.expeditions.com

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Selected Honors and Awards » Travel + Leisure “World’s Best” Award for Small-Ship Cruise » Conservation Achievement Award for Corporate Lines, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008 Achievement from National Wildlife Federation, 2008 » Travel + Leisure “World’s Best for Families” Award for » Tourism for Tomorrow “Global Tourism Small-Ship Cruise Lines, 2011, 2010, 2009 Business Award,” 2007 » Cruise Critic Editor’s Pick Awards “Best for Adventure,” 2010 » Seafood Champion Award, 2007 » “Best Adventure Cruise” by Forbes.com, 2009 » Condé Nast Traveler “Ecotourism Award,” 2002 Climate Champion Award to Sven Lindblad by » Go to www.expeditions.com/awards for an extended list. Clean Air-Cool Planet, 2009 » Condé Nast Traveler “ List”, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005