Tag Archives: travel to Galapagos

Lindblad Expeditions to Acquire Via Australis Ship for Galapagos Islands Expeditionary Cruises

Lindblad Expeditions H.oldings, Inc. is purchasing the Via Australis to be operated in the Galapagos Islands, affording guests such experiences as swimming  with sea turtle
Lindblad Expeditions H.oldings, Inc. is purchasing the Via Australis to be operated in the Galapagos Islands, affording guests such experiences as swimming with sea turtle

Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc., a global leader of expedition cruises and adventure travel experiences, is purchasing the Via Australis to be operated in the Galapagos Islands.  Lindblad expects to take possession of the ship in spring 2016 and following a signification renovation will deploy the ship during the third quarter of 2016. Lindblad, which is spending $18 million to acquire the ship, plans to spend up to $10 million to refurbish and outfit it. The Via Australis will replace the National Geographic Endeavour.

“The Via Australis will be the ideal platform for our Galapagos expeditions far into the future.  Opportunities to acquire high quality expedition ships on attractive terms are infrequent so we seized this one,” said Sven Lindblad, President and CEO of Lindblad.  “The Via Australis will provide us with increased profitability on the same route through more operating days, revenue enhancement opportunities, operating efficiencies and cost savings compared to the National Geographic Endeavour.  Additionally, it will require significantly lower capital expenditures for the foreseeable future.”

“The most important elements of a Galapagos experience are the islands, the animals and the sea that surrounds them, so the ship that provides access to these things matters greatly,” Lindblad added.  “The Via Australis is ultra-efficient to operate and was built with the same sensibility that matters so much to us, with a focus on the world outside.  To that end, she has great viewing from all public spaces.  Her ability to launch and deploy landing craft is fast and seamless.  She is exceptionally quiet and maneuverable, a great asset when approaching marine life.  And I’m particularly pleased that this ship will be well received by our crew who work very hard and are critical to expedition success.”

The Via Australis will be renamed bearing the National Geographic name.  After refurbishment, some key features of the Via Australis:

  • 50 cabins: 46 double cabins and 4 single cabins.  Maximum capacity of 96 guests.
  • As the primary focus is the world outside, all public spaces are designed for maximum viewing with quick, easy access to decks to respond to bridge announcements of phenomenal sightings of nature and wildlife.
  • An open and ample top deck provides an unparalleled location for gathering, dining, relaxing and stargazing.
  • A spacious main lounge and a forward-viewing additional lounge with large windows and immediate access to the outer decks provide guests many comfortable options to relax, read or view the wildlife and scenery.
  • A fleet of Zodiacs and sea kayaks outfitted to transport guests easily into the wild, remote places being explored.  The efficient Zodiac loading platform can deploy two landing crafts at the same time in order to safely and swiftly put guests ashore, in the water, or on a cruise through the surrounding landscapes
  • A fully equipped fitness room and a wellness spa.
  • State-of-the-art A/V system for the highest quality presentations, including National Geographic photography instruction.
  • Well-appointed and improved crew quarters.

Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc. is an expedition travel company that works in partnership with National Geographic to inspire people to explore and care about the planet. The organizations work in tandem to produce innovative marine expedition programs and to promote conservation and sustainable tourism around the world. The partnership’s educationally oriented voyages allow guests to interact with and learn from leading scientists, naturalists and researchers while discovering stunning natural environments, above and below the sea, through state-of-the-art exploration tools.

 

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Lindblad Expeditions Searching for Memorabilia to Celebrate 50th Anniversary

In 1966 Lars-Eric Lindblad led the first ever citizen-explorer expedition to Antarctica – at the time it was almost as extraordinary as a lunar launch would be today. It also marked the creation of the category of expedition travel.  He opened up the remote regions of the world and countless opportunities for so many, helping them to experience and think of the world differently.

Lars-Eric Lindblad pioneered travel to the Galapagos Islands, as well as measures to protect the fragile ecosystem from being overrun by tourists.
Lars-Eric Lindblad pioneered travel to the Galapagos Islands, as well as measures to protect the fragile ecosystem from being overrun by tourists.

In 2016 Lindblad Expeditions will honor Lars-Eric’s vision and his courage in myriad ways as they mark the 50th Anniversary of these two major milestones. Their efforts begin with a search for memorabilia from Lindblad voyages in the 60s or 70s – from the legendary first expedition to Antarctica in 1966 to other remote parts of the world.  The search is on for:

  •  Expedition photos – ideally with Lars-Eric Lindblad and/or his expedition team – but all are welcome;
  •  Vintage ship photos or photos aboard the ship;
  •  Original voyage documents including vintage luggage tags, patches, pins or other collectibles: parka, tee, etc. plus any short Lars-Eric stories/anecdotes;
  •  Postcards or letters from someone on a voyage.

The collection of memorabilia will be used in a multitude of ways, including being featured (with credits) in the updated version of Lars-Eris Lindblad’s autobiography, Passage to Anywhere that will chart the history of expedition travel from 1966 to now.

To share your materials, send negatives and/or collectibles via tracked mail (please insure any items of value to you) to: Lindblad Expeditions, c/o Elissa Marton, 96 Morton Street, 9th Floor, NY, NY 10014.  Small digital files should be emailed to [email protected]; and large digital files can be uploaded to http://anniversary.expeditions.com. ; Items will be photographed and returned via tracked mail.

For more information about Lindblad Expeditions visit http://www.expeditions.com/ or call 1-800-EXPEDITION.

 

For more travel features, visit:

www.examiner.com/eclectic-travel-in-national/karen-rubin

www.examiner.com/international-travel-in-national/karen-rubin

goingplacesfarandnear.com

goingplacesnearandfar.wordpress.com

moralcompasstravel.info

travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate/

‘Like’ us on facebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures

Twitter: @TravelFeatures