MEDIA CONTACT
Jennifer Gregoire Lindblad Expeditions (212) 261-9008 [email protected]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
New York, NY, October 16, 2007 – (New York, NY) Lindblad Expeditions (LEX), the NY-based expedition travel pioneer, has announced the newest addition to its fleet, an ice-class polar expedition vessel that will hold approximately 150 guests and will set sail in the summer of 2008. The ship, the Lyngen, purchased from the Norwegian company Hurtigruten, will be renamed the National Geographic Explorer and will be redesigned to provide travelers with the most innovative tools for exploring the undersea, the polar regions and key destinations around the globe. The ship will be the seventh in the Lindblad fleet.
Built in 1982, Lindblad’s new ship will undergo extensive renovations to become a state-of-the-art vessel offering guests an intimate, educational environment. The new ship, like all Lindblad vessels, will carry the name of National Geographic, showcasing the deepening relationship between the two organizations. In addition, the ship’s new name reflects the National Geographic Society’s century of exploration and the name of Lindblad Travel’s first ship, the Lindblad Explorer, which was commissioned in 1969 by Lars-Eric Lindblad, known to many as the ‘father of eco-tourism,’ as the world’s first purpose-built expedition ship.
“Adding the National Geographic Explorer to our fleet of ships enables us to bring to life, in the fullest sense, the name of my father’s first ship, but with all of the best tools for exploring and the comfort of a 21st-century expedition ship,” said Sven Lindblad, founder and president of Lindblad Expeditions. “This vessel will not only explore the remote corners of the world, but with our partners at NGS, we hope to positively impact these regions through guest involvement in scientific research and conservation”.
Building upon Lindblad Expedition’s spirit of exploration and discovery, the National Geographic Explorer will house technology for sea exploration, such as zodiacs, kayaks, hydro-phones, underwater HD cameras and a Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV). Additional ship-enhancement plans include the
development of multiple dining venues, a lounge area designed specifically for educational presentations and a luxury wellness spa.
The vessel, staffed with highly experienced LEX and National Geographic undersea experts, photographers, naturalists and expedition leaders will be deployed from the Arctic next summer and will sail to Greenland, Iceland, the Canadian Arctic and down the east coast of the U.S. before sailing to Antarctica via the west coast of South America.
Lindblad Expeditions will be highlighting, on its website (www.expeditions.com), the eight-month journey of the National Geographic Explorer as it is transformed into an ultra-modern expedition vessel. Weekly updates from the shipyard, including photos, will enable maritime buffs and travel enthusiasts a rare opportunity to observe this dramatic ship overhaul.
About National Geographic
The National Geographic Society is one of the world’s largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. Founded in 1888 to “increase and diffuse geographic knowledge,” the Society works to inspire people to care about the planet. It reaches more than 300 million people worldwide each month through its official journal, National Geographic, and other magazines; National Geographic Channel; television documentaries; music; radio; films; books; DVDs; maps; school publishing programs; interactive media; and merchandise. National Geographic has funded more than 8,000 scientific research projects and supports an education program combating geographic illiteracy. For more information, visit nationalgeographic.com.
About Lindblad Expeditions
Lindblad Expeditions is an expedition travel company providing voyages in the Galápagos, Antarctica, Baja California, Alaska, the Arctic, and beyond. Sven Lindblad has received international recognition, including the 2007 Global Tourism Business Award, 2007 Seafood Champion Award, U.N. Programme Global 500 Award, and recognition from HRH, Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg for his dedication to the conservation and environmental stewardship of the Galápagos archipelago. The company has also been named #1 Small-Ship Cruise Line (Travel + Leisure's World's Best Value Awards 2006); “The Best Ships in the World” and “The Best Itineraries” (Condé Nast Traveler: Truth in Travel Awards 2006).
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