Expedition Stories

Our fleet navigates the world in search of adventure. These are the stories they bring back…

World View

2/21/2019

5 Min Read

3 Reasons Wildlife Lovers Will Fall for the British Isles

For anyone who loves seeing legendary sites up close and walking around gorgeous landscapes, there’s a destination in the North Atlantic that has it all — actually, make that 6,000 destinations. The British and Irish Isles — which also include Scotland, Wales and the 6,000-plus islands around them — pack in endless fascination for travelers. For nature buffs, a trip to this Atlantic archipelago is an especially magical experience. It’s a chance to see spectacular animals and rare plants in the wild, all while hiking in beautiful surroundings dotted with archaeological ruins and local charm. A voyage around this part of the Atlantic brings unexpected daily discoveries along the cliffs, shores and hiking trails of the islands.

World View

8/27/2020

2 Min Read

Simplicity & Sea Life in Sweden's Weather Islands

Off the western coast of Sweden lies a small group of ice-scoured granitic islands. Väderöarna (or the Weather Islands, in English) is one of those places that seeps into your soul. A remote oasis in the middle of the ocean, it’s way off the beaten path, far from the noise and stressors of everyday life.

World View

6/1/2021

5 Min Read

The Dramatic Walled City of Saint-Malo

The medieval walled city of Saint-Malo has birthed explorers and privateers, and risen like a phoenix from the rubble of World War II to become a stunningly picturesque small city known for its authentic character.

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Daily Expedition Reports

Follow Along

Daily Expedition Reports

5/29/2025

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National Geographic Explorer

Siglufjordur

Today we got to experience some of the rich history and culture of Iceland with a visit to Siglufjordur, the herring capital of Iceland. Here in Siglufjordur, there’s a living museum depicting the days of the herring fisheries, complete with a performance by the Herring Girls who demonstrated the fine art of cutting and salting herring. After the demonstration, we visited three buildings, each displaying what life was like in the early 1900’s when herring ruled.

Daily Expedition Reports

5/29/2025

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National Geographic Resolution

Loen, Norway

A spectacular day aboard National Geographic Resolution brought us high above the fjord via the scenic sky lift, offering sweeping views of mountains, glaciers, and deep-blue waters below.   We explored the lush forest on foot, surrounded by mossy trails and birdsong, before reaching open viewpoints of distant icefields. Later, we crossed the serene glacial lake by boat, its surface reflecting the towering peaks above. It was a day filled with a perfect blend of adventure and awe in this majestic landscape.

Daily Expedition Reports

5/28/2025

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National Geographic Explorer

Westfjords, Iceland

We had an early morning in beautiful Arnarfjordur in the Westfjords. We enjoyed a hike up to Dynjandi Waterfall with great views of the fjord below. Summer is just beginning here in Iceland, and we could see wild blueberries, crowberries, and bilberries starting to flower.   In the afternoon, we made the journey further north to Isafjardardjup to reposition ourselves for an evening visit to Vigur Island. This small island is home to thousands of sea birds including eiders, black guillemots, puffins, arctic terns and oystercatchers. The island is also home to a local family who farms the eider down for duvets and other down products. It’s a neat little economic cohabitation where the family of humans protects the eiders from predators and in return get to sustainably collect their down.   The day ended with some music and Happy Marriage cake in the local café. Onward we go to North Iceland where Siglufjordur awaits our arrival.

Daily Expedition Reports

5/28/2025

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National Geographic Endurance

Smola Island, Norway

Continuing our voyage north along the Norway coast, National Geographic Endurance made a stop at Smola Island today. Smola Island looms large in the history of the local fishing industry, and guests were offered two options to explore:  a visit to the small, historic Brattværet Island or a walking tour of the more modern fishing village of Veiholman.   Before the advent of powered vessels, Brattværet Island was used a safe haven for fleets of the small sailing vessels returning from sea. Fishermen could unload their catch at the island, avoiding the treacherous reefs surrounding the mainland. In the mid-20th century, the fishermen abandoned the island, and it has become a place with a few summer homes. Our hosts guided us around the island and prepared some fresh Norwegian style waffles!   Other guests opted for a walking tour of Veiholman village where a small harbor is home to an active modern fishing fleet. Multicolored houses, flower gardens, and narrow streets add to the authenticity of this charming village.

Daily Expedition Reports

5/27/2025

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National Geographic Quest

Glacier Bay National Park

A nice morning that only got better and prettier and sunnier! Truly a gift to bring guests here to witness the scale and diversity of ice and wildlife. South Marble Island had so many tufted puffins, and a few unexpected horned puffins, with sea lions and humpback whales galore.   During lunch, we cruised up towards Margerie Glacier to view the impressive glacier and look for Arctic terns. Afterwards, we went past Gloomy Knob and saw mountain goats, looked for wildlife at Russel Cut (saw an osprey!), and ended the day with a stunning colorful sunset with an abundance of whales!