Expedition Stories

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

World View

coastal landscape - rocks and moss with an island in the background

9/20/2021

2 Min Read

Where Is the Salish Sea?

The name “Salish Sea” is a relatively new term coined to describe the Pacific Northwest's most unique ecosystem. Read on to learn more, and then join us this fall to experience it for yourself.

World View

11/16/2022

4 Min Read

Notable Birds of the Pacific Northwest

The Pacific Northwest harbors a diversity of habitats ideal for birdlife like the rhinoceros auklet, Steller’s jay, and red-breasted sapsucker. These are just a few of the species to spot on expeditions in the region.

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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!