Effective and Last Updated: July 26, 2024
Effective September 1, 2007, all Lindblad voyages departing from and returning to ports outside the United States will be operated by Lindblad Maritime Enterprises, Ltd., a subsidiary of Lindblad Expeditions, LLC, also referenced as “we,” “us,” “our” throughout these Terms and Conditions.
National Geographic Partners, LLC (“NGP”) has licensed us to sell, book, organize, and administer National Geographic Expedition Cruises and certain related products or services (“voyages” or “expeditions”). These voyages or expeditions will be noted as “in collaboration with Lindblad Expeditions” or “sold and operated by Lindblad Expeditions” or similar reference on NGP and any affiliated entity’s website or marketing materials.
We are solely responsible for selling, booking, arranging, operating, and providing all the services and accommodations offered to you in connection with our voyages.
Basis of Rates
All prices are based on two persons sharing a cabin, or a single where noted. Shared accommodations are available on certain ships and categories. For more information, please refer to our Share Guarantee Program section of our Terms and Conditions, or call us for details. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars.
Costs Include
All accommodations aboard ships or in hotels per itinerary or similar; all meals and nonalcoholic beverages plus beer and wine aboard ship; cocktails aboard National Geographic Explorer, National Geographic Orion, National Geographic Endurance, National Geographic Resolution, National Geographic Endeavour II, National Geographic Islander II, Sea Cloud, Sea Cloud II, The Jahan, and Lord of the Glens (excepting certain super premium brands available for purchase); cocktails and spirits starting Jan 1, 2024, aboard National Geographic Sea Lion, National Geographic Sea Bird, National Geographic Quest, and National Geographic Venture; meals on land as indicated, accompanied by nonalcoholic beverages; air transportation where indicated as included; shore excursions; sightseeing and entrance fees; special access permits; transfers to and from group flights; use of snorkeling equipment and wetsuits (where applicable); use of kayaks and/or stand-up paddleboards (where available); gratuities aboard National Geographic Explorer, National Geographic Orion, National Geographic Endurance, National Geographic Resolution, Sea Cloud, Sea Cloud II, Jahan, Lord of the Glens, and Oberoi Philae; taxes and service charges; services of a ship physician on most voyages, and services of our expedition staff. Unused services or items included in our programs are non-refundable.
Pricing and promotions may vary for reservations booked through affinity or charter organizations. Check your affinity or charter organization for complete pricing and promotional information.
Not Included
Air transportation (except where shown as included); extensions; passport, visa, immigration fees; scuba diving (where available); flightseeing (where available and except where shown as indicated); meals not indicated; travel protection plan; items of a personal nature, such as alcoholic beverages (except aboard National Geographic Explorer, National Geographic Orion, National Geographic Endurance, National Geographic Resolution, National Geographic Endeavour II, National Geographic Islander II, Sea Cloud, Jahan, and Lord of the Glens; certain super premium brands not included); internet access (except aboard National Geographic Endeavour II and National Geographic Islander II, where up to one hour of Wi-Fi a day per person is included, and Lord of the Glens); spa treatments and laundry. Gratuities to ship's crew are at your discretion on National Geographic Sea Bird, National Geographic Sea Lion, National Geographic Venture, National Geographic Quest, and Delfin II. Certain items not typically included may be included on specific departures in accordance with special promotional offers. Confirmation of such promotional items is reflected on reservation invoices.
Airfare
For all programs, airfare is an additional cost unless otherwise indicated. Sample airfares are subject to change. We will gladly assist in making your air arrangements for a $50 per person service fee. Airline tickets issued by Lindblad Expeditions are subject to each individual airline’s policies. Refunds, where applicable, will be processed according to the timeline and policy put forth by the airline(s).
Advance and Final Payments
effective January 1, 2024
To reserve your place, an advance payment for the program is required at the time of reservation. Payment is accepted by Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, or check. Receipt of your initial payment indicates your acceptance of our complete Terms and Conditions.
Once your reservation is confirmed, we urge you to use your personalized online account for important information to help you prepare for your voyage. Managing your documents online will facilitate fast and accurate communication and allow you to provide us with pertinent details required to complete your reservation. Your online account gives you access to your Expedition Guide, which includes valuable information specific to your voyage. You can also use your online account to make easy payments, view recommended flights and reading material, packing list, and so much more.
Advance payment amount will be 15% of the cabin fare. Final payment will be due 120 days prior to departure. For groups of 8 or more a 50% advance payment is due 180 days prior to departure.
Cancellation Policy
Our standard cancellation policy is available at expeditions.com/cancellation-policy. This cancellation policy applies to expeditions, additional services, and most extensions.
Please inquire or refer to the detailed extension itinerary for the specific cancellation policy of each extension. The effective date of a cancellation will be the date on which your cancellation notice is received. Any revisions you make within the cancellation penalty period, such as departure date or choice of voyage, are subject to cancellation fees. The cancellation policy for certain longer voyages and Holiday departures may vary due to high demand for these voyages, and the cancellation policy for certain voyages may differ from our standard cancellation policy due to promotional offers.
Should the voyage’s cancellation policy differ from our standard cancellation policy, the cancellation policy as printed on your reservation invoice shall govern.
On March 17, 2022, the Federal Maritime Commission published the final rule amending 46 C.F.R. Part 540 regarding the establishment of passenger vessel financial responsibility for nonperformance of transportation. 87 FR 15125. In accordance with this regulation, Lindblad Expeditions provides a full refund to the original form of payment made. Requests for refunds may be made in writing to [email protected].
Lindblad Expeditions, LLC is a registered member of the CA Seller of Travel Program #2151120. Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California. WA Seller of Travel Program #601134845 001 0001.
Travel Protection Plan
We strongly recommend our guests to take advantage of our Travel Protection Plan. This plan offers comprehensive coverage to protect you from cancellation fees, costs incurred due to trip delays/interruption, damaged or lost baggage, medical assistance, and evacuation during your travels. Our Travel Protection Plan is available for U.S. residents only, and may be purchased any time prior to final payment due date. If You are not satisfied for any reason, You may return your Plan Document to your Travel Supplier within 10 days after receipt. Your plan payment will be refunded, provided you have not already departed on the Trip or filed a claim. When so returned, the coverage under the Plan is void from the beginning. Outside of the 10 day window to return, Travel Protection Plan payments are non-refundable, including in the case of voyage cancellation or reschedule by Lindblad Expeditions. Learn more about Lindblad Expeditions Travel Protection "Plus" Plan.
Smoking Policy
Smoking and Vaping are allowed only in designated outdoor areas.
Entry and Visa Requirements
All guests are advised to verify travel documents (passport/transit visa/entry visa) for the country through which they are transiting and/ or entering. Reliable and most current information regarding international travel can be found by contacting the consulate/embassy of the country(s) you are visiting or transiting through. We will not be responsible if you are denied entry or transit into a country if you are unable to provide valid documents as per the country’s requirement.
Groups
For a party of 8 people or more who make their reservations to travel as a group, each guest will receive 5% off the cost of the expedition when booked together.
Share Guarantee Program
If you are a solo guest willing to share accommodations, we will be happy to make arrangements to match you with another solo guest, so you may travel at the double occupancy rate. If you are willing to share, and we are unable to make shared arrangements for you, we will guarantee you the per person double occupancy rate, and you will not incur the solo rate. This program is subject to availability, and limited to certain ships and categories.
Medical Information
It is essential that guests with medical conditions and/or special dietary restrictions make them known to us in sufficient time for us to accommodate their request.
Cruise Ticket Contract and Other Terms & Conditions
Your Cruise Ticket Contract is the contract governing your expedition and is available at expeditions.com/shipticket as well as on your Communications Portal with your reservation details. Entry into the site requires acceptance of your Cruise Ticket Contract and our Terms & Conditions. A printed copy of your Cruise Ticket Contract will be provided with final documents, to be received approximately three weeks prior to departure. Carefully read your Cruise Ticket Contract as it contains important terms and conditions which govern your expedition and affect your legal rights including, among other things, limitations of Lindblad Expeditions’ and National Geographic Partners’ liability for loss of property, injury, illness, or death during the voyage. By registering for a trip, you agree to all Terms and Conditions. In the event of any conflict between the Terms & Conditions contained herein and the Cruise Ticket Contract, the terms and conditions contained in the Cruise Ticket Contract shall control.
Note
Itineraries and prices listed on this website are as of publication date, and are subject to change. Under normal conditions the total expedition cost is guaranteed at the time of booking. However, the published price is determined far in advance of initial departure on the basis of then-existing projections of fuel and other costs. In the event that we determine that current costs create an unsustainable financial model, including but not limited to increases in the price of fuel, currency fluctuations, 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 provide a transparent accounting of the reason for increase in costs.
General
Lindblad Expeditions may amend these terms and conditions at any time. All amended terms and conditions shall automatically be effective upon being posted by Lindblad Expeditions to the Site. We always use industry-standard encryption technologies when transferring and receiving visitor data exchanged with our site.