Lindblad Expeditions
Lindblad Expeditions (Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic, Nasdaq: LIND) is an expedition travel company headquartered in New York, NY. The company currently offers expedition cruises to destinations on all seven continents aboard 15 ships with capacities ranging from 28 to 150 guests.
| Industry | Transportation |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1979 |
| Headquarters | New York, New York |
Area served | worldwide |
Key people |
|
| Products | Cruises |
| Subsidiaries |
|
| Website | www.expeditions.com |
History edit
Lindblad Travel (1958–1989) edit
Lars-Eric Lindblad founded Lindblad Travel in Connecticut in 1958.[1] Lindblad Travel led the first tourist expedition to Antarctica in 1966[2] and was among the first companies to bring tourists to the Galápagos Islands starting in 1967.[3] Later, after launching the first private, purpose-built expedition ship, the Lindblad Explorer (1969),[4] it pioneered tourist expeditions to the Arctic, Tierra del Fuego, the Falkland Islands, the Seychelles, Easter Island, Indonesia, the Amazon River, and many others.[5] In 1984 Lindblad Travel led the first tourist expedition through the Northwest Passage from Newfoundland to the Bering Strait.[6]
Regarded as the father of ecotourism,[7] Lars-Eric Lindblad believed strongly that travel to difficult-to-reach places encouraged a desire to preserve and protect the planet. In addition to leading expeditions in remote wilderness areas, Lindblad Travel also led trips to hard-to-visit countries such as China, Vietnam, and Cambodia. The company ceased operations in 1989.[8]
Special Expeditions (1979–2001) edit
Lars-Eric Lindblad passed along his passions for adventure, exploration, and conservation to his son, Sven-Olof Lindblad, who joined him on expeditions from an early age. In 1979 Sven-Olof Lindblad founded Special Expeditions as a subsidiary of Lindblad Travel.[9] Special Expeditions decoupled from Lindblad Travel in 1982[10] and was renamed Lindblad Expeditions in 2000.[11]
Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic (2004–present) edit
Since 2004, Lindblad Expeditions has partnered with National Geographic[12] and is now cobranded in the Americas and Oceania as Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic. This alliance pairs Lindblad expedition leaders, naturalists, and historians with National Geographic scientists, oceanographers, writers, photo instructors, and filmmakers. Itineraries operated by Lindblad are also sold by National Geographic Expeditions,[13] and Lindblad-owned vessels in the fleet feature “National Geographic” in their names.
Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic went public in July 2015.[14] It trades on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol LIND.[15]
In 2016, Lindblad purchased a controlling interest in Natural Habitat, Inc., an ecotourism company based in Boulder, Colorado, that specializes in land-based tours.[16] In 2021, Lindblad further expanded its brand portfolio to include Bozeman, Montana-based travel company Off the Beaten Path; DuVine Cycling + Adventure Co, a Boston-based company specializing in cycling tours;[17] and Classic Journeys, which specializes in luxury walking tours.[18]
Sven Lindblad retired as CEO in 2021.[19] Dolf Berle was appointed CEO in 2021 [20] and stepped down in 2023, at which point Sven Lindblad resumed the role. [21]
Sustainability & Charitable Initiatives edit
In 1998, Sven Lindblad developed the Galápagos Conservation Fund, which supported local conservation and scientific efforts through contributions from passengers aboard Lindblad ships in the Galápagos.[22] In 2005, Lindblad began a program called OPUS (Operation to Prevent Unwanted Species) which implemented new practices designed to prevent the introduction of invasive species via food imported to the ships.[23]
The Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic Fund for conservation and research raises more than $2 million annually,[24] primarily through guest donations, to support projects such as scholarships for students in the Galápagos[25] and the purchase of tags for scientists studying killer whales in the waters surrounding the Antarctic Peninsula.[26] Over the years, guests have contributed more than $15 million to support Lindblad’s global stewardship efforts.[27]
In 2019, Lindblad Expeditions announced plans to become entirely carbon neutral by the end of the year.[28] That same year, in conjunction with National Geographic’s “Planet or Plastic” campaign, the company banned all single-use plastics aboard its ships.[29]
Fleet edit
Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic currently operates a fleet of ten owned vessels and five charter vessels.[30] Ships owned by Lindblad Expeditions bear names beginning with “National Geographic.” Its most recent new builds include the National Geographic Endurance and National Geographic Resolution, which launched in 2021 and operate primarily in the Arctic and Antarctica.[31]
In 2021, Lindblad Expeditions purchased the Crystal Esprit and refurbished it, rechristening it National Geographic Islander II. The ship began operations in the Galápagos in August 2022.[32]
Current fleet (owned) edit
| Ship Name | Entered Service for Lindblad | Capacity | Geographies | Notes | Image |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| National Geographic Islander II | 2022 | 48 | Galápagos | Previously known as: Crystal Esprit | |
| National Geographic Endurance | 2021 | 126 | Antarctica, Arctic, Patagonia, Transatlantic | | |
| National Geographic Resolution | 2021 | 126 | Antarctica, Arctic, Patagonia, Pacific Islands, Japan, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Europe | ||
| National Geographic Quest | 2018 | 100 | Alaska, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Pacific Northwest, California | | |
| National Geographic Venture | 2018 | 100 | Alaska, Baja California, Pacific Northwest, California | ||
| National Geographic Endeavour II | 2016 | 96 | Galápagos | Previously known as: Via Australis | |
| National Geographic Orion | 2013 | 102 | Alaska, Australia, New Zealand, Pacific Islands, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea | Previously known as: MS Orion; MV Orion | |
| National Geographic Explorer | 2008 | 148 | South America, Antarctica, Arctic, Canada, Europe | Previously known as: Midnatsol (1982–2003); Midnatsol II (2003–2005); Lyngen (2005-2008) | |
| National Geographic Sea Lion | 1989 | 62 | Alaska, Belize, Guatemala, Bahamas, U.S. East Coast | | |
| National Geographic Sea Bird | 1989 | 62 | Alaska, Baja California, Pacific Northwest | |
Current fleet (leased) edit
| Ship Name | Entered Service for Lindblad | Capacity | Geographies | Image |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delfin II | 2010 | 28 | Amazon | |
| The Jahan | 2012 | 48 | Vietnam, Cambodia | |
| Lord of the Glens | 2008 | 48 | Scotland | |
| Oberoi Philae | 2015 | 42 | Egypt | |
| Sea Cloud | 2012 | 58 | Mediterranean, Caribbean | |
Former fleet edit
| Ship Name | Years active for Lindblad | Notes | Image |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Geographic Polaris | 1981-2009 | Previously known as: Öresund (1960–1981); Lindblad Polaris (1981–1986); Polaris (1986–2008) | |
| National Geographic Endeavour | 1997-2009 | Previously known as: Marburg (1966–1982); Lindmar (1982–1983); North Star (1983–1989); Caledonian Star (1989–2001); Endeavour (2001–2009) | |
| National Geographic Islander | 2004-2022 | ||
| MV Lindblad Explorer | 1969-1985 | First passenger ship to sail to Antarctica |
References edit
- ^ Sitwell, Nigel (1994-07-15). "Obituary: Lars-Eric Lindblad". The Independent. Retrieved 2022-06-20.
- ^ Carey, Meredith (2016-01-23). "What the First-Ever Antarctic Cruise Looked Like". Conde Nast Traveler. Conde Nast Publications. Retrieved 2022-06-20.
- ^ "Island Hopping: Tourism in the Galápagos". CBS News. 2018-07-29. Retrieved 2022-06-20.
- ^ Wright, Christopher (2018-05-31). "The Rise and Rise and Rise of Polar Cruising". The Maritime Executive. Retrieved 2022-06-20.
- ^ Sitwell, Nigel (1994-07-15). "Obituary: Lars-Eric Lindblad". The Independent. Retrieved 2022-06-20.
- ^ Wright, Christopher (2018-05-31). "The Rise and Rise and Rise of Polar Cruising". The Maritime Executive. Retrieved 2022-06-20.
- ^ Kmet, Mimi. "A Purposeful Pioneer". Travel Pulse. Retrieved 2022-08-17.
- ^ Piorko, Janet (1994-07-13). "Lars-Eric Lindblad, 67, Pioneer Of Tours to Exotic Destinations". The New York Times. Retrieved 2022-06-20.
- ^ "Sven-Olof Lindblad on Investing in Eco-Tourism". Lux. Retrieved 2022-06-20.
- ^ "The Traveler Who Carried his Typewriter Around the World". Conde Nast Traveler. Conde Nast Publications. 2016-04-01. Retrieved 2022-06-20.
- ^ Cogswell, David (2015-04-26). "Lindblad Appointed Cultural Ambassador of the Seychelles". Travel Pulse. Retrieved 2022-06-20.
- ^ Sampson, Hannah (2018-08-24). "National Geographic's Travel Arm Extends Ahead of Disney Takeover". Skift. Retrieved 2022-06-20.
- ^ "Expedition Cruises". National Geographic. Retrieved 2022-06-20.
- ^ Gregg, Aaron (2015-07-10). "Lindblad Expeditions, an exotic-travel company, goes public". The Washington Post. Retrieved 2022-06-20.
- ^ "Lindblad Expeditions". Nasdaq. Retrieved 2022-06-20.
- ^ Steighorst, Tom (2016-05-05). "Lindblad acquires majority stake in adventure tour operator". Travel Weekly. Retrieved 2022-06-20.
- ^ Clausing, Jeri (2021-03-09). "Lindblad Expeditions buys two tour operators". Travel Weekly. Retrieved 2022-06-20.
- ^ Jainchill, Johanna (2021-10-19). "Lindblad Expeditions acquires Classic Journeys". Travel Weekly. Retrieved 2022-06-20.
- ^ Cogswell, David (2021-04-15). ""Sven Lindblad Steps Down, or Up"". Travel Research Online. Retrieved 2022-06-20.
- ^ Kalosh, Anne (2021-04-30). "Lindblad appoints Dolf Berle CEO, Sven Lindblad moves to co-chair". Seatrade Cruise News. Retrieved 2022-06-20.
- ^ Saltzman, Dori (2023-07-21). "Sven Lindblad Back as CEO at Lindblad Expeditions". Travel Market Report. Retrieved 2023-10-10.
- ^ Randall, Cassidy (2020-01-11). "Travel Is Worth the Carbon Footprint". Outside. Mariah Media. Retrieved 2022-06-20.
- ^ Catchpole, Karen (2017-01-20). "Going greener in the Galápagos". The Toronto Sun. Retrieved 2022-06-24.
- ^ "Traveler Impact Summary" (PDF). Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic. Retrieved 2022-06-21.
- ^ "Les Roches creates a Sustainable Development specialization within its Bachelor program". HospitalityNet. 2022-05-11. Retrieved 2022-06-21.
- ^ Gable, Mona (2017-04-10). "What Antarctic Killer Whales Can Teach Humans About Climate Change". The Atlantic. Retrieved 2022-06-21.
- ^ Bair, Diane; Wright, Pamela (2019-07-09). "Leave the world a better place". The Boston Globe. Retrieved 2022-06-21.
- ^ "Regenerative Tourism: Beyond Sustainable Tourism". Travel Weekly. 2020-11-09. Retrieved 2022-06-21.
- ^ Figueroa, Ana (2018-07-25). "Lindblad Eliminates Single-Use Plastic Fleetwide". Travel Pulse. Retrieved 2022-06-21.
- ^ "Lindblad Expeditions: Diversity and Surprises". Cruise Industry News. 2020-08-31. Retrieved 2022-06-21.
- ^ Pratesi, Gwen (2022-06-09). "12 Top Cruises on Small Ships". U.S. News & World Report. Retrieved 2022-06-21.
- ^ "New Ship In Galapagos a Meaningful Upgrade for Lindblad Expeditions". Cruise Industry News. 2022-05-09. Retrieved 2022-06-21.