🚢 Lindblad Expeditions Expands Fleet to Meet Alaska Demand

Posted onAuthorChris Owen

  • National Geographic–Lindblad Expeditions is expanding its Alaska program starting in 2027 due to consistently strong traveler demand.
  • The company will charter the advanced expedition ship Greg Mortimer for three years, which features the Ulstein X-BOW® and dynamic positioning technology.
  • This expansion comes as the veteran ships National Geographic Sea Bird and Sea Lion are set to retire after their 2026 farewell season.
  • New and existing itineraries will continue to focus on iconic wilderness locations like Hubbard Glacier and the Inside Passage, utilizing small ships for deep access.

National Geographic–Lindblad Expeditions is significantly expanding its Alaska program starting in 2027 to address surging demand for its small-ship expedition cruises in the region. This expansion is highlighted by the three-year charter of the Greg Mortimer, a modern vessel that will enhance the company’s fleet and allow for new itineraries. This move coincides with the planned retirement of two long-serving ships, the National Geographic Sea Bird and National Geographic Sea Lion, which will sail their farewell season in 2026.

The Greg Mortimer, purpose-built for remote environments, will accommodate 154 guests and features the Ulstein X-BOW® for improved stability, dynamic positioning to protect the seafloor, and multiple Zodiac loading platforms for seamless exploration. CEO Natalya Leahy expressed excitement about welcoming more explorers and designing new routes that will take guests deeper into Alaska’s wilderness, leveraging the ship’s advanced capabilities.

Lindblad Expeditions, a leader in small-ship exploration in Alaska for nearly four decades, will continue to offer immersive, expert-led voyages. The upcoming season will feature iconic locations such as the massive Hubbard Glacier, the scenic Inside Passage, the Inian Islands, Misty Fjords, and Endicott Arm. The addition of the Greg Mortimer reinforces the company’s commitment to pioneering expedition travel and offering unique access to Alaska’s most remote areas.