Antarctica Cruise Review w Lindblad Nov. 2009
Dec 17th, 2009, 02:50 PM
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Antarctica Cruise Review w Lindblad Nov. 2009
In November 2009, we went on a Lindblad-National Geographic Cruise in Antarctica on the National Geographic Explorer. The expedition operations (site selection, Zodiacing, hiking, kayaking, etc.) were spectacular. We never felt rushed and everything was professionally run. There were usually 2 landings a day, weather permitting. One day the Captain drove up onto the ice so we could take a walk on ice. He also made a stop so we could swim along a thermally heated shoreline. Regardless of where we were, the mountains, ice flows, and sunsets were always incredible. We saw tens of thousands of penguins, many other types of birds, seals, and whales. Oftentimes the penguins would walk to within a foot or so of us. The enormity of it all has to be experienced, it can’t be described.
We had equally high hopes for the educational activities, given National Geographic’s preeminence in nature education and the alliance formed in 2004 between National Geographic and Lindblad. We were surprised there was no use of any National Geographic materials in presentations. The one short film we were shown appeared to be a BBC production. Our official National Geographic photographer gave two presentations. One was about shooting a small wedding service in Alaska?! There was no channel on the in-room TV with National Geographic films and no DVD players to play any Nat Geo DVDs bought in a gift shop.
Most days there were one or two talks given by one of the many naturalists. The individual talks were interesting, but they paled in comparison to the quality of the presentations Regent Cruise lines provided on our Alaska cruise. It appeared we had a collection of talented, knowledgeable, motivated naturalists with no one in charge. Note this is not the presenters’ fault – it’s a management problem. The presenters and naturalists were as enthusiastic, helpful, and fired up as any group of workers we’ve ever seen. They just need direction, access to Nat Geo materials, and help with presentations.
The dining experience was mediocre. Among menu selection, food quality, food preparation, buffet replenishment, and service, two of the five were usually bad, two OK, and one good to very good. Ordering off menu was “tolerated”. Language barriers appeared out of nowhere when we tried to order things as simple as a grilled cheese sandwich. It seemed odd there wasn't a lobster or crab night. Fresh crab appeared to be the local specialty at Ushuaia, our departure point. On the plus side, the selection of moderately priced wines was quite good and many were available by the glass. (Note our food experience may be a fluke. One of the guests had been on many Lindblad expeditions before and said the food operation on this one was “just bad”.)
We were surprised there were basically no organized social activities at all beyond morning stretches and a recap of the day’s events before dinner. After dinner one could work out, visit the lounge, or watch the one movie that ran repeatedly (but was changed each day). Some attempt to break up the sameness over the 10 days at sea would have been much appreciated, especially after dinner.
Our cabin was nicely laid out and reasonable for the price. We always had lots of hot water, but heard from numerous folks on the 3rd deck they had problems throughout the cruise.
In summary - not a good value for us and our last Lindblad National Geographic Cruise. If expedition operations are far more important than everything else to you, this trip is worth considering.
We had equally high hopes for the educational activities, given National Geographic’s preeminence in nature education and the alliance formed in 2004 between National Geographic and Lindblad. We were surprised there was no use of any National Geographic materials in presentations. The one short film we were shown appeared to be a BBC production. Our official National Geographic photographer gave two presentations. One was about shooting a small wedding service in Alaska?! There was no channel on the in-room TV with National Geographic films and no DVD players to play any Nat Geo DVDs bought in a gift shop.
Most days there were one or two talks given by one of the many naturalists. The individual talks were interesting, but they paled in comparison to the quality of the presentations Regent Cruise lines provided on our Alaska cruise. It appeared we had a collection of talented, knowledgeable, motivated naturalists with no one in charge. Note this is not the presenters’ fault – it’s a management problem. The presenters and naturalists were as enthusiastic, helpful, and fired up as any group of workers we’ve ever seen. They just need direction, access to Nat Geo materials, and help with presentations.
The dining experience was mediocre. Among menu selection, food quality, food preparation, buffet replenishment, and service, two of the five were usually bad, two OK, and one good to very good. Ordering off menu was “tolerated”. Language barriers appeared out of nowhere when we tried to order things as simple as a grilled cheese sandwich. It seemed odd there wasn't a lobster or crab night. Fresh crab appeared to be the local specialty at Ushuaia, our departure point. On the plus side, the selection of moderately priced wines was quite good and many were available by the glass. (Note our food experience may be a fluke. One of the guests had been on many Lindblad expeditions before and said the food operation on this one was “just bad”.)
We were surprised there were basically no organized social activities at all beyond morning stretches and a recap of the day’s events before dinner. After dinner one could work out, visit the lounge, or watch the one movie that ran repeatedly (but was changed each day). Some attempt to break up the sameness over the 10 days at sea would have been much appreciated, especially after dinner.
Our cabin was nicely laid out and reasonable for the price. We always had lots of hot water, but heard from numerous folks on the 3rd deck they had problems throughout the cruise.
In summary - not a good value for us and our last Lindblad National Geographic Cruise. If expedition operations are far more important than everything else to you, this trip is worth considering.
Dec 18th, 2009, 06:06 PM
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Precisely! It's such an out of the way destination and it's an "expedition" type cruise so we adjusted our expectations. At a significantly lower price it would have been great. We still can't believe Nat Geo is willing to associate their name with such a poor educational program.
Dec 21st, 2009, 02:48 AM
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Thanks for sharing your experiences PModo. I had originally planned to travel to Antarctica with Lindblad, and the main selling point for me at the time was getting to sail with a National Geographic photographer. I would have been extremely disappointed given what you described.
I'm guessing the NG photographer on board was NOT Paul Nicklen. He's getting a lot of press lately with his newly published book. He has great stories to tell, from what I've heard on NPR. I'd imagine that travelers would be fortunate to sail with him.
I'm guessing the NG photographer on board was NOT Paul Nicklen. He's getting a lot of press lately with his newly published book. He has great stories to tell, from what I've heard on NPR. I'd imagine that travelers would be fortunate to sail with him.
Dec 21st, 2009, 02:09 PM
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I greatly appreciate the candid feedback about the various aspects of our operation in Antarctica. I would value even more feedback as relates to a couple of specific issues, if you wouldn’t mind. You can get in touch with me directly at [email protected] or via tel: 1866.819.5327, ext 1553.
Trey Byus
Chief Expedition Officer
Lindblad Expeditions
Trey Byus
Chief Expedition Officer
Lindblad Expeditions
Dec 21st, 2009, 11:50 PM
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Nutella, our photographer was not Paul Nicklen, but I don't think that was the issue. Our NG photographer was very capable and gifted. The issue in my mind was what appeared to be a lack of supervision and guidance. It had the feeling they got together each morning or the evening before and decided who'd present what - and that no one was really in charge. Assuming I'm right, which I may not be, if Paul wants to present relevant material, you'll get it. If he doesn't, you'll get whatever he wants to present.
Dec 21st, 2009, 11:55 PM
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HappyTrvlr, glad to hear your trips went well. Lindblad's reputation is totally out of sync with our experience. Regardless, it was so bad for us we don't plan to travel with them again.
Dec 28th, 2009, 03:19 AM
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A correction is in order. I stated there was no Nat Geo channel on the in-room TV. That's not correct. There was a channel playing the Nat Geo Wild Chronicles series. I mistakenly relied on information I received from a shipmate and didn't think to verify it. My apologies.
Dec 28th, 2009, 07:36 PM
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QWOw. I am so sorry to read this review. I've wanted to go with Lindblad for a long time but it's been just too expensive. Seems for the price, they really didn't live up to their reputation. At least they could give you some good food for the price you pay them!
At the lest, I'm, glad the Antarctic didn't disappoint you.
Other posters mentioned cruising with Lindblad and enjoying the cruise. Could you tell me which ones you've taken?
At the lest, I'm, glad the Antarctic didn't disappoint you.
Other posters mentioned cruising with Lindblad and enjoying the cruise. Could you tell me which ones you've taken?
Dec 29th, 2009, 07:01 PM
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We have taken several Lindblad trips and loved them to the extent that I intend to go with them whenever possible. Did Costa Rica/Panama 2005, Alaska 2006, Baja 2009, British Isles 2009. Signed up for Galapagos and Arctic this year. The photogs on Brit Isles were amazing. My only complaint, is that the office staff in NY seems to make a few little mistakes lately. A little sloppiness here & there that I don't expect from this level of travel. Economy causing cutbacks in staff?
Dec 30th, 2009, 02:37 PM
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I realize each trip is different, but we went with National Geographic/Lindblad for their Greece to the Dalmatian Coast trip this past June and it was by far the best tour I've
experienced.The food while not gourmet quality was fine. Many in our group had done a number of tours with them including the Antarctica trip and were very impressed. That said, we did a tour with Tauck, which gets a lot of rave reviews, to Italy and were not at all impressed, but that was primarily the fault of the tour director.
experienced.The food while not gourmet quality was fine. Many in our group had done a number of tours with them including the Antarctica trip and were very impressed. That said, we did a tour with Tauck, which gets a lot of rave reviews, to Italy and were not at all impressed, but that was primarily the fault of the tour director.
Jan 1st, 2010, 01:10 AM
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Some additional info: the head chef for our cruise is no longer employed by Lindblad, and it appears they are addressing the 3rd deck hot water issues. Only time will tell if the educational activities achieve the quality one would expect from National Geographic branding and pricing.
Jan 1st, 2010, 05:43 PM
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Very disappointed to hear your comments, now concerned about upcoming 25 day trip in February to Antarctica, South Georgia with them. Have had some issues with NY office, just hoping that they fix the programming and food issues. Which deck is #3, wondering if we'll have hot water?
Jan 25th, 2010, 09:34 AM
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PModo makes a point in his post that I'd like to expand on. He comments on what he perceives as a lack of organized evening social activities on our expedition, and concludes: "If expedition operations are far more important than everything else to you, this trip is worth considering."
Over our 40 years in expedition travel, we have made quality activities — immersive, engaging and multiple — our focus. Our expeditions are highly active, with numerous shore landings, hikes, walks, zodiac cruises, opportunities to kayak, shoot with National Geographic photographers, or work with Oceanities researchers on penguin research projects, and more.
The pre-dinner evening recap is part of this active involvement in exploring — the presentations our staff naturalists make are intended to illuminate the day's sightings or activities, and to add to the sense of an unfolding narrative, which each expedition is. In addition, the National Geographic photographers aboard make presentations based on their various National Geographic assignments; and Global Luminaries traveling with us make presentations based on their specialty, i.e. on a recent Antarctic voyage, Commander Buzz Aldrin presented an inside perspective on the current and future space program.
The after dinner portion of the evening, however, has been left deliberately free of organized activities, largely because over time, we have learned that our guests prefer free time to choose their own activities, and to prepare for the next day's explorations.
They take advantage of our Lounge space to socialize with each other, download their photographs, or discuss them with a National Geographic photographer. Or gather around the piano in the Bistro Bar. They spend time in our Library to read or learn more about the wildlife or geography we encounter, write emails or in their journals. Some relax in the glass-walled Observation Lounge to see the polar landscape lit by the midnight sun. Others choose to schedule a massage or treatment in the Wellness Spa, enjoy a sauna, or watch in-cabin programming or a DVD.
We have consistently accommodated our guests' desire for balance: active days with unstructured evenings. If we learn that more of our guests would prefer organized social activities in the evening, we will unhesitatingly accommodate their wishes.
Also, as PModo noted, we do indeed provide National Geographic programming on our in-cabin channel; and DVDs are available for guests. And prior to his December post, we had terminated the chef who was on his voyage. Since then the guest comment card feedback has rated the food, as always, consistently excellent.
I sincerely hope that any one who has questions about these or other topics will call us at 1.800.EXPEDITIONS. We're always available to discuss every aspect of our expeditions.
Sven Lindblad
Lindblad Expeditions
[email protected]
www.expeditions.com
Over our 40 years in expedition travel, we have made quality activities — immersive, engaging and multiple — our focus. Our expeditions are highly active, with numerous shore landings, hikes, walks, zodiac cruises, opportunities to kayak, shoot with National Geographic photographers, or work with Oceanities researchers on penguin research projects, and more.
The pre-dinner evening recap is part of this active involvement in exploring — the presentations our staff naturalists make are intended to illuminate the day's sightings or activities, and to add to the sense of an unfolding narrative, which each expedition is. In addition, the National Geographic photographers aboard make presentations based on their various National Geographic assignments; and Global Luminaries traveling with us make presentations based on their specialty, i.e. on a recent Antarctic voyage, Commander Buzz Aldrin presented an inside perspective on the current and future space program.
The after dinner portion of the evening, however, has been left deliberately free of organized activities, largely because over time, we have learned that our guests prefer free time to choose their own activities, and to prepare for the next day's explorations.
They take advantage of our Lounge space to socialize with each other, download their photographs, or discuss them with a National Geographic photographer. Or gather around the piano in the Bistro Bar. They spend time in our Library to read or learn more about the wildlife or geography we encounter, write emails or in their journals. Some relax in the glass-walled Observation Lounge to see the polar landscape lit by the midnight sun. Others choose to schedule a massage or treatment in the Wellness Spa, enjoy a sauna, or watch in-cabin programming or a DVD.
We have consistently accommodated our guests' desire for balance: active days with unstructured evenings. If we learn that more of our guests would prefer organized social activities in the evening, we will unhesitatingly accommodate their wishes.
Also, as PModo noted, we do indeed provide National Geographic programming on our in-cabin channel; and DVDs are available for guests. And prior to his December post, we had terminated the chef who was on his voyage. Since then the guest comment card feedback has rated the food, as always, consistently excellent.
I sincerely hope that any one who has questions about these or other topics will call us at 1.800.EXPEDITIONS. We're always available to discuss every aspect of our expeditions.
Sven Lindblad
Lindblad Expeditions
[email protected]
www.expeditions.com
Jan 26th, 2010, 03:59 PM
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Hi everyone,
I was on the Linblad Jan.7th trip. It was a wonderful, awesome trip and experience. Everyday, my husband and I would say to each other 'it can't get any better' and it did. The food was wonderful. We did learn that the chef just returned from vacation. The Expedition Leader, Tim was great and woke us with a warm smoothing voice. The Captain, Krause has a wicked sense of humor and very laid back. You never felt you were intruding when you visited the bridge.
We were lucky that we were able to go past the Antarctic Circle since we had pretty good weather. They always kept us informed with what was happening and told us when there were whales, birds,etc. The landings were organized and well thought out.
What really made my trip is there was a problem with my reseravation from Lindblad NY. and the comments that I'm writing could be very different it wasn't for Patrik the Hotel Mgr. He made it right and that says a lot about the company because it involved changing cabins with another passenger. I was beginning to forget what customer services was after dealing with American Airlines and their line of "I'm sorry'. Our flight was over 2 hours late arriving into Santiago.
I'm very happy that I chose Lindblad and it lived up to our expectation, ok it surpassed our expectations. My husband I don't do cruise, but this is different than most cruises. It's very casual unless you want to wear your 'dress fleece'. They have an open seating for dinner and they don't feed you several times a day. There are no evening social activities after recap and dinner,which we all loved since we either went to observation room, the chart room or the bridge for entertainment. This gave us an opportunity to share pictures and a chance to get to know our fellow passengers. This is an adventure. Most of the people on the trip were fit and well travelled and we looking for flexible schedule. So, Benjy45 relax and enjoy. I think you will have a good time.
P.S. We always had plenty of hot water matter of fact it was better than some hotels I have stayed at in US.
I was on the Linblad Jan.7th trip. It was a wonderful, awesome trip and experience. Everyday, my husband and I would say to each other 'it can't get any better' and it did. The food was wonderful. We did learn that the chef just returned from vacation. The Expedition Leader, Tim was great and woke us with a warm smoothing voice. The Captain, Krause has a wicked sense of humor and very laid back. You never felt you were intruding when you visited the bridge.
We were lucky that we were able to go past the Antarctic Circle since we had pretty good weather. They always kept us informed with what was happening and told us when there were whales, birds,etc. The landings were organized and well thought out.
What really made my trip is there was a problem with my reseravation from Lindblad NY. and the comments that I'm writing could be very different it wasn't for Patrik the Hotel Mgr. He made it right and that says a lot about the company because it involved changing cabins with another passenger. I was beginning to forget what customer services was after dealing with American Airlines and their line of "I'm sorry'. Our flight was over 2 hours late arriving into Santiago.
I'm very happy that I chose Lindblad and it lived up to our expectation, ok it surpassed our expectations. My husband I don't do cruise, but this is different than most cruises. It's very casual unless you want to wear your 'dress fleece'. They have an open seating for dinner and they don't feed you several times a day. There are no evening social activities after recap and dinner,which we all loved since we either went to observation room, the chart room or the bridge for entertainment. This gave us an opportunity to share pictures and a chance to get to know our fellow passengers. This is an adventure. Most of the people on the trip were fit and well travelled and we looking for flexible schedule. So, Benjy45 relax and enjoy. I think you will have a good time.
P.S. We always had plenty of hot water matter of fact it was better than some hotels I have stayed at in US.
Feb 9th, 2010, 09:44 AM
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norcalgirl,I'm glad to hear of your positive experience. Antarctica is my goal (probably for 2013)and I'll most likely be doing a solo - DH says no way! My sites have been set on Lindblad but I'm also interested in the Quark icebreaker adventure. The Minerva also looks good for a single (no surcharge).
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