HIGH. in the ARCTIC EXCLUSIVE: THE BEST ARCTIC VIEWS EVER WITH COMPLIMENTARY FLIGHTSEEING OVER THE GREENLAND ICE CAP

Transcription

1 HIGH in the ARCTIC EXCLUSIVE: THE BEST ARCTIC VIEWS EVER WITH COMPLIMENTARY FLIGHTSEEING OVER THE GREENLAND ICE CAP ABOARD NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXPLORER JULY & AUGUST 2015 TM

2 Dear Traveler, The Arctic is a vast magical wilderness. The wildlife, including the region s marquee animal, the polar bear, are among the most intriguing and charismatic on Earth: walrus, muskoxen, caribou, the graceful Arctic tern and the elusive, almost mythological, narwhal plus diverse whale species attracted to these rich feeding grounds. The people who make the Arctic their home are remarkable for their Sven Lindblad ability to thrive, in conditions many of us might find daunting. Although visiting as we do during the Arctic summer, when these rugged remote lands are at their most picturesque, one is more likely to envy them their gorgeous surroundings. The two itineraries featured here bring you into close contact with Arctic wildlife and Arctic people, and to something else as compelling: the most vital ice on Earth. The Greenland Ice Cap is the second largest on Earth, only Antarctica is larger. And it plays an outsize role in the planet s quality of life a subject we will delve into and better understand while aboard. We are committed to showing and immersing you in what s so enthralling about this vast wilderness, and to reveal current Arctic conditions, with our staff to help illuminate all you ll see.

3 So, to double as it were, the thrill of exploring the Arctic aboard National Geographic Explorer, we want you to see the majestic Ice Cap from an exclusive perspective: the air. We have arranged for flightseeing for you. You will soar above the Greenland Ice Cap and the stunning mountain ranges of Greenland in expertly piloted small planes for the most impressive views, and photo ops, imaginable. Your expedition team will handle all the details, all you have to do is bring your curiosity, perhaps your camera, and enjoy being our guest. On behalf of the entire Arctic team, we look forward to welcoming you aboard and sharing this exclusive adventure with you. All the best, 5 REASONS TO BOOK THE ARCTIC NOW HISTORICAL: In 2015 U.S. assumes Arctic Council Chairmanship ICE: Satellite maps indicate ideal conditions for wildlife sightings, similar to last year POLAR BEARS: Record sightings last season bode well for this FREE FLIGHTSEEING creates one-of-a-kind opportunity FREE CHARTER AIR on July 19 itinerary for special savings Sven-Olof Lindblad A polar bear patiently waits at a seal hole in the pack ice, Baffin Island, Canada. Ship s registry: Bahamas 1

4 EXPLORE THE EPIC GREENLAND ICE CAP Greenland s ice sheet is one of the fastest changing environments on Earth, and holds some of the most valuable information about our past climates, and perhaps what is ahead in our future. After Antarctica, the Greenland ice sheet is the second largest body of ice in the world. It is extraordinary not just in size, but in beauty, with tidewater glaciers tumbling into the sea and jagged mountains emerging through the thousands of feet of ice. Taking a spectacular low-altitude flight over the Greenland ice sheet, will continue to expand your understanding of this extraordinary environment. LISA KELLEY, EXPEDITION LEADER Now you ll see this dramatic landscape for yourself. Experience the stunning scenery of Greenland s southwestern coast on the Along the Viking Trail itinerary, or the epic ice alley we traverse on our Greenland and the Canadian High Arctic itinerary from exclusive multiple vantage points: from National Geographic Explorer, from Zodiac forays, from the personal perspective of a kayak and now, by air. Experienced pilots flying as low as safety permits, plus large windows at every seat, give you a unique and breathtaking view. Individual headsets allow you to add mood music, if desired, and stay in direct contact with the pilot. At left: The Greenland Ice Cap forms the scenic backdrop for residents of Ilulissat EXPEDITION ( )

5 BY AIR WITH OUR COMPLIMENTS COMPLIMENTARY FLIGHTSEEING Along the Viking Trail: From Iceland to Greenland, page 4 Taking off in western Greenland, you are already deep into the backcountry before your pilot takes you to cruising altitude. See the spectacular mountains of this rugged, vast, and remote land and circle the Greenland Ice Cap, too. Enjoy this unique experience as our guest and rely on our photo team to help you get some of the best photos of your life. Exploring Greenland and the Canadian High Arctic, page 6 There s simply no better way to comprehend the scale and grandeur of the Greenland Ice Cap than by flying over it. Its enormity coupled with the sheer amount of ice will astound you and give you undreamed-of photo ops. Be our guest and see spectacular Ilulissat from not one but two perspectives: from the ship and from the air. 3

6 FREE CHARTER AIRFARE Blending an in-depth experience of Greenland s ice with a measure of Icelandic grandeur, we ll explore the rugged landscapes of Iceland s wild west. Then, we ll range from East Greenland s epic ice and jaw-dropping fjords, to the most famous site on the Viking trail a sylvan settlement made by Erik the Red s people. We ll conclude our adventure amid the ice and creatures of Greenland s southwestern coast, a rare opportunity to see the spectacular scenery that puts the green in Greenland. Choose this expedition for its scenic drama and diversity, and for ancient human history in the Arctic.» ALONG THE VIKING TRAIL: FROM ICELAND TO GREENLAND 12 DAYS/10 NIGHTS JUL. 19 AND 20: U.S./REYKJAVÍK, ICELAND/EMBARK Fly overnight to Reykjavík. Stroll the old town, visiting Hallgrímskirkja Cathedral and delving into Viking history at the National Museum, before embarkation. (Jul. 20: L,D) JUL. 21: THE WEST COAST OF ICELAND National Geographic Explorer navigates Iceland s wild western frontier, sailing past the immense Látrabjarg cliffs, the westernmost point of Iceland and home to a huge population of razorbills. Continue to Flatey Island, a trading post for centuries, for walks in the village and coastal Zodiac cruises. (B,L,D) JUL. 22: CROSSING THE DENMARK STRAIT Crossing to Greenland, National Geographic Explorer follows in the wake of Eric the Red and Brendan the Navigator. Watch for whales as we cross. (B,L,D) JUL. 23: EXPLORING EAST GREENLAND The Greenland ice sheet, roughly 80% of the surface of Greenland, is the second largest ice body in the world, after the Antarctic ice sheet. The high arctic-like climate is dominated by ice floes. Among the options for exploration are landings at Skjoldungen fjord or Napasorsuaq fjord. We ll use our tools for exploration to the fullest, taking Zodiac or kayak forays among the icebergs and deploying our ROV. (B,L,D) JUL. 24: PRINS CHRISTIAN SUND & NANORTALIK Prins Christian Sund is a fjord on the southern coast of Greenland. Surrounded by mountain pinnacles and glaciers, the decks are perfect for viewing this landscape. Anchor off Nanortalik, Greenland s most southerly town. Go ashore to the picturesque town. (B,L,D) First Christian church, Brattahlid, Eriksfjord, Greenland.

7 Photographer and wildflowers. Colorful Scandinavian-style houses. Norse heritage is evident everywhere. JUL. 25: HVALSEY RUINS (QAQORTUKULOOQ) & QAQORTOQ Today we ll explore a remarkable site on the Viking Trail. Qaqortukulooq was settled by one of Erik the Red s cousins in 986 A.D. A UNESCO site, it is the most extensive Norse site in Greenland. Continue to Qaqortoq. Inhabited since Norse times, the Scandinavian influence is apparent in the colorful wooden buildings and town museum, displaying Greenlandic kayaks, hunting equipment, art, and crafts. (B,L,D) JUL. 26: BRATTAHLID/ERIKSFJORD Eriksfjord is the area that Erik the Red chose for his farm when he settled here in 982 A.D. You ll explore Brattahlid, site of the first Christian church in the western hemisphere, built by Erik s wife, Thjodhild. This region is also the starting point of the first voyages to North America by his son, Leif Eriksson, 500 years before Columbus. (B,L,D) JUL. 27: NUUK Nuuk is the world s smallest capital city with 15,000 inhabitants. Visit the National Museum with its famous 15thcentury Qilakitsoq mummies, found near Uummannaq and the subject of a National Geographic cover story. (B,L,D) JUL. 28: GREENLAND S WEST COAST Today is for exploration. Take a Zodiac cruise, kayak, or hike across the tundra. Our undersea specialist may launch the ROV to see the marine life inhabiting the fjord floor. (B,L,D) JUL. 29 AND 30: KANGERLUSSUAQ/ DISEMBARK/FLY TO OTTAWA/U.S. Disembark in Kangerlussuaq, and have the rare chance to walk to the edge of the Greenland ice cap before flying to Ottawa via chartered aircraft. Overnight at the Fairmont Chateâu Laurier Hotel, or similar, and fly home. (Jul. 29: B,L; Jul. 30: B) Davis Strait Barents Sea GREENLAND (KALAALLIT NUNAAT) Kangerlussuaq Nuuk Qaqortoq Brattahlid Nanortalik Skjoldungen Fjord Prins Christian Sund EXPEDITION DETAILS DATES: 2015 Jul. 19 OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS Add a 3-day pre-voyage extension Iceland s Wonders, or a 1-day pre-voyage extension to see Reykjavík s Golden Circle & Blue Lagoon. See our website or call for details. SPECIAL OFFER A $1,225 VALUE Book now for free charter airfare (Kangerlussuaq to Ottawa) a $1,225 value. Valid for new bookings only, subject to availability, not combinable with other offers. Call for details. COMPLIMENTARY FLIGHTSEEING Depart from Nuuk to fly east towards the Inland Ice Cap over the fjord system to see the drama of mountain scenery. Then, circle over the epic-scaled Greenland Ice Cap to see, among other wonders, a smaller glacier falling vertically into the fjord. Return via Nuuk. Count on entertainment, in addition to extraordinary views, to complete your sense of Greenland s character. ARCTIC CIRCLE Denmark Strait Atlantic Ocean Inuit woman, Nuuk. Flatey Is. ICELAND Reykjavík SHARE THE ADVENTURE WITH OUR RENOWNED EXPEDITION STAFF AND THESE ENGAGING EXPERTS: Dennis Dimick serves as executive environment editor at National Geographic magazine. He originated a three-story project called Global Warning: Bulletins from a Warmer World, and he co-organized the Aspen Environment Forum from NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PHOTOGRAPHER As senior photo editor for National Geographic Traveler, Dan Westergren is responsible for the magazine s photographic vision. LEARN MORE AT 5

8 Amid the drama of fjords, crystalline sounds, and a splendor of ice, we ll look for polar bears and the other beautiful creatures of the Arctic arctic foxes, 60 species of birds, various whale species, walrus and ringed seals, perhaps even the elusive narwhal. And, we ll have the singular opportunity to meet the people who thrive in extreme Arctic conditions, and see more deeply into their culture and history, as we visit Inuit villages sustained by fishing and cultural traditions. Roald Amundsen, legendary Heroic Age explorer and first to reach the South Pole (1911) and the North Pole (1926), prepared himself for his feats by studying the technology of the Inuit. Choose this expedition to learn about the deep connection of the Inuit people to these lands and witness the relentless calving of Greenland s big ice, so central to today s climate discussion.» EXPLORING GREENLAND & THE CANADIAN HIGH ARCTIC 13 DAYS/12 NIGHTS AUG. 7: U.S./OTTAWA, CANADA Arrive in Ottawa and check into the Fairmont Chateâu Laurier Hotel, or similar. (D) AUG. 8: OTTAWA/FLY TO IQALUIT, NUNAVUT, CANADA/EMBARK Fly by chartered aircraft to Iqaluit on Baffin Island. Embark National Geographic Explorer and begin our explorations of the High Arctic. (B,L,D) AUG 9-11: EASTERN BAFFIN ISLAND Using our years of experience in judging ice conditions, we make the most of the eastern Baffin shores. Hike the tundra in search of caribou and arctic foxes, or follow our botanist to learn more about the hardy arctic plants. We ll cruise the coastline in search of walrus and other icons of the Canadian North. (B,L,D) A polar bear on the pack ice of Baffin Island.

9 Humpback whale dives fluke-up. Young Inuit child. A Zodiac cruise amid the bergs. AUG : EXPLORING THE CANADIAN HIGH ARCTIC Carved by Ice Age glaciers, Lancaster Sound is the eastern gateway to the Arctic Archipelago. European explorers like William Baffin first ventured here in the 15th century to search for the Northwest Passage. The sound has been a favorite Inuit hunting and fishing location for hundreds of years. Our days here will be spent searching for ringed seals, arctic foxes, walruses, and polar bears, as well as beluga, and bowhead whales. We may even see the elusive narwhal, an arctic whale known for the long, spiraling tooth that projects up to ten feet from its upper jaw. (B,L,D) AUG. 15: AT SEA IN BAFFIN BAY (B,L,D) Lancaster Sound Bylot Is. N U N AV U T Pond Inlet Baffin Island Iqaluit Hudson Strait Baffin Bay Hall Pen. Davis Strait Sisimiut Monumental Island GREENLAND (KALAALLIT NUNAAT) Ilulissat Kangerlussuaq AUG. 16: DISKO BAY & ILULISSAT Sail into Disko Bay and set out to explore a tongue of the Greenland Ice Cap. Take an extraordinary cruise among towering icebergs. Explore the historic Inuit fishing village of Sermermiut, and view the Jacobshavn Icefjord and its immense, calving glacier. (B,L,D) AUG. 17: GREENLAND S WEST COAST & SISIMIUT Dozens of deep fjords carve into Greenland s west coast, many with glaciers fed by the ice cap that covers 80% of the country. Trace this ragged coastline, and search for humpback and minke whales. At Sisimiut, a former whaling port, visit the museum and wander amid a jumble of wooden 18thcentury buildings. (B,L,D) AUG. 18 AND 19: DISEMBARK KANGERLUSSUAQ/FLY TO OTTAWA, CANADA/U.S. Disembark in Kangerlussuaq and fly by private charter to Ottawa. Overnight in Ottawa at the Fairmont Chateâu Laurier, or similar. Fly home the next day. (Aug. 18: B,L; Aug. 19: B) EXPEDITION DETAILS DATES: 2015 Aug. 7 Note: There is also limited space available on a July 28, 2015 departure, which travels from Kangerlussuaq to Iqaluit. COMPLIMENTARY FLIGHTSEEING AND MORE Departing from Ilulissat, follow the stunning meander of the Ice Fjord to the Ilulissat Glacier, an epic havoc of ice. Cruise east over the Ice Cap, circling it to take advantage of photos ops. Then, fly back along the Ice Fjord to Ilulissat, observing the myriad ice forms from this special vantage. Expect a particularly warm and inspiring welcome at the airport. (Available only on the August 7 voyage.) SHARE THE ADVENTURE WITH OUR RENOWNED EXPEDITION STAFF AND THESE ENGAGING EXPERTS: Born into mountaineering royalty, Peter Hillary (at right) was a member of the National Geographic 50th Anniversary Everest Expedition (Aug. 7). NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PHOTOGRAPHER Ralph Lee Hopkins arctic wildlife images have appeared in National Geographic books and magazines (July 28 & Aug. 7). Adult male walrus. LEARN MORE AT 7

10 Swedish sauna. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXPLORER THE WORLD S ULTIMATE EXPEDITION SHIP National Geographic Explorer is a state-of-the-art expedition ship and the flagship of the Lindblad fleet. It is a fully stabilized, ice-class vessel with an ice-reinforced hull, enabling it to navigate remote passages while providing exceptional comfort. Capacity: 148 guests in 81 outside cabins. Registry: Bahamas Overall Length: 367 feet Public Areas: Bistro bar; restaurant; chart room; global gallery; library, lounge with full service bar and state-of-the-art facilities for videos and presentations; mud room with lockers for expedition gear, observation lounge and internet café. Open Bridge: Provides guests with an opportunity to meet our officers and captain and learn about navigation. Meals: Served in single seatings with unassigned tables for an informal atmosphere and easy mingling. Menu is international with local flair. Expedition Equipment: 13 Zodiac landing craft, a fleet of 36 double kayaks, Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), hydrophone, SplashCam, underwater video camera, crow s nest remote controlled camera, video microscope. Wellness: The vessel is staffed by a wellness specialist and features a glass-enclosed fitness center, outdoor stretching area, two LEXspa treatment rooms, and a sauna. Special Features: A full-time doctor, undersea specialist, National Geographic photographer, Lindblad-National Geographic certified photo instructor, and a video chronicler. Laundry service available. Prices are per person, double occupancy unless indicated as solo. CATEGORY 1: Main Deck with one or two Portholes # $10,580 $12,990 CATEGORY 2: Main Deck with Window # , $11,290 $13,990 CATEGORY 3: Main Deck with Window # , , , 342, 344, 346, 348, 350 $11,700 $14,430 CATEGORY 4: Upper and Veranda Decks with Window # , , , , 210, 212, 217, 226, 228 $12,410 $15,550 CATEGORY 5: Upper Deck with Balcony #209, 211, 214, 216, 218, , 224 $14,670 $18,680 CATEGORY 6: Veranda Deck Suite # ; Upper Deck-Suite with Balcony #213 $17,100 $21,290 CATEGORY 7: Upper Deck Suite with Balcony #215, 219, 230 $19,550 $24,790 CATEGORY A SOLO: Main Deck with Window # , $14,110 $17,490 CATEGORY B SOLO: Upper and Veranda Decks with Window # , 203, 208 $14,630 $18,040 CATEGORY 3 TRIPLE: Main Deck with Window #341, 343 * VIKING TRAIL GREENLAND & CANADIAN HIGH ARCTIC *Third person rates: Available in the designated triple occupancy cabins at one-half the double occupancy rate. Cabins #341, 343, 101, 102, 215, 219, and 230 can accommodate a third person. Sole occupancy cabins: Available in Categories A and B. Shared accommodations: Available in Categories 1 and 2. Note: Cabins #209, 211, 214, , 220, 222, 224, 226, 228, These cabins have one queen-sized bed. All other double cabins have two lower single beds; some can convert to a queen-sized bed EXPEDITION ( )

11 Standard bathroom. Dining in the Bistro Bar. Section of suite with balcony. All cabins face outside with windows or portholes, private facilities and climate controls. Some cabins have balconies. Decorated in relaxing earth tones, with deluxe bedding, all cabins feature flat screen TVs with movie programming, as well as Ethernet connections and plugs for laptops or camera chargers BRIDGE CHART ROOM RESTAURANT ELEVATOR BISTRO 309-S 310-S 311-S 312-S LIBRARY GALLEY DECK DECK OBSERVATION LOUNGE RECEPTION DOCTOR S OFFICE BRIDGE DECK WELLNESS DECK VERANDA DECK GLOBAL GALLERY UPPER DECK MAIN DECK LOCKERS STAFF OFFICE ZODIAC BOARDING MUD ROOM B DECK S 330-S S 208-S 331-S 332-S 105-S 106-S S 334-S BAL BAL. BAL BAL. BAL. BAL. BAL. BAL. BAL T 344 SAUNA LOUNGE See videos, photos, & learn what it s like to expedition aboard NG Explorer at EXPEDITIONS.COM/NGEXPLORER INTERNET CAFE UNDERSEA SPECIALIST T 348 LEXspa BAL FITNESS CENTER For Reservations: Contact your travel advisor or Lindblad Expeditions EXPEDITION ( ) Reservation Hours: Mon. - Fri. 9am-8pm ET, Sat. & Sun. 10am-5pm ET Lindblad Expeditions, Inc., 96 Morton Street, New York, NY Phone: explore@expeditions.com For additional information, visit us on the Web: ZB IW ZB WC SUN DECK BALCONY BAL. BALCONY TERMS AND CONDITIONS Costs Include: All accommodations aboard ship or in hotels per itinerary or similar, all meals and nonalcoholic beverages aboard ship, meals on land as indicated, shore excursions, sightseeing and entrance fees, special access permits, transfers to and from group flights, use of kayaks, tips (except to ship s crew), taxes and service charges, services of a ship physician, and services of our expedition staff. Not Included: Air transportation (except where shown as included), extensions, passport, visa, immigration fees, meals not indicated, travel protection plan, items of a personal nature, such as alcoholic beverages, , voyage DVD, laundry. Gratuities to ship s crew are at your discretion. Sample Airfares: Viking Trail New York/Reykjavík, Ottawa/ New York. Economy from $670; Business from $1,500; Charter airfare: $1,225 (Kangerlussuaq/Ottawa). Greenland & the Canadian High Arctic Round-trip Newark/ Ottawa. Economy from $600; Charter airfare: $1,750 (Ottawa/Kangerlussuaq, Iqaluit/Ottawa). Subject to change. Advance Payment: $1,000 due at time of booking by VISA, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, or by check. Responsibility and Other Terms & Conditions: Certain provisions concerning, among other things, limitations of Lindblad Expeditions and the National Geographic Society s liability for loss of property, injury, illness or death during the voyage will be provided to all guests on the ship s ticket sent prior to departure, and are also available on our web site at or upon request. By registering for this trip, the guest agrees to all such terms and conditions. IMPORTANT: Cancellations are subject to penalty. Call for details on our Cancellation Policy and Travel Protection Plan. NOTE: Itineraries and prices listed in this brochure are valid as of publication date, and are subject to change. Photo Credits: Sisse Brimberg & Cotton Coulson, Stewart Cohen, Radius Images/Alamy,, Thomas Bojer Eltorp/Duplo Photography, Getty Images/ Visuals Unlimited, Eric Guth, Ralph Lee Hopkins, Jerry Kobalenko, SuperStock, Michael Luppino, Michael S. Nolan, Mads Pihl Lindblad Expeditions Lindblad Expeditions and the Eye are the trademarks of Lindblad Expeditions. All rights reserved. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC and the Yellow Border are the trademarks of the National Geographic Society. All rights reserved. 9

12 TM 96 Morton Street New York, NY PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID LINDBLAD EXPEDITIONS Account Number: Expedition Code: 2ARCFUD EXPEDITION C Printed on 10% recycled content paper with soy-based inks. We recommend that you pass this along for others to enjoy or recycle. ARC-045 COMPLIMENTARY CHARTER AIRFARE ON JULY 19, 2015 VOYAGE SELECTED HONORS AND AWARDS» Condé Nast Traveler s Readers Choice Award Top Small Ship Cruise Lines, 2014» Condé Nast Traveler s 2014 Readers Poll Top 20 Small Cruise Ships in the World, 2014» Condé Nast Traveler World Savers Doing it All Award, 2013» Condé Nast Traveler Readers Choice Award Top 25 Cruise Lines, 2013» Condé Nast Traveler Gold List, 2013, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006,» Virtuoso Sustainable Tourism Leadership-Supplier Award, 2013» Travel + Leisure World s Best Award for Small-Ship Cruise Lines, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008» Travel + Leisure World s Best for Families Award for Small-Ship Cruise Lines, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009» Cruise Critic Editor s Pick Awards Best for Adventure, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010» Climate Champion Award to Sven Lindblad by Clean Air-Cool Planet, 2009» Conservation Achievement Award for Corporate Achievement from National Wildlife Federation, 2008» Tourism for Tomorrow Global Tourism Business Award, 2008 GO TO FOR AN EXTENDED LIST. Atlantic walrus and National Geograpic Explorer, Baffin Island, Arctic Canada.