Lindblad Expeditions announced they planned to resume operations for the 2021 cruise season in Alaska and Galapagos Islands in June.
In keeping with the line’s focus on exploring remote places, they'll return to nature in the wildness of these iconic destinations.
Sven Lindblad, CEO of Lindblad Expeditions, said they had "always turned to nature, in times of collective stress and trauma, for the restoration of our spirits, believing in what Thoreau called the healing “tonic of wildness.”
“Our internal team has spent the last year examining every single aspect of our operation to be prepared to operate in the ‘new normal.’ Led by our resident medical expert, Dr. David Lorber, we have enlisted the assistance of many health and safety experts and met with authorities in the regions we intend to explore to ensure we are welcome and meet or exceed their expectations.
"We will also require that all guests 16 years of age and over be vaccinated prior to travelling onboard.”
Key components of Lindblad's health and safety protocols include 2 negative COVID tests, daily temperature checks, thorough sanitation protocols.
In resuming travel to Alaska, the company intends to head deep into the wide-open spots, into the far reaches of Alaska's straits and waterways. They will commence the season with 6- and 8-day itineraries aboard the 100-passenger sisterships National Geographic Quest and National Geographic Venture, with first departures on June 5 and June 6.
Passengers will also be able to explore the Galapagos archipelago to visit volcanic islands inhabited by some of the world's most charismatic wildlife on a 10-day itinerary aboard the 96-guest National Geographic Endeavour ll with the first Galapagos departure scheduled for June 4.