Tall Ship Adventures with National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions

It was love at first sight—gazing across the marina at the majestic Sea Cloud II . This magnificent, three-masted tall ship stood out from all the other vessels in port. How incredible that she would be my home for the next week.

The adventure began with a warm welcome from the captain and a cool glass of bubbly to settle my excitement. My ship ID card was also my room key and it was time for the tour. Imagine rich royal blue colors, teak accents, gleaming brass and impressionist-style paintings guiding me to my cabin. The door opened and I stood in stunned silence—spacious living quarters fit for royalty. The cabin was beautifully furnished, perfectly appointed with a luxurious bed and generous storage. There were robes, slippers, a stocked minibar, television, fresh flowers, fruit and even a bottle of champagne on ice! The large bathroom glistened with gold-plated fixtures, granite and marble surfaces, and a glass-enclosed shower. There were beautiful white fluffy signature Sea Cloud II towels and L’Occitane en Provence bath amenities. It was the wow factor everywhere I turned.

Our onboard introductions continued with a mandatory safety briefing which included lifejackets and the lifeboat drill and then our very first meeting with the National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions team. A tradition on all voyages is the ‘daily recap.’ It is the time before dinner when guests and the expedition team come together over a drink and hors d’oeuvres to discuss the day and to hear about what exciting plans are in store. The team, excited to share their expertise and knowledge, as we all anticipated our next great excursion.

That first night we dined al fresco as Sea Cloud II gently glided past the island of Capri. Imagine gorgeous vistas with the sun setting and live music as our accompaniment. All this along with the fresh sea air and flowing wine created a romantic ambiance that stayed with us the entire voyage.

Guests are truly nestled in the lap of luxury though the atmosphere is anything but pretentious. I lived in casual shorts and sandals with no expectation to dress formally.

The appeal of this trip is tenfold— from visiting key ports significant to the history of the Middle Ages to witnessing Sea Cloud II in her full glory as she sailed the Tyrrhenian and Ligurian Seas. This adventure combined the authenticity of ship experience with the fascinating history of the time, igniting my curiosity and imagination.

There were so many big and small breathtaking moments on board Sea Cloud II but her sails were among the most captivating. We watched the crew raise and set most of the 23 sails. It is a carefully choreographed display with each deck hand performing a specific task. Our eyes were to the sky as we watched the harnessed crew scurry up the masts to walk what looked like a tight rope. This is where the sails are unfurled and furled by hand. Meanwhile back down on deck, more of the crew was busy working the winches and coiling the lines. It was a sight to behold.

This experience of gliding across the ocean onboard a tall ship brought on so many incredible feelings— the exhilaration of truly being ‘up close’ to the action, the sensation of the breeze and the lulling sound of the sea splashing as Sea Cloud II moved gracefully forward. It is this connection that inspired and reminded me how important it is to appreciate and protect the planet. “It’s not just what you see, but how you see it that matters”- one of the many National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions mantras.

This trip was my latest with National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions. However, it was my first time travelling on a ship from Lindblad’s chartered fleet and my expectations were exceeded once again!

TOP REASONS TO CHOOSE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC-LINDBLAD EXPEDITIONS:

• 58+ years of experience in expedition travel giving the client a level of trust no other company can claim
• Safety protocols that deliver a worry-free experience
• A doctor on board every expedition
• Expedition team members are selected for their expertise, passion, engaging personalities and are perfectly matched to the specific voyage
• Those unplanned wow factor moments, when the captain and expedition leader see an opportunity for further exploration providing guests with an unexpected bonus experience
• The National Geographic partnership ensuring at least one certified National Geographic photographer and photo instructor are on each expedition, teaching guests to take photos that tell their unique stories
• The wellness component is part of the daily routine – everything from walking ‘the morning mile’ on deck or stretching on the beach
• The expedition team and guests do everything together creating a bond of trust and camaraderie
• The immersive experience is discovery by doing - with activities that get you ‘up close’ including kayaking, zodiac tours, hiking, snorkeling, photo walks and visiting places of historical or cultural significance
• The daily ‘recap’ which is held every evening in the bar just before dinner to review the day and get briefed on what lies ahead
• An open bridge policy -the best seat in the house to learn from the captain and crew about ship operations, navigation or simply to hear their stories - another way Lindblad works to get guests ‘up close’ to the action
• Small group size means everyone has a chance to do everything. No time is wasted on the logistics of getting guests on and off the ship, leaving more time to explore
• Pace where guests can choose to participate or not, based on such details as the time on such details as the time on shore, elevation, terrain and number of steps if climbing is involved.? Alternatives are always offered including shuttles if available. Guests can choose to break from the group to do their own thing. Afterall this is their trip!
• Sustainability practices - using locally sourced food on board, local restaurant dining, supporting a local wine bar or by hiring specially selected local guides. There are no single use plastics anywhere and each guest receives a reusable water bottle to use and take home. This is not just travel for good, but it is the authentic way to experience a destination
• Value = the all-inclusive pricing and inclusions + the service and the high caliber of the experience

- Carol Hornsby , Your World Up Close Expeditions, Specializing in National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions based in Toronto