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Expedition Stories

In Good Company: Tua Pittman on the Many Islands of Polynesia

In this episode of In Good Company, Cultural Specialist and Master Navigator Tua Pittman shines light on the breathtaking wildlife, natural beauty, and vibrant cultures of the South Pacific islands.

Explore with National Geographic Experts: Photographing New Zealand with Ricky Qi

National Geographic Photography Expert Ricky Qi goes in-depth on the natural and cultural richness of New Zealand and the rewarding experience of teaching guests how to capture the region’s beauty.

7 Stunning Sites That Define Japan

Our new expeditions bring you to a variety of beloved landmarks, from the magnificent Himeji Castle to the famed “floating” torii gate at Miyajima. See the full list of highlights, old and new.

Daily expedition reports

Daily Expedition Reports

9/25/2023

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National Geographic Resolution

Okinawa and Zamami

There is always a light at the end of the tunnel is a phrase we often hear in times of need for hope and encouragement. Today, guests aboard National Geographic Resolution learned about the hard realities of conflict and the importance of reconciliation. The day started at Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum, situated on Mabuni Hill. The Battle of Okinawa in 1945 was fought between the United States and Japan and resulted in massive casualties on both sides. The tour continued at the Japanese Naval Underground Headquarters, where we saw the location of the final acceptance of defeat by Japanese commanders during the Battle of Okinawa. Text and photos by Jenna Forslund and Katie Lodes, Grosvenor Teacher Fellows

Daily Expedition Reports

9/24/2023

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National Geographic Venture

Union Passage

This is Erin and Alison (Grosvenor Teacher Fellows) taking over the daily expedition report one last time before we head home. Today on National Geographic Venture , we cruised an inlet along the coastal shores of British Columbia. The morning was spent on Zodiacs. We explored the islands and took a nice, casual walk along the coastal beach. With informative talks by our naturalist throughout our journey, we were excited to implement our new learning in this ecosystem. On Zodiacs, we stopped by one coast and spotted a nurse tree with a Sitka spruce growing from it. A kingfisher perched on top of the spruce and then flew past us with its unique musical call. A harbor seal popped over to say hi as well. As we hiked the shoreline, we found ourselves stepping over fallen driftwood. Taking a closer look, we discovered turkey tail fungus and slime mold growing on the fallen trees. Barnacles and remnants of bull kelp were scattered along the shore. Continuing to walk along the beach, we observed interesting rock formations. We are enthusiastic about science and nature. During our time aboard National Geographic Venture , we found ourselves more informed, more engaged, and more passionate about this beautiful ecosystem. We loved the discoveries we made while immersed in this space, and we incorporated the information provided by naturalists who shared their passion and work with us. We know that visiting this land is a special gift, and we look forward to sharing our newfound knowledge, experience, and connections with our school communities. Text and photographs by Grosvenor Teacher Fellows, Alison Katzko and Erin Schmidt

Daily Expedition Reports

9/24/2023

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National Geographic Resolution

Amami, Japan

After a night of sailing south, our voyage continued at the island of Amami. Here, we divided into different groups to explore the culture and natural history of this gorgeous and little-known island. I was lucky enough to lead a group of nature enthusiasts to a patch of great forest. Here we focused on the birds, but we also saw many cool plants and critters including endemic frogs and snakes. From the birding side, the Lidth’s jay was a certain highlight. A stunning jay with great colors and an attitude. What isn’t to love? All of us enjoyed the scenery and friendly people of Amami and are looking forward to Okinawa tomorrow.

Daily Expedition Reports

9/24/2023

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National Geographic Endurance

Reykjavik

An overcast sky greeted us as National Geographic Endurance entered the old harbour of Reykjavik. With a slight change in the itinerary due to weather, we were given the opportunity to explore in and around Reykjavik today. The Ring of Fire, a 4x4 tour, and a spa visit were on the menu. The Ring of Fire tour took us to one of the geothermal power plants outside the city. Icelanders make it look easy to sequester carbon dioxide. They have come up with a system where they add carbon dioxide to water and push it down into the Earth. Eventually, the bubbly water turns into rock as it reacts with the basalt. The plant supplies Reykjavik with hot water and electricity. So, all you need is geothermal activity, lots of water, and porous basalt…then you can store carbon dioxide. It’s as easy as that! Fittingly, lunch was cooked with geothermal heat, including bread and pastries baked with steam and eggs boiled in the naturally hot water. Just brilliant. Thingvellir was our last stop. We stood with one foot on the Eurasian Plate and one on the American. Well, not quite, but you can walk from one continental plate to another. Iceland is such a unique place in many ways. As the plates slowly move away from each other, the rift created is almost splitting the country in half. After the guest slideshow and farewell dinner, the day ended with a concert in the ice lounge. Hafdís Huld, a local singer-songwriter with incredible talent and charm, brought this beautiful trip to a close.

Daily Expedition Reports

9/23/2023

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National Geographic Venture

Coastal British Columbia, Canada

Today, guests on National Geographic Venture walked in reverential silence through Gitga’at Indigenous territory to an observation platform along a salmon stream. The water was teeming with spawning fish. Other wildlife in the area included Steller’s jays, American dippers, ravens, and a band-tailed pigeon. We were thrilled to see several black bears fishing for salmon, as well as their extremely rare white version known as the Kermode bear. We were extremely fortunate to have experienced such magnificence in the wilds of British Columbia, Canada.

Joining us on any expedition means signing up for adventure; and the reward for your curiosity is inevitable—the most exhilarating experience of pure discovery possible.

Sven-Olof Lindblad

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1.800.397.3348