Charting Her Course: Captain Heidi Norling’s Path to Polar Exploration
Drawn to the sea from an early age, Captain Heidi Norling built her career navigating the complex waterways of Scandinavia aboard Swedish ferries before discovering her passion for expedition travel. From her first voyage to Antarctica to commanding expeditions across the polar regions and beyond, she has spent decades exploring some of the planet’s most remote environments. In 2019, she made history by becoming the first female captain in the National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions blue water fleet. Today, as Captain of the National Geographic Resolution, she brings deep maritime expertise to the Bridge, guiding guests safely through the wild places she loves most.
Tell us a bit about yourself and your life outside of work.
I was born in Stockholm, Sweden, but moved to Kalmar in 1992 to study at the Merchant Marine Academy. My family didn’t travel much when I was growing up. Our vacations were usually spent in northern Norway visiting my grandparents. But even then, I knew I wanted to see more of the world—to travel to other countries, experience different cultures and try new foods.
I also knew quite early that I didn’t want a traditional nine-to-five job. My grandfather was a fisherman, and my father had two brothers who were captains and a sister who worked as a radio officer in the 1960s. I didn’t spend much time with them growing up because they were often at sea, but I suppose that’s where I inherited my traveler’s gene.
Captain Heidi Norling at the helm of the National Geographic Resolution. Photo: Jose R. Calvo Samayoa
Tell us about your professional journey. What experiences helped shape your career path?
I began my career on a bulk carrier before spending 12 years on Swedish ferries in the Baltic, eventually becoming Captain on high-speed ferries navigating the narrow archipelago passages. After traveling as a guest aboard a sailing cruise ship in the Caribbean, I realized I wanted something different and decided to move into expedition cruising. I worked for several companies before joining the small yacht Hanse Explorer, where I sailed to Antarctica for the first time and began building my experience navigating in polar ice. The captain of that ship was Martin Graser, who is actually my colleague and reliever today!
In 2017, I joined the National Geographic Orion and became Captain in 2019—the first female captain in the history of the blue water fleet. During those years we sailed in Antarctica, South Georgia, the Falkland Islands, French Polynesia, Alaska and eastern Russia. When the National Geographic Resolution was ready for delivery at the shipyard in September 2021, I signed on.
What drew you to Lindblad Expeditions? What about the mission resonates most with you?
I was on the Swedish island of Gotland when I saw the National Geographic Orion alongside in port. I remember thinking, “That’s my dream expedition ship.” A few weeks later, Captain Martin asked if I could join the fleet for one contract. I have been with the company ever since.
What I especially appreciate about National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions is the strong commitment with environmental protection and support for scientific research. Scientists travel on the ships to reach places that would otherwise be very difficult to access. I also think it’s fantastic that the undersea specialists contribute sightings of species from remote parts of the world—recently surpassing 10,000 recorded sightings. With guest support, we also contribute financially to the establishment and protection of national marine parks.
It’s a meaningful way of giving back, while also sharing some of the most spectacular places on Earth with guests—and helping ensure these places remain wild for future generations.
Captain Norling steers a Zodiac with the National Geographic Resolution in the distance.
Why do you love to travel and explore the world?
It’s truly a privilege to sail around the world. No day is ever the same. The locations we visit change throughout the seasons, and even when you return to the same place, the conditions are never identical. The weather changes, the ice conditions change and wildlife can appear when you least expect it. Those wildlife encounters are always the most joyful moments. Seeing whales swim near the ship is something that never stops feeling magical.
Do you have a favorite National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions voyage?
The polar regions are very special to me. The National Geographic Resolution is Polar Class 5, which gives us great capabilities in sea ice. Reading the ice and finding the best path through it is both a challenge and a thrill.
What advice would you give to women who aspire to leadership roles in your field or in travel?
Don’t give up before you’ve tried—and follow your dreams, even if the path isn’t always straight. Challenges will come along the way, but they are also what help you grow. Never stop learning—and always stay curious.
Captain Norling and the staff and crew of the National Geographic Resolution with the glacial ice of Alpejord Fjord, Greenland in the distance.
What excites you most about the future of exploration and travel with National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions?
The chance to keep exploring farther and visiting new places. Never quite knowing what might be waiting around the next corner is part of the adventure.
