Guest Impressions: Extraordinary Journeys, Lasting Memories
Long after a voyage ends, certain moments remain vividly clear: a wildlife encounter that unfolds just feet away, a landscape that defies expectations or time spent exploring an extraordinary place with family and friends. These experiences become the stories travelers tell for years to come.
Below, National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions guests share stories from their travels around the world—from Alaska and the Galápagos to the Greek Isles, Baja California and beyond. In their own words, they reflect on the moments, discoveries and connections that made their journeys unforgettable.
The Entwistle Family, Alaska
Outside of holidays, it’s rare for a group our size—13 of us spanning three generations—to spend extended time with one another. So, it was truly the experience of a lifetime to celebrate our brother’s 40th birthday in such a magical, remote place with an intimate and infinite exposure to the landscape.
From happy hours recapping the day to standing on the bow taking in the scenery, every detail—big and small—felt special. On our first night, under a bursting orange sunset, we followed a small pod of whales—a perfect welcome to the adventure ahead.
While exploring by Zodiac in Glacier Bay, we gently bumped past icebergs as sea lions warmed themselves on the floating islands of ice. Then came the powerful boom of a glacier calving into the water—something we could feel from the boat. A first for everyone in our group, it was an unforgettable moment to share together. — Nell Entwistle
Rhonda Chapin, Galápagos
Top left photo: Michael S. Nolan. Bottom left photo: Omar Adrian
I love to explore solo and am a frequent traveler with National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions—now over 20 voyages. My first expedition was to the Galápagos Islands 10 years ago, and I returned again last year. There is an intimacy with the animals in the Galápagos; they simply don’t seem to have a fear of humans. The islands were alive with spring reproductive energy, with frigate birds displaying their red throat pouches and drumming them to attract mates. We saw marine iguanas climbing out of the water over sea lions; cormorants with teal eyes; penguins; brown and red- and blue-footed boobies; and ancient giant tortoises, to name a few. A highlight was watching two albatrosses performing their courtship dance right in our path—we had to wait for them to finish before we could return to the ship! — Rhonda Chapin
Exploring Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falklands
“Every day, we have the same question: Is this real? It’s hard to grasp that we’re actually here.” For two guests reflecting on their journey to Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falklands, the experience felt surreal. Led by expert staff and crew aboard the state-of-the-art polar ship National Geographic Endurance, they experienced remote places few others ever see. In this video, hear how their once-in-a-lifetime expedition unfolded—and why traveling with the leaders in expedition cruising made their time in the Southern Ocean seamless and unforgettable.
The Winthrop Family, Greek Isles
Our recent voyage to the Greek Isles was a special one for the three of us—my mom, Nancy; my sister, Cindy; and me. We’ve always tried to travel as a family. Our mom traveled extensively with National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions with our dad, and after he passed, she continued on her own—finding both comfort and community along the way. Over time, those experiences grew into something we now share together across generations. We planned this trip to celebrate Cindy’s 60th birthday, and being able to take it with our mom—now 87 and a nine-year stage 4 breast cancer survivor—made it even more meaningful.
There were so many moments that stand out. Stormy weather led to unexpected changes, but the team found wonderful alternatives—like tucking into Hydra, an island with no cars and plenty of donkeys, exactly as we had imagined Greece would be. In Santorini, when navigating the village wasn’t feasible for our mom, the staff made sure she could still be part of the experience—escorting her to dinner where we enjoyed incredible food, music, dancing and one of the most beautiful sunsets we’ve ever seen.
Again and again, we found ourselves thinking how grateful we were to be doing this together. Traveling as a multi-generational family has strengthened our bond, and the support from National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions makes it possible to do it in a way where everyone’s needs are met, without the usual stress of coordinating a trip like this. Every time our mom stepped into a Zodiac—with the steady help of the expedition staff—she would light up. She loves adventure travel, and these expeditions allow her to keep exploring. — Elizabeth Winthrop Brown
The Lambrix Family, Galápagos
On our first day in the Galápagos, we boarded Zodiacs just as the sun was setting. Word spread that a large pod of dolphins had been spotted, and we took off, skimming across the open water. Dozens of dolphins began leaping in pairs beside us—a "choreographed dance" they all seemed to know by heart. The sunset, the dolphins, the joy on our kids’ faces—it felt like the Galápagos was "welcoming us," offering a preview of the extraordinary adventure to come.
Beyond that unforgettable beginning, what made the voyage truly special were the people—the crew, naturalists and our fellow travelers, who widened our lens on the world. Our kids loved the National Geographic Explorers-in-Training program, where they weren’t just tagging along, but participating as young explorers in their own right. We came home with a deeper sense of connection—to one another and to the incredible people aboard who dedicate their lives to exploration, conservation and education. — Vanessa Lambrix
Geraldine and Craig Newman, Baja California
My wife has always dreamed of seeing whales in the wild, so last February I surprised her with a whale-watching expedition in Baja California—it turned out to be the best trip we’ve ever taken. The thrill was twofold: the whales themselves and the experts on board. Watching the whales spy-hop beside our Zodiac, clearly as curious about us as we were about them, was unforgettable. And the scientists and naturalists were fascinating—I hadn’t planned to attend the lectures, but we were the last to leave every night. The trip was exciting and engrossing—amazing in every way. — Craig Newman
The Galápagos Experience With Lindblad Expeditions' CEO Natalya Leahy
Lindblad Expeditions CEO Natalya Leahy traveled aboard the National Geographic Endeavour II and National Geographic Islander II to the Galápagos, where she had the opportunity to speak with guests about their voyage highlights. “Galápagos is another world, and National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions is the only way to come here,” shares Trish, a solo traveler. In this video, learn more about why travelers choose to explore with the pioneers of modern expedition cruising and how their experience in this enchanted archipelago lives up to their expectations.
Dan and Suzy Laur, Worldwide
Some of the perfect ‘10’ moments in my life have been on voyages with National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions. In the Galápagos, our kids swam with penguins, and a sea lion led them into the surf to play. In Costa Rica, I floated in warm tropical water with scarlet macaws flying overhead, thinking, ‘It doesn’t get any better than this.’ But then I stood among a million penguins in South Georgia, surrounded by the staggering beauty of snow-topped mountains. Each trip somehow tops the last. — Suzy Laur
