Ant. Cruise Review Lindblad Nov 2009

[PModo]

In November 2009, we went on a Lindblad-National Geographic Cruise in Antarctica on the National Geographic Explorer. The expedition operations (site selection, Zodiacing, hiking, kayaking, etc.) were spectacular. We never felt rushed and everything was professionally run. There were usually 2 landings a day, weather permitting. One day the Captain drove up onto the ice so we could take a walk on ice. He also made a stop so we could swim along a thermally heated shoreline. Regardless of where we were, the mountains, ice flows, and sunsets were always incredible. We saw tens of thousands of penguins, many other types of birds, seals, and whales. Oftentimes the penguins would walk to within a foot or so of us. The enormity of it all has to be experienced, it can’t be described.

 

We had equally high hopes for the educational activities, given National Geographic’s preeminence in nature education and the alliance formed in 2004 between National Geographic and Lindblad. We were surprised there was no use of National Geographic materials in presentations. The one and only film we were shown appeared to be a BBC production. Our official National Geographic photographer gave two presentations. One was about shooting a small wedding service in Alaska?! There was no channel on the in-room TV with National Geographic films and no DVD players to play any Nat Geo DVDs or any other DVD.

 

Most days there were one or two talks each given by one of the many naturalists. The individual talks were interesting, but they paled in comparison to the quality of the presentations Regent Cruise lines gave on our Alaska cruise. It seemed we had a collection of talented, knowledgeable, motivated naturalists with no one in charge. Note this was not the presenters’ fault – it’s a management problem. The presenters and naturalists were as enthusiastic, helpful, and fired up as any group of folks we’ve ever seen. They just need direction, access to National Geographic materials, and help with presentations. We're just plain surprised National Geographic associated their name with something that obviously had so little planning and oversight.

 

The dining experience was mediocre at best. Among menu selection, food quality, food preparation, buffet replenishment, and service, two of the five were usually bad, two OK, and one good to very good. Ordering off menu was “tolerated”. Language barriers appeared out of nowhere when we tried to order things as simple as a grilled cheese sandwich. It seemed odd there wasn't a lobster or crab night. Fresh crab was the local specialty at Ushuaia, our departure point. Why wasn't it procured there? On the plus side, the selection of moderately priced wines was quite good and many were available by the glass. (Note our food experience may be a fluke. One of the guests had been on many Lindblad expeditions before and said the food operation on this one was “just bad”.)

 

We were also surprised to find there were basically no organized social activities at all beyond morning stretches and a recap of the day’s events before dinner. After dinner one could work out, visit the lounge, or watch the one movie that ran repeatedly (but was changed each day). Some attempt to break up the sameness over the 10 days at sea would have been much appreciated, especially after dinner. Isn't it obvious a channel running National Geographic films would be easy to do, provide variety, and help sell DVD's?

 

Our cabin was nicely laid out and reasonable for the price. We always had lots of hot water, but heard from numerous folks on the 3rd deck they had problems throughout the cruise.

 

In summary – a premium priced expedition that was not remotely close to a good value and as a result this will be our first and last Lindblad National Geographic Cruise. If expedition operations are far more important than everything else to you, this trip may be worth considering.

[donaldsc]

In an expedition trip.the destination is the main focus of the trip, not on-board entertainment. You clearly said that the expedition operations were excellent.

 

If you want a big ship experience in the Antarctica, take Princess drive-by cruise.

 

I have done an Antarctica expedition cruise on the Nordkapp and we got basically what you got. It was wonderful.

 

DON

[PModo]

DON's point regarding the significance of expeditions is right on. To that end what we got was excellent. However, the rooms on the Lindblad National Geographer Explorer appear to be very roughly 50% more expensive than those on the Nordkapp. For us that meant we payed close to 10K more for the trip. With that came the expectation for an outstanding learning experience courtesy of National Geographic and at least good food. We didn't expect much in the way of social activities, but were surprised even the obvious things were forgotten. For example it would have been so simple to have one or two popcorn nights with a movie in the lounge - even if it was the same movie playing as the one on the in-room TVs.

 

If we had booked on the Nordkapp, we would have adjusted our expectations, saved a pile of cash, and I suspect we would have been as happy with their offering as was DON.

[donaldsc]

How many people were there on your ship? The Nordkapp had about 325. On any expedition trip, fewer passengers means a more expensive trip. Many of the Russian icebreakers take less than 100 people and typically cost >10k.

 

DON

[PModo]

DON, good point - we had about 150. I still think your cruise was a better value, but that's my opinion.

[minke]

Hi Don, yes we had a great value trip on Nordkapp, I still remember it as one of the highlights of my life & all the more interesting for returning after 50 years & meeting so many nice people. Wish I could go back again but unlikely now.

[PModo]

My original post states that

 

...There was no channel on the in-room TV with National Geographic films...

 

This wasn't correct. There was a channel running the Nat Geo Wild Chronicles series. I relied on what another shipmate told me about the channels. My apologies.

[PModo]

Some additional info: the head chef for our cruise is no longer employed by Lindblad, and it appears they are addressing the 3rd deck hot water issues. Only time will tell if the educational activities achieve the quality one would expect from National Geographic branding and pricing.

[2serendip]

We have just put a hold on some cabins for this trip for next year. I'm very distressed by this review. Has anyone else had such a disappointing time with this trip? I would love to hear more info. thanks.

[dileep]

We ran into 2 people in Ushuaia who had just come off the NG cruise and they were quite happy. One positive thing is that they often book landing right in places ahead of others.

 

You may want to consider your options. A&K does a great job, but they are switching to a new ship which will probably more expensive than the Minerva was this year.

[2serendip]

Yes, we were quite intrigued by the A&K tour for next year, especially the ship Le Boreal which looks quite amazing. But it's all sold out with a waiting list. Then we became very excited about the Lindblad/National Geographic trip which seemed to be a little more scientifically and culturally oriented. And the CC review was so positive! But now I'm worried about whether we should wait until the next A&K trip becomes available.

[dileep]

We were told that it was not a cruise but an expeditions, and they were absolutely right! Don't expect all the comforts of a big ship. It is more about the experience!

[dileep]

Yes, we were quite intrigued by the A&K tour for next year, especially the ship Le Boreal which looks quite amazing. But it's all sold out with a waiting list.

 

 

Looks like it is not sold out.

 

http://www.abercrombiekent.com/travel/index.cfm?fuseaction=dsp_dates&tid=4668

[pacmom]

We just returned from the Prince Albert. It is an expedition ship with 6 star amenities. The landing site availability is opened on June 1st and accoeding to our expedition leader is a first thru first derved. We were only 99, so all landing time was available to all. Our nateralists were always available around the ship to answer questions and their talks were very informative. One had been the head of Vernatsky Station for 9 years. The accomadations were fantastic. Food was wonderful, except for the terrible pizza. They are on a par cost wise with NGO, but from the sounds of this report much better. Pat

[laurelhollow]

Not sure who your travel agent is but - just booked this A&K trip today (the 20 day leaving on December 17) and there were a number of cabins available.

 

Try again.

 

 

Yes, we were quite intrigued by the A&K tour for next year, especially the ship Le Boreal which looks quite amazing. But it's all sold out with a waiting list. But now I'm worried about whether we should wait until the next A&K trip becomes available.