Lindblad/Nat-Geo. is tops

[cruiser-trekky]

We just completed a cruise to the Galapagos with Lindblad Expeditions on the National Geographic Endeavor. We have been on over a dozen cruises from Princess, RC, HA, NCL & Celeb., but none of them provided the level of service we got from Lindblad. There were people at the airport escorting us through the whole process and walking us to our Limo in Guayaquil. They helped us get registered at the hotel and gave us an accurate itinerary explaining exatly what we WOULD see vs. what we MIGHT see. ALL excursions were included, no nickel & dime-ing or double-cost of DIY pricing. The guides were all seasoned naturalists and gave excellent discussions of everything we saw. (There was a naturalist on every excursion.) The animals & birds were so close you could have touched them (but NOT ALLOWED :( ).

The accomodations were mid-level, no elevators (but it's only a 3-deck ship) and the food was good and plentiful (not gouret, but that wasn't the reeason for the trip. The wines were excellent (Ecuadorian vintages) and there was a well-stocked bar (open only at cocktail hour and during evening presentations). Lindblad provided wet-suits, snorkeling gear and plenty of information about what we would see, as well as safety info.

The ship's crew were friendly and very helpful at all times.

Would I travel with them again? Absolutely.