The Ultimate Expedition Fleet: Explore Alaska With Lindblad's State-of-the-Art Ships (Including The Greg Mortimer)

Discover how Lindblad's purpose-built vessels, like the cutting-edge Greg Mortimer, are designed to take you deeper into Alaska's intricate waterways. Experience unparalleled access to wildlife, glaciers, and remote coves from expansive observation decks and nimble Zodiac platforms.

Experience Alaska with National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions

Driven by a deep passion for exploration and conservation, voyages with National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions inspire a change in perspective that transforms the way you experience the world.

Small Ships That Take You Farther

Our ships bring you directly into the heart of Alaska's coastal wilderness. Each small, nimble vessel was designed to deliver the finest in exploration, allowing the seasoned captains and crews to stay flexible, go farther and ultimately deliver some of the most ambitious itineraries ever created along these remote shores.

Travel with a World-Class Team

Voyages are driven by passionate expedition teams—naturalists, photographers and cultural specialists who are explorers at heart. Over 110 team members have a decade or more of experience in the field.

Take Great Photos with the Pros

A National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions certified photo instructor joins every Alaska departure to help you hone your camera skills. They offer photo tips in real time for everyone from smartphone camera users to advanced hobbyists. Lessons learned in the field are enhanced on board through informative presentations, helpful one-on-one critiques and engaging slideshow events.

Explore Your Way Every Day

Itineraries feature a range of immersive activities that bring you into the pages of National Geographic magazine, from kayaking among icebergs to hiking through ancient moss-draped forests. Each expedition offers excursions for every skill level so that you can explore your way—and at your own pace—every day.

Revealing Undersea Wonders

On most departures, an undersea specialist brings marine wonders to the surface by capturing underwater footage of Alaska's surprisingly vibrant marine life. During nightly Recaps, the specialist interprets sea creatures and geological features, offering insights integral to the story of your surroundings.

Expeditions That Give Back

Voyages contribute to the preservation of the planet through the Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic Fund. Your support helps conserve coastal communities and marine habitats—and it funds explorers from the National Geographic Society who are envisioning bold changes for a sustainable future.

A Day in the Life on an Alaskan Expedition

Venture far beyond Alaska's busy ports and piers to roadless places where glaciers sparkle, mountains soar and epic wildlife roams. You'll be immersed in pure wilderness, experiencing it from every angle without another ship or soul in sight.

Breakfast: Savor Your Meal, Soak in a View

Epic scenery is everywhere in Alaska, and at a fjord-side breakfast, you might be treated to views of tumbling waterfalls or electric-blue icebergs as you enjoy fresh bread and pastries, a made-to-order omelet or other delicious dishes from the buffet.

Morning Excursion: Exploring at Water Level

Join a naturalist aboard a Zodiac and speed toward a glistening glacier that peeks through a bend in the fjord. Or board a kayak or paddleboard and glide across these iceberg-studded waters, on the lookout for otters, bald eagles and harbor seals.

Talks and Photo Tips

Head to the lounge for a talk on smartphone photography by your certified photo instructor. Stick around for a naturalist presentation on their topic of expertise, such as the dynamics of area orca pods.

Lunch: A Fresh Catch

Ship chefs use fresh, local ingredients whenever possible, including locally grown produce and fresh-caught fish. Savor an Alaska-inspired lunch, like a grilled salmon sandwich or a salad featuring wild berries.

Afternoon Excursion: Rainforest Walk

Put your new photo tips to the test during a walk through Tongass National Forest, the world's largest temperate rainforest. Snap photos as you stroll amid blooming wildflowers, or choose a path less traveled, bushwhacking through thick brush.

Downtime: On Whale Watch

With free time, take advantage of the ship's amenities: Read up on regional flora in the library, visit the open Bridge or stand on deck to watch for whales. You may spot humpbacks engaged in a uniquely Alaska behavior: cooperative bubble-net feeding. When conditions are right, a naturalist drops a hydrophone so you can listen in on the whale communications.

Ready for Recap

Gather in the lounge for drinks and hors d'oeuvres, followed by the nightly Recap and a preview of tomorrow's activities. Today's presentation features your undersea specialist, who shares footage from the day's dive of the surprisingly colorful creatures that thrive in these nutrient-rich waters.

Dinner: Crab Feast

A culinary event that always earns rave reviews is the Dungeness crab feast—a mouth-watering taste of Alaska's wild bounty, washed down with local craft beers.

Adventures Under the Midnight Sun

Take advantage of the summer's lingering sunlight to capture golden hour photos or look for wildlife. If you're traveling later in the season, you may have a chance to spot the northern lights painting the night sky.

Introducing the State-of-the-Art Greg Mortimer

Since our earliest Alaska expeditions in 1981, we've led immersive and authentic journeys into the region's wildest corners—continually innovating and finding new ways to connect curious travelers with this epic wilderness. Now, a new chapter begins: in 2027, the Greg Mortimer will join our Alaska fleet, hosting a trio of new expeditions that enhance our ability to explore deeper while upholding the hallmarks of our experience—small-ship intimacy, expert-led discovery and meaningful connection to the natural world.

Cutting-Edge Design for Deep Exploration

Launched in 2019, the Greg Mortimer combines cutting-edge design with the immersive, small-ship experience that has long defined our Alaska voyages. Accommodating 154 guests in thoughtfully designed cabins—many with private balconies—she offers both intimacy and spacious comfort for exploring the region's remote waterways.

Purpose-built to sail the poles, she brings that same spirit of adventure to Alaska's glacier-carved waters. Her distinctive inverted X-Bow™ delivers a smoother, more efficient ride through dynamic seas, while dynamic positioning allows the ship to hold place without dropping anchor—helping to protect sensitive marine environments. Four rapid-deploy Zodiac platforms provide swift access to Alaska's rugged shorelines, secluded waterways and wildlife-rich coves, ensuring seamless transitions between ship and shore.

Expansive observation decks and hydraulic viewing platforms extend over the water, creating extraordinary opportunities to spot whales, seabirds and calving glaciers from unique vantage points. Indoors, ocean-view lounges, a library and dedicated learning and wellness spaces foster a sense of community and connection—essential ingredients of our expedition style. Between adventures, guests can unwind in the sauna with sweeping sea views, relax in top-deck Jacuzzis or dine in spaces that frame Alaska's shifting horizons. Every feature of the Greg Mortimer is designed to deepen your relationship with this magnificent wilderness, offering a modern expedition experience rooted in curiosity and discovery.

The Lindblad Expedition Fleet: Purpose-Built for Alaska

National Geographic Quest and National Geographic Venture

With the agility and comfort needed to explore Alaska's most remote coasts, National Geographic Quest and National Geographic Venture continue our commitment to immersive expedition travel on this wild frontier.

• Purpose-built for navigating Alaska's intricate waterways, bringing a modern, clean-lined approach to expedition travel.
• Accommodate 50 cabins with exceptionally nimble design, allowing them to slip into narrow fjords, quiet coves and secluded anchorages.
• Twin Zodiac boarding platforms for quick disembarkation, maximizing exploration time.
• Kayaks and paddleboards available for discovering sheltered inlets at water level.
• Outward-facing cabins, expansive windows and tiered viewing platforms keep you connected to your surroundings.
• Amenities include a partially covered sundeck, a fitness center, a welcoming lounge and library with a full-service bar.
• Dining room menus draw on regional ingredients for a fresh, local taste of Alaska's wild bounty.

National Geographic Sea Bird and National Geographic Sea Lion

As we look ahead to a new chapter of Alaska exploration, we honor the vessels that helped shape our legacy here. In 2026, we will bid farewell to National Geographic Sea Bird and National Geographic Sea Lion—making this year your final opportunity to sail aboard the pioneering ships that introduced generations of travelers to Alaska's wildest places.

• Intimate, nimble vessels accommodating just 62 guests in 31 outside cabins.
• Hold the shallowest drafts in the fleet, providing rare access to secluded coves and narrow channels.
• Outfitted with Zodiacs, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards for immersive, up-close exploration.
• Open decks offer a comfortable backdrop for spectacular wildlife sightings.
• Welcoming gathering spaces foster camaraderie, a hallmark of these voyages.

Alaska With the Family: Discover the Wonder of Nature

Alaska is the ultimate vacation destination for adventurous families—a land where epic wilderness reigns. Every departure features the exclusive National Geographic Explorers-In-Training program, which teaches kids and teens to explore like scientists. Certified Field Educator Kim Baldwin transforms Alaska into a natural classroom for young travelers, mentoring them to develop observation, communication and problem-solving skills.

National Geographic Explorers-In-Training Program Highlights

• Wildlife Watching: Zip along shore in a Zodiac, then hike in search of Alaska wildlife, including sea otters and humpback whales. Snap photos and jot notes in your official National Geographic Explorers-In-Training Field Notebook.
• Microscopic Exploration: Drop a net over the side of your Zodiac to collect plankton, then check it under a video microscope to see how it looks and moves.
• Video Shoots: Get tips from your certified photo instructor on how to create impressive slow-motion and timelapse videos, and test out your new skills in the field.
• License to Explore: Learn to operate a Zodiac and earn your "driver's license." (Sorry adults, kids only.)
• Ice Cream Sundae Glaciers: Watch as a naturalist uses ice cream sundaes to demonstrate how glaciers form and change—then take a bite out of the delicious display.
• Check Your List: Head to the ship lounge to review the wildlife you saw and mark it in your notebook. Tally your points to keep track of your progress on becoming certified as a National Geographic Explorer-In-Training.
• New Friends and Fun Adventures: Meet up with your new friends for fun activities with your certified field educator. Depending on the day, it might be games in the lounge, watercolor painting with glacial ice, a pizza dinner or other surprises.

Featured Alaska Itineraries with Lindblad Expeditions

Denali Extension: Explore the Heart of Alaska

Extend your experience in Denali National Park & Preserve, venturing into the heart of Alaska's wild backcountry alongside local experts with in-depth knowledge of the region's epic landscapes and diverse wildlife.

Denali National Park Pre- or Post-Voyage

Duration: 7 DAYS

From: $10,900.00pp

• Venture inland to Denali National Park & Preserve aboard first-class, glass-dome railcars on the Alaska Railroad.
• Settle into the Grande Denali Lodge, a prime basecamp near the park entrance.
• Spot wildlife on a tour of the tundra, raft the Nenana River and meet the sled dogs of Iditarod champion Jeff King.
• Opt for a scenic flightseeing excursion around Denali's soaring peak.
• Adventure concludes in Anchorage with a visit to the Alaska Native Heritage Museum.

This extension is available on most Alaska itineraries.

What's Included and More

Inclusive Pricing

Ongoing Promotions

Private Charters

A private charter with National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions offers the ultimate expedition experience for your group, whether you're hosting a board meeting, staff incentive trip or family celebration. Aboard a small ship that's entirely yours, you'll venture deep into the world's most extraordinary places, traveling responsibly and with purpose. Each voyage blends the exclusivity of private travel with the depth of our expedition heritage, inspiring meaningful connection—to one another and to the wild world around you.

To learn more, contact Karen Kuttner-Dimitry, Vice President of Affinity & Charter Sales, [email protected]

About the Author: Lia Vincent

Lia Vincent is the Owner for Vincent Vacations and Travel Agent Pro, and serves as the official Signature Travel Network Liaison. With extensive experience in the luxury travel sector, Lia specializes in pairing discerning travelers with premium expedition and ocean cruise lines, including Seabourn, Silversea, and the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection.