Ship Report: Lindblad’s Sea Voyager
By: Stephanie Deaton, Account Executive
Recently I had the pleasure of taking a 10-day expedition cruise aboard Lindblad's Sea Voyager through Costa Rica and Panama. Having sailed on the world’s leading luxury lines many times, I wasn't sure how Lindblad would compare...but I was blown away! This is truly an experience of a lifetime!
Ports/Experience
The Lindblad experience was beyond my imagination...we were able to sail to remote islands and rainforests only accessible by small vessels. Every day I asked myself what could possibly top today’s adventure...and the next day did just that.
We enjoyed amazing rainforest hikes and explorations of tiny islandsalong the coasts of Costa Rica and Panama, as well as snorkeling, zodiac river tours, horseback riding on the beach, beach BBQs, kayaking and bird watching. (Yes, I actually enjoyed bird watching!)
It was like being in a National Geographic special! We saw, and came up close and personal with, an amazing array of creatures including monkeys, tamarins, iguanas, toucans, scarlet macaws, reef sharks, moray eels, sea turtles, blue footed boobies, brown boobies, rainbow boa constrictors - the list is exhaustive. (Editor’s Note: Lindblad partners with National Geographic for expedition voyages.)
The highlight of the trip (and it is hard to choose just one) was our visit to the Embera Indians. We woke up at 4 am to board huge dugout canoes that took us up-river to visit the Embera Village of Mogue. The natives greeted us upon arrival and their children led us by hand through the rainforest to their village. Once at their village, we were greeted with music and dancing, given traditional tribal tattoos (similar to henna) and tours of their simple homes. The Embera Indians are a very proud indigenous people who continue to maintain their unique culture despite the encroachment of the western world.
Naturalists
Lindblad provides top-notch naturalist and historians who sail with the cruise and escort each tour. Not only were they extremely knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the ports, they were also very entertaining. Passengers enjoyed casual chats over dinner or drinks with the naturalist guides; they made the cruise that much more enjoyable.
Onboard
The Sea Voyager’s overallambiance is casual and informal. The comfortable accommodations all face outside with windows. The ship’s décor is simple and meals onboard were delicious, featuring regional cuisine with options to suit any taste. Breakfast and lunch are served buffet style and dinner is a la carte. The vessel also features a small fitness center; a Lounge with full-service bar and facilities for films, slide shows, and lectures; and Sky Deck. The "Open Bridge" policy allows guests to learn about navigation from the Captain and Officers.
I was pleasantly surprised to find out that e-mail was available, and Lindblad provided guests with a complimentary (and highly prized) DVD of their cruise experiences.
Meetings and Incentives
Lindblad vessels hold between 60 and 120 passengers and travel to the far reaches of the globe. Destinations most suitable for incentives/meetings include: Costa Rica and Panama, Galapagos, Baja California, Alaska, Europe and South America. Lindblad offers flexibility for ports, tours, and onboard activities. Landry & Kling can customize your cruise experience to include events and activities that are most meaningful to your group.
Note:
If casinos, glitz and bus tours are your thing, adventure cruising is not for you. However, if you do want to create an extraordinary, life-changing experience, and prefer an intimate setting surrounded by nature’s beauty...then a Lindblad cruise is the perfect choice for your next program.
For more pricing and itineraries for Lindblad's National Geographic cruises call 800-448-9002 or e-mail mguanch@landrykling.com
LINDBLAD’S SEA VOYAGER