ONBOARD NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC GEMINI — On a breezy evening just offshore from Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island, expedition pioneer National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions welcomed the two newest members to its fleet: the 48-guest National Geographic Gemini and the 16-guest National Geographic Delfina.

The christening ceremony was a major milestone for the company, and Travelweek was there, joined by Lindblad Expeditions Holdings CEO Natalya Leahy and other executives, plus Galápagos community members and guests from both ships who were named as godparents of their respective vessels.

National Geographic Delfina and National Geographic Gemini in the heart of the Galápagos archipelago (photo credit National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions)

Travelweek sailed onboard National Geographic Gemini, which explored six Galápagos Islands in seven nights, sailing roundtrip from Baltra.

The trip was out of this world, life-changing and all the superlatives you can imagine.

We explored the westernmost and youngest islands, Isabela and Fernandina, where we walked among giant tortoises that are decades old, scaly land iguanas and Godzilla-like marine iguanas.

We also sailed north to the birding paradise of Genovesa, visited the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz, snorkelled from the red sand beach of Rabida, walked on Santiago’s lava field, and climbed 376 steps to the highest point on Bartolomé to photograph its famed Pinnacle Rock.

Other wildlife we encountered included Galápagos fur seals and sea lions, green sea turtles, flightless cormorants, Galápagos penguins, reef sharks, and a rare up-close sighting of a blue whale.

Without fear of humans, the animals in the Galapagos allow guests to have close encounters and great photo ops (photo credit Ming Tappin)

There were plenty of blue-footed, red-footed, and Nazca boobies, frigate birds, Darwin’s finches, swallow-tailed gulls, and many others, with some only found on the Galápagos Islands.

Guests have a chance to visit giant tortoises in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island (photo credit MT)

Without any fear of humans, these curious creatures allowed us to photograph them at close range (although National Park rules dictate that we must stay at least six feet away).

Sea lion pups nipped at our fins as we snorkelled, and penguins torpedoed past as they hunted for fish underwater.

FORMERLY CELEBRITY XPEDITION & CELEBRITY XPLORATION

National Geographic Gemini and National Geographic Delfina are the former Celebrity Xpedition and Celebrity Xploration, respectively, purchased by National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions in 2024.

Both vessels underwent multi-million-dollar refurbishments to align their aesthetics, mechanics, shipboard operations and guest experiences with the existing fleet, which includes National Geographic Endeavour II and National Geographic Islander II.

National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions pioneered cruising to the Galápagos when Lars-Eric Lindblad brought guests on the first non-scientific expedition to the archipelago in 1967.

Now with four vessels, the company boasts the largest fleet in the Galápagos.

“We have a significant demand for this destination,” said Leahy. “I truly believe we deliver a genuine, local experience, not just (in destination) but on the ship with our artisan program, culinary experiences and the passion of our team members.”

With the Galápagos being on the bucket lists of many travellers, the added capacity will come in handy.

“We also have a deep connection with the local communities, so our growth is a natural way to continue our promise of support,” Leahy added.

In the Galápagos, National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions empowers local artisans not only by selling their wares onboard the ships but also by earmarking funds to help them hone their craft.

The company also supports a bilingual private school on Santa Cruz Island, fostering future generations of conservation advocates (many of its graduates now work as naturalists on ships), and provides funding for the Charles Darwin Foundation to continue protecting the national park and marine reserve that Lars-Eric Lindblad helped create.

Third, as Leahy shared, the Galápagos is one of the most popular destinations for new-to-brand guests. With four ships, National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions can offer a variety of expeditions that combine cruises of different lengths with land extensions in Quito and Peru.

AGENT-BOOKED SALES DOUBLED IN LESS THAN TWO YEARS

When asked about Canada, Leahy said she sees the country as a “strategic market.”

Travelweek also reached out to Toronto-based Regional Sales Director Cara Matthew, who confirmed that expedition sales are “booming”, doubling in advisor-booked sales in less than two years.

Generous offers also help drive business – until Aug. 31, 2025, Canadian residents can save 35% on select 2025 and 2026 voyages.

Matthew invites advisors to connect with her at caram@expeditions.com. “I enjoy breaking down the myths of what an expedition is, with advisors and their clients. It’s wonderful to help people discover how accessible and enriching expedition travel really is,” she told Travelweek.

Travelling to over 100 destinations in 70+ countries across six continents, Leahy emphasized that National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions is a global company. “We bring people to places where they can step away from politics and internal stress to reflect and connect with a bigger purpose.”

A daily recap and preview of the next dayʻs program takes place in National Geographic Gemini’s lounge each evening before dinner (photo credit MT)