Anchored in Academy Bay, the two new ships were joined by their sibling vessels, National Geographic Islander II and National Geographic Endeavour II. Onboard the Gemini, the crew were joined by several members of Lindblad Expeditions’ executive team, including CEO Natalya Leahy and Interim Chief Maritime Officer, Rear Admiral Keith Taylor, plus several local partners, community members and their families.
“Today, we celebrate not just an event, we’re celebrating a story that started in February 1967, when Lars-Eric Lindblad led the very first non-scientific expedition to the Galápagos Islands,” said Leahy. “Today’s naming is done in honor of the Galápagos community. We will continue our hard work right by your side and never forget that we are just visitors to your home.”
Two New Ships: Gemini and Delfina
Designed to hold just 48 guests in its 27 outward-facing staterooms, National Geographic Gemini strikes a perfect balance between small-ship and large-ship cruising, with plenty of activities, space to stretch out on the deck and enough peace to relax in the library or lounge. Ideal for intimate group sailings, National Geographic Delfina holds just 16 guests in its eight artfully designed guest rooms, all of which provide access to an outer deck or private balcony.
Both ships come equipped with a whirlpool hot tub to unwind in after a long day of sightseeing, and you can expect educational talks by onboard naturalists and an elegant dining experience featuring locally sourced food and wine. To cut down on food waste, passengers are encouraged to note their dinner preferences ahead of time, while coffee, tea, and tasty Ecuadorian snacks are available 24/7 in the lounge, just in case.
You can experience the Gemini on the 10-day Exploring Galápagos sailing (from $5,556 per person) or the Delfina during the 10-day Galápagos by Catamaran: An Intimate Voyage itinerary (from $7,900 per person). Both trips also offer a longer 16-day version that adds time in Peru and a trip to Machu Picchu.
New ‘Explorers-In-Training’ Programming for Kids
The cruise line also recently revamped its National Geographic Explorers-In-Training programming, which features hands-on activities geared toward younger guests aboard select sailings to Antarctica and Iceland, and all trips to the Galápagos Islands, Alaska, and Baja California. Originally created in 2017, the newly expanded program is meant to keep kids and teens inspired by science, curiosity and conservation as they encounter new landscapes, flora and fauna throughout the cruise.
Activities vary based on the itinerary and destination but generally include opportunities to learn to drive a zodiac, participate in educational games and scavenger hunts, conduct experiments and mark the unique creatures they’ve seen in region-specific field notebooks. At the end of the sailing, their accomplishments are celebrated during a shipboard presentation where they’ll receive a certificate and patch to remember their trip by. While these immersive experiences—led by some of National Geographic’s best photographers, naturalists, undersea specialists and certified field educators—are intended for children and teens, all ages are invited to participate.
What to Know Before You Go
Instead of following a set schedule, National Geographic–Lindblad Expeditions sailings are more fluid, with loose itineraries based on daily traffic within Galápagos National Park. You’ll be given a rough idea of the types of activities you’ll be doing ahead of time so you know what to pack, and once onboard, the details of the next day’s plans are shared during nightly presentations by expedition leaders. That way, everyone is prepared and with the Galápagos National Park Service directing ship traffic, the UNESCO World Heritage site doesn’t get too overwhelmed by visitors. This type of flexibility also gives ship captains the ability to veer slightly off schedule and turn the vessel around if, for instance, a blue whale is spotted and the team of onboard naturalists wants to turn the rare sighting into an educational moment.
Itineraries for the cruise line’s two new ships are packed with only-in-Galápagos experiences like visits to the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island, epic hikes on lava fields, and scenic nature walks through endemic bird habitats. You’ll also have many, many chances to swim alongside Galápagos sea lions and penguins, view blue-footed boobies from a zodiac and see other rare creatures—like Galápagos marine iguanas—in the wild. Remember to pack a good pair of waterproof hiking sandals for wet landings, hiking boots for dry landings, reef-safe sunscreen, and your best camera or a new Go-Pro for underwater videos. Pack plenty of “Expedition Chic” attire like lightweight khaki pants and hiking shirts to avoid getting sunburned—you’ll be sailing along the equator, after all, and the sun is strong.
While the total cost of your Galápagos cruise aboard either of the two new ships doesn’t include international airfare, gratuities or spa services, it does cover all your meals and beverages, educational presentations by National Geographic photographers and naturalists, access to kayaks and stand-up paddle boards, shore excursions aboard zodiacs and use of snorkeling equipment (masks, fins, and shorty wetsuits—bring a full-body diving skin to wear under it if you’re wary of swimming in cooler waters). Cruise fares also include domestic flights to Baltra Island (GPS) from Guayaquil (GYE) or Quito (UIO), two nights’ accommodations in either city (one before your sailing and one after), port taxes, the Galápagos Islands National Park entrance fee ($200 per adult, $100 per child) and the Tourist Transit Card fee ($20 per person). Pre- and post-cruise extensions are also available if you want to spend more time exploring Ecuador.
All details and policies mentioned were accurate as of press time.
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