Greenland & Iceland Expedition Cruise with Lindblad & National Geographic

I just got back from an amazing 12-day “Iceland’s Wild West Coast to East Greenland” expedition cruise aboard the National Geographic Lindblad Endurance. The journey begins and ends in Iceland but spends most of its time exploring the rarely visited and untouched region of Eastern Greenland in the summer months when this special vessel can get through the ice to visit this usually unreachable part of the world. This was my first expedition cruise, and I must say: it was a pretty spectacular one to start off with. I absolutely loved the expedition cruise experience – it was a great balance between incredible, immersive sightseeing and adventure while providing extraordinary comfort onboard. All this while delivering an educational benefit beyond anything I would have anticipated.  

First and foremost, Lindblad delivered exceptional experience. I was aboard one of their newest ships – the Endurance (sister ship to The Resolution) – which was specifically designed to comfortably navigate through Polar ice. The rooms and public spaces were spacious, and the service was warm & friendly (how does the staff learn everyone’s first name so quickly?). What’s really great and unique about Lindblad sailings is that they have an “Open Bridge” policy where you can go up to the bridge whenever you and any other guest want to chat with the crew and see where the ship is headed that day. It’s very special and interesting – and it especially creates many unforgettable moments when you spot wildlife (Polar Bears! Whales! Narwhal!) from the bridge. The ship itself only carries 140 passengers with 100 crew members onboard – delivering a very personalized service from a top caliber staff in every way. I also really enjoyed that Lindblad kept a very casual atmosphere on the ship so people felt comfortable striking up conversations with the other passengers and the experts on board. 

Speaking of the experts, I cannot stress how great it was to sail with so many fascinating expedition leaders onboard. We had 12 on our journey – and they come from all walks of life (geology, marine sciences, photography, historians, animal experts, and even a local Greenlander) each expert brings something different to the expedition. For example, one day we spotted two polar bears together. I don’t know about you, but I wouldn’t be able to tell one polar bear apart or a male from a female. Our expedition leader informed us that we were looking at quite a rare sight: two unrelated male polar bears in the same territory. It was also wonderful to be around experts who got so excited and giddy over these types of sightings; the energy was infectious and added so much context and joy to what we were witnessing. This being a National Geographic cruise, I particularly enjoyed the interaction with the onboard photography experts. It really delivered on what one would imagine from the Nat Geo association!

Greenland really exceeded my expectations. It is 100% a bucket list destination. The ice was jaw dropping and passing through and around icebergs on a zodiac was completely breathtaking. It was so quiet, and every now and then some sea life – like a seal or a polar bear (I personally saw 9 Polar Bears on this journey!) – would make an appearance. Photos do not do it justice; it is a place you have to go and see for yourself to experience the scale and untouched isolated beauty of it all. Since this was a 12-day cruise, I’ll admit I was a little worried there wouldn’t be enough new sights to see each day; I am very happy to report I was wrong about that! There was never a day where we didn’t have various noteworthy sightings or experiences. One day we saw a huge pod of whales and dolphins. On another we spotted a narwhal in a location the captain said he hadn’t seen a narwhal for 14 years! On yet another day we took a detour to rescue a fishing boat that had run out of gas. And did I mention the Polar Bears? That was clearly a highlight for us all – and each sighting was extraordinary in its own way!

In terms of the day-to-day itinerary, our expedition leaders always made sure there was plenty for us to do and see. We had a couple excursions every day, usually a hike and a zodiac trip, and we were always able to select our difficulty level. We loved going on the Photography excursions where we could take our time and learn from the expert photographers. Every day there is also at least one educational presentation onboard where we get to learn about the area, the flora and fauna, and the history of the region. This was really fantastic and prepared us for the incredible sights we were eager to see each day we stepped off the ship and into the Zodiac. 

A few of the highlights of the itinerary was the massive Dynjandi waterfall, hiking on Vigur Island in North Iceland to see puffins, and visiting Ittoqqortoormiit the most isolated town in the world in East Greenland. I loved that even this town of 300 people had a full-size astroturf soccer field. The majority of the wonders of the journey took place in the East Greenland National Park, the biggest – and probably least visited – National Park in the world. We would have daily hikes and boat rides to get up close to the icebergs and glaciers. On one day we even got to walk onto a glacier, which was unexpected and thrilling. Just the amount of mountainous, untouched terrain was stunning. 

After each day out on an excursion, we would return to the ship tired and excited for the next day. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the two igloos onboard. They are clear so you can look out into the night sky but be warned: spots fill up QUICK so make sure to put in a reservation for an igloo right when you get on board! The ship also has two saunas and Jacuzzis, great after a day out on the ice. It also has a fantastic main dining room. The food onboard was phenomenal. I actually asked my son at the end of the trip what he would miss most and to both of our surprise…he said the food! It really was that good. The quality and diversity was wonderful. Every passenger was also at one point invited to a Chef’s Table 6-course meal (which was exquisite), and on another day there was an outdoor hot dog grill – even the hot dogs were fantastic! 

Overall, the experience was incredible and exceeded my expectations on every level. It was an immensely special experience that I hope everyone gets to do, but what made it most special for me was getting to experience it alongside my son. Seeing him become so taken with the nature and beauty of the region, and to capture it through his passion for photography is something I will cherish forever.