Talk to an Expedition Specialist

We have always believed in the healing Tonic of Wildness. Now, more than ever, we need the restorative hug of remote wild places. As industry pioneers, we have been bringing travelers to the farthest reaches of the planet for over 50 years. We have decades of experience balancing adventure and safety, plus deep-rooted networks in the communities where we explore. That, along with our intimately sized ships and the remoteness of our voyages, makes us uniquely positioned for a successful re-entry to the wild.

Our dedicated COVID-19 Global Policy Team has consulted with top medical experts as well as U.S. and international authorities to ensure every detail has been carefully considered—from the moment you depart your local airport to the day we disembark. Based on these collective efforts, we’ve enhanced all of our health and safety protocols to best minimize risk aboard our small ships.*

All of our guidelines were developed under the expert counsel of:

• David B. Lorber, M.D., Lindblad’s Consulting Physician
• World Health Organization (WHO)
• Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC)
• University of Washington
• Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators’ Clean Ships Healthy People
• Several external medical consultants including epidemiologists & infectious disease experts

Daily meetings keep our finger on the pulse of what’s happening globally, and as the latest research and public health recommendations evolve, so will our policies. We will continue to update our protocols for all operating voyages in accordance with local, state, federal, and international regulations and guidelines.

To learn more about which expeditions are confirmed to restart, click here.

Setting A Higher Standard

We are working to make your voyage as safe as possible, while staying true to the unparalleled Lindblad experience our guests expect. Our protocols feature these unique elements:

• Proof of COVID-19 vaccination for all guests 16 years of age and above
• 2 negative COVID-19 tests prior to boarding
• From start to finish, travel exclusively with your expedition community of fellow guests and staff, all equally tested
• Fluid & flexible itineraries—We can deftly avoid ports and crowds as needed
• ACT CleanCoat ™ —Sail aboard the world’s first self-disinfecting ships!
• Upgraded HVAC systems utilizing a combination of Bipolar Ionization, maximized fresh air intake and advanced UVC light purification

Welcome Mat Approach

Before greenlighting any destination, it must be open to tourism and we must meet or exceed all requirements for entry. Candid and transparent dialogue has been key to our Welcome Mat approach. In many cases, we have been on the frontline, blazing paths to help communities get their protocols in place.

Prior to arriving, you will receive the most up-to-date guidelines specific to your ship and destination. All of our procedures meet or exceed local laws as well as all WHO & CDC guidelines. Voyage extensions and optional pre- or post-voyage hotel overnight stays will not operate through summer of 2021.

The health and wellbeing of our guests, as well as our staff, vendors, and regional partners, has always been top priority. We will ask that all guests review and acknowledge the following requirements.

• Present proof of COVID-19 vaccination for all guests 16 years of age and above
• Present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result for all guests prior to embarkation
• Take reasonable measures to reduce the risk of exposure and follow all CDC guidelines five days prior to embarkation
• Receive a second rapid antigen COVID-19 test, administered by our staff, prior to boarding
• Undergo a temperature and symptom check at embarkation
• Complete two health questionnaires: one prior to leaving home & one before boarding to confirm no changes
• Wear a face covering and follow all CDC travel guidelines while en route to the vessel: All booked guests will receive a Travel Shield™ personal protection kit complete with disposable face coverings, gloves & sanitizing wipes; plus, a complimentary poly-cotton blend neck/face gaiter for use on board   
• Guest temperatures will be taken daily via contactless thermometers

Once onboard, our goal is to provide the same exhilarating expedition experience our guests have come to know and love. We’ll search for wildlife, explore with the expedition equipment, and revel in the wonders of the natural world.  Much of our time is spent outdoors in fresh air and expansive landscapes ideal for social distancing but, in certain cases when that is not possible, face coverings will be required in accordance with the CDC.

Public Spaces Touch-free hand sanitizer dispensers are located around the ship and will be refilled regularly All elevators will be limited to one family unit or cabin mates at a time An HVAC system brings in fresh external air and conditions it for your comfort—all cabins independently vent outward from the ship When possible our in-lounge presentations will be broadcast on all cabin and exterior speakers so guests may enjoy from alternate locations Face coverings will be required in all indoor locations (except when actively eating or drinking) We have increased our shipboard supply of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Dining Alternate dining options will be offered to reduce capacity in the dining room All meals are served plated—no buffets or self-serve options All day snacks are portioned in individual servings Dining room will be thoroughly cleaned before and after every meal Increased sanitation protocols for cocktail hours and canapé servings All galley personnel will be required to wear gloves and face coverings while preparing and serving meals

Wellness Program All voyages are staffed with an onboard doctor, and vessels now have increased medical capabilities and supplies on board Guest amenities like saunas, infinity pools, igloos, fitness centers, and yoga studios will have a limited time and capacity on relevant ships, where applicable Morning stretch classes will take place on exterior decks (weather permitting) and our wellness specialist will set up our sanitized mats 6 feet apart

In the Field To do our part protecting the communities we visit, we may modify some of our port calls and activities. Our Welcome Mat approach means PPE will be required for any shoreside staff that interacts with our guests and crew; we have worked with the local communities to ensure they have access to the supplies they need and are comfortable with our procedures Face coverings will be required in the mudroom and while aboard Zodiacs; boarding will be closely monitored to reduce gatherings in the mudroom and the loading area Once ashore in the wilderness, masks will not be required (unless required by local regulation) but social distancing will be strongly encouraged Capacity on all shoreside transportation will be reduced and face coverings required

Anyone who has traveled with us before knows our expedition team will do whatever it takes to ensure exhilarating discoveries run smoothly and safely. And our small scale, plus high staff to guest ratios, allow us to provide extra attention to all our sanitation efforts. All staff, crew and third-party operators have received training on COVID-19 safety and sanitation protocols, and they are ready and eager to welcome you aboard.

Testing & Safety Protocols For All Staff & Crew Proof of vaccination for COVID-19 and influenza** Testing prior to their arrival to the vessel Regular COVID-19 testing as an added precaution, as well as twice daily temperature & symptom checks Appropriate PPE must be worn in adherence with state and local regulations and guidance PPE is provided for all staff, crew, and third-party operators Enhanced PPE requirements for all cabin and common space cleaning Increased sanitation protocols for all shipboard spaces Enhanced visitor policy restricted to essential visits only

ACT Cleancoat Long before the advent of the novel coronavirus we trialed a new onboard cleaning and disinfecting system called ACT CleanCoat. It proved so effective, we rolled it out across the fleet, and today it offers an added layer of protection as we head back aboard. Read more about it at expeditions.com/purity.

Cleaning products & protocols:

Disclaimer

Daily meetings keep our finger on the pulse of what’s happening globally, and as the latest research and public health recommendations evolve, so will our policies. We will continue to update our protocols for all operating voyages in accordance with local, state, federal, and international regulations and guidelines.

* There are certain unavoidable risks to passengers and property associated with expedition travel, including, among others, traveling with other people and illness or disease caused by exposure to bacteria, pathogens, and viruses, including the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, despite screening and testing and other steps taken by Lindblad Expeditions and passengers in response to these risks. In the event any passenger, crew, staff or others on the vessel were to test positive for COVID-19 and/or develop symptoms consistent with COVID-19, governmental authorities may require a 14-day or longer quarantine of all individuals on the vessel either on the vessel or elsewhere. Lindblad Expeditions shall not be liable for any claims, demands, and/or damages arising from or relating to any exposure to the coronavirus and/or the contraction of any illness or disease as a result of any such exposure, including but not limited to COVID-19, by passenger or any other person, including claims and damages due or allegedly due to inaccurate test results (including possible false negative test results) and/or the negligence of any Independent Contractor providing any medical screening or testing services, laboratory services, medical evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, advice, and/or recommendations, or any supplies and services for sanitation purposes.

**Lindblad Expeditions will also require all Crew to be vaccinated, with limited exception for individual Crew members who are unable to obtain vaccines due to limitations in their country of residence.  All Crew will be required at all times to strictly comply with Lindblad Protocols which require, among other things, multiple negative tests and quarantine prior to entering service, routine continued testing, mask-wearing, and restrictions interacting and engaging with anyone outside the Lindblad Expeditions voyage.

We share your yearning for future experiences, and we also understand your need for peace of mind. See how we are protecting your financial investment in travel, too.

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Please review our FAQs for more details on the above policies.
As always, our Expedition Specialists are standing by to answer any additional questions.
1-800-EXPEDITION