8/25/2020
3 Min Read
Our fleet navigates the world in search of adventure. These are the stories they bring back…
8/25/2020
3 Min Read
Sail through Scotland's Caledonian Canal and the Inner Hebrides aboard Lord of the Glens, the only ship capable of transiting both with ease and grace. The 62-mile Great Glen seems to have been created by uncorking bucolic landscapes and spilling them over the Atlantic and North Sea in a colossal rush of isles, lochs, and canals.
5/4/2021
4 Min Read
National Geographic photographer Jim Richardson shares some of his favorite highlights from traveling in Scotland aboard the intimate Lord of the Glens.
10/25/2021
4 Min Read
To the uninitiated, Scotland’s wildlife amounts to a whole lot of sheep, those shaggy Highland cows, and of course, Nessie! But there’s an abundance of other species if you know where to look.
10/26/2021
4 Min Read
From a very unique pod of orcas to the inspiration for Outlander’s stone circle, these fascinating facts about Scotland just might surprise you.
10/27/2021
4 Min Read
There are a select few destinations with which you connect at some deep, intangible level and the Highlands and Islands of Scotland does that for me, says David Barnes, Expedition Leader aboard Lord of the Glens. See why.
4/9/2024
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Experience Scotland as few others have on a stirring voyage that cuts through the heart of the Highlands and out into the wild isles that surround this fabled region.
Showing 6 of 6
5/5/2024
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National Geographic Resolution
Overnight, National Geographic Resolution navigated the northern tip of Ny Friesland into Hinlopen Strait. Having celebrated crossing 80˚N the evening before, the morning was subdued with overcast skies and intentions of exploring the edge of the fast ice. Our objectives today were to find wildlife with an “anything can happen” attitude. At 8 am a walrus was spotted on ice and several others in the water. We observed and continued with the ambition of cruising the bird cliffs of Alkefjellet. A kilometer of broken sea ice stopped us from launching the Zodiacs, however it was no problem to approach the towering cliffs by ship, home to 60,000 pair of Brünnich guillemots. Our second polar fox of the voyage was also spotted patrolling the sea ice below. At 11 am our first polar bear was sighted strolling the shoreline edge. Excitement was high and we all enjoyed watching this majestic animal navigate the frozen arctic landscape. Several more walruses were spotted on ice. With the sun shining and more open water, we proceeded to Torellneset on the eastern shore. We found pack ice compressed against the beaches and strong winds, so we continued on to Bråsvellbreen and cruised the massive ice edge. With glowing sunlight, dinner was just about to finish when Stefano announced we would make an ice landing! National Geographic Resolution confidently parked into a thick piece of sea ice, and we exited the penguin doors to experience the magic of walking on water in the evening light.
5/5/2024
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National Geographic Orion
Today was a special day for our National Geographic Orion guests. We were able to visit two of Vanuatu’s most iconic islands, known for their deep cultural rituals and ceremonies. Our morning visit was to the Island of Ambrym, known as the Black Magic Island of Vanuatu, an island where black magic was practiced in ancient times. We were privileged to watch the ancient dance ritual of the Masked ROM dancers of Ambrym. A ceremony only practiced here on this island, chiefs and warriors perform with evil spirits, dressed in conical masks and elaborate banana leaf cloaks. After lunch we visited another island of Vanuatu, Pentecost Island. It is renowned for the invention of the bungy jump, a ritual called N’gol (land diving) where young men dive from a 15–20-meter scaffold platform with natural vines tied to their ankles. Our guests were mesmerized by the bravery of the young men as they leapt off the platform, down into the softened earth below. It was a day of unique, once in a lifetime Vanuatu rituals, ceremonies, and fanfare; a day our guests will never forget.
5/5/2024
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National Geographic Endurance
Today we set foot on the island of Terceira, where a group of active hikers walked a beautiful trail along the coast, the Baías da Agualva. It was a beautifully sunny day with blue skies, green surroundings, and many singing birds. Graciosa, the last island we visited, has many invasive trees, so it was interesting to see the endemic trees here in Terceira, including the Juniperus brevifolia, Erica azorica, and the Morella faya. In the meantime, others were headed for a scenic tour to experience the beautiful vistas the island has to offer. The afternoon highlighted different walks throughout the region: a photo tour, a nature hike, or free roaming through the city of Angra do Heroísmo, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
5/5/2024
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National Geographic Venture
Zipping along in our Zodiac through the narrow pass of Misty Fjords below the watchful eyes of the “stone owl,” we passed numerous waterfalls that seemed to descend from the sky. As we entered the punchbowl bay, the vista opened up to a snow-capped peak peeking through the mist above a wide, fresh green meadow of sedge grass. Our Zodiac slowly approached the meadow for some bear and bird spotting. Just when we thought the moment could not get any better, our Zodiac driver turned off the engine. As we floated, listening to the wild sounds of the Tongass National Forest, it became clear — the gift of the day was the present moment.
5/4/2024
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National Geographic Sea Bird
Today, National Geographic Sea Bird arrived at the Alert Bay dock on a still, quiet morning. We headed to shore to hike through the coastal temperate rainforest, admiring the many massive Western red cedars, known as the “tree of life” in the Pacific Northwest. We continued to explore a muskeg environment. Muskegs are unique ecosystems, housing plants with special adaptations to live in extreme bog conditions. In the afternoon, we headed to the U’mista Cultural Centre where we learned about the history and culture of the Kwakwaka’wakw people. The U’mista exhibits include regalia used in potlatch ceremonies which were banned in Canada between the 1880s and 1951. We also saw historical exhibits of First Nations art, traditions, and stories of what indigenous people have endured in the area. We then went to a cultural sharing at the ‘Namgis Big House where we experienced cultural dances and stories of the Kwakwaka'wakw people. Visiting the ‘Namgis Big House is a moving experience, emotional given the dark history, yet a joyful celebration of their resilience.