Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic is bringing to life one of the most storied expeditions in modern history with special activities, amenities and events celebrating the Centennial of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s Imperial Trans-Atlantic Expedition.
Guests aboard National Geographic Explorer and National Geographic Orion on the 2014-2015 voyages to Antarctica will be led by a remarkable expedition team, who will shed new light on the storied exploits of Shackleton and his men on their ill-fated attempt to traverse the continent by foot, and the examples of leadership and survival that continue to be taught throughout the world today. And, since expedition photography is an integral part of the Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic DNA, the season will be dedicated to Shackleton’s expedition photographer, Frank Hurley, whose remarkable images have helped everyone from amateurs to experts in the effort to piece together the ultimate expedition adventure.
One of the premier experts in this field is National Geographic photographer and writer Kim Heacox, the author of Shackleton: The Antarctic Challenge. Lindblad Expeditions and Heacox have created an entertaining and inspirational multi-media presentation that uniquely captures the spirit of Shackleton and the crew that set sail with him on the Endurance in 1914, and that brings Hurley’s artistry into focus like never before.
With the inspiration still fresh in their minds and hearts, guests will have the chance to take to the ice themselves, led by a National Geographic photographer and a Lindblad-National Geographic certified photo instructor, influenced by some of Hurley’s most iconic images. Those looking to trace Shackleton’s and Hurley’s journey will have plenty of opportunities to do so, hiking in the spacious beauty of the Antarctic alongside naturalists and historians who will recount the stirring saga on the beautiful and challenging terrain.
Such excursions will be enjoyed in both style and comfort thanks to the commemorative Centennial edition parka. The custom-designed parka, combines vintage- style expedition wear with high-tech fabrication for maximum comfort, and comes with a Centennial badge designed just for the occasion that will commemorate the once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Since special occasions deserve special treatment, Lindblad-National Geographic guests will have the chance to toast Shackleton, Hurley and their fellow explorers with the same whisky favored on the original voyage. In February, 2007, the New Zealand Antarctic Heritage Trust made a stunning discovery, uncovering two crates of Mackinlay’s Rare Old Highland Malt, remnants of the 25 cases Ernest Shackleton ordered to provision his 1907 Nimrod expedition. Whyte and Mackay have issued a limited release of the whisky, and the ships have been provisioned with the legendary malt. It will be poured with complements on both the National Geographic Explorer and National Geographic Orion to toast the enduring spirit of the heroic age of exploration that first inspired Lars-Eric Lindblad to bring the first citizen explorers to experience the remarkable beauty of the region a half-century ago.
Travelers will start their own learning adventure long before boarding their voyage thanks to Alfred Lansing’s acclaimed book “Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage,” which will be given to guests prior to departure.
Voyages throughout the season will also feature an array of Global Perspectives Guest Speakers who will add relevant insight and personal experience to the expedition community. They include Pulitzer Prize-winning author Edward Larson, whose latest book is “An Empire of Ice: Scott, Shackelton, and the Heroic Age of Antarctic Science;” Jared Diamond, National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence, scientist and Pulitzer Prize-winning author; Kendrick Taylor, Chief Scientist for a project investigating climate change and the Antarctic ice sheet; Joe McConnell, environmental scientist; Fen Montaigne, journalist and author of “Fraser’s Penguins: A Journey to the Future in Antarctica,” and Peter Hillary, of mountaineering royalty, who has summitted the highest mountain on each of the seven continents and established a new overland route to the South Pole.
Journey to Antarctica: The White Continent: 14 days/11 nights aboard National Geographic Explorer. Rates begin at $12,350 per person in a category 1 cabin based on double occupancy. Departures are Nov. 28; Dec. 8, 18, 28, 2014; Jan. 7, 17, 27; Feb. 6, 2015.
