Her comments came as National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions and Adventure World hosted about 40 agents and their clients (plus other invitees) to a presentation at the Auckland Museum on Tuesday night, with the audience also having an opportunity to view the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Exhibition (and enter a competition for a cruise in Alaska).
‘We’re seeing a real expansion in the appeal of expedition cruising and some of this is from couples who have experienced the deeper meaning and sense of purpose this kind of travel provides. So they are coming back with their children and grandchildren. They understand that it can teach children something beyond school.’
McLean points out that National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions has its own family programme, National Geographic Explorers in Training designed for children and teens.
‘Agents can tap into this by thinking beyond couples and talking about family trips – especially with their repeat clients. Access is the new luxury and expedition cruising allows people to share these experiences as a family, perhaps celebrating a milestone or occasion, and create memories they can share together for years.’
Adventure World has been GSA for National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions for a decade and McLean says the partnership highlights the companies’ mutual aim of embodying the spirit of the curious traveller.
The evening at the museum included a presentation from naturalist and social scientist Gabriela Roldan, who focused particularly on expeditions to Antarctica, Patagonia and Chilean Fjords. She says Lindblad Expeditions is option for people who may not be convinced that they would enjoy travelling with a group or expedition cruising. ‘They do it differently – it is their values, ethics and understanding of sustainable travel.’
Key account manager for Lindblad, Stevie Hart recounted her recent cruise in Europe on National Geographic Orion – including getting on to a Greek island with nobody else in sight even in the high season month of June (by getting their early before larger vessels).
She says there a number of ways for clients to maximise their experience on an expedition cruise.
‘Never miss a presentation, swap tables and meet people during the cruise, travel light, say yes to everything and tell crew if you have any concerns.’
