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Photos: Lindblad Expeditions' Newest Expedition Vessel, The National Geographic Explorer, Sets Sail

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080818/NYM017 )

    To view the Multimedia News Release, go to:
http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/expeditions/34529/

With state of the art tools and technology for the ultimate experience in exploring life above and below the sea, the National Geographic Explorer is currently carrying its first group of guests on a 14-day voyage fromIceland toGreenland. While onboard, Lindblad guests will have the opportunity to experience a myriad of exceptional accoutrements which make the National Geographic Explorer an unparalleled base for exploring the seas. Some of these features, which create Lindblad's hallmark intimate and educational environment include:

    -- A Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV) that can explore the ocean at depths to
       1000ft.;
    -- A Reinforced Ice Belt ensuring the ability to go further with the
       greatest safety in polar regions;
    -- The Observation Lounge, a glassed enclosed venue with exceptional
       views, providing panoramic vistas of scenic destinations;
    -- A Chart Room with nautical maps and other navigational information;
    -- A Remote Controlled Crow's Nest Camera with real-time footage broadcast
       on high definition LCD video screens within each cabin;
    -- An Electronic Chart System that broadcasts as a channel in the cabins;
    -- 14 Zodiacs with an internal boarding mechanism that allows guests to
       disembark quickly and seamlessly from the ship;
    -- 36 Kayaks that allows guests to kayak in remote and pristine
       environments -- a unique ability of Lindblad in the Arctic and
       Antarctica.

"The National Geographic Explorer is a magnificent ship. With the tools and technology housed onboard, she is the ultimate 21st century expedition vessel. She is also a beautiful ship that has been built with careful attention to detail and comfort," said Sven Lindblad, founder and president of Lindblad Expeditions. "I am certain that our guests are going to enjoying exploring remote and pristine places of beauty while traveling on the National Geographic Explorer and I am excited by this newest chapter in our company's development."

This full complement of expedition enhancing ship-based amenities reinforces Lindblad Expeditions' commitment to continually set the industry standard for active exploration and engaged learning through expedition travel. Since its inception in 1979, Lindblad Expeditions has always focused on finding creative ways to explore the places already "discovered." The National Geographic Explorer will allow the company to bring more guests to explore these places with a view toward 21st century exploration -- under the guidance of exceptional staff and with a view towards long term conservation. Lindblad guests have raised more than $5 million as part of the company's renowned travel philanthropy programs.

Details about the National Geographic Explorer as well as upcoming itineraries can be found at www.expeditions.com/explorer.

Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic

Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic have joined in a mission-driven alliance to inspire people to explore and care about the planet. As pioneers of global exploration, the organizations work in tandem to produce innovative marine expedition programs and to promote conservation and sustainable tourism around the world. The partnership's educationally oriented voyages allow guests to interact with leading scientists, naturalists and researchers while discovering stunning natural environments, above and below the sea, through state-of-the-art exploration tools. A joint philanthropic fund that supports science and conservation groups enables better understanding of the world's remaining special places and fosters the dissemination of geographic knowledge around the globe.

SOURCE Lindblad Expeditions