Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic have introduced a new joint brand, National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions.
For more than 20 years, the collaboration between Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic has been synonymous with small-ship expedition cruising.
Last month, the two companies took their relationship to the next level with the debut of the new name and refreshed co-branded identity.
This move represents a significant milestone in the long-term extension and expansion of the relationship between Lindblad Expeditions, National Geographic, and The Walt Disney Company, the company said.
It was made possible under a new 17-year agreement between the three brands announced in November, 2023, which granted Lindblad Expeditions global rights to the National Geographic brand for expedition cruises until at least 2040.
“With the launch of our new National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions co-branded identity, we made the strategic decision to lead with the power and name recognition of National Geographic, bolstered by Lindblad Expeditions’ rich heritage as the pioneers of modern expedition cruising,” explained Sven-Olof Lindblad, founder and CEO, Lindblad Expeditions.
“Together with National Geographic and The Walt Disney Company, we will be demonstrating the power of this new co-brand and improved name recognition, which will be vitally important, as we expand our footprint in key growth markets around the world.
“We strongly believe that this updated co-brand will drive consumer intent, search efficiency and conversion, bringing more discerning travellers on board our growing fleet,” he said.
“National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions embarked on an exciting future together more than 20 years ago, and I am proud to see that relationship and shared vision continue to expand through the launch of this co-brand,” added Stephanie Young, President, Disney Vacation Club, Adventures & Expeditions and Disney Institute.
“Discovering the world with National Geographic and Lindblad Expeditions is one of the most educational and insightful ways to travel. The knowledgeable naturalists and expedition leaders on board, state-of-the-art equipment and capability of these ships take guests on a journey unlike any other, educating travellers and inspiring them to conserve the world around them,” she said.
“Over the past two decades, National Geographic and Lindblad Expeditions have travelled the world together, united by a shared dedication to purposeful exploration,” commented Jill Tiefenthaler, National Geographic Society CEO.
“With the refreshed National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions co-branded identity, we’re embarking on the next phase of our long-standing partnership, looking ahead to many more years of deep discovery and meaningful conservation work that will continue to educate, embolden and inspire future generations of global change makers,” she said.
The new National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions co-branded identity and logo will be fully implemented across all owned-marketing channels by the end of this year.
In early 2025, the co-brand will launch a consumer and trade marketing campaign – the largest in Lindblad Expeditions’ history – powered in part by the reach of The Walt Disney Company.
The implementation of new branding across Lindblad Expeditions’ growing fleet of 20 owned, leased and chartered vessels will also begin in 2025.
For the past two decades, Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic have collaborated through a shared mission: To foster a spirit of discovery and community by blending science, nature and purpose-driven travel.
Working with the National Geographic Society, Lindblad Expeditions has hosted hundreds of educators on expeditions around the world through the Grosvenor Teacher Fellowship, and these educators bring what they learn back to their classrooms, inspiring the next generation of planetary stewards.
In addition, through the Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic Fund, the two organisations and its guests have invested more than $22 mill to support numerous conservation, education and science initiatives worldwide.
