How do you prepare for a weekend (or a week) on a ship?! Will I get seasick or will I be a salty sailor primed for a life at sea? The weather says rain but I'll still need sunscreen. Should I sing sea shanties while packing? Yes. I thought and did all of these things. Why? Well, I was preparing for a two-night cruise up to the San Juan Islands with Lindblad Expeditions! I was beyond excited to learn more about Lindblad's amazing programs, boats and relationship with National Geographic. I was even more thrilled to bring my Mom with me on this weekend adventure. She happens to live on Whidbey Island (just south of the San Juans) and I couldn't resist a chance to go home and balance work and play as well as to spend time with my family. Don't worry, Dad. We'll run away soon. :)
She and I met about an hour before embarkation at Pier 69 in downtown Seattle. After a quick walk together in Olympic Park with views of the marina and Space Needle to catch up, we stood in line with fellow friends and staff of Lindblad Expeditions to embark. Our luggage had already been placed in our cabins and left us free to explore the area without any worry of dragging our belongings up the steep streets of Seattle.
We started introductions with one other as the gates to the pier were opened. In a matter of minutes, we were greeted by the staff and Captain of the Sea Bird. Once whisked inside, hugs, handshakes, and champagne welcomed us on board. Hardly a minute later, we were presented with some of the tastiest hors d'oeuvres I have had in a long time: Chicken Empanadas with whipped avocado spread, Lox and creme fraiche with chives wrapped in a cone shaped cookie, crab cakes, and freshly chopped ceviche with pineapple salsa. I wanted to eat SO much more but I knew dinner was soon to follow. First lesson in cruising: there will be lots of food...all of the time.
An hour or so was spent getting to know one another, sharing stories, our workplace and hopes for the weekend. Lindblad staff eventually quieted us down for introductions and thanks for joining them for the weekend. After a presentation of Lindblad's exciting new expeditions and hopes for the future, we met our Expedition Leaders for the weekend. They all shared brief stories of their lives, how they found Lindblad and what excited them most for the upcoming season. They said the next best part the evening was up next: Dinner and Dessert! A wonderful meal was presented before us. I chose the Black Cod with whipped butter and potatoes with pan-seared fiddlehead ferns. Boy, it did not disappoint. Living in Montana, I find I have more cravings for food from home and this certainly put my craving to bliss. Our table was lovely and full of stories: both adventure and daily life. I even met a woman who lived in Ronan for a summer who shared my love of the Mission Mountains. After dessert of smoked rhubarb panna cotta, we headed to our rooms to rest for tomorrow's adventure.
Adventure Life is always an excellent choice when planning complicated, extreme, or exotic vacations or expeditions. They provide friendly professional services and advice and are enthusiastic and encouraging in helping us to prepare and thoroughly enjoy our trip. They handle all the details which greatly reduces the stress of planning a difficult trip. I'm very impressed with Adventure Life and definitely recommend them to friends and family.
Scott Trochim
2 days ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
4 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
5 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.