Million Air Summer 2021

INSPIRE 20TH ANNIVERSARY GUIDE TO RESPONSIBLE LUXURY

In the Galápagos, Ecuador’s storied national park (where there are 13 types of finch, plus mind-boggling creatures like blue-footed boobies), I disembark from Lindblad National Geographic’s expedition ship. We’ve anchored at Guy Fawkes Island, a collection of four volcanic tuffs, uninhabited but for a few sea lions. We approach in an inflatable boat, snorkel and flippers in hand, to explore the waters here, known to be rich with sharks and other creatures of the deep. I break away brazenly from the group and, suddenly, something the size of a baguette rushes towards me. It bumps my swim mask. Submerged, I can’t scream as the baguette flits around me in circles. I spin to get a look as it comes for me again — and this time, I giggle. It’s a penguin. I am swimming in a gin-clear sea with a penguin. I have to pinch myself. It’s one of the best days of my life. The cruising companies that fill these pages do so with conscience and integrity, creating these joyous moments for those on board while dutifully respecting almighty Mother Nature. Cruises

LINDBLAD EXPEDITIONS -

When cruising with Lindblad, a carbon-neutral company that has been committed to responsible travel and sustainability for more than 50 years, adventures happen organically. With the goal of working toward the conservation of nature and leaving the world better than how they found it, Lindblad has long been synonymous with sustainability. “Sustainability is a necessary idea for pretty much every activity,” says Sven Lindblad, president and CEO of Lindblad Expeditions. “Certainly it is a necessary idea for our industry, as no one will thrive in a degraded world. It is therefore incumbent on all of us to find creative ways to not only behave sustainably, but to look for ways to be restorative in the places that we depend upon,” he says. Sven’s father, Lars-Eric Lindblad, legendary adventure travel pioneer deemed the father of ecotourism, was the first to guide recreational travelers where only scientists had roamed before — including Antarctica (1966) and Galápagos (1967). His philosophy was that those who experienced something vital would become advocates for the preservation of the places they visited. In 1979, strengthening his legacy, Sven launched Special Expeditions, which became Lindblad Expeditions; in 2014 it formed an alliance with National Geographic. The ships serve NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC

as a base for scientists and grantees to carry out research. Guests have the chance to become active participants in scientific research and local conservation efforts while they experience raw nature (like I did with my penguin friend). Garnering countless eco-awards, Lindblad’s commitment to environmental responsibility steers the company’s leadership and innovation. Implementing green-friendly operations, it aims to conserve nature, preserve cultural heritage and support programs that benefit local people. Granting more than $18.8m to projects in the regions it visits, Lindblad’s LEX-NG Fund helps protect the last wild places in the ocean, facilitate conservation, and support community development and local projects. Of note, Lindblad eliminated single use plastics in 2018, and achieved carbon-neutral status in 2019. It offsets 100% of emissions from its fleet of ships, land-based offices, and employee travel. A zero-waste, sustainable food program (including the first ever Galápagos farm-to-table program) rules the day. Take their educational voyages, which navigate far-flung bays and tapered straits around the world, from Antarctica to Japan, to discover the earth with the understanding and vision of a scientist. expeditions.com

by Becca Hensley

Photos Ralph Lee Hopkins