Two New Expeditions From Lindblad

Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic is introducing two new Arctic expeditions this summer, Impressions of Northern Norway: Arctic Norway to the Northern Fjords, and Heart of the Arctic: Norway to Greenland via Scotland, The Faroes & Iceland, along with two repeating itineraries, Land of the Ice Bears: An In-Depth Exploration of Arctic Svalbard and Norway’s Fjords & Arctic Svalbard. All feature a selection of special offers ranging from free airfare to savings of up to $1,000 on select cabin categories.

The expeditions are set during the Arctic summer when the tundra experiences a warm awakening carpeted with wildflowers and the thunderous sound of glacial ice crashing to the sea. Polar bears, seabirds, reindeer, arctic fox, seals and great pods of walrus are out for up-close viewing, and with temperatures averaging from 30° to 45°F, the weather is good for walks, hikes, kayaking and Zodiac forays under the sun that never sets.

All departures are aboard the 148-guest National Geographic Explorer, a state-of-the-art, ice-strengthened expedition Arctic cruise ship with the best Ice Team on earth, plus a National Geographic Photographer and a Lindblad-National Geographic certified photo instructor.

The two NEW itineraries and special offers are:

· Impressions of Northern Norway: Arctic Norway to the Northern Fjords: The new 13-day voyage is two expeditions in one, starting in Arctic Svalbard, a wilderness region of massive icebergs, deep fjords and ice-capped mountains, and the best place on earth to observe polar bears in their natural habitat — on the pack ice. Then sail southward to Nordland to a land of brilliant greens, warm temperatures, tiny hamlets clinging to steep fjord walls and a radiant profusion of birds, wildflowers and reindeer. Save up to $1000 on select cabin categories, plus receive complimentary roundtrip economy airfare (New York/Oslo) and free charter airfare (Oslo/Longyaerbyen and Tromso/Oslo). Rates begin at $9,990 per person based on double occupancy. Departure is July 13, 2012.

· Heart of the Arctic: Norway to Greenland via Scotland, The Faroes & Iceland: The brilliance of this new 26-day itinerary lies in its many facets and its setting. Hike, kayak and Zodiac cruise amid the classic landscapes of the Norwegian fjords; discover the fairytale villages & jagged peaks of the Lofoten Islands; experience the culture, history & archaeological sites of Northern Scotland; follow the Viking trail to the remote Faroe Islands; see Iceland’s geological wonders: active volcanoes & icy landscapes; explore the Greenland ice sheet, its wildlife and its people, and search for Svalbard’s arctic wildlife. Complimentary roundtrip economy airfare (New York/Oslo) and charter (Oslo/Tromso, Longyearbyen/Oslo). Rates begin at $19,990 per person based on double occupancy. Departure is July 22, 2012.

· Land of the Ice Bears: An In-Depth Exploration of Arctic Svalbard: A wildlife-packed, 11-day expedition, traveling into the world of Arctic Svalbard. Complimentary roundtrip charter airfare on select departures (Oslo/ Longyearbyen). Rates begin at $8,240 per person based on double occupancy. Departures are June 8, 15, 22, 29 and July 6, 2012.

· Norway’s Fjords & Arctic Svalbard: Follow the length of Norway's majestic fjord-carved coast from Bergen to the glaciers and polar bears of the Arctic Svalbard archipelago on this 16-day voyage Complimentary roundtrip charter airfare on select departures (Oslo/ Longyearbyen). Rates begin at $11,470 per person based on double occupancy. Departures are May 27 and August 13, 2012.

In addition to the natural wonders an Arctic voyage promises, there is the extra advantage of exploring with guest speakers providing global perspectives. Travel with Keith Bellows (May 27, 2012) editor-in-chief of National Geographic Traveler magazine; Boyd Matson, Host of Nat Geo’s Wild Chronicles (June 15 & 22); Polar Captain Alfred S. McLaren (June 29); Prof. Paul Arthur Berkman, Oceanographer & Arctic Specialist (July 22), and filmmaker David Wright (Aug. 13, 2012), who shot The Great White Bear in Svalbard for National Geographic.

All offers are valid for new bookings only and must be booked by March 31, 2012. For reservations contact your travel agent, or for additional information on Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic voyages to some of the most beautiful and fascinating places on earth, visit the specialist Lindblad page at The Cruise Line