Latest news with #expeditions
Times
3 days ago
- Times
14 of the best all-inclusive cruise lines
Once the preserve of the ultra-luxurious, all-inclusive cruising is now becoming the norm across a much broader spectrum of sailings. While full board and accommodation remain standard, more and more lines are throwing in extras like wi-fi, tips, drinks and curated excursions — sparing you from the creeping costs that used to accumulate day by day at sea. That means fewer shocks when presented with your final bill, particularly for those travelling with families. Of course, not all all-inclusive packages are created equal. Some lines offer fizz on tap and butler-drawn baths strewn with petals (yes, really), while others keep things simpler through immersive expeditions such as pasta-making lessons in Bologna. Whether you're drawn to chandeliers and caviar or vineyard bike rides and Galapagos landings, these are the cruise lines doing all-inclusive best. This article contains affiliate links that will earn us revenue Ultra-luxury cruise line Silversea operates a fleet of 13 ships, of which five are smaller expedition ships. Silversea's offering is the last word in luxury afloat, with butler service, fine dining in a choice of restaurants, and everything you could imagine included, from champagne and caviar round the pool to a scented bath run by your butler and strewn with flower petals. Silversea sails all over the world. The expedition ships Silver Explorer, Silver Cloud, Silver Wind and Silver Endeavour visit the poles, while the sleek Silver Origin is based year-round in the Galapagos. The classic fleet (ships that don't offer expeditions) sails the Mediterranean in summer, with long cruises in winter that circle the globe. What's included? Silversea has two price bands. 'Door-to-door' includes a chauffeur-driven car to the airport, business-class flights, transfers, all dining on board (except the fancy French restaurant La Dame, which costs £50pp), an open bar, crew tips, wi-fi and a choice of excursions. 'Port-to-port' pricing includes all this apart from the chauffeur and flight. Price £££ Part of holiday giant Tui, Marella operates four older cruise ships, aimed at a price-conscious British market. Three are family-friendly, while Marella Explorer 2 is for adults only. A fifth ship, Marella Voyager, joined the fleet in 2023. Its ships are friendly and relaxed, but Marella's biggest selling point is the fact that it includes flights from several regional UK airports. Destinations include the Mediterranean and the Caribbean, with new departures in 2023 from the USA. On board, expect a mix of cabin grades and sizes; these are older ships, built before the days when almost every cabin had a balcony. Food and entertainment are geared to British tastes. A plus on Marella Explorer and Marella Explorer 2 is a huge Champneys spa, the only such collaboration at sea. What's included? Meals in the main dining venues, open bar, crew tips, some classes in the gym, kids' clubs, flights and transfers. Excursions and speciality dining cost extra. Price £ Nobody could accuse river line Uniworld of operating cookie-cutter ships. Each of the line's 'Super Ships' is done out in an extravagant, opulent theme — from ornate baroque on SS Maria Theresa, plying the Danube, to tinkling chandeliers and Fortuny art deco on SS La Venezia, which sails the Venice lagoon. On board, everything is included, with creative shore excursions offering activities such as pasta-making in Bologna, or cycling in vineyard trails around Bordeaux. The line has 17 ships, including vessels on the Mekong, the Ganges and the Nile, as well as a ship on the Amazon operated in an arrangement with Aqua Expeditions. What's included? All meals, open bar, crew tips, wi-fi, excursions and activities, use of bicycles (most ships) and airport transfers. Flights are also included in some fares. Price £££ Celebrity Cruises operates a fleet of 12 big ships, the newest of which are decidedly swish, with interiors by Kelly Hoppen, cool pools featuring private cabanas and a roof garden bar and grill, among many other speciality restaurants. Three smaller ships are based year-round in the Galapagos. Its 16th ship, Celebrity Ascent, launches in autumn 2023. Celebrity recently introduced the option of 'All Included' fares, which means you don't pay any extra for drinks, crew tips or wi-fi. Some charges remain — for example, speciality dining and excursions — but these new fares are a good deal if you enjoy a couple of cocktails in the evening and wine with meals. What's included? Meals in the main dining rooms, drinks up to a certain value (including soft drinks, beer, wine and cocktails), crew tips, wi-fi, some classes in the gym, kids' clubs. Price ££ Azamara, which owns four stylish, mid-sized ships, provides destination-intensive cruises that spend longer in port than those of any other line. The ships are older, built around 1999, but have had multiple refits and passengers love their cosy, compact size. Food on board is excellent, with drinks included, although unless you're staying in a suite, there's a cover charge of £25 for the two speciality restaurants Prime C and Aqualina. There are also a couple of weekly treats. Every cruise includes a spectacular 'AzAmazing' event, which might involve ferrying all 690 passengers to a lavish cultural event ashore, or taking over a port or a venue for a festival of local food, drink and culture. The line is also known for its dazzling White Nights deck parties, which include a magnificent barbecue, flowing drinks and dancing under the stars. What's included? Dining, open bar, wi-fi, crew tips, AzAmazing events, some classes in the gym. Some fares include flights and transfers, too. Price ££ Regent's ships are very grand and reminiscent of opulent hotels, with lavish decor, sweeping staircases and elegant lounges. Seven Seas Splendor and Seven Seas Explorer also feature some of the most expensive suites at sea, the poshest of which even includes its own spa. The line has a loyal following, mainly mature Americans, and sails all over the world, from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean, Australia, Alaska and Asia. What's included? Everything on board — dining, including the various speciality dining restaurants, open bar, crew trips, wi-fi and valet laundry — and a choice of complimentary shore excursions plus, on some voyages, bolt-on land programmes. Fares include flights and often a pre-cruise hotel stay too. Price £££ Video: Times Travel boards a ship to bust the cruise myths SeaDream's two small yachts, taking just 112 passengers each, sail the Caribbean in winter and the Mediterranean in summer. Because they're so small, SeaDream I and SeaDream II can easily fit into fashionable small ports and anchorages like St Barts, Bequia or Hvar. Both vessels have had a significant upgrade so while you won't have a balcony cabin — these being older ships — the decor is infinitely Instagrammable. On board, the vibe is very much that of a house party on a private yacht. Life is informal — there's no dress code beyond superyacht chic, and you can even sleep on one of the squashy Balinese beds on deck if you want. Water sports equipment is carried on board and there's a marina platform at the back of the ship for swimming. No detail is spared in the excellent food. What's included? All meals, drinks, wi-fi, water sports, use of bicycles, most gym classes and crew tips. Travel and excursions are extra. Price £££ Australian-owned Scenic operates a fleet of state-of-the-art river ships in Europe and Asia, and has two ocean-going ships, the superyachts Scenic Eclipse and Scenic Eclipse II, which launched in 2023. Both have ice-class hulls, which means they can sail in Antarctica and northern polar regions, but they offer warm-weather cruising, too. And while they're small, carrying just 228 each, you'll find a surprisingly impressive range of speciality restaurants on board, from Asian to French, as well as 24-hour room service. Scenic's ethos is to be the most inclusive cruise line out there, so you can put the wallet away the minute you board — unless you want a ride in the helicopter and submarine on the expedition ships, that is. Expect a multinational audience that includes a lot of Australians, and a laid-back vibe on board. What's included? Cruise fares include all meals, drinks, gratuities, wi-fi, flights, a choice of excursions, and use of water toys and e-bikes. Price £££ Seabourn's seven ships are small, sleek and chic, with a vibe that's more private yacht than luxury cruise line. Expedition vessels Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit both come complete with two submarines. Seabourn's ships sail all over the world, from summer in the Mediterranean and Baltic to winter in the Caribbean, South America and Asia. Its expedition ships, built for polar cruising, explores Antarctica and, in summer, northern polar regions; it also offers warm-weather expeditions to destinations including the Amazon. There's a lot to love on board, from grill classics by renowned chef Thomas Keller to a wellness programme in collaboration with health guru Andrew Weil. The food and service are exceptional and the cabins, almost all with balcony, are spacious, with abundant Molton Brown goodies in the bathrooms. What's included? All meals, open bar, wi-fi, most classes in the gym, and crew tips. Most prices include flights and transfers. Excursions are extra, apart from on the expedition ships. Price £££ Ponant provides an all-inclusive cruise experience with more than a dash of French panache, thanks to partnerships with Veuve Clicquot and Charles Heidsieck champagne, chef Alain Ducasse, Diptyque and Brittany-based cheesemaker Jean-Yves Bordier. The line operates 13 ships, which vary from smart expedition vessels to the six Ponant Explorers, built for tropical cruising and each featuring a multi-sensory underwater lounge. There's also a hybrid-powered icebreaker, Le Commandant Charcot, which explores deep into Antarctica and offers regular expeditions to the North Pole in summer. The passenger mix is international, with a high proportion of French guests. What's included? All dining, open bar, wi-fi, classes in the gym, kids' clubs on some ships. Flights are included on some cruises, often from Paris, while most activities are covered on polar expeditions. Other excursions cost extra, as do crew tips. Price ££-£££ As well as its popular river fleet, Viking operates a fleet of ten elegant ocean-going ships, and two smart expedition ships, both built for polar expeditions. The ships sail all over the world, from Europe and the Caribbean to Asia and Australia, with cruises varying from the standard seven days to grand world voyages of more than 120 days. What's lovely about Viking's ships is the thoughtful decor, all soothing, Scandi-inspired chic and light-filled lounges, plus touches such as an infinity pool, a cool little nightclub, a lavish suite of saunas, steam and an ice grotto in the spa that's free to use. Every cabin has a balcony, too. What's included? All dining, drinks with meals, crew tips, wi-fi, excursions, flights, transfers, access to the spa thermal suite, some classes in the gym. Some excursions cost extra. Price: ££-£££ Emerald is best known for its smart, contemporary riverboats but has recently launched its first ocean-going ship, Emerald Azzurra, with a second ship, Emerald Sakara, launched in February 2023. Destinations include the Adriatic, Aegean, Middle East, Caribbean and Central America. If you like the idea of a very small ship, carrying just 100, with the feel of a private yacht in its elegant lines, infinity pool, Missoni Home amenities and top-deck cocktail bar, this could be the one. There are no butlers or speciality dining, but pretty well everything is included — and you can't put a price on occupying the best moorings in town alongside other superyachts, rather than in the wilderness of a cruise port, along with the 5,000-passenger ships. What's included? All dining, drinks with meals, crew tips, basic wi-fi, some excursions, flights, transfers, use of water toys and e-bikes. Price ££ Unapologetically geared towards the over-50s market, Saga is the cruise line to choose if you want to enjoy a relaxed experience in a blissfully child-free environment. It has a small fleet of four relatively new ships — the oldest debuted in 2017 while the newest first sailed in 2022 — plus boutique vessels that it charters for selected European sailings. Unique to Saga are the thoughtful extras, like travel insurance, unlimited luggage and door-to-door transfers and porterage. On its ocean-faring vessels, Spirit of Adventure and Spirit of Discovery, guests also enjoy a private balcony, and access to spa facilities including hydrotherapy pool, infrared sauna and steam room as standard. It sails to well-trodden destinations, from the US and the Caribbean to the Mediterranean and the Baltic Sea, with departures from the UK. What's included? All meals (including speciality restaurants) and drinks on board, 24-hour room service, wi-fi, excursions at selected ports, door-to-door transfers and travel insurance. Price ££ The new kid on the sailing block is Explora Journeys, MSC Group's foray into the luxury market. Its first ship, Explora I, made its maiden voyage in August 2023 and Explora II, III and IV are on the way. The experience is inspired by the ocean and, to that end, the public spaces inside and outside are designed to maximise the sea view, with floor-to-ceiling windows. Multigenerational travel is also encouraged by way of 78 connected suites. Elsewhere, there are six restaurants with one featuring a guest chef, and a sumptuous spa with a hydrotherapy pool, Finnish sauna and salt cave. What's included? Food and drinks (with upgrades available), wi-fi, gratuities, wellbeing programme onboard and in destination, and transfers from port to the city. Price ££ • Best Mediterranean cruises• The world's biggest cruise ships• Best cruise lines for solo travellers Additional reporting by Qin Xie and Imogen Lepere
CBC
01-08-2025
- Science
- CBC
New footage from deepsea expedition reveals never-before-seen creatures
A research submersible in the northwest Pacific captured new imagery of life located more than nine kilometres underwater. CBC's Darius Mahdavi explains what researchers discovered on the ocean floor — and what it could mean for future deepsea expeditions.
Forbes
08-07-2025
- Forbes
Trash On Mount Everest Gets The Headlines, But That Is Not The Full Story
A toppled, damaged sign and prayer flags mark the entrance to Everest Base Camp on October 13, 2024 ... More in Nepal. Since the start of the climbing season on Mount Everest this year, Nepal has faced renewed global scrutiny over waste and overcrowding. While images of trash-strewn slopes often dominate headlines, expedition leaders argue it is a misleading picture. "Mountaineering expeditions, especially to Mount Everest, have improved significantly over the last few years," said Roland Hunter, managing director of The Mountain Company, which organises treks and expeditions in the Himalayas and Karakoram, in an email interview. Hunter, who lives in Nepal for four to five months every year, also pointed out that 'the Base Camp is clean these days due to the higher level of monitoring and checking by the Nepalese authorities.' So, if the Everest Base Camp is now closely monitored and kept clean, where exactly do the trash-filled slopes in the pictures originate? How Nepal Holds Expeditions Accountable Hunter emphasized that effective waste management is already a core part of Everest expeditions. The rule that climbers must carry down at least 8 kg (17.6 pounds) of trash has been in place for 10 years. If not, their $4,000 garbage deposit that funds Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee will be lost, which has been a standard requirement since 2013. Each expedition has also an assigned government-appointed Liaison Officer who must certify that the team's base camp has been appropriately cleaned before any refund is issued. As of today, human waste bags, also known as WAG bags, are carried down by pack animals from Everest Base Camp in barrels for disposal in Gorakshep. The Mount Everest Biogas Project could change that, but it is still seeking funding of $650,000 to construct a biogas digester that would process human waste more effectively. Why is managing human waste important? In high-altitude terrain and freezing temperatures, it does not decompose naturally, said Gavin Bate, member of the Millennium Seven Summits team and founder of Adventure Alternative, in an email interview. If left unmanaged, human waste can sit for months and eventually seep into water sources, polluting the waters that local communities and ecosystems rely on. The Real Waste Problem May Lie Beyond The Everest Base Camp Hunter explained that the other 8,000- and 7,000-meter base camps in Nepal often see more trash accumulation than Mount Everest, mainly because they receive less attention from both Nepalese authorities and international media. "We organise trekking groups to many of these Base Camps, such as at Dhaulagiri, and they are much dirtier and have more trash than Everest Base Camp," said Hunter. Dhaulagiri Mountain (8167 m) with Jhong Village in the foreground. He also pointed out that trekking groups may have an even larger environmental impact than mountain expeditions. Why? Because trekking in Nepal attracts far more people than mountaineering, and the trails cover a much larger area. However, unlike Mount Everest, these routes are usually not monitored by the authorities, Hunter explained. That means it is up to each trekking company to manage the environmental impact of their guests. "On the websites of most operators, they disclose they are eco-friendly and sustainable, although we have found in practice that this is not usually the case," said Hunter. Fathom Stead, high-altitude expert and Nepal product manager at Explore Worldwide, agreed with this assessment in an email interview but noted that she has seen both tour operators and travelers making more conscious choices. Still, she acknowledged that waste management has significant room for improvement. Group of three trekkers passing signpost "Way to Mount Everest Base Camp" in Sagarmatha National ... More Park, the highest national park in the world. Experts Agree It Is Not About Stopping People From Coming Bates believes it is time to rethink our sense of entitlement when it comes to travel. Since the 1950s, the freedom to explore the world has become so normalized in wealthier countries that it is often treated as a basic right, even to remote and fragile environments. "We have reached a point where flying to iconic destinations like Mount Everest is something people just expect to do. Because they can, and because they can afford it,' he said. But Bates argues the industry must grapple with a bigger question: Is tourism simply about making money? Or should it be a force for education and environmental stewardship, helping people understand the wonder and vulnerability of the places they visit and motivating them to protect them? "It is not about stopping people from coming, it is about making sure they spend their time in Nepal the right way,' agreed Stead. "Choosing to travel overland rather than flying helps ensure that future generations can enjoy the Himalayas too. Haze caused by pollution has become an increasing issue in recent years, often clouding views of the mountains that once seemed untouchable," she said. Stead listed the benefits of overland travel as slower, more immersive, and more sustainable experiences that allow travelers to engage meaningfully with local communities. She also noted that Explore Worldwide's Nepal itineraries are entirely overland by design, giving trekkers more time to acclimatize, support family-run lodges, eat local food, and contribute directly to village economies, creating a deeper and more positive impact than fly-in, fly-out treks. Sherpa village and teahouse lodges high on the Everest base camp trail deep in the remote Khumbu ... More valley overlooked by the dramatic white spire of Ama Dablam. How Responsible Travel In The Himalayas Should Look Like? "There is no doubt that the increase in tourism in popular hiking areas is impacting the environment and putting a strain on local infrastructure. However, there are ways in which travellers can be more responsible and steps they can take to help protect the environment of the destination they are visiting," said Shalmali Rao Paterson, Nepal specialist at adventure travel company, Wild Frontiers. Paterson recommends researching carefully before your trip and choosing locally owned hotels, guesthouses, or community-led homestays. These will not only provide a more authentic experience but also offer a chance to connect with local culture and support the communities directly. "During your visit, make sure you contribute to local businesses and give back to the community by purchasing locally made handicrafts to support the traditional industries in the area," she said. In Nepal, there are numerous opportunities to learn from volunteers in conservation areas or participate in experiences such as cookery classes or village walks. Cooking Sel Roti (Nepali style bread). Bates also argues that meaningful change in tourism starts with education and accountability. 'The rules are always harder to comply with when people do not understand why they exist,' he said. He believes travelers need to feel part of the problem if they are ever going to be part of the solution. A sentiment often shared by other experts in conservation-led tourism. Since tourism is not going to disappear, he notes the only way forward is to embed talking about climate change into school curricula and to place it at the heart of government policy, where regulation becomes not just necessary, but inevitable. Nepal Introduces Toughest Everest Climbing Rules in Decades Indeed, the Nepali government is cracking down on Mount Everest expeditions with its strictest climbing rules in nearly 30 years. Lawmakers introduced a new bill to the National Assembly in April 2025. Although it has not yet passed, officials have already begun enforcing many of its provisions this climbing season. Among the new regulations, the most consequential are: 1) the requirement that climbers must summit at least one 7,000-meter (22,965-foot) peak in Nepal before applying for a permit for Mount Everest, and 2) the ban on solo expeditions on Mount Everest and all other 8,000-meter (26,247-foot) peaks. A roped team ascending Mount Everest wearing oxigen masks. Last but not least, as of September 1, 2025, the cost of a permit for Mount Everest will also rise by 36%, from $11,000 to $15,000. Taking bold steps like the above to redefine what responsible high-altitude tourism should look like in Nepal is just one part of the equation. Real change may require more than regulation, it may require 'the whole village'. It demands conscious choices from travelers, meaningful accountability from operators, and a broader shift in how people value these remote, fragile landscapes. As the Himalayas face increasing pressure from climate change and mass tourism, the question remains: can the future of mountain travel be one of protection and purpose, rather than just a privilege for the wealthy or the ultimate bucket-list adventure?
Forbes
30-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
The First Female CEO Of National Geographic-Lindblad Is Making Big Changes
Natalya Leahy, CEO of Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, traveling in the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. In the cruise industry, there are corner office CEOs. And there are 'in the details' CEOs. Natalya Leahy, the new Chief Executive at National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions, is squarely in the latter category. Whether she's running full-tilt with passengers trying to make it back to a ship on time, spontaneously ordering pistachio baklava from the best local bakery to be delivered in each cabin, or navigating zodiac boats around the Galapagos, she's not just running the business by the numbers—she's knee deep in the water with a work phone in her pocket, making sure excursions go the way she wants them to go. Since she left her role as President of the luxury cruise company Seabourne, and officially took the helm at the publicly-traded Lindblad Expeditions Holdings in January, it's become abundantly clear: She's here, she's in charge and she wants to win. 'Our guest profile is an affluent person who is highly educated, looking for truly authentic experiences of the world in places that very few will ever go. We can really serve the needs of these guests, 360, with our portfolio of [six] brands. We haven't even scratched the surface to truly understand the scalability of that,' Leahy said in a recent interview. The National Geographic Endurance in the Bourgeouis Fjord, Antarctica Her entrance makes some people, who are life-long fans of (and investors in) Lindblad since Sven Lindblad founded the company in 1979, a bit nervous. Among generations of travelers, he's earned trust as an environmental steward and pioneer of tourist expeditions. Sven's father, Lars-Eric Lindblad, brought private citizens to Antarctica for the first time in history more than five decades ago. Today, the company is a global operation, with a fleet of 23 owned and chartered medium-size ships (ranging from 28 to 148 passengers) that it operates in destinations like the South Pacific, the Galapagos islands, and the Mediterranean. But it's still best known for its navigation know-how in Antarctica, largely because it employs and retains remarkable people like the 'Ice Master' Leif Skog, VP of Marine Operations, who is one in about ten people in the world who have mastered both arctic navigation and mission-built ship design. If you're navigating the Drake passage, he's who you want at the helm. Captain Leif Skog on the bridge of the ship National Geographic Endeavour with guests It's also benefiting from a new co-branding deal with National Geographic (owned by Walt Disney Co.) that was inked before Leahy came onboard. The agreement grants Lindblad Expeditions global rights to the National Geographic brand for expedition cruises until at least 2040. Upon the announcement, Sven Lindblad said: '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.' It's a pretty big deal, because it means Lindblad can leverage Disney's powerful sales channels and joint marketing campaigns to its advantage—which it needs. The company faces intense competition from operators like HX (formerly Hurtigruten Expeditions), andBeyond, Silversea Expeditions, Seabourne Expeditions, Aurora Expeditions, Antarctica21, and even new luxury cruise lines like Explora Journeys. Though Explora's ships are not ice-class vessels nor are they equipped with Zodiacs for landings in polar regions, demand for what they do means they can still steal market share. Because the term 'expedition' is not protected IP. 'We have competitors that carry 500 people and call it an expedition. This is bollocks,' says Lindblad's Captain Oliver Kruess, claiming that a true expedition ship hosts less than 200 passengers. Regardless, the race to dominate the fastest-growing segment in the $8 billion cruise industry is on. And while most operators cannot afford to build brand-new ships, they're getting ever-more creative with the ships they've got. Cruise analysts say companies that can balance luxury, adventure, and sustainability are likely to see the strongest growth. Guests explore waterfalls by Zodiac in Gothul Bay, South Georgia. Lindblad's expeditions are conducted in partnership with National Geographic's team of 'naturalists'—environmental scientists, historians, photographers and cultural experts—who bring their expertise onboard, joining the standing crew of captains, engineers, technicians, kitchen and cleaning staff who keep things running like a luxury hotel-at-sea. The deep scientific knowledge these people bring to programming, in the way of daily lectures and in-the-field lessons, makes the experience of sailing with Lindblad practically incomparable to what the uninitiated might think of as a 'cruise.' Sure, there are tour buses and the odd fanny pack, depending on the day's excursions. But these expeditions trade on the notion that you're going much further into remote destinations and delving deeper into the natural world than you could ever hope to reach on a sightseeing pleasure cruise. In spirit, it's much more lean-forward than laid back. And the clientele, many of whom are tenured University Professors, military veterans, ex-Navy seals, or otherwise adventurous retirees with means, mirrors that fact. 'They're all geeks! They're all nerds,' joked Maggie Godbold and Steven Bershader, a retired couple in their 70s who sailed on Lindblad's recent Endurance voyage to the Azores islands. They're avid travelers; the kind who would book a flight to witness a solar eclipse. 'I'm not interested in gambling or shopping,' said Godbold. 'That's not why I'm here. I don't consider this a cruise ship. This is an exhibition ship. We've done so many Lindblad trips, we've lost count.' (The company is known for having a high rate of repeat guests). Basically, if you want to not just understand but physically feel the impact of climate change on oceanography (the Azores sail featured 15-foot swells), taste the mineral content of a volcanic hot spring (did you know iron rich water can turn tea purple?), or learn about the chemical composition of lichens, the sound production of sperm whales, the mating habits of Emperor penguins, or the art of telephoto lens photography — you've come to the right place! Natalya Leahy, Chief Executive Officer, traveling in Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. While there have been female CEOs in the broader industry, such as Christine Duffy at Carnival Cruise Line and Lisa Lutoff-Perlo at Celebrity Cruises, Natalya Leahy's appointment marks the first time a woman has led Lindblad Expeditions. Her career arc is a tale of grit, determination and perseverance. She grew up in Soviet Uzbekistan, studied finance at University, and at 17, talked her way into her first gig working in a two-person finance department at the Meridian Hotel in Termez. She then went on to work for the procurement department for Coca Cola, served as United Nations Country Manager for Uzbekistan and eventually earned her MBA from Michigan State. She entered the cruise industry with Holland America Group, where she served as Chief Operations Officer and Chief Financial Officer for about eight years. Then the 'big break' came. As President of the luxury cruise operator Seabourne, when I first met her, she was orchestrating a nearly 40% increase in women ship officers in a classically male-dominated field. She is, after all, a mother of two daughters. Importantly, she has the backing of Sven Lindblad himself, who clearly hired her for her financial experience and publicly demonstrates his support for her in this video filmed in the Galapagos islands. What they don't mention in the video is the difficult financial picture Leahy is inheriting, while Sven still serves as Co-Chair of the Board. Per its first quarter 2025 financial statements, Lindblad has more debt than equity. So, Leahy must either lower debt or increase equity. Typically, you increase equity by generating profits and either use those profits to grow the business or pay down the debt. Shareholders often demand a combination of both, which is easier said than done. Though Lindblad's revenues have rebounded from COVID lows of $147 million in 2021 to about $670 million in 2025, given their very high cost base, they have not turned a profit in five years. As CEO, Leahy needs to get this company to a position of profitability. The good news is its day-to-day business is generating more cash than it did last year. And they have $235.2 million in cash as a liquidity buffer. There are other signs that she's headed in the right direction. As any CEO knows, success can very much depend on the team you assemble. To that end, Leahy made a key hire by tapping the young Harvard MBA grad, CFO Rick Goldberg, who will help Leahy expand their portfolio of ship and land-based expeditions internationally. For example, Leahy claims they're already working on expanding their footprint in Australia. Meanwhile, the company just announced the launch of European river expeditions, beginning April 2026. Two new eight-day itineraries involve sailing along the Rhine from ports in Amsterdam to Brussels and Cologne to Basel, all aboard the 120-guest Connect (constructed in 2025). The company has never offered river expeditions in Europe before, but chartering the latest in modern river ship design seems like a smart move. Expanding access to private charters is another lever to pull, as hard as they can. 'Our private charters program is going to be a huge strategic focus area. Because we have a very unique set of ships that are much smaller, more intimate, and perfect for private groups and corporate events. The smallest ship we just launched a month ago is a 16 passenger yacht, and she's sailing in the Galapagos. That's the perfect ship for a private family event, right?' adds Leahy. 'So we really are driving resources to grow the charter program.' The notion of 'family' cannot be glossed over here. Lindblad must attract younger guests, and become known for 'multi-generational travel' in order to thrive long term. Hence, programs like the Nat Geo Explorers-in-Training for kids, and lower pricing for shoulder and off-season sails. Which is now an industry-wide norm. But, there's something else up her sleeve that she refused to divulge, because it isn't yet a done deal. I first got an inkling of what's-to-come from the Ice Master Leif Skog in April, who—without revealing the details—says he's working on planning new destinations and itineraries for Lindblad that would require serious maritime gymnastics to pull off. Leahy confirmed this, at least in intention: 'This company's collaboration between ship experts, expedition experts and deployment experts is phenomenal… I had a dream for a while that no other company could really do. That's where Captain Leif is heavily involved, because we have the right vessels. If we are able to do it right, it will be a very different bucket list experience.' Different, meaning unprecedented. So says the girl from Uzbekistan who at 17 decided not to accept a receptionist position, and instead forged her own path in finance. In our first sit-down interview last year, she recalled her pivotal moment: 'It was my first year in University, and I desperately needed a job. I came to the [Meridian] hotel, and said: Who is your head of finance? I must have sounded so confident, the way you sound before you know what's appropriate… I knocked on his door, and he said: Do we have an appointment? I said no, but I am looking for a job in your finance department. What kind of finance experience do you have? I don't have any experience, but I started studying finance in this great, prestigious University. And he said: Go downstairs, we have a lot of openings in reception or in food and beverage. I was super scared because I really needed this job, but I told him: "I will never be your best receptionist, but I will be the best finance person you ever hired.' And she wasn't content to stop there.
New York Times
28-05-2025
- Business
- New York Times
Mount Everest's Record-Setting Sherpa Sees a Future of Snowless Mountains and Fewer Guides
Kami Rita Sherpa, a renowned Nepali mountain guide, completed his 31st climb of Mount Everest on Tuesday, breaking his own record for the most successful trips to the mountain's peak. For more than 30 years, Mr. Rita, 55, has helped climbers from all over the world reach the top of the mountain. The New York Times spoke to him about his long career on Wednesday in Kathmandu, hours after his record-breaking climb. He spoke about the recent surge in luxury expeditions, the use of xenon gas for climbs and how climate change is radically altering the future of the mountain. This conversation has been condensed and edited for clarity. Congratulations on your 31st climb. How are you feeling? I'm proud of this achievement. As a guide, I fulfilled the long-cherished dreams of climbers to stand atop the world's highest point. I'm happy that I fulfilled their dreams this year as well. This climb was a bit difficult because of harsh weather conditions. In my experience, over the last two or three years, climbing the mountain has become more difficult. How so? Changes are visible in the entire mountain region, not just Everest. It's because of climate change. Snow is melting faster than expected, and that has made climbing more difficult and riskier. In the early days, at Camp II [a higher elevation on the mountain], we could walk over ice until the first week of June. We never saw streams coming down from that area. But on Tuesday, one of our fellow guides drowned because melting ice created a stream there. It was up to my waist. What I fear is that, if this continues at the same rate, there will be no snow on the mountains in the next 10 to 15 years. Because of the increased risks, the number of Sherpas climbing the mountain is dwindling. Foreign climbers may not come if expeditions become risker. If climbers don't come, guides won't have jobs, and there will also be no royalties for the government of Nepal. I think eventually there will be no Sherpas to guide clients and no snow will exist. What are the other big changes you've seen during your career? Climbing used to be purely an adventurer's game. Decades ago, they used small tents. These days, some of them use luxury tents. Huge dome tents are used to keep climbers warm. Generators are used for light and to keep them warm. In the early days, climbers used to climb even without food for a day or two. Or we used to survive with just the water from the mountains. These days, climbers get the food of their choice. Still, some of them complain about its taste. I don't think some climbers are here for adventure. Some seem to be here for entertainment or to have a party in the mountains. It's not good for mountaineering. This year, some used xenon gas to climb Everest in less than a week. How do you feel about its use to climb the mountain? I heard about the use of xenon gas, but it's quite new for all of us. It will take at least a few years to research this gas. Only then can we understand its impact on climbing. What are the biggest lessons you've learned over the years? We should understand the value of life. Taking clients to the summit is not the ultimate success; bringing them safely back to the base of the mountain is more important. Reuniting clients with their families is the greatest achievement. How do you feel about the future of climbing Everest? I don't see a future in climbing. For example, I'm not asking my son to work as a mountain guide. Sons or grandsons of other Sherpa families are also not joining the profession. We have faced greater risks over time, and we don't want to bring our children into this career. Younger generations are no longer interested in working as climbing guides. Because of that, I think there will be an acute shortage of Sherpas working as climbing guides. Foreign climbers will have to go up without Sherpas. Should we drop them near the top of the mountain with helicopters so they can try to push to the summit from that point on their own? That's a possible scenario. When you don't have Sherpas to lead expeditions, that's the alternative.
