National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions partners with Latin Routes to sell Galápagos itineraries

National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions has partnered with Latin Routes to sell its Galápagos Islands itineraries through the tour operator.

The brands have been working together for “some months now”, but the collaboration was formally unveiled at a trade education event in London earlier this month.

Agents are now able to book National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions’ Galápagos Islands sailings through Latin Routes, with price parity and protection included.

Speaking to Aspire, Danielle Bates, National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions’ head of UK sales, said: “This is a perfectly aligned relationship as [Latin Routes] is very trade-friendly, and we want to continue to be known as an exceptionally trade-friendly expedition brand.

“We want to make it as accessible as possible for [agents] in terms of who they book through and who they can package us with.”

National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions operates four vessels in the Galápagos Islands, which are all bookable through Latin Routes: the 96-guest National Geographic Endeavour II; two 48-guest ships National Geographic Gemini and National Geographic Islander II (pictured); and 16-guest catamaran National Geographic Delfina.

Islander II is a converted Crystal vessel, showcasing “a luxurious, opulent private yacht experience”. 

Delfina offers a similar high-end experience, with exclusive buyouts available. 

Demand for luxury expedition cruising has grown in recent years, according to Bates. “What people perceive as luxury is so different to what it was five or 10 years ago,” she said. “It isn’t just about amenities and hardware anymore, it’s about experiences, it’s about people, it’s about passion.”

This growth has led the brand to introduce new 11 and 13-night itineraries on board Islander II and Gemini, allowing guests to spend longer touring islands in the east and west.

Bates hopes the operator’s partnership with Latin Routes will help ensure demand for luxury expedition cruising continues to grow. 

“There’s so much opportunity in the UK market for the trade from a luxury expedition point of view, and I think relationships like those we’ve secured with Latin Routes, as well as lots of other tour operators we’re working with, is a way for us to keep that moving forward and keep that intention high,” she said.