National Geographic Endurance

Svalbard: Land of Snow & Melting Ice

June

Pros: beautiful ship, incredible staff & service, expansively barren scenery, educational, excellent food

Cons: Shocking lack of wildlife, lack of children's activities/opportunities/interactions, professional staff/expedition team

Recommended: No

**This trip should not be billed as Land of the Ice Bear but as a cruise of Svalbard, ice, arctic (if you are lucky you will maybe see a reindeer, polar bear, some birds, etc). We certainly realize that on a wildlife tour there are no guarantees of seeing such. However, this lack of wildlife was shocking & disappointing. Because of this, I would not recommend this trip to others. However, the climate message was successful. **The ship was beautiful and impeccably clean at all times with a delightful staff to support it. Waitstaff, housekeepers, bar tenders, were personal and friendly and great with the children. The chef was outstanding in creating menus, dinners and pastries. The Chef's Dinner was a fun a different spin and much enjoyed. **Professional staff were knowledgable, professional, passionate and gave excellent presentations. Kudus to Stephano, Kirtsten, Camille, Steve, Aureus. **Bridge interactions were a disappointment with the exception of Jana. We did appreciate how open the Bridge was (often). Although this was not a designated "family trip" with 9 kids on board it would have been nice to have an educational opportunity for the kids once a day or every other day--something to engage them--even something simple. **Because the ship is so new it would have been nice to have a behind the scenes tour of the ship, galley, engine, bridge, zodiac storage and launching, presentation of how they turn it over, etc **Getting out in the Zodiacs was nice but the hikes/walks were not special or especially interactive or educational. Nice to get out in fresh air though. **We really enjoyed trying to go as far North as possible and ice-breaking. That felt more expedition-like. It was nice that the crew felt free to go to areas they thought would be more productive and were not bound to ports or specific places.

Arctic Polar Bear Cruise

June

Pros: Beautiful Ship and Amazing Crew

Cons: Polar Bears might not be a close as you might expect but still enjoyable with good cameras and binoculars

Recommended: Yes

we enjoyed this cruise so much! The Endurance is truly stunning and the staff is incredible! We enjoyed the 12 birds, Walrus, Arctic Fox, Glaciers and the 12 polar bears!

Antarctica Adventure

December

Pros: All inclusive package, top quality service, food and activities

Cons: Expensive

Recommended: Yes

This is a trip for the active adventurer, with activities packed into each day. Everything is done first class. The ship is spotless, most modern amenities, and food was awesome. They accommodated our vegetarian preferences with the best menu ever! Tips and alcohol and most activities are included in the cost. Internet is extra.