Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic have extended their strategic partnership for 17 years, allowing Lindblad to increase its fleet capacity, expand into new market segments, and reach new audiences through Disney’s sales channels.

Lindblad will now have global rights to the National Geographic brand for expedition cruises, allowing it to expand its fleet of 17 ships and reach new audiences. The company will also have the ability to leverage Disney’s powerful sales channels to distribute its products and support joint marketing campaigns.

Lindblad and National Geographic will also enhance the onboard guest experience with more immersive storytelling and experiences connected to the National Geographic brand. This will include more National Geographic content throughout each step of an expedition, as well as enhanced in-field interactions with National Geographic Experts.

The extended partnership will also allow Lindblad to grow its earnings potential by opening larger addressable markets and potential expansion into additional market segments. This includes a global license to use the National Geographic Expeditions brand to market, sell, and operate co-branded trips on expedition ships; exclusivity on trips marketed in the United States and Canada for ships up to 295 passengers, with the ability to expand that exclusive license globally and to ships with guest capacity of up to 530 passengers; and a global license to market co-branded river cruises.

The new agreement is a milestone in Lindblad Expeditions’ global growth strategy and will elevate the brand’s position as the leader in expedition cruise, the breakout travel trend of the decade. It will increase the earnings potential of the company by opening larger addressable markets and potential expansion into additional market segments.

Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic have a long history of collaboration, and this new agreement will further strengthen their partnership. The two companies will continue to work together to inspire people to explore and care about the planet.