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When preparing for an expedition cruise with Lindblad Expeditions–National Geographic, understanding the baggage policy is essential for a smooth and stress-free journey. Whether you’re traveling to Antarctica, the Galápagos, Alaska, or the Arctic, Lindblad provides clear guidelines on luggage allowance, packing essentials, and special handling requirements.
This detailed guide covers everything you need to know about Lindblad Expeditions’ baggage policy — including checked luggage limits, carry-on rules, packing recommendations, expedition gear guidelines, and practical tips for both domestic and international travelers.
Lindblad Expeditions operates small expedition vessels designed for exploration rather than large-scale cruising. Due to the limited storage onboard and use of charter flights to reach remote regions, baggage restrictions are more stringent than those of typical cruise lines.
In general, passengers are encouraged to pack light and compact. While exact allowances vary by itinerary and destination, Lindblad provides detailed pre-departure information tailored to your voyage.
Luggage Allowance: Typically 1 checked bag and 1 carry-on per person for most expeditions.
Weight Limit: Between 23–25 kg (50–55 lbs) for checked bags, depending on regional flight rules.
Carry-On Bag: Usually limited to 5–8 kg (11–17 lbs).
Soft-Sided Bags Recommended: Hard suitcases are discouraged due to cabin storage limitations.
Expedition Gear: Guests receive parkas and boots on certain polar voyages, reducing packing needs.
The goal is to ensure easy handling, quick transfers, and minimal environmental impact across remote embarkation points.
For most Lindblad Expeditions, the checked baggage limit is one piece of luggage not exceeding 50 lbs (23 kg) and measuring no more than 62 linear inches (157 cm) (length + width + height). However, for expeditions involving charter flights or small aircraft, stricter limits may apply — sometimes as low as 44 lbs (20 kg) total per passenger.
Antarctica & Arctic Expeditions: Charter flights from Santiago, Buenos Aires, or Oslo often impose strict weight caps (44 lbs checked + 11 lbs carry-on).
Galápagos Islands: Flights from mainland Ecuador usually allow 23 kg (50 lbs) checked luggage per passenger.
Alaska & Baja California: Similar to domestic U.S. airline limits — 50 lbs per bag.
Australia, Pacific, and Asia Voyages: Follow international airline guidelines but still advise soft-sided duffels for ease of storage.
Lindblad includes these specifics in each guest’s pre-departure kit, sent 60–90 days before sailing.
Lindblad Expeditions itself does not charge extra baggage fees, but partner airlines and charter operators may. Passengers must pay any excess baggage costs directly at the airport. It’s best to double-check with Lindblad’s guest services or your airline prior to travel.
Each guest is permitted one carry-on bag and one personal item (such as a camera bag, handbag, or laptop case). Carry-on bags must generally:
Weigh under 5–8 kg (11–17 lbs).
Fit under the seat or in small overhead bins.
Contain essential items like travel documents, medication, valuables, electronics, and fragile equipment.
On expeditions that require small aircraft or Zodiac transfers, large roller bags are not allowed as carry-ons. Instead, use backpacks or soft totes for easier mobility.
Because expedition ships and charter planes have limited storage, Lindblad strongly advises soft-sided duffel bags or rolling duffels instead of hard-shell suitcases.
Duffel Bags (with wheels): Easy to handle and stow in tight spaces.
Convertible Backpacks: Useful for short treks or day excursions.
Waterproof Bags: Essential for Zodiac landings and humid regions like the Amazon or Galápagos.
Most cabins have space beneath the bed for one large duffel and a small carry-on, making compact packing highly efficient.
Guests receive a complimentary waterproof parka and are loaned insulated boots during polar voyages, reducing the need to pack bulky outerwear.Recommended items:
Thermal base layers
Waterproof pants
Gloves, hats, and scarves
Wool socks
Binoculars and cameras
Waterproof daypack
For warm-weather destinations:
Lightweight, breathable clothing
Sun hats and reef-safe sunscreen
Water shoes or sandals
Swimsuits and rash guards
Insect repellent and quick-dry gear
Waterproof bag for electronics
When visiting places like Egypt, Alaska, or New Zealand, guests should bring:
Casual resort wear for ship life
Layers for varying temperatures
Comfortable walking shoes
Camera or smartphone with waterproof case
Power adapters and chargers
Lindblad’s Expedition Portal provides personalized packing lists for each itinerary, ensuring guests are well-prepared for their journey.
As Lindblad partners with National Geographic, many guests carry professional camera gear. To ensure safety:
Use padded camera bags.
Keep lenses, drones, and accessories in carry-on.
Consider additional insurance for high-value equipment.
Some destinations (like the Galápagos) may restrict drone use.
Passengers with medical devices or mobility aids (like CPAP machines or collapsible wheelchairs) should notify Lindblad in advance. The line will make every effort to accommodate such equipment within safety limits.
Always carry valuables in your hand luggage — including passports, jewelry, cameras, and medications. Ships and hotels offer safes, but guests remain responsible for their belongings.
Some expeditions allow guests to bring specialized tools (e.g., underwater cameras or birding scopes). These must comply with airline regulations and Lindblad’s environmental policies.
In the rare case of lost or delayed luggage:
Notify airport staff immediately before leaving the terminal.
Contact Lindblad’s operations team or your expedition leader.
Provide baggage claim numbers and your ship’s name and departure date.
Lindblad works with airlines and ground operators to expedite delivery of delayed bags whenever possible. However, because of remote itineraries, replacement may take several days.
Lindblad strongly recommends comprehensive travel insurance that covers:
Lost, stolen, or delayed baggage
Emergency medical needs
Travel delays and cancellations
Insurance offers peace of mind, especially on remote voyages where replacement gear may not be readily available.
Many Lindblad Expeditions use private charter flights to access remote embarkation ports. These flights — particularly to Antarctica, Galápagos, Alaska, or the Arctic — enforce strict luggage limits due to small aircraft size.
Typical charter flight baggage rules:
Checked bag: 44 lbs (20 kg)
Carry-on: 11 lbs (5 kg)
Total combined: 55 lbs (25 kg)
Passengers are often asked to weigh their luggage before boarding, and excess baggage may be stored or shipped separately at the traveler’s expense.
Lindblad’s travel team provides advance notice of these restrictions and assists with pre-departure repacking if needed.
Expedition ship cabins are designed for efficiency. Most have:
Space under the bed for duffels
Closets with hanging space
Small drawers and shelves for essentials
Hard-shell luggage is difficult to store; hence, Lindblad encourages foldable duffels.
Most Lindblad vessels offer laundry services (for a fee), allowing travelers to pack fewer items and re-wear clothing. This service is particularly convenient on long itineraries like Antarctic crossings or trans-Pacific voyages.
Cabins feature lockable safes, and the ship’s crew takes extra care when transferring bags via Zodiacs or porters. Guests are encouraged to use luggage tags provided by Lindblad to ensure proper identification.
For safety and environmental reasons, certain items are not allowed onboard Lindblad Expeditions ships or in specific destination regions:
CategoryProhibited Items
Weapons & ExplosivesFirearms, knives, fireworks
Hazardous MaterialsFlammable liquids, compressed gases
DronesBanned in Galápagos and many wildlife zones
Single-Use PlasticsPlastic bags, straws, and bottles (where restricted)
Illegal SubstancesDrugs or restricted pharmaceuticals
Always review destination-specific environmental rules before packing. Lindblad promotes a leave-no-trace philosophy aligned with National Geographic’s sustainability standards.
Lindblad Expeditions’ staff assist with baggage transfers between airports, hotels, and embarkation points. Passengers simply need to attach provided tags to each piece of luggage before travel.
Label all bags with your name, ship name, and voyage date.
Keep your carry-on with essentials in case of flight delays.
On some trips, baggage may be screened or disinfected to prevent invasive species transfer.
If pre- or post-expedition hotel stays are arranged through Lindblad, their representatives handle luggage logistics seamlessly.
Weather conditions can change quickly — especially in polar or tropical climates. Use lightweight layers instead of heavy garments to save space and adapt easily.
Opt for quick-dry fabrics, convertible pants, and packable rain jackets. This approach helps keep your luggage under the weight limit.
Zodiac rides and wet landings mean splashes are inevitable. Store electronics and documents in dry bags or zippered waterproof pouches.
Use a portable scale at home to ensure your luggage meets the stated weight limits, especially if charter flights are involved.
Organize by activity — e.g., polar gear, snorkeling gear, or photography — to easily access what you need without unpacking everything.
You’ll likely purchase souvenirs or receive expedition materials, so reserve some space for return packing.
Q1: Does Lindblad Expeditions offer luggage delivery services?
No, but they coordinate transfers between airports, hotels, and ships. Passengers are responsible for airline check-in.
Q2: Can I bring scuba or snorkeling gear?
Most ships provide snorkeling equipment. Personal gear is allowed if within weight limits.
Q3: Are laundry facilities available onboard?
Yes, most ships offer laundry service for an additional charge.
Q4: What if I exceed the baggage weight limit?
You may need to pay an excess fee to the airline or charter operator. Lindblad staff can help repack if necessary.
Q5: Can I bring my own beverages or food?
Generally not recommended; all meals and beverages are provided onboard.
Lindblad Expeditions emphasizes sustainable travel practices. Baggage policies are designed not only for practicality but also for minimizing carbon emissions and protecting fragile ecosystems. Light packing reduces aircraft fuel consumption and ensures the ships remain eco-efficient.
Passengers are encouraged to:
Avoid overpacking single-use plastics.
Choose reef-safe and biodegradable toiletries.
Reuse expedition gear across voyages.
Participate in Lindblad’s onboard recycling initiatives.
By adhering to the baggage policy, travelers contribute to Lindblad’s mission of conservation, exploration, and education.
Lindblad Expeditions’ baggage policy reflects the spirit of adventure travel — compact, efficient, and environmentally responsible. By packing light and smart, guests enjoy greater mobility, comfort, and freedom to explore the world’s most remote destinations.
1 checked bag (up to 50 lbs) and 1 carry-on (up to 15 lbs).
Soft duffels preferred over hard suitcases.
Weight limits vary on charter flights — check your itinerary.
Laundry services available to minimize packing.
Eco-friendly, minimalist packing is encouraged.
Whether you’re embarking on a polar voyage or a tropical exploration, following Lindblad’s baggage policy Your Lindblad expedition is not about how much you bring — it’s about what you experience. Pack light, travel responsibly, and let the journey itself fill your memories instead of your suitcase.
Your ultimate guide to cruise adventures. Discover amazing destinations, find the perfect cruise, and create unforgettable memories on the high seas.
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