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Booking an expedition cruise with Lindblad Expeditions is an exciting decision — whether you’re venturing to Antarctica, the Galápagos, or Alaska. However, travel plans can change unexpectedly. Understanding Lindblad Expeditions’ refund policy is crucial to ensure you know what happens if you must cancel, postpone, or modify your journey.
This guide explains Lindblad Expeditions’ refund and cancellation policies, including important timelines, terms for refunds and rebookings, how to handle cancellations due to emergencies, and tips for safeguarding your investment through travel protection.
Lindblad Expeditions operates in partnership with National Geographic, offering small-ship adventure cruises to some of the most remote corners of the planet. Because of the complex logistics involved in expedition cruising, the company enforces a strict and tiered refund policy based on how far in advance you cancel your booking.
Refunds depend on two main factors:
The number of days prior to departure you cancel, and
The type of expedition or destination you’ve booked (for example, Galápagos, Antarctica, or domestic itineraries may differ slightly).
In general, the closer you are to your departure date, the smaller your refund — and cancellations made too late may not be eligible for any refund at all.
While policies may differ slightly by ship or itinerary, Lindblad Expeditions typically uses the following standard refund structure:
Days Before DepartureCancellation FeeRefund Eligibility
120+ daysNo penalty (except deposit)Full refund minus deposit
119–90 days25% of the expedition cost75% refund
89–60 days50% of the expedition cost50% refund
59–30 days75% of the expedition cost25% refund
29 days or less100% of the expedition costNo refund
Deposits are typically non-refundable unless you cancel within a specific grace period after booking (usually 14 days).
Certain promotional fares or limited offers may be completely non-refundable.
Refunds exclude third-party costs, such as airfare, pre- or post-expedition hotels, and independent travel arrangements not booked directly with Lindblad Expeditions.
If you need to cancel your Lindblad Expeditions trip, you must notify the company in writing. The process generally involves:
Contacting your travel advisor or Lindblad Expeditions’ reservations department by phone or email.
Submitting a written cancellation notice that includes your booking number, passenger name(s), and reason for cancellation.
Awaiting confirmation of cancellation and refund eligibility, which Lindblad will calculate according to the official schedule.
Receiving the refund via the same method of payment you used for your booking (usually within several weeks).
Refunds are processed only after written confirmation is received, not based on the date of a phone call or verbal notice.
Many travelers book flights, hotel stays, and transfers through Lindblad Expeditions. These add-ons have separate cancellation terms.
Airfare: If purchased through Lindblad, refunds depend on the airline’s policy. Non-refundable fares cannot be refunded but may be eligible for a credit or future flight voucher.
Hotels and Transfers: These are typically subject to cancellation penalties imposed by local providers.
Optional excursions and activities (e.g., kayaking, scuba diving) are refundable only if canceled before departure and according to the same timeline as the main voyage.
To avoid losing money, Lindblad recommends purchasing travel insurance that covers pre- and post-expedition components.
Occasionally, unforeseen circumstances may force Lindblad Expeditions to cancel or reschedule a voyage. Reasons may include:
Mechanical issues or maintenance requirements
Weather disruptions
Political unrest or safety risks
Global health events (like pandemics)
If Lindblad cancels your trip, you typically have three options:
Full Refund: You may receive a complete refund of all monies paid.
Future Cruise Credit (FCC): You can choose to apply your payment toward another Lindblad voyage within a specified timeframe (usually 12–24 months).
Transfer to Another Departure: You may shift your booking to a later sailing of the same or similar itinerary, depending on availability.
Lindblad Expeditions will notify guests promptly and work to rebook travelers or provide refunds in compliance with its cancellation terms.
The refund policy excludes certain situations classified as “Force Majeure”, which are events beyond the control of the company. These may include:
Natural disasters (hurricanes, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes)
Acts of terrorism or war
Epidemics or pandemics
Government restrictions or port closures
In such cases, refunds may not be guaranteed. Instead, Lindblad may offer travel credits or rescheduling options. These measures help the company manage operational disruptions while offering passengers flexibility.
Some regions have more stringent cancellation terms due to high demand and logistical complexity:
Antarctic voyages often require significant advance preparation. Cancellation penalties are generally stricter, with final payments due 120–150 days prior to departure. Late cancellations are often non-refundable.
Because Lindblad partners with Ecuadorian authorities and local suppliers, Galápagos trips have limited flexibility. Deposits and final payments are typically non-refundable if canceled less than 90 days before sailing.
Remote expedition cruises often involve non-refundable charter flights or permits. Cancellations within 60 days may not be eligible for refunds on these components.
Always check the specific terms and conditions for your itinerary before booking.
To help travelers avoid financial loss, Lindblad Expeditions offers an optional Travel Protection Plan underwritten by reputable insurance partners. This plan covers:
Trip cancellation or interruption
Medical emergencies and evacuation
Baggage loss or delay
Travel delays or missed connections
Coverage for COVID-19 and other unforeseen events
Because expedition cruises visit remote areas, medical evacuations can be costly, sometimes exceeding $50,000. With insurance, travelers gain peace of mind and the ability to recover prepaid costs if unexpected issues arise.
If you decline travel protection, you assume full responsibility for losses due to cancellation or emergency circumstances.
Lindblad Expeditions understands that travelers may not want to lose their payment entirely. In some cases, rather than canceling outright, you may:
Transfer to a Later Departure: Depending on the time before departure, you may shift your reservation to another date for a small administrative fee.
Apply for a Future Travel Credit: If you cancel due to illness, family emergencies, or unexpected restrictions, Lindblad may issue a credit toward a future cruise.
Change the Passenger Name: For certain bookings, you can substitute another traveler if you’re unable to attend, though fees may apply.
It’s best to contact the reservations team early to explore these flexible options.
Group travel and private charters have special cancellation conditions that differ from individual bookings.
Groups: Often have a single group contract outlining deposit schedules and refund deadlines. Penalties can apply if the group size drops below the agreed minimum.
Charters: Usually require larger deposits and longer notice periods for cancellation. Refunds are rare once a charter is confirmed, given the ship’s exclusive reservation.
Before signing a charter or group agreement, review the fine print with Lindblad’s group sales department.
Lindblad Expeditions adapted its policies following the global pandemic to support travelers who must cancel for health reasons. While standard refund terms still apply, exceptions may include:
COVID-19 Positive Test Before Departure: You may receive a travel credit or be allowed to rebook at no penalty.
Government-Imposed Travel Bans: If borders close or quarantine rules change, Lindblad typically provides credits or full refunds depending on timing.
Shipboard Health Protocols: If the company cancels or shortens a voyage due to onboard health concerns, guests are offered prorated refunds or credits.
Always check for the most current COVID-19 travel policies on Lindblad’s official website before departure.
Once approved, refunds are processed through the original form of payment. The timeline depends on the payment method and bank processing times but generally follows:
Credit Card Payments: 7–14 business days
Bank Transfers: 14–30 days
Check Payments: Up to 30 days
Refunds for travel credits or insurance claims may take longer due to coordination with third-party providers.
To ensure you’re protected and minimize potential losses, follow these expert tips:
Book with flexible fares: Some special promotions are non-refundable — avoid them if your plans aren’t firm.
Purchase travel protection: This is the best way to recover costs in emergencies.
Monitor deadlines: Set calendar reminders for final payment and cancellation milestones.
Communicate early: Notify Lindblad as soon as possible if you anticipate needing to cancel or reschedule.
Get everything in writing: Always confirm cancellation requests and refund agreements via email.
Avoid third-party bookings: When possible, book directly with Lindblad to simplify refund handling.
By being proactive, you can protect your investment and ensure smoother interactions with the Lindblad reservations team.
Typically, no. Deposits are non-refundable unless canceled within a short grace period after booking.
You may qualify for a future cruise credit or rescheduling option, depending on documentation and timing.
Refunds are usually issued only to the original payer, but you can often transfer your booking to another traveler before final payment.
Minor itinerary changes due to weather or safety reasons do not qualify for refunds. Significant cancellations may.
Yes, travel insurance claims are handled by the insurance provider, not Lindblad Expeditions.
Lindblad Expeditions’ refund policy is structured to balance flexibility for travelers and operational stability for the company. While refunds are possible, the policy is time-sensitive, meaning early communication and planning are key to minimizing losses.
If you think you might need to change your plans, consider:
Booking with refundable fare options
Purchasing comprehensive travel protection
Keeping a detailed record of all correspondence
Ultimately, Lindblad Expeditions aims to deliver extraordinary exploration experiences with fairness and transparency. Understanding its refund and cancellation policy allows you to book your dream expedition with confidence and peace of mind.
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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