This year, Lindblad rebranded its name and partnership to National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions. CEO Sven-Olof Lindblad said during the company’s Q2 earnings call that the new name “leads with the power and name recognition of National Geographic,” which is well known in media, from its documentary programs to its monthly magazine.
The rebranding comes less than a year after the cruise company expanded its partnership with National Geographic, which is owned by the Walt Disney Co., through 2040. Lindblad said during the call that company research found the new brand name will increase consumer intent, search efficiency and conversion, which he said will be important as the brand begins to market internationally.
Lindblad has long had teams of experts in marine exploration, ornithology, biology and nearly every other “ology” under the sun. But where it differs from other expedition lines is the National Geographic experts and photographers who are a key part of the experience. On a Greenland voyage on the National Geographic Resolution, professional photographers onboard included Phil Schermeister, the designated National Geographic photography expert, who has snapped more than 40 assignments for National Geographic publications. Schermeister conducted an onboard presentation that showcased his work, and he was often on hand to help passengers with their own photography and talk shop. Many guests were laden with as much camera gear as the pros, and the ship also carries a complement of Olympus camera bodies and telephoto lenses that passengers can use.
