Expedition Stories

Our fleet navigates the world in search of adventure. These are the stories they bring back…

World View

8/25/2020

3 Min Read

Traversing Scotland's Caledonian Canal

Sail through Scotland's Caledonian Canal and the Inner Hebrides aboard Lord of the Glens, the only ship capable of transiting both with ease and grace. The 62-mile Great Glen seems to have been created by uncorking bucolic landscapes and spilling them over the Atlantic and North Sea in a colossal rush of isles, lochs, and canals.

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Daily Expedition Reports

Follow Along

Daily Expedition Reports

2/2/2025

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The Jahan

Angkor Ban and Prek Bangkong, Cambodia

Our first morning on The Jahan commenced early with tai chi on deck as we cruised along the Mekong River. After a hearty breakfast, we disembarked and, led by our Cambodian guides, wandered through the remote village of Angkor Ban.   Our walk through this village was truly fascinating. We saw locals going about their day-to-day life and managed a brief visit into one of the wooden homes.   Back on board, we participated in a Buddhist monk blessing in the lounge, learning all about the culture and traditions of Theravada Buddhism.   In the afternoon, we explored Prek Bangkong by tuk-tuk and visited a traditional silk farm and the residence of the architect for the Cambodian royal family.

Daily Expedition Reports

2/2/2025

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National Geographic Endeavour II

Española

With a very relaxing morning at Gardner Bay, our day began. We enjoyed beach time with sunshine, amazing views, and a massive colony of sea lions. Later at Punta Suarez, we went for a great hike with a bunch of marine birds, including a colony of the amazing Nazca boobies. We took in the scenery of the beautifully uncommon landscape of the eroded, mature island of Española, with its pronounced cliffs and crashing waves.

Daily Expedition Reports

2/2/2025

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National Geographic Sea Bird

Magdalena Bay

The standing bet was that only two guests would wake up early to join the optional beach walk at 7am. It turned out 15 guests went for the hike, returning energized.   After breakfast, we cruised along the eastern edge of Magdalena Island, with the dunes giving it a surreal appearance. We were joined by bottlenose dolphins who at times would ride the bow, much to our enjoyment. To see them roll on their sides to look up at us was amazing.   After lunch, we headed to the narrow section of the 60-mile-long Magdalena Island. This island’s waist has dunes, shell middens, and specialized plants. We made it to the Pacific beach for an hour of shelling, then back to the bay-side beach for a bonfire. Just north of us, a coyote ran over the dunes, looking curious but wary. What a treat to view this amazing animal.

Daily Expedition Reports

2/2/2025

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National Geographic Quest

Otoque Island and Panama Canal

Early this morning, our ship anchored off the tranquil shores of Otoque Island. Guests eagerly boarded our Zodiacs to explore the island’s lush coastline and abundant bird life. The gentle waves lapped against the boats as they navigated through hidden coves, offering glimpses of the hundreds of frigatebirds, brown boobies, and pelicans that thrive in this secluded paradise.   As evening approached, the ship set its course toward the Panama Canal, entering through the Pacific coast. The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the water. Passengers gathered on deck to witness this engineering marvel that connects two oceans. The ship glided through the Miraflores Locks, rising steadily as it transitioned into Gatun Lake. There our ship anchored for the night, surrounded by the serene beauty of this vast artificial lake. Guests enjoyed dinner, reflecting on their day’s adventures. The sounds of nature enveloped them as they prepared for another day of exploration through one of the world’s most iconic waterways.

Daily Expedition Reports

2/2/2025

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National Geographic Resolution

Bernal Glacier and Kirke Narrows

The morning was beautiful, enhanced by the falling rain and misty clouds. Bernal Glacier and Parque Nacional Kawesqar offered stunning lighting for photographers, with glacial till illuminating the water in a mint-green hue and Magellanic fuchsia blooming in the bushes like ripe berries. Peale’s dolphins briefly cruised the shoreline as our staff brought guests ashore for an easy stroll along a botanical garden-like trail to view the glacier front. The Bernal Glacier is retreating, exposing the canyon walls until new vegetation begins to colonize.   In the afternoon, we observed our captain and Bridge crew as they skillfully navigated the Kirke Narrows, a passage only sixty meters wide! Timing the tide was essential; we had to traverse the Narrows at slack tide when the currents were slow, allowing the ship to avoid obstacles and hazards. Once safely through the Narrows, we continued to Puerto Natales for the evening.