In the seasonal transformation with summer’s longer days only a memory, we are in the Hudson, legendary for music and art, dotted with riverside towns full of history and steeped in maritime legend, often guarded by stoic lighthouses. Rising serenely from the river, the land occasionally borders the great waterway by startingly steep cliffs, as autumn bursts forth in a many-hued transformation. Along our journey, we focus on and learn about the river, valley, critical conservation work, the Hudson’s maritime history, and the essential roles music and art have played in the region. The Hudson, “America’s First River,” has emerged as a place of rebirth, transformation, nature, and of adventure. Our meticulously designed itinerary explores the region, designated as the Hudson Valley Natural Heritage Area and part of the National Estuarine Research Reserve, with remarkable depth, coming to know this river of constant change through specially curated experiences.


Highlights


• Experience the magic of autumn’s transitional beauty

• Encounter fall wildlife while kayaking Constitution Marsh and Rogers Island Wildlife Management Area

• Visit Storm King Mountain Art Center

• Photograph the many iconic lighthouses and bridges along our journey

• Visit Sleepy Hollow and hear Washington Irving’s ageless tale re-told.

This evening, we embark National Geographic Sea Lion and sail out of New York Harbor north into the Hudson River. (D)
With the dawn, we awake to the beauty of the Hudson River Valley. The place to be is on deck as we spend the early hours of the day cruising with the river unfolding before us. We cruise slowly by West Point Military Academy before arriving at Constitution Marsh, where we launch kayaks to explore the protected riverside wetland. Watch for birds: belted kingfishers sitting quietly or darting up a slough sounding their rattling call, or hawks like northern harriers quartering over the marshland. Or, simply stop for a moment and relish the stillness of the wetland. The island protecting the marsh was presented to the nation on behalf of early American authors, Anna and Susan Warner, to be forever preserved as a historic and natural landmark. Next, we make the short trip north for a cruise around Bannerman Castle on Pollepel Island. This abandoned military storage facility with a storied history dates back to the early 1900’s. On shore, take in a special musical performance as our first evening on the Hudson fades to night. (B,L,D)
This morning, we call at the village of Catskill. Visit the home of renowned landscape painter Thomas Cole, now a National Historic Landmark Site. Passionate about American wilderness, Cole is recognized as the founder of the Hudson River art movement. Later, as our ship is anchored near the picturesque Hudson-Athens Lighthouse, opt to join a kayak excursion through the waterways of Rogers Island Wildlife Management Area or choose to visit the quiet town of Hudson. (B,L,D)
This morning, we are at Kingston, where the Rondout Lighthouse marks the entrance to the creek with the town a short distance from the river. At Kingston, we learn the story of the sloop Clearwater and the organization, founded in part by legendary American folk musician Pete Seeger and dedicated not only to the care of the vessel, but to many conservation and environmental projects in the area. Conditions permitting, we embark the sloop and sail out of the harbor for a unique experience on the Hudson. Later, we stop by the Hudson River Maritime Museum, featuring exhibits on a variety of subjects, especially focused on the conservation of this great waterway. (B,L,D)
Today, we are off exploring the Hudson in the Esopus area. By kayak and Zodiac, we cruise Esopus Island, now a quiet less-visited mid-river islet. Over the years, this skinny little island—not even a mile long and mere yards wide—has seen its share of intriguing visitors from Native Americans’ gatherings to F. Scott Fitzgerald’s parties. Even the legendary and notorious Aleister Crowley camped for 40 days and nights in solitude on Esopus Island in the summer of 1918 during the waning days of the First World War. Our day of exploration takes us to Esopus Meadows Lighthouse, considered one of the most scenic on the Hudson. Later, meandering slowly along the great riverway, the splendor of the river surrounds us. (B,L,D)
The mountain, called “Butter Hill” in earlier days, later became known as Storm King, encouraged in part by writer Nathaniel Parker Willis, who wrote, “The tallest mountain is ... looked upon as the most sure foreteller of a storm. When the white cloud-beard descends upon his breast in the morning ... there is sure to be a rain-storm before night.” Storm King was a regular subject of Hudson River School painters, as they depicted the natural splendor of the mountain while wrestling with the approaching industrialization and commercialization of the Hudson, a contentious duality to this day. Art is alive on the western flanks of the mountain. The 500-acre Storm King Art Center seeks to bring art, nature and people together in the open air of the sculpture park. Later, we ascend to the higher reaches of the mountain itself to take in the magnificent views back down towards the river and beyond. (B,L,D)
We awake in sight of Bear Mountain Bridge, the morning’s golden hour offering the opportunity to photograph the bridge against the backdrop of the Hudson fall. If conditions look good, we set out for a morning kayak exploration where Popolopen Creek meets the Hudson at Fort Montgomery. On our way south, we pass Iona Island, part of the Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve. Soon, we arrive at Sleepy Hollow. “A drowsy, dreamy influence seems to hang over the land, and to pervade the very atmosphere,” wrote Washington Irving about the town. We disembark and hear a re-telling of Irving’s tale before a walk along the 13 Bridges Trail. In the late afternoon we stop at the Sleepy Hollow cemetery as the sun sets on our Hudson River adventure. (B,L,D)
This morning we disembark in New York Harbor to begin our homeward journeys. (B)
Itineraries are subject to change.

Category 1

$7,200 AUD pp
Category 1
Main Deck #300-305 - Conveniently positioned between the Dining room and Lounge, these cabins feature two lower single beds, a writing desk and a view window.

Category 2

$8,220 AUD pp
Category 2
Bridge Deck #100-104; Upper Deck #200-212, 215 - These well-located cabins include two lower single beds and a view window.

Category 3

$9,220 AUD pp
Category 3
Bridge Deck #105, 106; Upper Deck #214, 216, 217, 219 - These cabins feature a seating unit with table and two large view windows. Upper Deck cabins include two lower single beds which can convert to a double bed and a pull-out single bed for a third person; Bridge Deck cabins include two lower single beds only.

Category 1 Single

$10,800 AUD pp
Category 1 Single
Main Deck #300-305 - Conveniently positioned between the Dining room and Lounge, these cabins feature two lower single beds, a writing desk and a view window.

Category 2 Single

$12,320 AUD pp
Category 2 Single
Bridge Deck #100-104; Upper Deck #200-212, 215 - These well-located cabins include two lower single beds and a view window.

Category 1

$7,200 AUD pp
Category 1
Main Deck #300-305 - Conveniently positioned between the Dining room and Lounge, these cabins feature two lower single beds, a writing desk and a view window.

Category 2

$8,220 AUD pp
Category 2
Bridge Deck #100-104; Upper Deck #200-212, 215 - These well-located cabins include two lower single beds and a view window.

Category 3

$9,220 AUD pp
Category 3
Bridge Deck #105, 106; Upper Deck #214, 216, 217, 219 - These cabins feature a seating unit with table and two large view windows. Upper Deck cabins include two lower single beds which can convert to a double bed and a pull-out single bed for a third person; Bridge Deck cabins include two lower single beds only.

Category 1 Single

$10,800 AUD pp
Category 1 Single
Main Deck #300-305 - Conveniently positioned between the Dining room and Lounge, these cabins feature two lower single beds, a writing desk and a view window.

Category 2 Single

$12,320 AUD pp
Category 2 Single
Bridge Deck #100-104; Upper Deck #200-212, 215 - These well-located cabins include two lower single beds and a view window.

Category 1

$7,200 AUD pp
Category 1
Main Deck #300-305 - Conveniently positioned between the Dining room and Lounge, these cabins feature two lower single beds, a writing desk and a view window.

Category 2

$8,220 AUD pp
Category 2
Bridge Deck #100-104; Upper Deck #200-212, 215 - These well-located cabins include two lower single beds and a view window.

Category 3

$9,220 AUD pp
Category 3
Bridge Deck #105, 106; Upper Deck #214, 216, 217, 219 - These cabins feature a seating unit with table and two large view windows. Upper Deck cabins include two lower single beds which can convert to a double bed and a pull-out single bed for a third person; Bridge Deck cabins include two lower single beds only.

Category 1 Single

$10,800 AUD pp
Category 1 Single
Main Deck #300-305 - Conveniently positioned between the Dining room and Lounge, these cabins feature two lower single beds, a writing desk and a view window.

Category 2 Single

$12,320 AUD pp
Category 2 Single
Bridge Deck #100-104; Upper Deck #200-212, 215 - These well-located cabins include two lower single beds and a view window.

Category 1

$7,200 AUD pp
Category 1
Main Deck #300-305 - Conveniently positioned between the Dining room and Lounge, these cabins feature two lower single beds, a writing desk and a view window.

Category 2

$8,220 AUD pp
Category 2
Bridge Deck #100-104; Upper Deck #200-212, 215 - These well-located cabins include two lower single beds and a view window.

Category 3

$9,220 AUD pp
Category 3
Bridge Deck #105, 106; Upper Deck #214, 216, 217, 219 - These cabins feature a seating unit with table and two large view windows. Upper Deck cabins include two lower single beds which can convert to a double bed and a pull-out single bed for a third person; Bridge Deck cabins include two lower single beds only.

Category 1 Single

$10,800 AUD pp
Category 1 Single
Main Deck #300-305 - Conveniently positioned between the Dining room and Lounge, these cabins feature two lower single beds, a writing desk and a view window.

Category 2 Single

$12,320 AUD pp
Category 2 Single
Bridge Deck #100-104; Upper Deck #200-212, 215 - These well-located cabins include two lower single beds and a view window.

Category 1

$7,200 AUD pp
Category 1
Main Deck #300-305 - Conveniently positioned between the Dining room and Lounge, these cabins feature two lower single beds, a writing desk and a view window.

Category 2

$8,220 AUD pp
Category 2
Bridge Deck #100-104; Upper Deck #200-212, 215 - These well-located cabins include two lower single beds and a view window.

Category 3

$9,220 AUD pp
Category 3
Bridge Deck #105, 106; Upper Deck #214, 216, 217, 219 - These cabins feature a seating unit with table and two large view windows. Upper Deck cabins include two lower single beds which can convert to a double bed and a pull-out single bed for a third person; Bridge Deck cabins include two lower single beds only.

Category 1 Single

$10,800 AUD pp
Category 1 Single
Main Deck #300-305 - Conveniently positioned between the Dining room and Lounge, these cabins feature two lower single beds, a writing desk and a view window.

Category 2 Single

$12,320 AUD pp
Category 2 Single
Bridge Deck #100-104; Upper Deck #200-212, 215 - These well-located cabins include two lower single beds and a view window.

Vessel Type: Comfortable Expedition

Length: 52 metres

Passenger Capacity: 62 (in twin cabins)

Built: 1982 / Refurbished 2015

Twin Expedition ships, National Geographic Sea Bird & Sea Lion, can reach places inaccessible to larger ships due to their small size, yet each can comfortably accommodate 62 guests. The feeling, is often compared to that of a large private yacht, with everyone integral to the adventure. Accessibility means freedom. Our captains have decades of sailing experience in the regions we explore. They know when and where to navigate so that you feel the places we visit are all ours.

Full interior renovations have been completed on these twin 62-guest ships, National Geographic Sea Lion and National Geographic Sea Bird. The extensive renovation to guest cabins, the lounge and bar, dining room, public areas and spa has transformed the ships to provide the ultimate in expedition hospitality and comfort. Nothing has been left untouched, from the sleekly framed wall photos, to the fresh paint, and new carpets throughout the ships.

- The lounge and bar have been completely redesigned and reconfigured to provide an open, enhanced environment with additional seating and better flow. The modern design features new tables and chairs, upholstery of settees, overhead ceiling panels, and LED dimmable lighting. The lounge also hosts a new food & beverage area, library, and Global Market.

- The dining room’s upgrade features all new tables, chairs, ceiling panels, and LED dimmable lighting. The wine bar has been replaced and features a display showcasing selections from the regions explored.

- Every cabin has been completely redone and all furnishings have been replaced. Modern aged cherry bed boxes, faux leather headboards, Lindblad signature bed linens, new windows, lighting, and additional USB outlets provide a dramatic makeover for a relaxing guest experience. Bathrooms now feature new shower doors and all new hardware.

- Exterior renovations include new deck furniture and outdoor awning.

Cabin layout for National Geographic SeaBird & SeaLion

Special Offers

• BACK-TO-BACK SAVINGS. Save 10% on any consecutive journeys taken on board one of our expedition ships. This savings is applicable on voyage fares only, and are not valid on extensions or airfare.

• TRAVELING AS A GROUP. Save 5% when traveling as a group of 8 or more people. Take advantage of these great savings, while enjoying traveling with your friends and family. This savings is applicable to voyage fares only, and is not valid on extensions or airfare. Deposit, final payments, and cancellation policies for group travel vary from our regular policies.

• COMBINING OFFERS. Certain offers may be combinable, up to two savings opportunities, except where noted otherwise. For example, travel with a group of 8 or more on back-to-back expeditions, and take advantage of both savings.

Inclusions


• Excursions, hotels, and airport transfers, as indicated in the itinerary 
• Selection of exploration tools curated to your destination, such as Zodiacs and glass-bottom boats, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, snorkeling equipment (including wetsuits, masks, and fins), and other state-of-the-art gear
• Guidance and company of our leading expedition staff 
• All meals as indicated in the itinerary, both aboard and onshore. Meals are inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible.
• Hors d’oeuvres inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible
• 24-hour access to snacks, premium coffees and teas, non-alcoholic beverages, and filtered water
• Beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits aboard the NG Endurance, NG Resolution, NG Explorer, NG Orion, NG Endeavour II, NG Islander II, Sea Cloud, Sea Cloud II, Lord of the Glens, and The Jahan. We are also pleased to offer a selection of super premium wines and liquors, available for purchase.
• Beer and wine on all 2023 departures aboard NG Venture, NG Quest, NG Sea Bird, and NG Sea Lion, and specialty cocktails with meals aboard Delfin ll. Starting in 2024, spirits and cocktails are also included aboard these ships, with super premium wines and liquors available for purchase.
• Crew gratuities aboard NG Endurance, NG Resolution, NG Explorer,  NG Orion, Sea Cloud, Sea Cloud II, Lord of the Glens, Oberoi Philae, and The Jahan
• Free Wi-Fi aboard Lord of the Glens and The Jahan.
• Free Wi-Fi, up to one hour a day per person, aboard NG Islander II and NG Endeavour II 
• Lindblad Expeditions is currently activating Starlink-enabled internet on each of our ships, enabling us to offer free Wi-Fi—in addition to paid tiers for faster internet speeds—to all of our guests fleetwide by the end of 2023.
• Presentations on your destination by expedition staff and expert guest speakers
• Complimentary reusable water bottle to fill at onboard water refill stations
• The services of a physician, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, or paramedic 
• Morning stretch classes and 24-hour access to exercise equipment where available 
• 24-hour access to lounges, observation decks, library stocked with regionally relevant literature, and other shared spaces 
• Complimentary Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic parka or jacket on select Arctic and Antarctic voyages
• Assistance by the onboard NG Photography Expert (NG Endurance, NG Explorer, NG Orion, NG Resolution) and Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic certified photo instructor (all ships)
• Access to the OM System Photo Gear Locker with the latest gear to try out on loan (all Lindblad-National Geographic ships except in Galapagos)
• Park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes

Exclusions


• Airfare (except flights when indicated as included), pre- and post-expedition extensions, additional hotel nights, and private transfers
• Travel protection plans and passport, visa, and immigration fees 
• Laundry, spa treatments, scuba diving, Wi-Fi, and phone services (except when indicated as included)
• Crew gratuities aboard NG Endeavour II, NG Islander II, NG Venture, NG Quest, NG Sea Bird, NG Sea Lion, and Delfin II
8 Days from
$7,200 AUD pp

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