Explorers-in-Training

National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions has introduced National Geographic Explorers-in-Training, a refreshed version of its youth program (formerly National Geographic Global Explorers). Offered on select family-friendly voyages to Alaska, Antarctica, Baja California, Iceland, and the Galapagos, the initiative designed for children and teens blends exploration, conservation, and storytelling with hands-on scientific learning.

Guided by Certified Field Educators and supported by naturalists, undersea specialists, and National Geographic Photography Experts, participants learn skills such as driving a Zodiac, collecting plankton, and logging wildlife sightings. Each child receives a region-specific field notebook to document discoveries during activities like scavenger hunts, storytelling challenges, and onboard experiments. At the expedition’s end, they are awarded a commemorative patch and certificate.

Family friendly itineraries include snorkeling with sea lions in the Galapagos, kayaking among glaciers in Alaska’s Inside Passage, spotting whales along Baja California, and exploring Antarctica via a Drake Passage fly-cruise—each crafted to inspire curiosity, environmental stewardship, and a lifelong passion for exploration.

A Festive Antarctic Family Adventure

Abercrombie & Kent is once again offering a special holiday promotion on its Antarctica, South Georgia & Falklands: Holiday Voyage 2025 sailing from December 21, 2025-January 8, 2026: one child (ages 7–18) sails free in a classic, deluxe or premier stateroom when sharing with an adult.

This 17-night holiday expedition is aboard the luxurious Le Lyrial from Ponant, a mega-yacht exclusively chartered by A&K.  This charter will sail with just 199 passengers and all cabins have balconies, free laundry, internet and butler service.  The ship also features multiple observations areas, theater, pool, gym, spa and medical facilities.

The itinerary includes two days in the Falkland Islands, known for unique wildlife and British colonial history, and several days in South Georgia, home to massive king penguin colonies and the grave of explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton.

Your family can celebrate Christmas and New Year’s onboard with festive events, while A&K’s expert Expedition Team shares insights into polar exploration and local wildlife. Families benefit from added programming led by dedicated Young Explorers Guides, with activities tailored for children and teens.

The journey begins with an overnight stay in Buenos Aires, offering time to explore the vibrant culture of Argentina’s capital before heading south.  Your airport transfers with a meet and greet and your internal air flights are also included!

Sailing into Luxury

This month Regent Seven Seas Cruises opens up their bookings for the inaugural season of their newest ship, the Seven Seas Prestige, set to debut in December 2026. Designed for unparalleled luxury, the ship accommodates just 822 guests, offering one of the industry’s highest space-per-guest ratios at 77,000 GT.

Onboard, your family can indulge in seven complimentary specialty restaurants among 11 dining venues, enjoy a world-class spa and gym, and even play pickleball at sea. Regent’s all-inclusive sailings feature unlimited shore excursions, premium beverages, Wi-Fi, valet laundry, and pre-paid gratuities, ensuring a seamless vacation at sea.

The Seven Seas Prestige introduces innovative suite categories, including two-story Skyview Suites with private rooftop terraces, the expansive Grand Loft Suites with floor-to-ceiling windows, and Horizon Penthouse Suites boasting oversized balconies and panoramic ocean views.

While discounts for children 17 and under are not yet available on this new ship, Regent offers summer and holiday savings for young travelers on select sailings across Europe, Alaska, and New England. Rates for children start at just $999, including excursions, when sharing a cabin as the third or fourth guest with an adult.

Explore Southeast Asia with Heritage Line

Heritage Line, a Virtuoso partner, offers luxury boutique cruises designed for families, providing an unforgettable experience across Southeast Asia’s most breathtaking destinations. Specializing in the Mekong River and Halong Bay regions of Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos, Heritage Line combines fun, education, and relaxation in a seamless adventure.

This summer your family can enjoy a stress-free adventure with fun, learning, and luxury across stunning destinations. Highlights include:

• Halong Bay & Lan Ha Bay: Cycle through lush landscapes, visit hidden villages, enjoy kayaking, snorkeling, floating fishing villages, ancient caves, and oyster farming. Private charters are available for an intimate family experience.
• Lower Mekong: Cruise through Vietnam and Cambodia, combining enriching excursions with onboard luxury. Activities include cycling, pool fun for kids, spa relaxation for parents, and tailored private shore excursions.

Book by July 31 and your family can save 20% off two cabins or more, special children’s rate for up to age 14, free extra beds for children, and special charter rates for larger family groups.  As an added treat, mom gets an hour massage, dad gets a glass of beer daily and children get free ice cream.

French Family Barging

Luxury barge cruises offer families a unique and intimate way to explore Europe’s charming rivers and canals. This summer, European Waterways is extending special discounts for families and multi-generational groups, including up to 20% off private charters. Highlights of these limited time offers include:

• 20% off the eight-passenger Anjodi cruising the Canal du Midi in France, with departures on July 20 and August 3. After the discount, whole boat charters are $36,000, saving $9,000 off the original $45,000 price.
• 20% off the 12-passenger L’Impressionniste in Burgundy, France, departing July 13. Charters are $71,600 after the discount, a $17,900 savings from the original $89,500 price.
• 20% off the 20-passenger La Bella Vita, cruising through Venice and the Veneto in Italy, departing July 27. The discounted price is $80,800, a $20,000 savings off the original $101,000 price.

Each cruise follows the barge’s Classic Cruise itinerary but allows up to four excursions to be tailored to your family’s preferences. Whether cycling through vineyards, exploring quaint villages, savoring local cuisine, or engaging with regional artisans, the experiences cater to all ages. Unique options include visiting a medieval castle construction project and an interactive museum highlighting the epic clash between Julius Caesar and the Gallic leader Vercingetorix.

European Waterways ensures a family-friendly experience with complimentary amenities such as safety gates, highchairs, cribs, children’s bikes with helmets, and car seats upon request. While parents and grandparents enjoy four-course gourmet meals paired with fine wines, child-friendly menus and flexible mealtimes are thoughtfully provided by the chef.

Galapagos Family Discount

Lindblad Expeditions is offering an incredible 50% discount on cabin fares for children and young adults aged 22 and under on select Galapagos sailings. This is a fantastic opportunity for your family to embark on an unforgettable adventure! Explore the awe-inspiring Galápagos Islands aboard one of four luxurious ships. Discover diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes, whether you’re zodiacing to pristine beaches, kayaking along volcanic shores, or snorkeling with sea lions, turtles, and vibrant fish in the Galapagos Marine Reserve. Witness wildlife up close, from lounging sea lions on the beach to massive colonies of marine iguanas and nesting seabirds.  Fantastic children’s and teen program are also included.  Book your journey by June 15, 2025, on select voyages.  Choose from Exploring Galapagos (10 days), Galapagos Escape (7-8 days), and Ultimate Galapagos Holiday (12 days), with your trip duration also covering time in Ecuador before and after the cruise.

Along the Rhone

Adventures by Disney is set to debut an exciting eight-day, seven-night river cruise through southern France in 2026. Sailing along the picturesque Rhône River aboard AmaWaterways’ luxurious AmaKristina (which Lauren from The Family Traveler sailed last December), the itinerary will take your family from Lyon through Provence, with stops in Tournon, Viviers, Avignon, and Arles.

Highlights include outdoor adventures such as biking excursions, kayaking beneath the historic Pont du Gard aqueduct, and riding a steam train through the stunning Doux Gorges. Foodies can savor local flavors with cheese, chocolate, olive oil, and wine tastings, including visits to the renowned Châteauneuf-du-Pape vineyards.

For art enthusiasts, the cruise offers painting classes along the colorful Ochre Trail in Roussillon, silk-weaving demonstrations in Lyon, and visits to St. Paul de Mausole, where Vincent van Gogh painted The Starry Night. History buffs will enjoy exploring Roman ruins in Lyon and Nîmes, medieval villages, and the captivating sites of Les Baux-de-Provence.

Up to five guides will accompany each cruise, offering specialized activities for young travelers called “Junior Adventurers.”  In 2026, Adventures by Disney will host five sailings along this route, including four family-friendly departures and one designed exclusively for adults. Bookings are now open! Don’t miss the chance to embark on this magical journey through the heart of southern France.

Added RCCL Benefits

Virtuoso benefits on Royal Caribbean abound for sailings through April 25, 2027!  Enjoy complimentary Specialty Dining for two guests when you book a balcony category stateroom on any 7 night or longer sailing open for sale. Spread out in a Junior Suite or above category stateroom on any 7 night or longer sailing open for sale, you’ll receive a complimentary Specialty Dinner for two plus a complimentary Spa Treatment for one. Upgrade your stay to a Star Tier Suite within the Royal Suite Class and indulge in specialty dining every night, complimentary beverage package, high-speed WiFi, and your very own Royal Genie – take VIP to the next level with exclusive access to the best of everything onboard. Virtuoso Exclusive Benefit dining for two will turn into another spa treatment for one guest when guests book a Star Tier Suite.

Half Price for Children on Star Clipper

If you’re searching for a unique sailing experience look no further than a tall sailing ship vacation. Star Clippers offers an extraordinary opportunity for families to explore the world’s most beautiful destinations and through March 11, 2026, children under age 18 can sail for half price on select Caribbean and Costa Rica & Panama voyages. The Caribbean’s turquoise waters and pristine beaches are perfect for adventurous families, with activities like catamaran rides in the Tobago Cays, thrilling jeep tours in St. Lucia, and clear-bottom kayaking in Les Saintes in Guadeloupe. For families who love nature, the Costa Rica & Panama sailings are unmatched, showcasing over 500,000 species of flora and fauna and more than 13,000 square miles of protected land. Highlights include exploring the lush Manuel Antonio National Park, zip-lining through Bahia Potrero’s verdant forests, and white-water rafting on the Corobici River.

Star Clippers’ fleet features the elegant twin clipper ships, Star Clipper and Star Flyer, accommodating 166 guests each, along with the magnificent Royal Clipper, which hosts up to 227 guests. These ships combine classic maritime charm with modern comforts, creating a truly unique sailing experience. Eco-conscious families will also appreciate that Star Clippers harness wind propulsion as their primary energy source—abundant, sustainable, and emission-free. Whether your family is seeking tropical adventure or immersive natural exploration, a journey with Star Clippers promises memories to last a lifetime.

Celebrate at Sea 

Join National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions to celebrate your most significant family milestones—whether it’s a big birthday, anniversary, graduation or another special event—with a life-changing adventure. When you book with a group of 8 or more, your family will receive 5% off, a $150 shipboard credit, and a complimentary custom photograph taken by one of their Certified Photo Instructor to capture your family’s special moment. You’ll also enjoy a beautifully decorated cake and a special welcome gift in your cabin.

Lindblad sails to a wide variety of destinations around the globe, often focusing on remote, wild, and ecologically significant areas.  They can help you explore The Galapagos, Iceland, the Artic, Antarctica, Alaska, Baja California, the Pacific Northwest, the Amazon, Costa Rica and Panama, and more!  The partnership with National Geographic adds a rich educational and experiential component to their expeditions. Each voyage typically features National Geographic photographers, naturalists, and experts who offer in-depth insights into wildlife, geology, and local cultures.