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April 6, 2024

For the joy of wine and food enthusiasts, National Geographic Sea Bird embarked on the inaugural expedition Columbia and Snake Rivers: Food, Wine, and History, in collaboration with Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic and FOOD & WINE.

Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic Expeditions is a fruitful partnership offering expeditions to over 120 destinations across all seven continents, catering to curious and discerning travelers seeking to experience the world from a new perspective.

On the other hand, Food & Wine celebrates the global gastronomic experience through its award-winning magazine, website, social platforms, newsletters, podcasts, premium events like the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen, and accolades such as its annual Best New Chef awards. With rigorously tested recipes, the brand inspires people to discover, create, and savor the best of food and beverages every day and everywhere.

This collaboration, and this inaugural cruise, marks the beginning of a new series of culinary expeditions, with this extraordinary journey promising to immerse guests in a rich blend of culture, cuisine, and history along the iconic waterways of the Pacific Northwest.

Onboard guests will enjoy regionally inspired menus designed around ingredients and wines sourced almost entirely within a 250-mile radius of the destination, with farmers and fishermen committed to eco-sustainable practices.

There will be an extensive wine list, with over 40 regional varieties curated by Ana Esteves, in collaboration with Ray Isle, the executive wine editor of Food & Wine, along with onboard wine tastings, an exclusive private museum event, vineyard tours, cocktails, canapés, and much more, all while navigating through imposing locks and admiring spectacular landscapes.

Discerning travelers will be offered engaging lectures led by industry experts and exclusive excursions, providing rich insights into the natural and cultural heritage of the Pacific Northwest areas, offering deeper knowledge of the ecosystems, traditions, and personalities that shape this fascinating region.

“Our Columbia and Snake Rivers: Food, Wine, and History expedition represents a unique fusion of adventure, education, and culinary exploration. Our guests will delve into the history of local cuisine and learn more about why the geological complexities of this region make it such a rich and diverse culinary landscape,” said Ana Esteves, Vice President of Hotel Operations, Lindblad Expeditions.

“Our collaboration with Food & Wine has offered us an exciting opportunity to further deepen our commitment to local farmers, fishermen, and the people we work with along the way. We are proud of the new experience we have created together, to offer guests an unforgettable journey, extraordinary conversations around the dining table, and a deep connection with this unique and extraordinary culinary region!”

Embarking on this pioneering journey, travelers will be guided by knowledgeable professionals and naturalists, in a world where history comes alive and flavors abound. From the historic seaside town of Astoria through the rugged cliffs of the Columbia River Gorge and a series of renowned wine regions, including the captivating vineyards of the Walla Walla Valley, every moment of the expedition offers an opportunity for discovery and joy.

“I’m thrilled that we’re finally launching this unique collaboration between Food & Wine and Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic, and I’m even more delighted to have the chance to experience it firsthand, alongside a ship full of eager and, I hope, hungry travelers on this inaugural journey,” said Isle. “The Pacific Northwest is one of the great wine regions of the world, where I’ve been many times and written about abundantly, and today we’re embarking on a new kind of expedition: traveling the world in a glass.”

National Geographic’s two ships, the Sea Bird and its twin Sea Lion, both engaged in this itinerary, have only 31 accommodations between cabins and suites; these U.S.-flagged ships have been built and expertly designed specifically to navigate narrow and shallow waterways inaccessible to larger vessels.

Thanks to this unique and specific design, the ships sailing on behalf of Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic can quickly access channels where whales come to feed, pass through the series of locks in the Pacific Northwest, approach waterfalls in secluded coves, and navigate small bay anchorages, perfect for snorkeling and kayaking.

The inaugural season of the new expeditions Columbia and Snake Rivers: Food, Wine, and History will last until April 28, 2024, when the two ships will reposition in Alaska for a season full of unique experiences, exploring rarely seen areas. Starting from September 21, 2024, the ships will return to the Pacific Northwest for the fall season 2024, where the foliage will indicate to guests the arrival of new travel experiences.

Stay tuned for further updates, news, onboard experiences, and reviews on Cruising Journal with photos, videos, and discounted cruises!

Saskia Pacifico

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