Lindblad Expeditions specializes in environmentally sensitive, soft-adventure vacations that are explorative and informal in nature -- what the company calls "respectful tourism." Its programs -- operated since 2004 in partnership with the National Geographic Society -- are designed to appeal to the intellectually curious traveler seeking a cruise that's ecologically friendly and educational, as well as being relaxing. Days aboard are spent learning about life above and below the sea (from National Geographic experts to high-caliber expedition leaders trained in botany, anthropology, biology, and geology), and observing the world either from the ship or during shore excursions, which are included in the cruise package. Educational films and slide presentations aboard ship precede nature hikes and quick jaunts aboard Zodiac boats. Flexibility and spontaneity are keys to the experience, as the route may be altered at any time to follow a pod of whales or school of dolphins.