NEW YORK, Dec. 31, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Lindblad
Expeditions Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: LIND; "Lindblad", the
"Company"), the global leader of expedition cruises and adventure
travel experiences, today announced that it has signed a definitive
agreement for the purchase of the Via Australis to be used
in its operations in the Galapagos Islands. The Company
expects to take possession of the ship in the second quarter of
2016 and following a significant renovation will deploy the ship
during the third quarter of 2016. The Via Australis
will replace the National Geographic Endeavour. The
purchase price for the ship is $18
million and Lindblad plans to spend up to $10 million to refurbish and outfit the ship
immediately after closing.
"The Via Australis will be the ideal platform for our
Galapagos expeditions far into the future. Opportunities to acquire
high quality expedition ships on attractive terms are infrequent so
we seized this one," said Sven
Lindblad, President and CEO of Lindblad. "The Via
Australis will provide us with increased profitability on the
same route through more operating days, revenue enhancement
opportunities, operating efficiencies and cost savings compared to
the National Geographic Endeavour. Additionally, it
will require significantly lower capital expenditures for the
foreseeable future."
"The most important elements of a Galapagos experience are the
islands, the animals and the sea that surrounds them, so the ship
that provides access to these things matters greatly," Lindblad
added. "The Via Australis is ultra-efficient to
operate and was built with the same sensibility that matters so
much to us, with a focus on the world outside. To that end,
she has great viewing from all public spaces. Her ability to
launch and deploy landing craft is fast and seamless. She is
exceptionally quiet and maneuverable, a great asset when
approaching marine life. And I'm particularly pleased that
this ship will be well received by our crew who work very hard and
are critical to expedition success."
The Via Australis will be renamed bearing the
National Geographic name. After refurbishment, some key
features of the Via Australis:
- 50 cabins: 46 double cabins and 4 single cabins. Maximum
capacity of 96 guests.
- As the primary focus is the world outside, all public spaces
are designed for maximum viewing with quick, easy access to decks
to respond to bridge announcements of phenomenal sightings of
nature and wildlife.
- An open and ample top deck provides an unparalleled location
for gathering, dining, relaxing and stargazing.
- A spacious main lounge and a forward-viewing additional lounge
with large windows and immediate access to the outer decks provide
guests many comfortable options to relax, read or view the wildlife
and scenery.
- A fleet of Zodiacs and sea kayaks outfitted to transport guests
easily into the wild, remote places being explored. The efficient
Zodiac loading platform can deploy two landing crafts at the same
time in order to safely and swiftly put guests ashore, in the
water, or on a cruise through the surrounding landscapes
- A fully equipped fitness room and a wellness spa.
- State-of-the-art A/V system for the highest quality
presentations, including National Geographic photography
instruction.
- Well-appointed and improved crew quarters.
About Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc.
Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc. is an expedition travel
company that works in partnership with National Geographic to
inspire people to explore and care about the planet. The
organizations work in tandem to produce innovative marine
expedition programs and to promote conservation and sustainable
tourism around the world. The partnership's educationally oriented
voyages allow guests to interact with and learn from leading
scientists, naturalists and researchers while discovering stunning
natural environments, above and below the sea, through
state-of-the-art exploration tools.
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SOURCE Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc.