Lindblad Expeditions Provides Video Footage to Google for the New Ocean in Google Earth Technology

MEDIA CONTACT

Jennifer Gregoire Lindblad Expeditions (212) 261-9008 [email protected]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

New York, NY, February 2, 2009 – Lindblad Expeditions (www.expeditions.com), the small ship cruise pioneer, is proud to announce that its video footage was incorporated by Google in the newest version of Google Earth. With video footage shot onboard Lindblad Expeditions’ fleet of seven expedition cruise vessels, users of Google’s newest tool for earth exploration can delve into the beauty and splendor of destinations like the Arctic, Antarctica and Galápagos.

Launched earlier today in California, Ocean in Google Earth (http://earth.google.com/ocean) enables users to dive beneath the surface of the sea and explore the world’s oceans. Developed in conjunction with Dr. Sylvia Earle, DOER Marine, numerous organizations, institutions and individuals; Ocean in Google Earth intends to excite users to learn about our oceans while simultaneously showcasing to users how the ocean is connected to the rest of the ecosystem and to the rest of the planet.

Contributing video to Ocean in Google Earth is an extension of Lindblad Expeditions’ ongoing efforts to inform and educate travelers about the beauty and diversity of the world’s special places. For more than 50 years, the Lindblad family has explored the world, discovering, with curious travelers, the wonder and joy of inspiring, meaningful travel aboard our expedition ships. From groundbreaking adventure travel led by Lars-Eric Lindblad to today’s mission-driven partnership with National Geographic, the Lindblad name has charted a course for creative and entrepreneurial ventures while always staying true to three core business tenets – expedition excellence, innovation, and a commitment to environmental stewardship.

Before heading to the launch event in San Francisco for the Ocean in Google Earth, Sven Lindblad, President and Founder of Lindblad Expeditions remarked, “I’ve spent a lifetime building a business that takes travelers around the world to explore and connect with our planet’s oceans and seas through educational cruises. I am proud that the expertise and knowledge of our video chroniclers, naturalists and video studio staff received recognition by being included in this special project. And, I encourage the public to fully explore the richness and beauty of the life below the sea, so that together we can protect this great resource.”

Collaborating with Google to provide content for this newest version of Google Earth came naturally through Lindblad Expeditions’ longtime relationship with Dr. Sylvia Earle, an Explorer-in-Residence at the National Geographic Society and the world’s foremost living oceanic icon. Dr. Earle, a proponent of protecting the world’s oceans through outreach and education, has traveled on numerous occasions with Lindblad Expeditions and has often praised Lindblad Expeditions for its commitment to helping travelers experience and understand nature. Recently, Dr. Earle said “By having this fleet that goes all over the world – taking people and bringing them together to see the issues, to enjoy the wonder of wildlife and wild places – it can get people thinking in new ways and can inspire them to go home and take action. Because of the efforts of Lindblad Expedition with National Geographic, there is real hope for the future.”

About Lindblad Expeditions

Lindblad Expeditions is an expedition travel company providing voyages in the Galápagos, Antarctica, Baja California, Alaska, the Arctic, and beyond. Sven Lindblad has received international recognition, including the 2007 Global Tourism Business Award, 2007 Seafood Champion Award, U.N. Programme Global 500 Award, and recognition from HRH, Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg for his dedication to the conservation and environmental stewardship of the Galápagos archipelago. The company has also been named #1 Small-Ship Cruise Line (Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Value Awards 2006); “The Best Ships in the World” and “The Best Itineraries” (Condé Nast Traveler: Truth in Travel Awards 2006).

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