In 1966, Lars-Eric Lindblad took 57 passengers on a cruise to Antarctica, the first of its kind for ordinary travelers. Since then, the Lindblad Expeditions tour company has taken some 25,000 visitors to Antarctica. It expects to bring another 2,000 during the 2016-17 season for travel to the continent, which is only accessible November through February.
Lindblad’s first trip took place Jan. 11-Feb. 11, 1966, and cost $2,800 to $3,000 per person. Today a 14-day itinerary costs $13,360 to $27,520, while a 24-day trip to Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falklands runs $23,100 to $44,550. Trips during the anniversary season will include special activities marking the milestone.
The company is also publishing an updated edition of Lindblad’s autobiography, “Passport to Anywhere.” Lindblad, who was born in Sweden, was also among the first in the travel industry to offer regular tourist excursions to remote places like the Galapagos and Papua New Guinea. He was recognized for his conservation efforts before his death in 1994.
The company is now led by his son Sven.
