Make Your Next Trip Extraordinary

Ashton's suggestion was exactly what we wanted (small ship, wildlife viewing, naturalist interaction, etc.)
Becky Carter | May 31, 2023

I worked with Ashton Palmer and his team. I wanted to visit Alaska but due to pets at home we couldn’t be gone for more than a week. Ashton suggested taking a Lindblad National Geographic trip on the Sea Bird. The small ship has a capacity of 62 guests, but there were only 34 because it was beginning of the season. Ashton’s suggestion was exactly what we wanted (small ship, wildlife viewing, naturalist interaction, etc.). Going in mid-May, the weather was perfect. Working with Ashton and his team member Keri ensured I always had a person to could contact with any question, no matter how mundane. They also helped to coordinate the logistics of air travel, what to pack, and hotel accomodations.

Swimming with sea lions and sea turtles and watching the courting process of the many birds in the Galapagos...
Mary Rae Rogers | May 12, 2023

Ashton’s office was wonderful. In particular, Gretchen answered all of our questions promptly and efficiently. She reassured us in a very kind and friendly manner throughout the planning of the trip. Swimming with sea lions and sea turtles and watching the courting process of the many birds in the Galapagos were probably our favorite experiences. Ashton’s team was able to book our neighbors on the same trip—with a cabin right next to ours. Traveling with good friends somehow increases the enjoyment of the trip. We highly recommend them, and wouldn’t hesitate to work with them again.

Because the Lindblad ship Endurance is one of two premier ships that go to Antarctica, we were able to go further south than any of the other 60-plus ships traveling in the area at the same time
Renee Chelm | January 15, 2023
Antarctica

Antarctica. Photo: Renee and Kerry Chelm

We had an absolutely amazing trip to Antarctica that was planned by Ashton Palmer and Paul Galleno. They suggested the National Geographic Lindblad Explorer, and what a choice that was. They were very responsive to all of our questions in an extremely timely manner. Because the Lindblad ship Endurance is one of two premier ships that go to Antarctica (the other is their sister ship Resolution), we were able to go further south than any of the other 60-plus ships traveling in the area at the same time. Consequently we never saw another ship. We broke thru the ice one night (there was no darkness this time of year) and walked out onto the ice with the captain. The bridge is mostly always open for viewing—it was a totally amazing experience and we thank Ashton for setting us up on the right course from the very beginning! Before we left we received extensive info on the COVID requirements for Argentina and the ship. We felt totally comfortable—all ship members wore masks but guests were not required. They offered insurance.

Elaborated in detail with pros and cons on several options and gave us an excellent recommendation
Rose Inger | January 7, 2023

Our cruise from Ushuaia to Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula planned for us by Ashton Palmer was great, and timing in late November/mid December was perfect. To start planning, we exchanged several phone calls and many e-mails with Ashton and his staff to clarify our wishes. We wanted an expedition cruise not only to Antarctica but also to Falklands and South Georgia. Ashton elaborated in detail with pros and cons on several options and gave us an excellent recommendation. His staff also put us in contact with Exito Travel to reserve our flights from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia and return. In trying to decide on the best option for us because of potential sea sickness, Ashton chose a perfect cabin location (mid-ship and low level) and a perfect ship, Greg Mortimer by Aurora. The ship was specially designed for polar travel (X-bow and ice-strengthened hull) and therefore provided very comfortable sailing. Almost all cabins had a balcony (not very useful in Antarctica) and elegant simple furnishings. Food was excellent, mostly buffet served by friendly cheerful staff wearing masks all the time. All other staff was also wearing masks. Passengers were not obliged to wear masks but majority of them did. The morning before boarding the ship in Ushuaia, Aurora company required and provided (charged) Covid test to all travelers. We understand that 4 people were not allowed to board the ship. When more cases of Covid were identified by the ship doctor during the voyage, they had to isolate in their cabin for 5 days (food was catered to them). Overall we felt safe all the time.

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