Gilly Bachelor has achieved National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions’ expert status after completing the official training programme with a perfect score of 100%, marking an exciting next step in the continued growth of our travel expertise!

This new qualification strengthens our expanded offering in expedition cruising and gives clients even greater confidence when booking once-in-a-lifetime journeys to some of the most extraordinary places on Earth. From Antarctica and the Arctic to the Galapagos Islands and other remote destinations, even the British Isles.

Expedition cruises are very different from traditional ocean voyages, and expert advice matters more than ever.

On the 19th April, Gilly will step even further into the expedition world as she swaps evening dresses and high heels for wellies ahead of joining an expedition sailing from Edinburgh to Dublin on board National Geographic’s Endurance. It is a fitting image of what expedition cruising is all about: less formal glamour, more discovery, exploration and unforgettable experiences in the natural world.

You can click here to watch an in-depth walkthrough of National Geographic Endurance and get a sneak peek at where Gilly will be staying. 

National Geographic Endurance expedition ship
Expanding our Expertise in Expedition Cruising

At Gilly Bachelor Travel Expert, we have always believed that great advice comes from real knowledge, personal experience and an understanding that no two travellers are the same.

Gilly’s new National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions expert status reflects that commitment. It represents specialist training in one of the most respected names in expedition travel and strengthens our ability to guide clients looking for immersive, destination-led cruise experiences.

Expedition cruising is one of the fastest-growing and most exciting areas of the cruise market, but it is also one of the most specialist.

Choosing the right ship, the right destination, the right season and the right style of experience can make all the difference. That is why working with a knowledgeable cruise expert is so important.

Why National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions Matter

The collaboration between National Geographic and Lindblad Expeditions is one of the most recognised names in expedition travel, known for combining exploration with education, science and storytelling.

These voyages are built for travellers who want more than sightseeing. They are designed to deepen understanding of the places visited and create genuine connection with the natural world. That is why specialist knowledge matters so much when helping clients choose whether this style of travel is right for them.

For us, this latest training is not just another certificate. It is part of our wider commitment to staying at the forefront of cruise knowledge so we can offer clients informed, up-to-date advice across ocean, river and expedition cruising.

Cruise Expertise Built Over Time

Alongside this latest achievement, Gilly has held Cruise Master status within the CLIA Cruise Learning Academy for more than three years, reinforcing her position as a trusted cruise expert.

Her cruise experience spans many of the world’s leading cruise lines, including Silversea, Regent, Seabourn, P&O Cruises, Celebrity, Oceania and Princess, as well as river cruise brands such as Avalon and Riviera Travel. She has also experienced expedition cruising first-hand, bringing a practical understanding of how it compares with both ocean and river voyages.

This breadth of knowledge matters because clients don’t need generic advice. They need the right advice for the kind of holiday they actually want.

Some travellers are looking for five-star ocean luxury. Others want a scenic river journey. Others are searching for a more adventurous expedition cruise to remote destinations. Our role is to listen carefully and match each client with the right cruise, not simply the most obvious one.

Why Book Expeditions with Us?

Booking your expedition cruise with us means more than simply reserving a cabin.

At Gilly Bachelor Travel Expert, you benefit from independent advice, personal service and specialist cruise knowledge tailored to you. We work with all major cruise lines, which means we can look across the market to find the right fit for your travel style, budget and preferred experience, while remaining completely focused on what is best for you.

Whether you are planning your first expedition cruise, comparing Antarctica, Arctic or Galapagos itineraries, or weighing up expedition travel against ocean or river cruising, we take the time to understand what you are looking for and guide you with honest, expert advice.

Our clients value the reassurance of direct, relationship-led service and the confidence that comes from speaking to someone who genuinely knows the industry and cares about getting every detail right.

With our growing expedition expertise, including Gilly’s National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions Expert status, we are here to help you book with confidence and discover extraordinary journeys through knowledgeable, personal support from start to finish.

If you’re ready to start planning your expedition cruise, book a free cruise planning meeting with us, give us a call on 01902 288104, or send us a message and we will help you explore the right destinations, ships and itineraries for your next adventure.

National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions Patagonia, Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica Odyssey voyage
Exploring Peru: Machu Picchu and the Amazon
National Geographic Explorer expedition ship
National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions Scotland’s Wild Isles expedition voyage
National Geographic Endurance expedition ship
Svalbard, Iceland and Greenland’s East Coast