Travel with a mountaineering legend: Peter Hillary joins National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions voyages in 2027

Guests sailing to Alaska and Antarctica in 2027 will have the opportunity to share their expedition with Peter Hillary, the renowned mountaineer, explorer and son of Everest pioneer Sir Edmund Hillary.

There are expedition cruises, and then there are journeys with someone who has spent a lifetime exploring some of the world’s most challenging and remote environments.

National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions is offering just that in 2027, with the announcement that mountaineer and philanthropist Peter Hillary will join three selected voyages to Alaska and Antarctica in May and December.

The son of Sir Edmund Hillary, who made history alongside Tenzing Norgay as the first climbers to reach the summit of Mount Everest in 1953, Peter has built an impressive exploration career in his own right.

Rather than simply delivering a series of formal lectures, Hillary will become part of the expedition experience. Guests can expect informal conversations, shared meals and opportunities to explore alongside him, with the chance to hear first-hand accounts of a life spent pushing the boundaries of adventure.

A lifetime spent exploring

Peter Hillary’s credentials extend well beyond his famous family name. He has taken part in more than 50 mountaineering expeditions, including five attempts on Mount Everest, completed the Seven Summits challenge and skied to the South Pole.

His adventures have included a remarkable 5,000-kilometre, ten-month high-altitude journey across the Himalayas, as well as an aviation expedition to the North Pole with his father and Apollo 11 astronaut Neil Armstrong.

His own 2002 Everest expedition featured in the National Geographic documentary Everest: 50 Years on the Mountain, marking the anniversary of his father’s historic ascent. He has also appeared in documentaries exploring Everest, Antarctica and the polar regions.

Now, guests will have the opportunity to hear some of those stories while exploring two of the world’s most spectacular wilderness destinations.

Where can you travel with Peter Hillary?

Hillary will join three selected National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions departures in 2027.

Alaska’s Inside Passage and Hubbard Glacier - May 2027

This voyage explores Southeast Alaska’s dramatic coastal scenery, from secluded coves and mist-covered fjords to lush temperate rainforest. Wildlife encounters may include brown bears and bald eagles, with the journey also taking in the immense Hubbard Glacier.

Alaska’s Inside Passage, Endicott Arm and Prince Rupert - May 2027

Combining the wilderness of Alaska with the coastal landscapes of British Columbia, this itinerary explores glacier-carved fjords, wildlife-rich waters and communities with strong cultural connections to their natural surroundings.

Antarctica Direct: Sail and Fly the Drake Passage - December 2027

For those heading to the White Continent, this expedition offers a different way to experience the notorious Drake Passage. Travelling aboard National Geographic Explorer, guests will sail one way and fly back across the passage.

Once in Antarctica, the expedition explores spectacular channels and sheltered coves framed by towering peaks, with opportunities to encounter whales, navigate among icebergs and venture ashore. Exploration activities include Zodiac excursions, kayaking and walking.

More than a mountaineering legacy

Peter Hillary’s connection with exploration is also rooted in his family’s longstanding commitment to the people of Nepal.

He is chairperson of the Himalayan Trust, the charitable organisation established by his father, which supports education, healthcare and environmental initiatives in the Mount Everest region. Its programmes are developed in partnership with local communities.

The Hillary family legacy is also set to reach a new generation through Tenzing, a feature film scheduled for release in October 2026, telling the story of Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary’s historic Everest achievement.

For Lindblad Expeditions, Peter’s involvement continues a longstanding relationship with the Hillary family and reflects the company’s emphasis on bringing knowledgeable and influential voices into its expedition experiences.

Lindblad Expeditions CEO Natalya Leahy said: “Peter has been a longtime friend of Lindblad, and we are delighted to welcome him back on board.”

She added that his experience and the Hillary family’s exploration legacy would bring an additional dimension to the voyages.

Hillary is equally enthusiastic about returning to the expedition environment.

“The spirit of discovery is something that has shaped my life, from the mountains of the Himalayas to the polar regions,” he said. “I look forward to sharing some of those experiences with guests and hearing about their own connections to, and passions for, exploration as we travel together.”

What to expect on a National Geographic-Lindblad expedition cruise

Forget the traditional cruise experience of fixed entertainment schedules, Broadway-style shows and days spent moving between swimming pools and sun loungers. National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions takes a very different approach, with the destination firmly at the centre of the experience.

These are small-ship expedition voyages designed to get guests closer to the natural world. Days are shaped by wildlife sightings, weather and opportunities to explore, rather than a rigid shore excursion timetable.

Expect a highly experienced expedition team, including naturalists, scientists, historians and specialist guides, who bring the destinations to life through onboard talks, presentations and guided exploration.

In Alaska, that might mean heading out by Zodiac to explore secluded coves, watching for bears and whales, or getting close to spectacular glaciers. In Antarctica, daily adventures could include Zodiac landings, kayaking among icebergs, wildlife watching and guided walks ashore.

National Geographic photographers and photography instructors also help guests capture the experience, with opportunities to learn new skills along the way.

What's included in the fare?

Lindblad's expedition fares are designed to cover much of the experience, although individual inclusions vary by ship and itinerary.

Typically included are:

Accommodation: Your cabin aboard the expedition ship, plus any hotels specified in the itinerary.
Dining: All meals as outlined in the itinerary, alongside snacks, afternoon refreshments and 24-hour access to coffee, tea and non-alcoholic drinks.
Alcoholic drinks: Beer, wine, cocktails and spirits are included aboard the National Geographic Explorer, although premium brands may incur an additional charge.
Excursions and activities: Guided shore excursions, Zodiac outings and access to equipment such as kayaks and other exploration gear, where available.
Expert guidance: The services of the expedition team, onboard naturalists and specialist guest speakers.
Photography: Access to photography instruction and assistance from National Geographic-Lindblad photography specialists.
Wi-Fi: Basic Wi-Fi is included, with enhanced packages available at additional cost.
Other benefits: Port taxes, park entrance fees, special permits and a reusable water bottle. Crew gratuities are also included aboard National Geographic Explorer.

What isn't included?

International flights are generally extra unless specifically included in a package. Other potential additional costs include:

Travel insurance and visa fees.
Pre- and post-cruise hotel stays or extensions not specified in the itinerary.
Private transfers.
Laundry and spa treatments.
Premium alcoholic drinks and upgraded Wi-Fi packages.
Optional specialist activities not included in the expedition programme.

The important distinction: These are expedition cruises rather than conventional luxury cruises. The emphasis is on access, education, expert knowledge and immersive experiences, with a more informal onboard atmosphere.

The Lowdown

For travellers who value expert insight as much as the destination itself, having Peter Hillary on board is a considerable draw. Seeing Alaska’s glaciers or Antarctica’s extraordinary landscapes is memorable enough, but hearing about polar exploration and mountaineering from someone who has experienced both at the highest level adds another dimension.

These are not simply opportunities to hear a famous explorer speak. The promise of sharing the everyday expedition experience, from meals to informal conversations and excursions, could make these particularly appealing voyages for anyone with a passion for adventure.

Find out more: National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions’ Alaska and Antarctica voyages are available at expeditions.co.uk.

Find more about Luxury and Expedition cruising.

Peter Hillary Joins National Geographic Expeditions in 2027