2022-07-11
2025-01-01
from$ 6990 AUD
Note: Current p/p indicative rate. Final price may change due to currency fluctuations.
Ship
National Geographic SeaBird & SeaLion
National Geographic SeaBird & SeaLion
City
New York to New York
New York to New York
Special Offers
2022-07-11
2025-01-01
Overview
In the seasonal transformation with summer’s longer days only a memory, we are in the Hudson, legendary for music and art, dotted with riverside towns full of history and steeped in maritime legend, often guarded by stoic lighthouses. Rising serenely from the river, the land occasionally borders the great waterway by startingly steep cliffs, as autumn bursts forth in a many-hued transformation. Along our journey, we focus on and learn about the river, valley, critical conservation work, the Hudson’s maritime history, and the essential roles music and art have played in the region. The Hudson, “America’s First River,” has emerged as a place of rebirth, transformation, nature, and of adventure. Our meticulously designed itinerary explores the region, designated as the Hudson Valley Natural Heritage Area and part of the National Estuarine Research Reserve, with remarkable depth, coming to know this river of constant change through specially curated experiences.
Departures
Note: Current p/p indicative rate. Final price may change due to currency fluctuations.
Cruise Itinerary
This evening, we embark National Geographic Sea Lion and sail out of New York Harbor north into the Hudson River. (D)
With the dawn, we awake to the beauty of the Hudson River Valley. The place to be is on deck as we spend the early hours of the day cruising with the river unfolding before us. We cruise slowly by West Point Military Academy before arriving at Constitution Marsh, where we launch kayaks to explore the protected riverside wetland. Watch for birds: belted kingfishers sitting quietly or darting up a slough sounding their rattling call, or hawks like northern harriers quartering over the marshland. Or, simply stop for a moment and relish the stillness of the wetland. The island protecting the marsh was presented to the nation on behalf of early American authors, Anna and Susan Warner, to be forever preserved as a historic and natural landmark. Next, we make the short trip north for a cruise around Bannerman Castle on Pollepel Island. This abandoned military storage facility with a storied history dates back to the early 1900’s. On shore, take in a special musical performance as our first evening on the Hudson fades to night. (B,L,D)
This morning, we call at the village of Catskill. Visit the home of renowned landscape painter Thomas Cole, now a National Historic Landmark Site. Passionate about American wilderness, Cole is recognized as the founder of the Hudson River art movement. Later, as our ship is anchored near the picturesque Hudson-Athens Lighthouse, opt to join a kayak excursion through the waterways of Rogers Island Wildlife Management Area or choose to visit the quiet town of Hudson. (B,L,D)
This morning, we are at Kingston, where the Rondout Lighthouse marks the entrance to the creek with the town a short distance from the river. At Kingston, we learn the story of the sloop Clearwater and the organization, founded in part by legendary American folk musician Pete Seeger and dedicated not only to the care of the vessel, but to many conservation and environmental projects in the area. Conditions permitting, we embark the sloop and sail out of the harbor for a unique experience on the Hudson. Later, we stop by the Hudson River Maritime Museum, featuring exhibits on a variety of subjects, especially focused on the conservation of this great waterway. (B,L,D)
Today, we are off exploring the Hudson in the Esopus area. By kayak and Zodiac, we cruise Esopus Island, now a quiet less-visited mid-river islet. Over the years, this skinny little island—not even a mile long and mere yards wide—has seen its share of intriguing visitors from Native Americans’ gatherings to F. Scott Fitzgerald’s parties. Even the legendary and notorious Aleister Crowley camped for 40 days and nights in solitude on Esopus Island in the summer of 1918 during the waning days of the First World War. Our day of exploration takes us to Esopus Meadows Lighthouse, considered one of the most scenic on the Hudson. Later, meandering slowly along the great riverway, the splendor of the river surrounds us. (B,L,D)
The mountain, called “Butter Hill” in earlier days, later became known as Storm King, encouraged in part by writer Nathaniel Parker Willis, who wrote, “The tallest mountain is ... looked upon as the most sure foreteller of a storm. When the white cloud-beard descends upon his breast in the morning ... there is sure to be a rain-storm before night.” Storm King was a regular subject of Hudson River School painters, as they depicted the natural splendor of the mountain while wrestling with the approaching industrialization and commercialization of the Hudson, a contentious duality to this day. Art is alive on the western flanks of the mountain. The 500-acre Storm King Art Center seeks to bring art, nature and people together in the open air of the sculpture park. Later, we ascend to the higher reaches of the mountain itself to take in the magnificent views back down towards the river and beyond. (B,L,D)
We awake in sight of Bear Mountain Bridge, the morning’s golden hour offering the opportunity to photograph the bridge against the backdrop of the Hudson fall. If conditions look good, we set out for a morning kayak exploration where Popolopen Creek meets the Hudson at Fort Montgomery. On our way south, we pass Iona Island, part of the Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve. Soon, we arrive at Sleepy Hollow. “A drowsy, dreamy influence seems to hang over the land, and to pervade the very atmosphere,” wrote Washington Irving about the town. We disembark and hear a re-telling of Irving’s tale before a walk along the 13 Bridges Trail. In the late afternoon we stop at the Sleepy Hollow cemetery as the sun sets on our Hudson River adventure. (B,L,D)
This morning we disembark in New York Harbor to begin our homeward journeys. (B)
Itineraries are subject to change.
National Geographic SeaBird & SeaLion
Vessel Type: Comfortable Expedition Length: 52 metres Passenger Capacity: 62 (in twin cabins) Built: 1982 / Refurbished 2015 Twin Expedition ships, National Geographic Sea Bird & Sea Lion, can reach places inaccessible to larger ships due to their small size, yet each can comfortably accommodate 62 guests. The feeling, is often compared to that of a large private yacht, with everyone integral to the adventure. Accessibility means freedom. Our captains have decades of sailing experience in the regions we explore. They know when and where to navigate so that you feel the places we visit are all ours. Full interior renovations have been completed on these twin 62-guest ships, National Geographic Sea Lion and National Geographic Sea Bird. The extensive renovation to guest cabins, the lounge and bar, dining room, public areas and spa has transformed the ships to provide the ultimate in expedition hospitality and comfort. Nothing has been left untouched, from the sleekly framed wall photos, to the fresh paint, and new carpets throughout the ships. - The lounge and bar have been completely redesigned and reconfigured to provide an open, enhanced environment with additional seating and better flow. The modern design features new tables and chairs, upholstery of settees, overhead ceiling panels, and LED dimmable lighting. The lounge also hosts a new food & beverage area, library, and Global Market. - The dining room’s upgrade features all new tables, chairs, ceiling panels, and LED dimmable lighting. The wine bar has been replaced and features a display showcasing selections from the regions explored. - Every cabin has been completely redone and all furnishings have been replaced. Modern aged cherry bed boxes, faux leather headboards, Lindblad signature bed linens, new windows, lighting, and additional USB outlets provide a dramatic makeover for a relaxing guest experience. Bathrooms now feature new shower doors and all new hardware. - Exterior renovations include new deck furniture and outdoor awning.
Highlights
• Experience the magic of autumn’s transitional beauty • Encounter fall wildlife while kayaking Constitution Marsh and Rogers Island Wildlife Management Area • Visit Storm King Mountain Art Center • Photograph the many iconic lighthouses and bridges along our journey • Visit Sleepy Hollow and hear Washington Irving’s ageless tale re-told.
Map
