Cruisers who sail with National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions next year may share the deck with a famous name in exploration. The line says mountaineer Peter Hillary will join three of its voyages in 2027, two in Alaska and one in Antarctica.
Hillary is the son of Sir Edmund Hillary. In 1953, Sir Edmund and Tenzing Norgay made the first ascent of Mount Everest. Peter Hillary has built his own long record of adventure since then.
The three voyages with Peter Hillary
Lindblad named three trips that Hillary will join:
- Alaska's Inside Passage and Hubbard Glacier, May 2027. This trip explores Southeast Alaska's quiet coves, misty fjords and temperate rainforest. Guests may see brown bears and bald eagles before reaching Hubbard Glacier.
- Alaska's Inside Passage, Endicott Arm and Prince Rupert, May 2027. This route runs through the glacier-carved coast of Alaska and British Columbia, with fjords, wildlife and coastal communities.
- Antarctica Direct: Sail and Fly the Drake Passage, December 2027. Guests sail across the Drake Passage one way aboard National Geographic Explorer and fly back across it. Time in Antarctica includes Zodiac outings, kayaking and walks ashore, with chances to see whales and icebergs.
The release names the months but not the exact departure dates. It also does not name the ships for the two Alaska trips.
More than a guest lecture
Lindblad says Hillary will do more than give talks. He will host onboard conversations about his life and lessons from the field. He will also dine with guests and join them on outings during the trip.
Hillary has sailed with Lindblad before. "Peter has been a longtime friend of Lindblad, and we are delighted to welcome him back on board," said Natalya Leahy, CEO of Lindblad Expeditions.
Leahy said the line likes to bring in people whose knowledge helps guests see places in a new way. "Peter embodies that beautifully," she said.
Hillary said he looks forward to meeting fellow travelers. "The spirit of discovery is something that has shaped my life, from the mountains of the Himalayas to the polar regions," he said. He added that he wants to hear about guests' own passions for exploration "as we travel together."
Who is Peter Hillary?
Hillary's record is long. According to Lindblad, he has:
- Taken part in more than 50 mountaineering expeditions, including five on Mount Everest.
- Climbed the Seven Summits, the highest peak on each continent.
- Skied to the South Pole.
- Completed a 5,000-kilometer, 10-month high-altitude traverse of the Himalayas.
- Joined an aviation expedition to the North Pole with his father and astronaut Neil Armstrong.
His 2002 Everest climb was featured in the National Geographic documentary Everest: 50 Years on the Mountain. That film marked 50 years since his father's ascent. He has also appeared in other National Geographic films about Everest, Antarctica and polar exploration.
The family story is back in the spotlight this month. Tenzing, a new feature film about Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary, was released in October 2026.
Hillary also leads the Himalayan Trust. The charity provides education, health and environmental services in the Everest region of Nepal. Its programs are built with, and at the request of, local communities.
About National Geographic Explorer
The Antarctica trip sails on National Geographic Explorer. It is a small expedition ship that carries about 148 guests. Small ships like this can reach remote spots and land guests by Zodiac.
Lindblad runs more than 100 itineraries across all seven continents. Its fleet has more than 20 owned and chartered ships. You can see the full fleet on the Lindblad Expeditions page.
What it means for cruisers
Expedition cruises often sell on the experts on board. Naturalists, photographers and scientists are part of the draw. A guest like Peter Hillary adds a personal link to one of the most famous climbs in history.
For travelers weighing Alaska or Antarctica in 2027, these departures offer something extra. Lindblad has not shared pricing for the Hillary sailings. Details are on the line's site at expeditions.com.
Source: National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions press release, October 22, 2026.