Lindblad Expeditions has announced it will restart cruise operations for the 2021 season in Alaska and the Galápagos Islands in June.

The line is planning six and eight-day Alaska itineraries on the 100-guest sister ships National Geographic Quest and National Geographic Venture, with the first departures on the 5 and 6 June.

The 96-guest National Geographic Endeavour II will depart for the first Galápagos departure on 4 June.

All guests over the age of 16 will need to show proof of Covid-19 vaccination to travel. In addition, all guests must have two negative tests prior to embarkation.

Lindblad Expeditions’ Sven Lindblad said: “Our internal team has spent the last year examining every single aspect of our operation to be prepared to operate in the new normal.

“Led by our resident medical expert, Dr David Lorber, we have enlisted the assistance of many health and safety experts and met with authorities in the regions we intend to explore to ensure we are welcome and meet or exceed their expectations.

“We will also require that all guests 16 years of age and over be vaccinated prior to travelling on board.”

Lindblad has also appointed Dolf Berle as president and CEO, with Sven Lindblad moving to the position of co-chair of the board.

Berle, who was previously CEO of Topgolf Entertainment Group, said: “I am honoured to have the opportunity to lead such an iconic and vibrant company.

“Lindblad Expeditions has an impressive four-decade track record delivering immersive and authentic experiences and a large, devoted customer base that looks to Lindblad and its brands for the highest-quality expedition and adventure travel experiences, whether by ship, land, or bike.

“The company is well positioned to capitalise on what it does best – inspiring loyal guests to explore and promote both conservation and environmental sustainability around the world.”