Update: On August 24, 2022, the decision was made to postpone this cruise. No reason was provided for this development.
World of Hyatt and Lindblad Expeditions have a partnership, offering World of Hyatt members the ability to earn & redeem points, and take advantage of select benefits, when booking Lindblad Expeditions cruise journeys.
For the first time since this collaboration launched, a special short cruise will be offered just for World of Hyatt members. This won’t be for everyone, but I’m sure some will be interested.
In this post:
Lindblad Expeditions’ World of Hyatt cruise
On November 5-7, 2022, Lindblad Expeditions will be offering a special two night cruise to Channel Islands National Park. This is available exclusively for World of Hyatt members, and is bookable with cash or points.
This special cruise will be on the National Geographic Venture, which can accommodate up to 100 guests in 50 staterooms. For those not familiar, Channel Islands National Park comprises five islands off the Southern California coast, and they look pretty spectacular.
Here’s the rough itinerary for the two night cruise:
- Day 1: Depart Los Angeles in the early evening, and take the afternoon to familiarize yourself with the ship, stow your stuff, and take in the sights from the ship’s deck
- Day 2: Start the morning with a stretch class before breakfast, go kayaking, hike on one of many trails, or relax ashore; end the day with a sunset cocktail party
- Day 3: Arrive in Los Angeles, and enjoy a final breakfast onboard before disembarking
Note that COVID-19 vaccination is required to take the cruise (including booster shot, depending on the timeline), and a rapid antigen test will be performed prior to boarding.
How expensive is this World of Hyatt cruise?
How expensive is this special Lindblad Expeditions cruise for World of Hyatt members?
- If paying cash, you can expect to pay $1,560 to $2,580 per adult depending on the room, based on double occupancy
- If redeeming World of Hyatt points, you can expect to pay 97,500 to 161,250 points depending on the room, based on double occupancy
As you can see, you’re getting roughly 1.6 cents per World of Hyatt points, which is pretty good on the surface. However, keep in mind that if you pay cash, you’ll earn the same number of points you’d earn as if you stayed at a Hyatt — that’s 5x World of Hyatt points, plus any elite bonuses (Globalist members get a 30% bonus).
Regardless of whether you pay cash or redeem points, you’ll also earn elite qualifying nights for the cruise. Unfortunately the $250 onboard credit you’d typically receive doesn’t apply for this journey.
Bottom line
Lindblad Expeditions has a special two night cruise exclusively for World of Hyatt members. This won’t be for everyone, but it’s a unique way to experience Lindblad Expeditions while visiting the Channels Islands.
I absolutely want to take a Lindblad Expeditions cruise at some point, ideally to Antarctica, and preferably on one of the company’s newer ships. As intrigued as I am by the Channel Islands, I’ll probably give this a pass, especially with a newborn.
I sure would love to be a fly on the wall on this cruise, though. Since this is a World of Hyatt exclusive cruise, I feel like there should be some drinking game that involves how often Alila Ventana Big Sur and Park Hyatt Vendome are brought up, no? 😉
Anyone considering taking this Lindblad Expeditions World of Hyatt cruise?
I did the 1 day cruise in 2019, and had a really good time. I only paid 15k points for a balcony room though…
Ripoff.
My wife and I would have totally loved to do this cruise, but because they require a Covid shot, no way.
We’ll stick to using our Hyatt points for Big Sur and Miraval.
Ditto. I would have booked had they not had the vax req't.
"As intrigued as I am by the Channel Islands, I’ll probably give this a pass, especially with a newborn". I can see a major lifestyle change here. No more I-got-availability-on-Emirates-so-I-just-went moments.
Congratulations on the new child. This will be a new kind of adventure that won't depend on first class and/or suite upgrade availability.
I’ll guess that after Ben gets used to having a baby, he’ll travel plenty. Different destinations, but plenty of travel.
Looking down the road, it’s when his son enters school that the travel game completely changes. It’s a big adjustment only being able to travel during school holidays.
I say this as my youngest has two years of high school left. Soon, I’m traveling whenever I want!
It actually does work to keep the vast majority of people out of the hospital and from getting seriously ill. Being a cruise, that is of particular import.
Agree w/ Samuel.
The Channel Islands are amazing! While this cruise looks like an incredible experience, for those on a budget, you can take a day trip from Ventura (about an hour boat ride each way) for $63 on Island Packers.