Ben Lyons

Ben Lyons has spent his entire life captivated by ships and travel. As a Captain, travel writer and MBA, his unique set of skills allows him to mix his passion for travel and work.

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Bio

After graduating from Groton School in Massachusetts, Ben decided to follow his passion and attended the US Merchant Marine Academy. He served as an officer onboard a variety of vessels ranging from large cruise ships in Hawaii to cable ships installing undersea fiber optic systems.

Cunard Line

In 2003, Ben was asked to join the Cunard Line’s Queen Mary 2 ocean liner, then under construction in France. Consequently, he became the first (and still only) American officer hired in the company’s over 170 year history. Ben served for five years onboard, leaving as the QM2’s Chief Officer.

Travel Writer

An avid traveler to unusual, less developed regions, Ben has also been an active travel writer for over a decade. His articles and reviews appear in a wide range of guidebooks, magazines and newspapers.

After several years specializing in writing about expedition cruising, he traveled to Antarctica in 2007. Immediately, he fell in love with the seventh continent. Soon thereafter, he left Cunard to join Lindblad Expeditions in order to explore more of the world’s wild, polar regions.

Lindblad Expeditions

Ben sailed on National Geographic Endeavour and National Geographic Explorer, first as Chief Officer and later as Captain.

Columbia Business School

Ben’s interest in the business of shipping and expedition travel spurred him to pursue his MBA, which he earned at Columbia Business School in his adopted hometown of New York City.