Originally constructed for service along Norway’s coast as part of the famed Hurtigruten, or Coastal Express, she ferried passengers among the fjords of this iconic coast in conditions that could deteriorate into heavy seas in a matter of minutes. She had to be able to handle deep swells and towering waves—and have a high degree of maneuverability. Those traits, and an ideal size, made her a natural choice for addition to the Lindblad fleet.
The plans to completely rebuild her drew on 50 years of pioneering expedition history and expertise. National Geographic Explorer was equipped with an ice-strengthened hull and advanced navigation equipment for polar expeditions; a roster of tools for exploration; and a well-appointed interior with vast expanses of glass for an unprecedented connection to the environment. Her interior and exterior design embodied the Lindblad expedition ethos—the privilege of wildness and the luxury of comfort.
For many guests she remains their paradigm of an expedition ship. She is devoted to exploration—from her Welcoming Bridge, and the Chart Room below it where you can tuck in to warm up with a hot chocolate, to her high-perched Observation deck with its aqueous light and compelling 24/7 views. Even the art on the walls—from the Hurley prints of Shackleton’s expedition to the stunning National Geographic photos— tells an uber-narrative of globe-spanning travel and a dedication to curiosity and wonder.
National Geographic Explorer recently debuted updated suites, enhanced with the sleek, Scandinavian design that has become the hallmark of our polar fleet. Each of these elegant cabins now holds a Command Center, which allows guests to continue to explore from the comfort of their suites with a set of tools that includes a barometer, a National Geographic Atlas, a television that broadcasts entertainment and ship navigation, a coffee maker, and multiple USB and universal electric ports for cameras and other devices.
All feature windows or portholes, private facilities, climate controls, hair dryers, and TV, plus Ethernet, Wi-Fi connections, and USB ports for mobile devices. Some cabins have balconies. Single cabins in Category SA and Category SB are located on the main deck and upper deck.
Meals are served in the dining room, Bistro bar, or the Observation lounge, at a single seating with unassigned tables for an informal atmosphere and easy mingling. Menus feature sustainable choices, local where possible.
Reception; three dining areas; global gallery; library, B&H Photo locker; 24-hour Bistro area beverage bar; lounge with bar and state-of-the-art presentation facilities; observation lounge; mudroom with lockers for expedition gear; plus open access to the Bridge, the Captain, officers and on-duty wildlife spotters.
A glass-enclosed fitness center, outdoor stretching area, a LEXspa treatment room and sauna, staffed by wellness specialists.
A full-time medical professional, undersea specialist, National Geographic photographer, Lindblad-National Geographic certified photo instructor, and internet café and laundry.
Zodiac landing craft, a fleet of double kayaks, a crow’s nest camera, a hydrophone, underwater video cameras, video microscope, and an ROV. Plus, for South Pacific voyages: snorkeling gear for all guests, scuba gear for a number of pre-qualified guests, stand-up paddleboards, glass-bottom Zodiac, and splash-cam.
A session in the topside library with a good book, or with the book in your lap, eyes trained on the horizon.
The embodiment of the Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic alliance, National Geographic Explorer’s design is the result of almost 200 years of collective expedition experience. Find out why so many of our guests and our staff have a soft spot for this tried-and-true expedition ship.
NOTE: For expeditions departing April 2024 onward, Day 1 of our itineraries will no longer reflect “departure from the U.S.” and will reflect “arrival to the city” where your expedition begins. Durations of expeditions will remain unchanged. More details.
Arctic
Europe & British Isles
Iceland
Duration
NOTE: For expeditions departing April 2024 onward, Day 1 of our itineraries will no longer reflect “departure from the U.S.” and will reflect “arrival to the city” where your expedition begins. Durations of expeditions will remain unchanged.
From
$11,172
Prices are per person
Arctic
Europe & British Isles
Iceland
Special Offers
Europe & British Isles
New and Noteworthy
Duration
NOTE: For expeditions departing April 2024 onward, Day 1 of our itineraries will no longer reflect “departure from the U.S.” and will reflect “arrival to the city” where your expedition begins. Durations of expeditions will remain unchanged.
From
$11,887
Prices are per person
Europe & British Isles
New and Noteworthy
Special Offers
Antarctica
Patagonia
Duration
NOTE: For expeditions departing April 2024 onward, Day 1 of our itineraries will no longer reflect “departure from the U.S.” and will reflect “arrival to the city” where your expedition begins. Durations of expeditions will remain unchanged.
From
$22,711
Prices are per person
Antarctica
Patagonia
Special Offers
Antarctica
Duration
NOTE: For expeditions departing April 2024 onward, Day 1 of our itineraries will no longer reflect “departure from the U.S.” and will reflect “arrival to the city” where your expedition begins. Durations of expeditions will remain unchanged.
From
$28,020
Prices are per person
Antarctica
Special Offers
Europe & British Isles
New and Noteworthy
Duration
From
$22,020
Prices are per person
Europe & British Isles
New and Noteworthy
Special Offers
Patagonia
Duration
NOTE: For expeditions departing April 2024 onward, Day 1 of our itineraries will no longer reflect “departure from the U.S.” and will reflect “arrival to the city” where your expedition begins. Durations of expeditions will remain unchanged.
From
$22,080
Prices are per person
Patagonia
Special Offers
Atlantic Isles
New and Noteworthy
Duration
From
$22,850
Prices are per person
Atlantic Isles
New and Noteworthy
Special Offers
Europe & British Isles
New and Noteworthy
Duration
From
$13,080
Prices are per person
Europe & British Isles
New and Noteworthy
Special Offers
Europe & British Isles
Africa
New and Noteworthy
Duration
From
$10,260
Prices are per person
Europe & British Isles
Africa
New and Noteworthy
Special Offers
Africa
New and Noteworthy
Duration
From
$21,156
Prices are per person
Africa
New and Noteworthy
Special Offers
Arctic
Canada
Greenland
Duration
NOTE: For expeditions departing April 2024 onward, Day 1 of our itineraries will no longer reflect “departure from the U.S.” and will reflect “arrival to the city” where your expedition begins. Durations of expeditions will remain unchanged.
From
$18,969
Prices are per person
Arctic
Canada
Greenland
Special Offers
Antarctica
Duration
NOTE: For expeditions departing April 2024 onward, Day 1 of our itineraries will no longer reflect “departure from the U.S.” and will reflect “arrival to the city” where your expedition begins. Durations of expeditions will remain unchanged.
From
$15,840
Prices are per person
Antarctica
Special Offers
