naugurated in 2008, National Geographic Explorer is the world’s ultimate expedition ship. The embodiment of the Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic alliance, her design and equipment is the result of almost 200 years of collective expedition experience.
Originally built for service along Norway’s coast as part of the famed Hurtigruten, or Coastal Express, her excellent maneuverability and just-right size made her a natural choice for addition to our fleet. Drawing on our nearly 50 years of pioneering expedition history and expertise, we completely redesigned and rebuilt her. Explorer is uniquely 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 regions we explore. She provides a peerless expedition experience.
National Geographic Explorer meets strict specifications for environmental protection and the on board waste management systems meet the stringent Antarctic operational standards enabling us to travel to the most pristine environments. A host of advanced design features and technology ensures sustainable marine environmental practices.
Explorer accommodates 148 guests in 81 cabins, including 13 cabins with private balconies, six spacious suites and 14 cabins specifically designed for solo travelers. At 367 feet with six decks, she is spacious and modern, with a variety of public rooms that offer startling views of the passing landscape. Friendly and informal, Explorer instantly fosters a welcoming environment where enthused and curious passengers share in exceptional experiences and enrichment.
Her public rooms include a dramatic window-lined library and observation lounge perched at the very top of the ship, plentiful observation decks (including easy access to the bow), and the forward facing chart room, offering a 24-hour beverage station. The spacious lounge is the heart of our expedition community, and is suited for spirited cocktail hours, informative presentations and our nightly tradition of Recap. Our dining room and adjacent bistro easily accommodate all guests at once for open seating dining.
While Explorer’s interiors are certainly elegant, life aboard is always casual, with no need for formal clothing. And you’ll find shipboard services like a state-of-the-art fitness center, laundry and public-area wifi make packing and traveling more convenient.
Our warm and attentive hotel staff will look after your every wish and create a friendly, informal atmosphere aboard. Most have worked for us for years, if not decades, and are a familiar, welcoming sight for returning guests.
Each cabin has an Ethernet jack and cord to connect your laptop. Wireless Internet is available in the observation lounge, library, chart room, bistro and lounge. An Internet café is available near the mudroom, and a very limited number of laptops can be rented from reception for $10 a day. Satellite internet access costs between $.40 and $.75 per minute depending on the number of minutes purchased. A satellite phone is available for phone calls at additional charge, and an Iridium satellite phone is also available for emergency use. Stay in touch with the news back home through a condensed version of The New York Times, printed aboard daily free of charge. Copies are available in the library, the lounge and at reception.
An iMac station is available in the ship’s internet café for sorting and transferring your photos. It’s equipped with a digital media reader and USB outlets. Bring along an external hard drive or USB drive (or several) to store and back up your photos. Use of the photo kiosk is complimentary, on a first-come, first-serve basis.
For an additional charge, our ship’s professional laundry staff will handle personal laundry and pressing. Laundry can be picked up at your cabin and same day service is available. Dry cleaning is not possible on board.
The chart room offers 24-hour beverage service, including coffee, a variety of teas, and sodas. Filtered water and ice stations are located throughout the vessel and reusable water bottles are provided in each cabin.
All accommodations are outside, and most cabins feature oversized picture windows that connect you with the passing views. Double occupancy cabins come in a variety of configurations, including two single beds, two beds that can be converted to a queen-sized bed, and queen-sized beds.
Soothingly decorated in elegant tones, National Geographic Explorer’s spacious cabins offer a large desk, with ample drawer space. All offer a comfortable armchair or sofa for reading. Cabins designed for solo travelers are similar to double occupancy cabins, and feature the same amenities.
Individual climate control is available in every cabin. Reading lamps above the bed allow for a focused beam of light to ensure your neighbor sleeps undisturbed.
Explorer’s balcony cabins feature a “French Balcony” with a large sliding glass door opening to a Juliette Balcony that provides easy access to exceptional views. Her balcony and owner’s suites are radiant spaces with expansive windows or glass sliding doors, and offer a living room-style area appointed with a couch that converts to accommodate a third person.
Each cabin has a flat panel TV with several channels: for movies; for documentaries; and one for displaying the ship’s electronic chart system with the ship’s current position. Other channels allow you to view presentations from the comfort of your cabin, or to follow progress on the crow’s nest camera. A public address system keeps you alerted to the daily activities, including any wildlife sightings such as an early morning whale or dolphin sighting.
Bathrooms are also generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall. They are stocked with environmentally-inspired bath products and shower gel, cotton towels, and cozy white robes. Beds are cossetted in duvets and crisp cotton sheeting.
There is ample room to hang your parkas and plenty of drawers and hooks for the amount of clothing you might need on a longer voyage. In addition, there is abundant under-bed storage space for luggage. The generous desk space can handle camera equipment, your laptop, and peripherals. In addition to a personal safe, hairdryer, and a mini-refrigerator, you’ll find Ethernet jacks are available for in-cabin Internet access.
