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As each week moves us closer to envisioning the appearance and scope of physical changes to the ship, we’re also working to build a first class team of personnel onboard to make the operation match the service we provide on the rest of our fleet. The personnel that make up an expedition ship operation include a wide range of positions from the obvious such as Captains and Expedition Leaders to Wellness and Undersea Specialists.

We are excited to announce two key individuals that will be heavily involved in the success of the National Geographic Explorer. A critical role in the service we provide onboard is that of Hotel Manager. We are delighted to announce that Patrik Svärdmyr and Henrik Ahlberg will be leading our Hotel team onboard the National Geographic Explorer.

Many of you have had the great pleasure of traveling with Patrik on board the National Geographic Endeavour, and perhaps on the Polaris (now the National Geographic Polaris) before that! Patrik’s career with Lindblad Expeditions started in 1989 on the Polaris as Sous Chef, becoming Head Chef in 1992 and Hotel Manager in 1994. Patrik transitioned to what was then the Caledonian Star in 1997, and has since led the incredible hotel team on the National Geographic Endeavour to engender an overwhelming show of loyalty from our guests. Since the beginning of October 2007, Patrik has been immersed in the Lyngen-refit project; coordinating hotel operations for crew during the positioning to Gothenburg and subsequent demolition work, as well as collaborating with LEX personnel and the designers in planning the layout and hotel operations of the ship.

In 1994, Henrik Ahlberg also began his career with LEX as a Chef on the Polaris, later transitioning to the Swedish Islander, then ultimately to the Caledonian Star in 1996. In 2004, Henrik left the Endeavour to become the Hotel and Restaurant Manager for a new property in Gotland: The Gumbalde Golf and Country Club, which he opened and managed with his wife, Camilla for two years. (During this time, Henrik also hosted cooking shows on national television and radio!). Most recently, Henrik had returned to the sea as the Executive Chef for the Wallenius shipping line.

Both Patrik and Henrik bring exceptional understanding and depth to operating a ‘floating hotel’ in remote destinations, and particularly the challenges to executing a successful food and beverage program. Their culinary background, start-up experience, and shipboard background are invaluable assets for the launch of the National Geographic Explorer. But most importantly, these two individuals will provide exceptional leadership to the hotel department, while ensuring the highest level of graciousness and care to our guests.

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