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Overview
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 National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions 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 National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions 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.
The Details
A New Look for National Geographic Explorer Suites
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.
81 outside cabins
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.
Dining
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.
Public Spaces
Reception; three dining areas; global gallery; library, OM System Photo Gear 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.
Wellness
A glass-enclosed fitness center, outdoor stretching area, a LEXspa treatment room and sauna, staffed by wellness specialists.
Special Features
A full-time medical professional, undersea specialist, National Geographic Photography Expert, National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions Certified Photo Instructor, and internet café and laundry.
Expedition Tools
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.
Noteworthy Feature
A session in the topside library with a good book, or with the book in your lap, eyes trained on the horizon.
National Geographic Explorer: The Definitive Expedition Ship
The embodiment of the National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions 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.
(12) National Geographic Explorer Itineraries
Europe
Europe & British Isles
New and Noteworthy
Ancient Isles: England, Ireland, and Scotland
Duration
12 days
- May
- Jun
From
$12,245
Prices are per person
Highlights
Europe
Europe & British Isles
New and Noteworthy
Special Offers
Antarctica
Patagonia
Antarctica and Patagonia: Legendary Ice and Epic Fjords
Duration
20 days
- Feb
- Mar
- Nov
- Dec
From
$26,262
Prices are per person
Highlights
Antarctica
Patagonia
Special Offers
Antarctica
Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage 8-Day
Duration
8 days
- Jan
- Nov
- Dec
From
$10,138
Prices are per person
Highlights
Antarctica
Special Offers
Antarctica
Antarctica Direct: Sail and Fly the Drake Passage
Duration
10 days
- Jan
- Nov
- Dec
From
$12,061
Prices are per person
Highlights
Antarctica
Special Offers
Antarctica
Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falklands
Duration
24 days
- Jan
- Feb
- Oct
- Nov
From
$28,304
Prices are per person
Highlights
Antarctica
Special Offers
Arctic
Canada
Iceland
New Arctic Odyssey: Iceland, Greenland, and Canada
Duration
15 days
Aug
From
$18,571
Prices are per person
Highlights
Arctic
Canada
Iceland
Special Offers
Patagonia
Best of Chilean Patagonia: Fjords, Glaciers, and Torres Del Paine
Duration
16 days
- Mar
- Oct
From
$22,218
Prices are per person
Highlights
Patagonia
Special Offers
Europe
Arctic
Iceland
Fire and Ice: An 8-Day Sail Around Iceland
Duration
8 days
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
From
$8,946
Prices are per person
Highlights
Europe
Arctic
Iceland
Special Offers
Patagonia
Patagonia: Chilean Fjords and Argentina's Staten Island
Duration
12 days
- Mar
- Oct
From
$13,588
Prices are per person
Highlights
Patagonia
Special Offers
Canada
New Sailing the St. Lawrence Seaway and Canadian Maritimes
Duration
11 days
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
$12,440
Prices are per person
Highlights
Canada
Special Offers
Arctic
Canada
The Canadian Maritimes and Newfoundland
Duration
10 days
Sep
From
$11,196
Prices are per person
Highlights
Arctic
Canada
Special Offers
Europe
Arctic
Europe & British Isles
Iceland
Wild Iceland Escape
Duration
6 days
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
From
$6,645
Prices are per person
Highlights
Europe
Arctic
Europe & British Isles
Iceland
Special Offers