National Geographic Explorer
Rebuilt from a rugged circa-1982 Norwegian coastal passenger and cargo ship, Lindblad Expedition's _National Geographic Explore_r is an expedition ship outfitted with high-tech equipment (hydrophones, video microscopes, remotely operated vehicles) to study and photograph the surrounding waters. In the spirit of exploration, up to 148 passengers review the results during daily pre-dinner recaps. Itineraries concentrate on the Arctic and Antarctic, and in between seasons, _National Geographic Explore_r can be found in the Mediterranean, Egypt and Africa, Northern Europe, Iceland, Greenland, and South America, specifically Patagonia.
The ship’s eight Category 6 and 7 suites were refurbished in 2023 with a sleek Scandinavian-inspired design, but the rest of the staterooms retain the décor from the 2028 rebuild and a 2016 refresh. National Geographic Explorer also features fewer “luxury” amenities than its newer expedition siblings, National Geographic Endurance and National Geographic Resolution. Notably, there’s no pool or hot tub.
What We Love
The Observation Lounge: Located at the top of the ship, the naturally lighted space offers incredible views and creates a delightful perch for a light lunch, thumbing through library books, or just watching the world go by sheltered from the outside weather.
Photography Sessions: When National Geographic photographers are aboard, they run beginning and intermediate classes that combine learning techniques on board and testing out the new skills ashore.
Best Known For
Expedition Staff: Every cruise has a leader who coordinates a team of six to eight experts in the fields of botany, geology, ornithology, wildlife management, and other fields of study related to the regions explored.