7 Things to Know About National Geographic Explorer

Lindblad Expeditions operates three expedition ships in Antarctica, including two sister ships each launched less than three years ago. The third ship, National Geographic Explorer, was built in 1982 as a ferry/cargo hybrid for Hurtigruten Group. Lindblad purchased the ship in 2007 and refurbished it for expedition cruising. It’s larger than its Antarctic fleet mates – 148 vs 138 – and is the only one of the three ships that offers fly/sail and fly/fly itineraries (starting in late 2024).

(When it’s not in Antarctica, National Geographic Explorer sails itineraries around the globe including in Europe, the Arctic, South America, and beyond.)

Senior editor Dori Saltzman recently spent 10 days onboard National Geographic Explorer in Antarctica in late 2023. Here are seven things you should know about the ship when booking clients onboard.

2023 refurbishment
National Geographic Explorer was most recently refurbished in 2023, but the focus of the refurb was on the ship’s eight suites, which were all redesigned to match the “sleek Scandinavian design” that the line has embraced on its newest ships.

Enhancements in these room include an in-room espresso maker, multiple USB ports, and universal electric outlets.

Rooms not touched during the refurb do not have the same design aesthetic but are perfectly comfortable. They have USB plugs (by the desk and on one side of the bed only), universal electric outlets, and plenty of storage, including hooks for hanging heavy jackets.

Balconies & Solos
Clients looking for a room with a balcony will have to act fast to snag one of Explorer’s 12 balcony staterooms.  Four of these are suites, and all book up quickly. Non-suite balcony cabins have Queen beds that cannot be split into two twin beds. 

National Geographic Explorer also offers 14 single cabins, designed – and priced – for solo travelers. Ten are located on the Main Deck (one above the bottom deck), two are one deck up from, and two more yet another deck up. All feature one single bed and a large window.

Open bridge
Like all of Lindblad’s ships, National Geographic Explorer maintains an open-bridge policy and some guests spend much of their time onboard in the bridge looking for wildlife or chatting with the bridge officers.

Water, hot drinks, cookies & chocolate
Your clients will never want for cold water, hot drinks, and a quick sugar fix onboard National Geographic Explorer.

On every deck with cabins, cruisers will find a cold-water dispenser for filling up water bottles, while the Chart Room has a DIY coffee maker with a variety of coffees available. There are also several varieties of tea bags and packets of hot chocolate, along with a jar of cookies. (The bar around the corner from reception also has jars of cookies available most of the day.)

And, every night, room attendants place a small chocolate on pillows.  

Elevator access
Unlike many older expedition ships, National Geographic Explorer has an elevator that goes between all passenger decks (except the top outer deck). This is great for any clients who have difficulty navigating stairs, as they can get to just about any area of the ship they want to.

(Because the elevator is at the front of the ship, clients will have to pass through some of the outer decks to get to some areas from the elevator, such as the main lounge.)

Fewer modern amenities
Because its older than National Geographic Endurance and National Geographic Resolution, Explorer is missing some of the amenities the newer ships have. While all cabins on the ship have outdoor views, eight of the 81 cabins only have porthole views.

The ship also has no hot tub or pool, and doesn’t offer the igloo-style outdoor tent experience found on Endurance and Resolution.

The ship does have a sauna and a steam room, as well as a small fitness center.

Best views
There are several spots onboard National Geographic Explorer with fantastic views. Outside, the best spots are at the front of the ship, particularly on the Bridge and Wellness decks. (It can be quite windy here. Let your clients know to bundle up if they’re cruising someplace cold.)

Inside, tell your clients to check out either the Chart Room or the Observation Lounge/Library. Located at the front of the ship, the Chart Room has large front-facing windows and quick access to the bow. The Observation Lounge is located mid-ship and has nearly floor-to-ceiling windows along either side. Chairs and tables line each side of the Observation Lounge, while the library is lined along one side with comfy armchairs angled to face outwards.