National Geographic Explorer
National Geographic - Lindblad Expeditions

National Geographic Explorer

National Geographic Explorer is National Geographic – Lindblad Expeditions ’ flagship of discovery – a true expedition classic built for polar exploration and global adventure. With capacity for just 148 guests, she combines rugged capability with refined comfort, offering year-round voyages from Antarctica to the Arctic, via Europe’s wild coasts and the North Atlantic.

Initially built for Hurtigruten and later transformed by Lindblad Expeditions, the NG Explorer features an ice-strengthened hull, advanced navigation systems, and a world-class expedition team of naturalists, historians, undersea specialists, and National Geographic photographers. From kayaking through Antarctic ice to stepping ashore on remote Scottish islands, every voyage is carefully designed to inspire curiosity and a deeper connection with the natural world.

Ship facts

length

112 m / 367 ft

Length

guest-capacity

148

Guests

crew-number

81

Crew

best-time-to-go

1982

Built

award

2008

Refit

award

Bahamas

Registry

Featured Itineraries

Ship features

A polar-ready expedition ship designed for immersive, expert-led exploration in some of the world’s most remote regions.

Overview
Accommodation
Dining
Amenities
Wellness
Entertainment
Families
  • Carries just 148 guests for an intimate, educational atmosphere
  • Ice-strengthened hull for safe polar navigation
  • Fleet of Zodiacs, kayaks and underwater exploration equipment
  • Global itineraries from Antarctica to the Arctic
  • Expert Expedition Team and National Geographic photographers onboard
  • Spacious lounge, bar and observation areas
  • Science Hub with microscopes and interactive exhibits
  • Relaxed open-seating dining with regional cuisine
  • Fitness centre, sauna and wellness treatments
  • Library and lecture theatre for enrichment programmes

Accommodation

Accommodation

National Geographic Explorer offers comfortable, outward-facing staterooms and suites featuring portholes or large windows, writing desks and private bathrooms. Interiors are styled with clean Scandinavian design, combining practicality with understated elegance. Suites include larger living spaces, expanded windows and sitting areas, offering extra comfort for longer voyages.

Dining

Dining

Meals are served in the open-seating Dining Room, where locally inspired cuisine reflects each sailing region. Expect hearty, sustainably sourced dishes prepared by expert chefs. The Bistro Bar offers a relaxed setting for light bites and drinks, complemented by themed dinners and regional tastings that enhance the culinary experience.

Amenities

Amenities

Guests can relax in the panoramic Observation Lounge, visit the Science Hub for interactive learning, or browse the well-stocked Library. Other facilities include a Fitness Centre, Sauna, Wellness Suite, and a Global Gallery boutique offering local crafts and expedition gear.

Wellness

Wellness

The small wellness area offers massage treatments, facials and relaxation therapies. Guests can also enjoy the sauna or unwind with a post-expedition soak in the outdoor hot tub (available on select polar voyages).

Entertainment

Entertainment

Life onboard is focused on enrichment and connection. Evenings feature daily recaps, naturalist presentations, photography workshops and occasional live music, particularly during British Isles and North Atlantic sailings.

Families

Families

Families with older children are welcome, particularly on summer voyages. Lindblad’s expedition staff often run hands-on workshops and activities designed to engage younger explorers in the science and wildlife of each region.

Category 1 - Main Deck
Category 2 - Main Deck
Category 3 - Main Deck
Category Solo B - Upper Deck
Category Solo A - Main Deck
Category 4 - Upper Deck
Category 5 - Upper Deck
Category 6 - Upper Deck
Category 7 - Upper Deck

Category 1 - Main Deck

#301-308 — Cabins feature one or two portholes. Cabins #301, 302, and 307 have two twin beds. Cabins #304-306 feature one queen-sized bed. Cabin #308 features two twin beds that can be converted to a queen. All cabins feature a writing desk, floor-length mirror, reading lamps, well-appointed bathrooms with a roomy glass-wall shower, and a TV.

 

NG-LE NG Explorer Cabin Category 1 Double ©Lindblad Expeditions Douglas Scaletta
NG-LE NG Explorer Cabin Category 1 ©Lindblad Expeditions Douglas Scaletta

Amenities

  • Queen or Twin Configuration
  • Lounge Area
  • Vanity Area
  • Shower
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Desk

Category 7 - Upper Deck

#215, 219, 230. These newly renovated suites each offer a private balcony, convertible queen bed, sofa bed, seating area, desk, mini bar, espresso maker and double closet, plus a spacious bathroom with a glass-walled shower. Guests also receive a welcome amenity, complimentary laundry and priority access to one spa appointment per departure.

  • Queen or Twin Configuration
  • Sofa Bed
  • Lounge Area
  • Vanity Area
  • Shower
  • TV
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Coffee Machine
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Desk
  • Exclusive

Category 6 - Upper Deck

#213 — Newly renovated in May 2023, each spacious suite has a private balcony with glass doors, two single beds that can be converted into a queen, a writing desk, a double closet, armchairs, a TV, a mini bar, and an espresso maker. Bathrooms are generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall. Guests receive a welcome amenity, complimentary laundry, and priority access to one spa appointment per departure.

  • Queen or Twin Configuration
  • Shower
  • TV
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Coffee Machine
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Desk
  • Exclusive
  • Mini Bar (Additional Cost)

Category 5 - Upper Deck

#209, 211, 214, 216, 218, 220-222, 224 — Cabins feature a balcony with sliding glass doors, one queen-sized bed, a writing desk, a floor-length mirror, reading lamps, private bathrooms with a glass-wall shower, and a TV. (Cabin 221 has two single beds that can convert to a queen.)

 

  • Queen or Twin Configuration
  • Lounge Area
  • Vanity Area
  • Shower
  • TV
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Desk

Category 4 - Upper Deck

#201-202, 204-207, 210, 212, 217, 226, 228 — Cabins feature two single beds that can convert into a queen (cabins 217, 226 & 228 have a queen bed only). They have a writing desk, a floor-length mirror, reading lamps, a sitting chair, private bathrooms with a glass-wall shower, and a TV.

 

  • Queen or Twin Configuration
  • Lounge Area
  • Vanity Area
  • Shower
  • TV
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Desk

Category Solo A - Main Deck

#309-312, 329-334 — These cabins feature one single bed and a large window, a writing desk, a reading lamp, a bathroom with a roomy glass-wall shower stall, and a TV.

  • One Single Bed
  • Lounge Area
  • Vanity Area
  • Shower
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Safe
  • Telephone
  • Desk

Category Solo B - Upper Deck

#203, 208 — These cabins feature one single bed and a large window, a writing desk, a reading lamp, a bathroom with a roomy glass-walled shower stall, and a TV.

  • One Single Bed
  • Shower
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Desk

Category 3 - Main Deck

#313-316, 321-328, 337-340, 342, 344-350 — Cabins feature two single beds (can be converted to a queen-sized bed), one large window, a sitting chair, a small table, ample storage, writing desk with chair, floor length mirror, reading lamps, TV, and well-appointed bathrooms with a roomy glass-wall shower.

  • Queen or Twin Configuration
  • Lounge Area
  • TV
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Desk

Category 2 - Main Deck

#317-320, 335-336 — Cabins feature two single beds (some can convert to a queen-sized bed), and one large window. They offer a writing desk, floor-length mirror, reading lamps, a sitting chair, well-appointed bathrooms with a roomy glass-wall shower, and a TV.

 

  • Queen or Twin Configuration
  • Vanity Area
  • Shower
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Desk

Category 1 - Main Deck

#301-308 — Cabins feature one or two portholes. Cabins #301, 302, and 307 have two twin beds. Cabins #304-306 feature one queen-sized bed. Cabin #308 features two twin beds that can be converted to a queen. All cabins feature a writing desk, floor-length mirror, reading lamps, well-appointed bathrooms with a roomy glass-wall shower, and a TV.

 

  • Queen or Twin Configuration
  • Lounge Area
  • Vanity Area
  • Shower
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Desk

Bridge Deck

  • Observation Lounge
  • Library
  • Elevator
  • Bridge

Wellness Deck

  • Fitness Center
  • LEXspa
  • Sauna
  • Elevator

Veranda Deck

  • Sun Deck
  • Lounge
  • Elevator
  • Chart Room
  • Category 4 Cabins
  • Category 6 Suites
  • Category SB Solo Cabins

Upper Deck

  • Gallery
  • Reception
  • Bistro
  • Elevator
  • Restaurant
  • Global Gallery
  • Category 4 Cabins
  • Category 5 Balcony Cabins
  • Category 6 Suites
  • Category 7 Suites
  • Category SB Solo Cabins

Main Deck

  • Elevator
  • Category 1 Cabins
  • Category 2 Cabins with Window
  • Category 3 Cabins with Window
  • Category SA Solo Cabins with Window

B Deck

  • Mud Room
  • Office / Staff
  • Internet Café
  • Doctor’s Office
  • Lockers

Speak to a cruise expert today

Send Message
Request Call Back

Your information will be treated in accordance with our Privacy Policy

Why choose us?

We take pride in our small, boutique set-up, which means you’ll deal with the same, friendly expert from start to finish.

Booking with us unlocks access to exclusive fares across the world’s finest cruise lines. As full ABTA and ATOL members and with a 4.9* Feefo rating, travel with complete peace of mind.

Discover more

FAQs

We know peace of mind matters. Here you’ll find answers to common questions about life onboard this ship.