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