Set against the kind of backdrop only one of the world’s greatest cities can offer, Lindblad Expeditions’ National Geographic Endurance (shortened to NG Endurance) made an eye-catching sight docked at Thames Millennium Pier, just 500 metres or so from London’s iconic Tower Bridge. The 138-guest, expedition-ready vessel was in the capital for two days before heading to dry dock for maintenance following its season in Antarctica. I was fortunate to be invited onboard to get a taste of the Lindblad experience – a rare opportunity indeed, and one that I was looking forward to.
NG Endurance facing Tower Bridge.
We’d be sailing under the bridge in just a few hours, but before departure, there was time to explore what NG Endurance has to offer on a tour led by Clara Fuquen, a member of the Expedition Team and part of the ship’s dive unit. Clara has an impressive background, having served in the Colombian Navy and holding a master’s degree in Maritime Archaeology – a reflection of the high calibre of experts who accompany guests on every Lindblad voyage.
Exploring Base Camp
We began at Base Camp – the ship’s mudroom and the launching point for Zodiac adventures and shore landings. It’s where you pull on your boots, wrap up warm, and prepare to step into the wild. The word mudroom doesn’t exactly conjure luxurious images, so I was pleasantly surprised by how refined the space was. More reminiscent of a high-end spa’s changing rooms, it’s spacious, warm, and thoughtfully designed for both comfort and practicality.
Passing through Base Camp leads to the garage, home to the ship’s fleet of Zodiacs and kayaks. Defying any logistical assumptions I had, NG Endurance can have every guest deployed in a Zodiac within just 15 minutes. It’s very impressive. Even better, there’s a kayak for every guest – no queues, no waiting. With fewer guests than many other expedition vessels, everyone can disembark simultaneously – no staggered groups, no waiting on board while others return.
Onboard Accommodation
On Decks 6 and 7, we explored some of the ship’s accommodation—and this is where things got really interesting. The suites and staterooms are genuinely impressive. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but the interiors lean more towards understated luxury than the sparser layouts you might find on traditional expedition ships. Every cabin offers outside views, either through a balcony or a large window, and comes with an ensuite bathroom and plenty of charging points (don’t make the same mistake I did – bring an adaptor! A true rookie error from someone who’s worked in travel for 20 years…)
The furnishings are soft, there’s plenty of storage space, and more than a few thoughtful details enhance the experience – you’ll find bay windows in select outside categories, while those with private balconies come complete with a hammock should you wish to take things up a notch when crossing the Drake Passage*.
*Fairly sure this is not an option for safety reasons.
For my overnight stay, I was allocated SB Solo Suite (room 611) on Deck 6. Sometimes, solo travellers get the short end of the stick when it comes to ship accommodation, but not here. There was more than enough room to relax, and the bathroom wasn’t downsized compared to the twin cabins. It made for a pleasant stay, and the supremely comfortable bed proved the perfect remedy after a busy day.
Behind The Scenes
Elsewhere, we toured the Bridge – though we were told in no uncertain terms not to touch anything. Not wanting to trigger an international incident, I kept my hands off the controls (I have no idea how they manoeuvre the ship with something akin to a joystick you’d find on an old Atari). The Bridge is open to guests for much of the expedition, offering a rare chance to chat with the crew and feel involved in the navigation process. It’s a great example of the open, inclusive atmosphere that defines the Lindblad experience.
The Bridge (don’t touch anything!)
Another great example is the ship’s announcement system. If the captain or crew spot something of interest, they’ll make a ship-wide broadcast to let guests know where to head for the best view. These alerts are 24/7 – whether it’s breaching whales, the northern lights, or a polar bear on the ice, you’ll hear about it, even if it’s 3am. And trust me, you won’t sleep through it – the announcements are loud enough to wake even the deepest sleeper.
Around the Ship
The Ice Lounge
The Ice Lounge is the ship’s hub, where the Expedition Team hosts daily briefings and recaps. It’s cleverly designed in the round, with 360-degree seating and wraparound monitors surrounding a central platform, swapping the traditional lecture-theatre format for something more communal and relaxed. That evening, we enjoyed talks from members of the Expedition Team and the ship’s captain, all proud to share the heritage of a company that started 60 years ago with founder Lars-Eric Lindblad’s first 57-guest expedition to Antarctica aboard a chartered navy vessel.
The hub of NG Endurance; The Ice Lounge.
Infinity Decks & Igloos
The Observation Deck is home to several of the ship’s standout public spaces. Step outside and you’ll find the Infinity Edge Pools, perfectly placed for sweeping views off the stern. Then – my personal favourite – the two glass-walled igloos. Guests can pre-book a night in one to sleep beneath the stars or under the glow of the midnight sun. A truly unforgettable experience, and one that is free of charge!
One of two Igloos on the Observation Deck.
Charlie Green’s Bar and the Science Hub
At the opposite end of the deck is Charlie Green’s Bar and Restaurant, named in honour of the chef who prepared Ernest Shackleton’s final meal before his Antarctic expedition. Serving light bites, snacks, and the occasional Afternoon Tea, the space is bright and welcoming, thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows and elegant, modern furnishings. It also hosts Charlie’s Table – an exclusive multi-course dining experience for a select number of guests – and the Science Hub, where visitors can observe resident and guest scientists conducting research in real time.
C Green’s Restaurant.
The Sanctuary Spa
Also on the Observation Deck is The Sanctuary – the ship’s spa. I’ll admit, wellness and expedition travel didn’t seem like an obvious pairing to me, but Lindblad has created a warm and calming space. After time in polar conditions, I imagine this would be a welcome retreat.
One of the treatment rooms in the Sanctuary Spa.
Dining
Dining onboard NG Endurance – all included – is of a high standard. Dinner was served in 270˚, the ship’s main restaurant, where the menu perfectly balances elevated dining and well-crafted comfort food. Later, I headed to the Lounge Deck, where the late-night chill was kept at bay thanks to the cleverly positioned (and real) fire pits.
Where does Lindblad Expeditions fit in?
In a world where the expedition ship building appears to be reaching saturation point, choosing the right vessel and operator has never been more important. At the ultra-luxury end, you’ll find ships that deliver expedition experiences alongside five-star service. At the more traditional end, you’ll find rugged ships where the focus is squarely on exploration. And in the middle are ships that try to do both, with varying degrees of success.
So, where does Lindblad Expeditions fit in? I pondered the question as NG Endurance slipped through the moonlit Thames estuary. To me, it offers the best of all worlds. The ship’s surprisingly luxurious interiors, the high standard of cuisine and service, and the weight of National Geographic’s legacy all set it apart. Add to that the industry-leading crew retention – no small feat when experienced expedition staff have a wealth of seasonal options – and you have something truly special.
Final Thoughts
I’ll caveat this by saying I didn’t experience a full expedition – just a sea day – but if the off-ship adventures match the onboard experience, Lindblad Expeditions is more than equipped to deliver extraordinary voyages to Antarctica, Svalbard, the Galápagos, and beyond.
And those loud announcements I mentioned earlier? You can turn them down if you want. But apparently, no one does – there’s simply too much to see.
For more information on Lindblad Expeditions, contact our team on 0800 008 6677 or email me directly
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