Lindblad Expeditions
National Geographic Explorer
- Cruises
- 0
- From
- —
Ship comparison
National Geographic Explorer vs National Geographic Venture
Lindblad Expeditions
National Geographic Venture
- Cruises
- 0
- From
- —
The verdict
Which should you choose?
National Geographic Explorer is an intimate Lindblad Expeditions ship carrying 148 passengers, in service since 1982. National Geographic Venture is an intimate Lindblad Expeditions ship carrying 100 passengers, in service since 2018.
Choose National Geographic Explorer if you want more space per passenger, a more family-friendly ship or better-rated staterooms: it outscores National Geographic Venture for family friendly (8.0 vs 6.0) and staterooms (8.0 vs 6.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and it has 43.7 gross tons per passenger (vs 29.2).
Choose National Geographic Venture if you want a newer ship or a more romantic trip: it outscores National Geographic Explorer for romantic (7.0 vs 5.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and its maiden voyage was in 2018 (vs 1982).
Side by side
Specifications
marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.
| National Geographic Explorer | National Geographic Venture | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | Lindblad Expeditions | Lindblad Expeditions |
| Ship size | Intimate | Intimate |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 1982 | 2018 (better) |
| Last refurbishedmore recent highlighted | 2008 | — |
| Gross tonnage | 6,471 | 2,920 |
| Passengers | 148 | 100 |
| Crew | 86 | 52 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | 1.7 (better) | 1.9 |
| Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier | 43.7 (better) | 29.2 |
| Decks | 6 | — |
| Length | 367 ft | 239 ft |
| Beam | 52 ft | 46 ft |
| Speed | 21 mph | — |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | 8 / 10 | — |
Bliss scores
How they rate, out of 10
Cruiseable rates ships out of 10 on ten parts of a cruise holiday. National Geographic Explorer leads on 5 of the ten, National Geographic Venture on 2, with 3 level.
- Active
- Adventure & nature
- Cultural
- Dining
- Entertainment
- Family friendly
- Party
- Romantic
- Spa & fitness
- Staterooms
Lindblad Expeditions
National Geographic Explorer
Inaugurated in 2008, National Geographic Explorer is the world’s ultimate expedition ship. The embodiment of the Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic alliance, its design and equipment are the result of almost 200 years of collective expedition experience.
About National Geographic Explorer Plan my cruise on National Geographic Explorer
Lindblad Expeditions
National Geographic Venture
Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic operates the $48 million built-in-the-USA ship National Geographic Quest with itineraries in Alaska and throughout the hemisphere and now they've introduced a nearly identical sister ship, National Geographic Venture.
About National Geographic Venture Plan my cruise on National Geographic Venture
Questions
National Geographic Explorer or National Geographic Venture?
Which is bigger, National Geographic Explorer or National Geographic Venture?
National Geographic Explorer is bigger at 6,471 gross tons, against 2,920 gross tons for National Geographic Venture. National Geographic Explorer carries 148 passengers and National Geographic Venture carries 100.
Which ship is newer, National Geographic Explorer or National Geographic Venture?
National Geographic Venture is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2018 against 1982 for National Geographic Explorer.
Which has more space per passenger?
National Geographic Explorer, with 43.7 gross tons per passenger against 29.2 on National Geographic Venture. The higher the figure, the more ship there is for each guest.
Which has more crew per passenger?
National Geographic Explorer, with one crew member for every 1.7 passengers against one for every 1.9 on National Geographic Venture.
Which is better for families?
National Geographic Explorer scores higher for family friendliness in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores: 8.0 out of 10, against 6.0 for National Geographic Venture.
Still deciding?
Tell us what matters and we will match the sailing
Send your dates, budget and who is travelling, and our partner travel agency will come back to you about National Geographic Explorer, National Geographic Venture or a ship that suits you better.