Lindblad Expeditions
National Geographic Islander II
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Ship comparison
National Geographic Islander II vs Safari Explorer
Un-Cruise Adventures
Safari Explorer
- Cruises
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The verdict
Which should you choose?
National Geographic Islander II is an intimate Lindblad Expeditions ship carrying 48 passengers, in service since 1991. Safari Explorer is an intimate Un-Cruise Adventures ship carrying 36 passengers, in service since 1998.
Choose National Geographic Islander II if you want more space per passenger, more crew per passenger or better-rated dining: it outscores Safari Explorer for dining (6.0 vs 5.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores, it has 68.0 gross tons per passenger (vs 19.3) and it has a crew member for every 1.0 passengers (vs 2.4).
Choose Safari Explorer if you want a newer ship or a more active cruise: it outscores National Geographic Islander II for active (10.0 vs 9.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and its maiden voyage was in 1998 (vs 1991).
Side by side
Specifications
marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.
| National Geographic Islander II | Safari Explorer | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | Lindblad Expeditions | Un-Cruise Adventures |
| Ship size | Intimate | Intimate |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 1991 | 1998 (better) |
| Last refurbishedmore recent highlighted | 2022 (better) | 2008 |
| Gross tonnage | 3,264 | 695 |
| Passengers | 48 | 36 |
| Crew | 48 | 15 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | 1.0 (better) | 2.4 |
| Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier | 68.0 (better) | 19.3 |
| Decks | 5 | 3 |
| Length | 269 ft | 145 ft |
| Beam | 45 ft | 36 ft |
| Speed | 17 mph | 11 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 Islander II leads on 4 of the ten, Safari Explorer on 1, with 5 level.
- Active
- Adventure & nature
- Cultural
- Dining
- Entertainment
- Family friendly
- Party
- Romantic
- Spa & fitness
- Staterooms
Lindblad Expeditions
National Geographic Islander II
The National Geographic Islander II, formerly sailing as Crystal Esprit, set sail in the Galápagos Islands year-round starting in August 2022. The sporty ship is named for the National Geographic Islander, which it is replacing.
About National Geographic Islander II Plan my cruise on National Geographic Islander II
Un-Cruise Adventures
Safari Explorer
Designed for comfort and adventure, Safari Explorer from UnCruise Adventures is a good platform for discovery. Three public decks make it easy to see action in the water and provide plenty of room for relaxing and breathing fresh air.
Questions
National Geographic Islander II or Safari Explorer?
Which is bigger, National Geographic Islander II or Safari Explorer?
National Geographic Islander II is bigger at 3,264 gross tons, against 695 gross tons for Safari Explorer. National Geographic Islander II carries 48 passengers and Safari Explorer carries 36.
Which ship is newer, National Geographic Islander II or Safari Explorer?
Safari Explorer is newer, with a maiden voyage in 1998 against 1991 for National Geographic Islander II.
Which has more space per passenger?
National Geographic Islander II, with 68.0 gross tons per passenger against 19.3 on Safari Explorer. The higher the figure, the more ship there is for each guest.
Which has more crew per passenger?
National Geographic Islander II, with one crew member for every 1.0 passengers against one for every 2.4 on Safari Explorer.
Which is better for families?
They score the same for family friendliness in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores: 5.0 out of 10.
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