National Geographic Endeavour II
Intimate ship Bliss scored
National Geographic Endeavour II will carry 96 passengers on expeditions to the Galápagos Islands starting in January 2017. The former Via Australis is being extensively overhauled in 2016 as the newest member of the National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions…
- 96guests
- 2,716gross tons
- 4cruises now
- $6,370fares from
At a glance
National Geographic Endeavour II is an intimate-size cruise ship operated by Lindblad Expeditions, in service since 2005. It carries 96 guests and 64 crew (1.5 guests per crew member) at 2,716 gross tons. It is the 6th largest of 16 Lindblad Expeditions ships by guest capacity. On Cruiseable's Bliss scale it scores highest for active and adventure & nature (10/10) and lowest for entertainment and spa & fitness (5/10). It has 4 cruises on sale, with lead fares from $6,370 to $12,589. 3 of its upcoming sailings dropped in price since the previous weekly fare check.
Builder's plate
Specs
- Guests
- 96
- Crew
- 64
- Gross tons
- 2,716
- Decks
- 5
- Length
- 240 ft
- Beam
- 44 ft
- Maiden voyage
- 2005
- Refurbished
- 2016
- Space ratio
- 1.5
- Gross tons per guest
- Guests per crew
- 1.5
Bliss scores
What National Geographic Endeavour II is best at
Ten dimensions scored by our editors on a 10-point scale. The Cruiseable app ranks every cruise against the mix you care about.
- Active 10.0
- Adventure and nature 10.0
- Cultural 7.0
- Dining 6.0
- Entertainment 5.0
- Family friendly 6.0
- Party 6.0
- Romantic 8.0
- Spa and fitness 5.0
- Staterooms 6.0
Our review
National Geographic Endeavour II: Memorable sailings to the Galapagos
National Geographic Endeavour II launched in December 2016, carrying 96 passengers on expeditions to the Galápagos Islands. The former Via Australis underwent a $10 million makeover in fall 2016 as the newest member of the National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions fleet. She adds to the sailings offered by National Geographic Endeavour.
The expedition ship is designed to be exceptionally quiet and maneuverable, enabling an enriching Galápagos experience with great viewing from all public spaces, state-of-the-art tools for exploration, and a fast Zodiac loading platform. National Geographic Endeavour II features spacious lounges, modern cabins and top-flight dining. National Geographic Endeavour II is a classic maritime vessel with an expedition-style ambiance.
Endeavour II has a shallow draft to get up close, great viewing from all public spaces, large windows in cabins and suites, state-of-the-art tools for exploration, and a fast, seamless twin Zodiac loading platform. The ship navigates the Galápagos archipelago outfitted with a range of expedition equipment — including kayaks, Zodiac landing craft, a glass-bottom Zodiac and snorkeling gear — all suited for exploring the wildlife-rich Ecuadorian isles.
The fully stabilized vessel accommodates 96 guests in 53 outside cabins, each outfitted with a window, private facilities and climate controls.
Who will like sailing on Endeavour II
National Geographic Endeavour II caters to a sociable mix of families, friends, couples and solo travelers.
Where National Geographic Endeavour II sails
National Geographic Endeavour II calls on the Galápagos archipelago. Each voyage includes a National Geographic expert on the Galapagos, so your experience will be enriched through interactions with the onboard naturalist.
Read the full review
On board
The Endeavour II is fully air-conditioned and includes a partially covered deck with tables and chairs, a sun deck and a lounge with a full-service bar and facilities for films, slide shows and presentations. Public areas also include a library, a fitness center, a spa and a global gallery. A full-time doctor and video chronicler will accompany every voyage; and Internet access, laundry service and a wellness program will be available.
Meals will be served in a single seating with unassigned tables for an informal atmosphere and easy mingling. The menu is international with an Ecuadorian flair. The ship's Ecuadorian captain and officers welcome guests to the bridge to accord with an “Open Bridge” policy.
Cabins
Accommodating 96 guests in 52 cabins and suites, the ship offers the choice of suites on two decks, double cabins with beds that can be configured as two twins or a queen, seven sets of connecting cabins for families and friends, triple cabins, and dedicated solo cabins, which are equal in size and amenities to the doubles.
Your take
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Interested in a cruise on this ship?
Interested in a cruise on National Geographic Endeavour II? Contact a Cruiseable travel advocate at 1-877-322-3773, or by email, to get additional information and to find the best rates and value for your vacation dollar.
On board highlights
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Flamingos
Photos
Inside and out
Destinations 2

A sea lion in the Galápagos. 
A photographer gets a clear view of a sea turtle in the Galapagos.
More photos 4

A frigate bird gets a little puffed up in the Galápagos. 
While sailing the Galápagos Islands on a Lindblad Expedition, you'll be able to see flamingos and other local wildlife. 
See a mother sea lion and her pup on the shores of the Galápagos during a Lindblad-National Geographic Expedition. 
The 96-passenger National Geographic Endeavour II sails expeditions to the Galápagos Islands.
- 15 Night Exploring Galapagos Machu Picchu and Perus Land of the Inca and Land Tour Next Sep 25, 2026 129 dates from $12,589
- 9 Night Exploring Galapagos and Land Tour Next Sep 25, 2026 129 dates from $6,370
- 7 Night Exploring Galapagos Machu Picchu and Perus Land of the Inca Next Sep 26, 2026 80 dates from $12,589
- 7 Night Exploring Galapagos Next Apr 3, 2027 50 dates from $6,900
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