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Lindblad Expeditions

National Geographic Explorer

Intimate ship Bliss scored

Originally built for service along Norway’s coast as part of the famed Hurtigruten, or Coastal Express, her excellent maneuverability and just-right size made her a natural choice for addition to our fleet. Drawing on our nearly 50 years of pioneering…

  • 148guests
  • 6,471gross tons
  • 35cruises now
  • $6,200fares from

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National Geographic Explorer accommodates up to 148 passengers on explorations of the Arctic, Antarctica, British Isles, Canada, Patagonia and South America.

At a glance

National Geographic Explorer is an intimate-size cruise ship operated by Lindblad Expeditions, in service since 1982. It carries 148 guests and 86 crew (1.7 guests per crew member) at 6,471 gross tons. It is the 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 dining (4.9/10). It is rated 4 out of 5 by Cruiseable, 3 out of 5 by Berlitz and 4.5 out of 5 by Cruise Critic. It has 35 cruises on sale, with lead fares from $6,200 to $30,000. 18 of its upcoming sailings dropped in price since the previous weekly fare check.

Builder's plate

Specs

Cruiseable
4 / 5
Berlitz
3 / 5
Cruise Critic
4.5 / 5
  • Top 20 Small Cruise Ships, Conde Nast Traveler (2014)
  • Gold Award Overall Small Cruise Ship, Travel Weekly Magellan Awards (2010)
Guests
148
Crew
86
Gross tons
6,471
Decks
6
Length
367 ft
Beam
52 ft
Maiden voyage
1982
Refurbished
2008
Space ratio
1.7
Gross tons per guest
Guests per crew
1.7
Mph
21
IMO
8019356

Bliss scores

What National Geographic Explorer 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.

  1. Active 10.0
  2. Adventure and nature 10.0
  3. Cultural 8.0
  4. Dining 4.9
  5. Entertainment 6.0
  6. Family friendly 8.0
  7. Party 5.0
  8. Romantic 5.0
  9. Spa and fitness 6.0
  10. Staterooms 8.0

Our review

National Geographic Explorer: Visit the polar regions

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.

Originally built for service along Norway’s coast as part of Hurtigruten, National Geographic Explorer's excellent maneuverability and new design is the result of a top-to-bottom makeover. 

Explorer is uniquely equipped with an ice-strengthened hull and advanced navigation equipment for polar expeditions; a roster of tools for exploring under the sea; and a well-appointed interior with vast expanses of glass for an unprecedented connection to the regions being explored. The ship provides a peerless expedition experience. 

Where National Geographic Explorer sails 

National Geographic Explorer offers 7- to 20-night sailings to the polar regions, including Greenland, Newfoundland and the Arctic up north and Patagonia, the Falkland Islands and Antarctica from late October to the spring, with occasional forays to the British Isles. 

Read the full review

Comfort amid wilderness cruises

Explorer accommodates 148 guests in 81 cabins, including 13 cabins with private balconies, six spacious suites and 14 cabins specifically designed for solo travelers. At 367 feet with six decks, Explorer is spacious and modern, with a variety of public rooms that offer startling views of the passing landscape. Friendly and informal, Explorer instantly fosters a welcoming environment where enthused and curious passengers share in exceptional experiences and enrichment.

Its public rooms include a dramatic window-lined library and observation lounge perched at the very top of the ship, plentiful observation decks (including easy access to the bow), and the forward-facing chart room, offering a 24-hour beverage station. The spacious lounge is where the ship's expedition community gathers, and it's suited for spirited cocktail hours, informative presentations and a nightly tradition of Recap. The dining room and adjacent bistro easily accommodate all guests at once for open seating dining.

Experience the breathtaking sights of Antarctica from the bow of National Geographic Explorer during a Lindblad expedition.
Experience the breathtaking sights of Antarctica from the bow of National Geographic Explorer during a Lindblad expedition. Michael S. Nolan / Courtesy of Lindblad Expeditions

While Explorer’s interiors have upscale touches, life aboard is always casual, with no need for formal clothing. And you’ll find shipboard services like a state-of-the-art fitness center, laundry and public-area Wi-Fi make packing and traveling more convenient.

Your take

Have you taken an expedition cruise on Explorer? Please share a story, tip, photo or discovery. What was the highlight for you? We'd love to know!

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Interested in a cruise on this ship?

If you're interested in a cruise on National Geographic Explorer, contact a Cruiseable travel consultant at 1-877-322-3773 or by email. We can usually offer a better deal than you can get by contacting the cruise line directly.

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Photos

Inside and out

Destinations 12

  • Aldeyjarfoss Waterfall in Iceland.
    Aldeyjarfoss Waterfall in Iceland.
  • Kite surfers along the beach in Zandvoort, west of Amsterdam in the Netherlands.
    Kite surfers along the beach in Zandvoort, west of Amsterdam in the Netherlands.
  • Traditional turf houses in Iceland.
    Traditional turf houses in Iceland.
  • The cityscape in Reykjavík, capital of Iceland.
    The cityscape in Reykjavík, capital of Iceland.
  • Deception Island, a bleak volcanic caldera, offers one of the safest harbors in Antarctica. It was once a whaling station, and it was said that the entire harbor was for years clogged with the carcasses of whales. A pair of volcanic explosions in the 1960s destroyed most of the man-made structures. Today, Argentina maintains a small but colorful base here.
    Deception Island, a bleak volcanic caldera, offers one of the safest harbors in Antarctica. It was once a whaling station, and it was said that the entire harbor was for years clogged with the carcasses of whales. A pair of volcanic explosions in the 1960s destroyed most of the man-made structures. Today, Argentina maintains a small but colorful base here.
  • An adult Adelie penguin trundles along on an iceberg in Antarctica during a Lindblad expedition.
    An adult Adelie penguin trundles along on an iceberg in Antarctica during a Lindblad expedition.
  • Adult Adelie penguins plunge into Antarctica's frigid waters during a Lindblad expedition.
    Adult Adelie penguins plunge into Antarctica's frigid waters during a Lindblad expedition.
  • A gentoo penguin looks skyward while standing on an iceberg during a Lindblad expedition in Antarctica.
    A gentoo penguin looks skyward while standing on an iceberg during a Lindblad expedition in Antarctica.
  • Young gentoo penguins trundle across a snow field in Antarctica during a Lindblad expedition.
    Young gentoo penguins trundle across a snow field in Antarctica during a Lindblad expedition.
  • A gentoo penguin parent with two chicks on Pleneau Island near the Antarctic Peninsula during a Lindblad Expeditions tour.
    A gentoo penguin parent with two chicks on Pleneau Island near the Antarctic Peninsula during a Lindblad Expeditions tour.
  • Kayakers in Antarctica take photos of gentoo penguins during a Lindblad Expeditions trip.
    Kayakers in Antarctica take photos of gentoo penguins during a Lindblad Expeditions trip.
  • While hiking in Antarctica on a Lindblad expedition, have an up-close encounter with an Adelie penguin.
    While hiking in Antarctica on a Lindblad expedition, have an up-close encounter with an Adelie penguin.

Dining 1

  • The kitchen staff on National Geographic Explorer prepares meals during an expedition saililng.
    The kitchen staff on National Geographic Explorer prepares meals during an expedition saililng.

On board 2

  • Take a yoga class on the ship's sun deck during your Lindblad Expeditions sailing on National Geographic Explorer.
    Take a yoga class on the ship's sun deck during your Lindblad Expeditions sailing on National Geographic Explorer.
  • Guests from the Lindblad Expedition ship National Geographic Explorer charge up their laptops in the lounge.
    Guests from the Lindblad Expedition ship National Geographic Explorer charge up their laptops in the lounge.

Staterooms 1

  • The upper deck cabin aboard National Geographic Explorer features a private balcony.
    The upper deck cabin aboard National Geographic Explorer features a private balcony.

More photos 12

  • National Geographic Explorer accommodates up to 148 passengers on explorations of the Arctic, Antarctica, British Isles, Canada, Patagonia and South America.
    National Geographic Explorer accommodates up to 148 passengers on explorations of the Arctic, Antarctica, British Isles, Canada, Patagonia and South America.
  • Get breathtaking views of icebergs while sailing through Lindblad Cove on a Lindblad expedition.
    Get breathtaking views of icebergs while sailing through Lindblad Cove on a Lindblad expedition.
  • Get incredible views of ice floes in the Lemaire Channel of Antarctica during a Lindblad expedition on National Geographic Explorer.
    Get incredible views of ice floes in the Lemaire Channel of Antarctica during a Lindblad expedition on National Geographic Explorer.
  • National Geographic Explorer can sometimes take you right up to the edge of the ice in Antarctica.
    National Geographic Explorer can sometimes take you right up to the edge of the ice in Antarctica.
  • National Geographic Explorer sails the Arctic seas in Ilulissat, Greenland, on a Lindblad expedition.
    National Geographic Explorer sails the Arctic seas in Ilulissat, Greenland, on a Lindblad expedition.
  • Take an adventure of a lifetime to Antarctica aboard National Geographic Explorer with a Lindblad expedition.
    Take an adventure of a lifetime to Antarctica aboard National Geographic Explorer with a Lindblad expedition.
  • Experience the breathtaking sights of Antarctica from the bow of National Geographic Explorer during a Lindblad expedition.
    Experience the breathtaking sights of Antarctica from the bow of National Geographic Explorer during a Lindblad expedition.
  • Watch gentoo penguins close up during a Lindblad expedition to Antarctica.
    Watch gentoo penguins close up during a Lindblad expedition to Antarctica.
  • Cruise aboard National Geographic Explorer as she sails the British Isles.
    Cruise aboard National Geographic Explorer as she sails the British Isles.
  • National Geographic Explorer offers passengers an extensive library, a cozy place to relax and some killer views.
    National Geographic Explorer offers passengers an extensive library, a cozy place to relax and some killer views.
  • A tabular iceberg in Antarctica at sunset, seen during a Lindblad Expeditions tour.
    A tabular iceberg in Antarctica at sunset, seen during a Lindblad Expeditions tour.
  • Experience the breathtaking sights of Antarctica from the bow of National Geographic Explorer during a Lindblad expedition.
    Experience the breathtaking sights of Antarctica from the bow of National Geographic Explorer during a Lindblad expedition.

Sailing now

Cruises on National Geographic Explorer

Plan my cruise
  1. 9 Night The Canadian Maritimes and Newfoundland 9 nights · from St John's Next Sep 22, 2026 7 dates from $9,000
  2. 8 Night Patagonia Chilean Fjords and Argentinas Staten Island 8 nights · from Puerto Natales Next Oct 22, 2026 Fare on request
  3. 20 Night Antarctica South Georgia and the Falklands and Land Tour 20 nights · from Buenos Aires Next Oct 30, 2026 from $22,715
  4. 19 Night Antarctica South Georgia and the Falklands 19 nights · from Ushuaia Next Oct 31, 2026 from $22,715
  5. 9 Night Antarctica Direct Sail and Fly the Drake Passage and Land Tour 9 nights · from Ushuaia Next Nov 18, 2026 11 dates from $13,500
  6. 7 Night Antarctica Direct Sail and Fly the Drake Passage 7 nights · from Ushuaia Next Nov 19, 2026 11 dates from $13,500
  7. 7 Night Antarctica Direct Fly the Drake Passage and Land Tour 7 nights · from Puerto Natales Next Nov 25, 2026 12 dates from $12,600
  8. 5 Night Antarctica Direct Fly the Drake Passage 5 nights · from King George Island Next Nov 26, 2026 12 dates from $12,600
  9. 9 Night Antarctica Direct Sail and Fly the Drake Passage and Land Tour 9 nights · from Puerto Natales Next Dec 19, 2026 10 dates from $12,250
  10. 7 Night Antarctica Direct Sail and Fly the Drake Passage 7 nights · from King George Island Next Dec 20, 2026 10 dates from $12,250
  11. 17 Night Antarctica and Patagonia Legendary Ice and Epic Fjords and Land Tour 17 nights · from Santiago, Cape Verde Next Feb 21, 2027 from $22,300
  12. 16 Night Antarctica and Patagonia Legendary Ice and Epic Fjords 16 nights · from Ushuaia Next Feb 22, 2027 from $22,300
Show 23 more
  1. 11 Night Celtic Coasts and Iberian Shores Voyage from Edinburgh to Lisbon 11 nights · from Lisbon Next Apr 14, 2027 from $7,900
  2. 11 Night Ancient Isles England Ireland and Scotland 11 nights · from Edinburgh Next Apr 25, 2027 2 dates from $11,000
  3. 11 Night Ancient Isles England Ireland and Scotland 11 nights · from Portsmouth Next May 6, 2027 2 dates from $11,700
  4. 8 Night Norway Sweden and Denmark Nordic Flavors and Scenic Landscapes 8 nights · from Edinburgh Next May 17, 2027 from $6,200
  5. 8 Night Norway Sweden and Denmark Nordic Flavors and Scenic Landscapes 8 nights · from Copenhagen Next May 25, 2027 from $6,200
  6. 7 Night Scotlands Wild Isles Shetland Orkney and Inner Hebrides 7 nights · from Edinburgh Next Jun 2, 2027 2 dates from $9,000
  7. 7 Night Scotlands Wild Isles Shetland Orkney and Inner Hebrides 7 nights · from Dublin Next Jun 9, 2027 3 dates from $8,900
  8. 10 Night North Atlantic Wonders Iceland Scotland and the Faroe Islands 10 nights · from Edinburgh Next Jun 16, 2027 2 dates from $11,500
  9. 7 Night Arctic Edges Iceland Westfjords to East Greenland 7 nights · from Reykjavik Next Jun 26, 2027 6 dates from $7,400
  10. 10 Night South Greenland Exploration Fjords Waterfalls and Fishing Villages and Land Tour 10 nights · from Reykjavik Next Aug 7, 2027 2 dates from $11,000
  11. 9 Night South Greenland Exploration Fjords Waterfalls and Fishing Villages 9 nights · from Reykjavik Next Aug 7, 2027 2 dates from $11,000
  12. 16 Night Fabled Lands of the North Greenland to Newfoundland and Land Tour 16 nights · from Reykjavik Next Aug 15, 2027 2 dates from $14,000
  13. 15 Night Fabled Lands of the North Greenland to Newfoundland 15 nights · from Nuuk Next Aug 16, 2027 2 dates from $14,000
  14. 11 Night Sailing the St. Lawrence Seaway and Canadian Maritimes 11 nights · from St John's Next Sep 9, 2027 2 dates from $9,900
  15. 17 Night Antarctica and Patagonia Legendary Ice and Epic Fjords and Land Tour 17 nights · from Santiago, Cape Verde Next Nov 3, 2027 from $23,000
  16. 16 Night Antarctica and Patagonia Legendary Ice and Epic Fjords 16 nights · from Puerto Natales Next Nov 4, 2027 from $23,000
  17. 11 Night Portugal France and the UK Castles Coastlines and Cuisine 11 nights · from Porto Next Apr 17, 2028 from $8,500
  18. 9 Night Wild Arctic Shores Circumnavigating Iceland and Exploring Greenland 9 nights · from Reykjavik Next Jun 22, 2028 5 dates from $15,000
  19. 20 Night Antarctica South Georgia and the Falklands 20 nights · from Ushuaia Next Oct 23, 2028 2 dates from $30,000
  20. 10 Night Antarctica Direct Sail and Fly the Drake Passage and Land Tour 10 nights · from Ushuaia Next Nov 11, 2028 7 dates from $13,500
  21. 8 Night Antarctica Direct Sail and Fly the Drake Passage 8 nights · from Ushuaia Next Nov 12, 2028 7 dates from $13,500
  22. 10 Night Antarctica Direct Sail and Fly the Drake Passage and Land Tour 10 nights · from Puerto Natales Next Nov 19, 2028 7 dates from $13,500
  23. 8 Night Antarctica Direct Sail and Fly the Drake Passage 8 nights · from King George Island Next Nov 20, 2028 7 dates from $13,500

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