Name: National Geographic Explorer
Brand: Lindblad Expeditions

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 19 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.

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.

Active 10.0
Adventure and nature 10.0
Cultural 8.0
Dining 4.9
Entertainment 6.0
Family friendly 8.0
Party 5.0
Romantic 5.0
Spa and fitness 6.0
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. 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.

SEE ALL NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXPLORER SAILINGS

Photos

Inside and out

Destinations 12

Aldeyjarfoss Waterfall in Iceland.
Kite surfers along the beach in Zandvoort, west of Amsterdam in the Netherlands.
Traditional turf houses in 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

On board 2

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.

Staterooms 1

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.
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.
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.
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.
Watch gentoo penguins close up during a Lindblad expedition to Antarctica.
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.
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.