National Geographic Islander II
Intimate ship Bliss scored
The National Geographic Islander II, formerly sailing as Crystal Esprit, set sail in the Galápagos Islands year-round starting in August 2022.
- 48guests
- 3,264gross tons
- 11cruises now
- $7,138fares from
At a glance
National Geographic Islander II is an intimate-size cruise ship operated by Lindblad Expeditions, in service since 1991. It carries 48 guests and 48 crew (1.0 guests per crew member) at 3,264 gross tons. It ties with 1 other ship as the 13th largest of 16 Lindblad Expeditions ships by guest capacity. On Cruiseable's Bliss scale it scores highest for adventure & nature (10/10) and lowest for cultural, entertainment, family friendly, party and spa & fitness (5/10). It has 11 cruises on sale, with lead fares from $7,138 to $19,300. 9 of its upcoming sailings dropped in price since the previous weekly fare check.
Builder's plate
Specs
- Guests
- 48
- Crew
- 48
- Gross tons
- 3,264
- Decks
- 5
- Length
- 269 ft
- Beam
- 45 ft
- Maiden voyage
- 1991
- Refurbished
- 2022
- Space ratio
- 1.0
- Gross tons per guest
- Guests per crew
- 1.0
- Speed (mph)
- 17
- IMO
- 8705266
Bliss scores
What National Geographic Islander 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 9.0
- Adventure and nature 10.0
- Cultural 5.0
- Dining 6.0
- Entertainment 5.0
- Family friendly 5.0
- Party 5.0
- Romantic 7.0
- Spa and fitness 5.0
- Staterooms 7.0
Our review
National Geographic Islander II: Exploring the Galapagos
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.
From encircling teak decks to the Observation Deck, marina, 26 light and airy suites and newly expanded al fresco Patio Café, this gracious expedition ship connects guests to the wonders of the Galápagos.
<h3>Interested in a cruise on this ship?</h3>
<p>Interested in a cruise on National Geographic Islander Ii? Contact a Cruiseable travel advocate at <strong>1-877-322-3773</strong>, or <a title="by email" href="mailto:[email protected]" target="_blank">by email</a>, to get additional information and to find the best rates and value for your vacation dollar.</p>
<p class="text-center"><a class="btn btn-large btn--primary" title="" href="/cruise-line/lindblad-expeditions/national-geographic-islander-ii/cruises">SEE ALL NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC ISLANDER II SAILINGS</a></p>
Photos
Inside and out
More photos 1

The National Geographic Islander II, formerly sailing as Crystal Esprit, set sail in the Galápagos Islands year-round starting in August 2022.
- 6 Night Galapagos Escape and Land Tour Next Sep 15, 2026 14 dates from $7,138
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- 7 Night Galapagos Escape and Land Tour Next Sep 19, 2026 25 dates from $7,497
- 5 Night Galapagos Escape Next Sep 20, 2026 26 dates from $7,497
- 11 Night Peru and Galapagos Escape and Land Tour Next Sep 24, 2026 13 dates from $8,450
- 15 Night Exploring Galapagos Machu Picchu and Perus Land of the Inca and Land Tour Next Apr 2, 2027 96 dates from $18,219
- 9 Night Exploring Galapagos and Land Tour Next Apr 2, 2027 97 dates from $12,000
- 7 Night Exploring Galapagos Next Apr 3, 2027 46 dates from $12,000
- 7 Night Exploring Galapagos Machu Picchu and Perus Land of the Inca Next Nov 6, 2027 Fare on request
- 7 Night Exploring Galapagos Next Nov 27, 2027 2 dates Fare on request
- 7 Night Exploring Galapagos Machu Picchu and Perus Land of the Inca Next Apr 1, 2028 51 dates from $19,300
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