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  • National-Geographic-Explorer-kitchen-staff.jpg - The  kitchen staff on National Geographic Explorer prepares meals during an expedition saililng.
  • National-Geographic-Explorer-cabin.jpg - The upper deck cabin aboard National Geographic Explorer features a private balcony.
  • National-Geographic-Explorer-wellness.jpg - Take a yoga class on the ship's sun deck during your Lindblad Expeditions sailing on National Geographic Explorer.
  • National-Geographic-Explorer-laptop-gallery.jpg - Guests from the Lindblad Expedition ship National Geographic Explorer charge up their laptops in the lounge.
  • National-Geographic-Explorer-at-sea.jpg -  National Geographic Explorer accommodates up to 148 passengers on explorations of the Arctic, Antarctica, British Isles, Canada, Patagonia and South America.
  • Lindblad-Expeditions-Antarctica-Explorer-Lemaire-Channel.jpg -  Get incredible views of ice floes in the Lemaire Channel of Antarctica during a Lindblad expedition on National Geographic Explorer.
  • Lindblad-Expeditions-Antarctica-Explorer-icebergs.jpg -  Get breathtaking views of icebergs while sailing through Lindblad Cove on a Lindblad expedition.
  • Lindblad-Expeditions-Antarctica-Explorer-Shore.jpg - National Geographic Explorer can sometimes take you right up to the edge of the ice in Antarctica.
  • National-Geographic-Explorer-in-arctic.jpg - National Geographic Explorer sails the Arctic seas in Ilulissat, Greenland, on a Lindblad expedition.
  • National-Geographic-Explorer-in-British-isles.jpg - Cruise aboard National Geographic Explorer as she sails the British Isles.
  • National-Geographic-Explorer-library.jpg - National Geographic Explorer offers passengers an extensive library, a cozy place to relax and some killer views.
  • Lindblad-Expeditions-Antarctica-sunset-1.jpg - A tabular iceberg in Antarctica at sunset, seen during a Lindblad Expeditions tour.
  • antarctica-ice-floes.jpg - Experience the breathtaking sights of Antarctica from the bow of National Geographic Explorer during a Lindblad expedition.
  • south-georgia-falklands-king-penguins.jpg - Think three's a crowd? A colony of king penguins greets visitors to Salisbury Plain on South Georgia during a Lindblad Expeditions tour.
  • south-georgia-falklands-king-penguins-closeup.jpg - Two king penguins stand side by side in Salisbury Plain of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands.
  • courting-king-penguins.jpg - A couple of courting king penguins face each other in Gold Harbor, South Georgia, during a Lindblad Expedition.
  • wandering-albatross-and-rainbow.jpg - Two wandering albatrosses engage in a courtship display under a rainbow.
  • king-penguins-at-sunrise.jpg - Three king penguins walk in a line on the shore of St. Andrews Bay on South Georgia Island at sunrise.
  • gold-harbour-wildlife.jpg - Elephant seals and penguins announce who's in charge when visitors stop in at Gold Harbour on the island of South Georgia.
  • king-penguins-st-andrews-bay.jpg - A group king penguins gather at sunrise on the shore of St. Andrews Bay on  South Georgia during a Lindblad Expeditions tour.
  • antarctic-seal-pups.jpg - Two Antarctic fur seal pups play at the abandoned whaling station at Grytviken during a Lindblad Expeditions visit.
  • stanley-falkland-islands.jpg - Visit Stanley, capital of the Falkland Islands, while on a Lindblad Expeditions tour.
  • antarctic-seal-pup-closeup.jpg - An Antarctic fur seal pup lets out a bark in the waters of South Georgia island during a Lindblad Expeditions trip.
  • fur-seal-stromness-harbor.jpg - An Antarctic fur seal looks for its companions at Stromness Harbor on South Georgia.
  • gold-harbour-king-penguins.jpg - A visitor greets king penguins during a Lindblad Expeditions tour of Gold Harbour on South Georgia island,
  • south-georgia-fur-seal.jpg - An Antarctic fur seal shakes off the snow in Salisibury Plain, Bay of Isles, South Georgia.
  • penguins-fortuna-bay.jpg - A traveler hikes Fortuna Bay, South Georgia, amid a colony of penguins.
  • gold-harbour-elephant-seal-pups.jpg - Southern elephant seal pups play around in Gold Harbour, South Georgia, during a Lindblad Expeditions visit.
  • gold-harbour-elephant-seal-pups2.jpg - Southern elephant seal pups play in Gold Harbour on the island of South Georgia off South America.
  • salisbury-plains-penguins-surf.jpg - King penguins wade into the surf in the Salisbury Plain seas during a Lindblad Expeditions tour.
  • south-georgia-king-penguins.jpg - King penguins walk along the shore at sunrise on South Georgia Island during a Lindblad Expeditions tour.
  • lindblad-king-penguins-nest-beach.jpg - Travelers mingle with a large group of king penguins as they breed and nest on the beach in South Georgia.
  • lindblad-guests-and-landscape.jpg - Guests from a Lindblad Expedition ship hike step into a landscape painting in South Georgia.
  • falklands-rockhopper-penguins.jpg - Visitors encounter Southern rockhopper penguins  at the breeding and molting colony on West Point Island in the Falkland Islands.
  • hercules-bay-glacier.jpg - Lindblad Expeditions guests get incredible views of Hercules Bay.
  • Lindblad-Expeditions-Antarctica-Explorer-at-sea.jpg - Take an adventure of a lifetime to Antarctica aboard National Geographic Explorer with a Lindblad expedition.
  • Lindblad-Expeditions-Antarctica-Explorer-bow.jpg - Experience the breathtaking sights of Antarctica from the bow of National Geographic Explorer during a Lindblad expedition.
  • Lindblad-Expeditions-Antarctica-Explorer-Gentoo-Penguins.jpg - Watch gentoo penguins close up during a Lindblad expedition to Antarctica.
  • Iceland-Aldeyjarfoss-waterfall - Aldeyjarfoss Waterfall in Iceland.
  • Iceland-turf-house1 - Traditional turf houses in Iceland.
  • beach-Zandvoort-Holland - Kite surfers along the beach in Zandvoort, west of Amsterdam in the Netherlands.
  • Iceland-Reykjavik - The cityscape in Reykjavík, capital of Iceland.
  • Lindblad-Expeditions-Antarctica-gentoo-penguins-chicks-parent.jpg -  A gentoo penguin parent with two chicks on Pleneau Island near the Antarctic Peninsula during a Lindblad Expeditions tour.
  • Lindblad-Expeditions-Antarctica-gentoo-penguins.jpg - Kayakers in Antarctica take photos of gentoo penguins during a Lindblad Expeditions trip.
  • Lindblad-Expeditions-Antarctica-Hiking-Adelie Penguin.jpg -  While hiking in Antarctica on a Lindblad expedition, have an up-close encounter with an Adelie penguin.
  • Lindblad-Expeditions-Antarctica-hiking.jpg -  Go on an action-packed hike of Neko Harbor, Antarctica, during a Lindblad expedition.
  • Lindblad-Expeditions-Antarctica-humpback-whale-tour.jpg - Adventure travelers on a Lindblad Expeditions trip see a humpback whale breach the surface near the Antarctic Peninsula.
  • Lindblad-Expeditions-Antarctica-humpback-whale.jpg - Travelers on a Lindblad Expeditions tour get a closeup look at a humpback whale near the Antarctic Peninsula.
  • Lindblad-Expeditions-Antarctica-iceberg-Adelie-penguin.jpg - A lone Adelie penguin shows off the size of a massive iceberg during a Lindblad expedition to Antarctica.
  • Lindblad-Expeditions-Antarctica-kayaking-seal.jpg -  While kayaking on a Lindblad Expeditions trip to Antarctica, enjoy an up-close encounter with a crabeater seal.
  • Lindblad-Expeditions-Antarctica-minke-whale.jpg - Guests on a Lindblad Expeditions tour spot a minke whale in Paradise Bay, Antarctica.
  • Lindblad-Expeditions-Antarctica-Penguins.jpg - Penguins line up, single file, along the edge of the ice in Antarctica to watch travelers on a Lindblad Expeditions tour.
  • Lindblad-Expeditions-Iceland-Godafoss.jpg - A traveler photographs the magnificent Godafoss (Waterfall of the Gods) on the Sktalfandafljot River during a Lindblad Expeditions tour of Iceland.
  • Lindblad-Expeditions-Iceland-Mud-Pits.jpg - Spot the boiling mud pits in the geothermal area of Krafla, Iceland, on a Lindblad Expeditions tour.
  • Lindblad-Expeditions-Iceland-Mud-Pits2.jpg - Observe the boiling mud pits in the geothermal area of Krafla, Iceland, on a Lindblad Expeditions tour.
  • Lindblad-Expeditions-Iceland-Mud-Pits3.jpg - Explore the Selfoss geothermal area and its boiling mud pits on a Lindblad Expeditions tour of Iceland.
  • Lindblad-Expeditions-Iceland-Icelandic-Horses.jpg - See Icelandic horses close up during your visit to Iceland.
  • Lindblad-Expeditions-Iceland-puffin-lunch.jpg - A puffin grabs an Icelandic snack.
  • Lindblad-Expeditions-Iceland-Perlan-Viewing-Deck.jpg - Get incredible views of downtown Reykjavik, Iceland, on the Perlan Viewing Deck during your Lindblad Expeditions tour.
  • Lindblad-Expeditions-Iceland-Blue-Lagoon.jpg - Jump in the soothing, sparkling waters of the Blue Lagoon Geothermal Spa while taking a Lindblad Expeditions tour of Iceland.
  • Lindblad-Expeditions-Iceland-Godafoss2.jpg - Take in the incredible sights when you visit the magnificent Godafoss Waterfall on a Lindblad Expeditions tour of Iceland.
  • Lindblad-Expeditions-Iceland-Eruption.jpg - An eruption occurs at the original Geysir on the Golden Circle Route during a Lindblad Expeditions trip to Iceland.
  • Lindblad-Expeditions-Iceland-Jokulsarlon-Glacier.jpg - Get incredible views of Iceland's stunning landscape and Jokulsarlon glacier by hiking up a surrounding hilltop on a Lindblad Expeditions adventure.
  • Lindblad-Expeditions-Iceland-Natural-Arch-Basalt.jpg - Take a Zodiac boat cruise under a natural arch of basalt on a Lindblad Expeditions adventure.
  • Lindblad-Expeditions-Iceland-Blue-Lagoon2.jpg - Take a swim in the soothing steamy waters of Iceland’s geothermal Blue Lagoon, with an average temperature of 100 degrees, during a Lindblad Expeditions tour.
  • Lindblad-Expeditions-Iceland-Atlantic-Puffin.jpg - Get the bird-watching opportunity of a lifetime and spot Iceland's unique Atlantic puffin on a Lindblad Expeditions journey of Iceland.
  • Lindblad-Expeditions-Iceland-Atlantic-Puffins.jpg - Spot Iceland's Atlantic puffin on a Lindblad Expeditions journey of Iceland.
  • Lindblad-Expeditions-Iceland-Frafla-Volcano.jpg - Go on a scenic hike and view the frafla Volcano and Lake Mývatn during a Lindblad Expeditions adventure of Iceland.
  • Lindblad-Expeditions-Iceland-Heimay-Father-Son.jpg - A father and son take photos in the beautiful flowered fields of Heimaey, Vestmannaeyjar, Iceland.
  • Lindblad-Expeditions-Iceland-Herring-Women-Museum.jpg - A group of women dress up as herring girls at the Herring Era Museum in Siglufjörður, Iceland on a Lindblad Expeditions visit.
  • Lindblad-Expeditions-Iceland-Icelandic-Horses3.jpg - Observe and interact with Icelandic horses while on your Lindblad Expeditions tour of Iceland.
  • Lindblad-Expeditions-Iceland-Black-Headed-Gulls.jpg - Two black headed gulls fly freely in the sky during a Lindblad Expeditions tour of Iceland.
  • Arctic-Polar-Bear.jpg - An extra-curious polar bear comes right up to a porthole during a Lindblad Expeditions trip to the Arctic.
  • Arctic-Polar-Bears.jpg - A mother polar bear and her two cubs are spotted on pack ice in Svalbard, Norway, during a Lindblad Expeditions visit.
  • Arctic-Bearded-Seal.jpg - A bearded seal lolls on pack ice in Svalbard, Norway, during a Lindblad Expedition.
  • Arctic-Coasts-Hornsund.jpg - Take a walk on the beautiful coasts of Hornsund on Spitsbergen island in Svalbard, Norway, during your Lindblad expedition.
  • Lindblad-Expeditions-Alaska-Bald-Eagle.jpg - See a majestic bald eagle during a Lindblad Expedition visit of Baranof Island, Alaska.
  • Lindblad-Expeditions-Alaska-Brown-Bear.jpg - A large brown bear wades into a stream in the Tongass National Forest in Alaska.
  • Lindblad-Expeditions-Alaska-Kayaking.jpg - Kayak the beautiful waters of Tracy Arm Fjord, Alaska, on a Lindblad expedition.
  • Lindblad-Expeditions-Alaska-humpback-whale.jpg -   A humpback whale surfaces to greet visitors on a Lindblad Expeditions excursion.
  • bear-Kelp-Bay-Alaska.jpg - A brown bear pays little heed to visitors during a Lindblad Expeditions visit to Kelp Bay, Alaska.
  • Alaska-killer-whales.jpg - A family of killer whales surfaces in the Johnstone Strait in Vancouver during a Lindblad Expeditions tour.
  • Alaska-Williams Cove-Dawes-Glacier.jpg - A waterfall streams down Dawes Glacier at William's Cove in Alaska.
  • Alaska-Brown-Bear-Salmon.jpg - While on a hike of the Tongass National Forest in Alaska, see a brown bear as it hunts for salmon.
  • Alaska-humpback-whale.jpg - The tail of a humpback whale emerges from the water in Alaska during a Lindblad Expeditions voyage.
  • Alaska-brown-bears-fishing.jpg - Three brown bears fish for pink salmon in a stream in Alaska during a Lindblad Expeditions tour.
  • Alaska-killer-whale.jpg - A large killer whale surfaces in Chatham Strait, Alaska, during a Lindblad Expeditions tour.
  • Alaska-humpback-whale-breaching.jpg - An adult humpback whale breaches after disaffiliating from a group along the west side of Chatham Strait in Southeast Alaska during a Lindblad expedition.
  • alaska-sea-lions.jpg - Travelers taking a Lindblad Expeditions tour observe a sea lion colony in Inian Pass near Cross Sound, southeastern Alaska.
  • 050d2DeceptionIsland - 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.
  • Lindblad-Expeditions-Antarctica-Adelie-penguin-iceberg.jpg - An adult Adelie penguin trundles along on an iceberg in Antarctica during a Lindblad expedition.
  • Lindblad-Expeditions-Antarctica-Adelie-penguins.jpg - Adult Adelie penguins plunge into Antarctica's frigid waters during a Lindblad expedition.
  • Lindblad-Expeditions-Antarctica-Gentoo-Penguin.jpg -  A gentoo penguin looks skyward while standing on an iceberg during a Lindblad expedition in Antarctica.
  • Lindblad-Expeditions-Antarctica-gentoo-penguins-2.jpg -  Young gentoo penguins trundle across a snow field in Antarctica during a Lindblad expedition.

National Geographic Explorer: Visit the polar regions

Snapshot

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. 

Ratings & awards

Cruiseable           
Berlitz           
Cruise Critic           
  • Top 20 Small Cruise Ships, Conde Nast Traveler (2014)
    Gold Award Overall Small Cruise Ship, Travel Weekly Magellan Awards (2010)

About Ratings & awards

Cruises on this ship

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 ExpeditionsExperience the breathtaking sights of Antarctica from the bow of National Geographic Explorer during a Lindblad expedition.

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!

Help improve this article! See anything wrong? What did we overlook? Be a co-creator!

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

Cruiseable team
The Cruiseable editorial team consists of award-winning travel writers, cruise bloggers and journalists.

Fast facts

148 Passengers [?]
86 Crew
6 Decks
1982 Maiden voyage
6,471 Tonnage [?]
367 Length in feet
52 Width in feet (max beam)
2008 REFURBISHED

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