National Geographic Endurance

Dining on National Geographic Endurance is a delightful experience that compliments the exploratory cruising of a National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions adventure perfectly – and, it’s more varied than you might expect, given the smaller size of this sleek ship. Onboard, you’ll find three main dining venues: Two Seven Zero, the main restaurant that serves three warm meals a day, C. Green’s Restaurant, which offers a lighter option during breakfast and lunch, and Charlie’s Table, an intimate invite-only experience that delivers delectable multi-course menus.

Two Seven Zero, which is the only place onboard that serves hot breakfast food in the morning, is where you’ll enjoy most of your meals. Each day, you’ll find a fantastic selection of international favourites and regional flavours available to order. When it comes to your evening meal, you’ll actually need to choose what you’re having during the breakfast or lunch of that day; this is a process that aims to cut down on food waste – although, there’s nothing to stop you getting two half portions if you’re stuck choosing between two evening meals.

Elsewhere, in C. Green’s Restaurant on the Observation Deck, you’ll find a lighter breakfast and lunch option available – though, this dining venue is closed for dinner. With large windows and stunning views from the top deck, it’s easy to see why this is a popular option for those who want to enjoy something light to eat with sensational views of the surrounding scenery. The Observation Deck is also home to a Grill, which is utilised on select days of your sailing to deliver an al fresco barbecue – another fantastic opportunity to enjoy good food with good company on your National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions cruise.

There may be only one option when it comes to your evening meal – unless you’re invited to dine at Charlie’s Table, which tends to happen at least once per voyage – but National Geographic Endurance boasts an impressive selection of dining options for a ship with a capacity of just 138 guests; you often tend to just have one restaurant serving all three meals on ships of this size. So, no matter what you’re after, you’re certain to find something you enjoy.

When looking at the entertainment options available aboard National Geographic Endurance, it’s safe to say that it’s quite low-key in comparison to larger cruise ships; but, that doesn’t mean you’ll be bored during your adventure to some of the world’s remote regions. In fact, National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions’ cruises put these remarkable destinations at the forefront of your onboard experience, and everything aims to further deepen your connection and appreciation of the environment around you.

So, in the Ice Lounge, which is the main entertainment area on National Geographic Endurance, you’ll find a series of authentic cultural experiences and insightful educational events throughout your voyage. These can vary from live music from local performers to interesting presentations from guest speakers, though it all depends on your itinerary and where in the world you’re travelling. This venue is also home to state-of-the-art audiovisual technology, which can be used to aid presentations, play movies, and more.

The Ice Lounge is also home to a well-stocked bar, and you’ll find a second bar area on the Observation Deck: C. Green’s Bar. While this is largely open to serve those dining upstairs during the day, there is a piano here, should you wish to play for your fellow cruisers, and it’s a stone’s throw from the Observation Lounge – which is always a great place for spotting wildlife while sailing.

On National Geographic Endurance, you’ll also find a science hub, which is the perfect place to learn more about the environment around you while sailing, and a library, which is stocked with fiction and non-fiction books to read.

National Geographic Endurance may not be designed specifically to accommodate children, but explorers of all ages are welcome on the expedition voyages hosted by National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions. So, children over the age of six months are welcome aboard this ship. It’s worth noting, however, that some of the experiences available during your adventure will feature additional age limitations, for safety reasons more than anything else. That, though, doesn’t mean younger explorers with a curious nature about the world around them will be bored during a cruise with National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions. The crew onboard will always endeavour to make this experience as memorable as possible with interactive learning experiences and excitement at every opportunity.

When sailing to sensational destinations around the world aboard National Geographic Endurance, you’ll find that almost all of the activities available are related to furthering your connection to the world around you. So, when you’re sailing, you’ll have the chance to learn more about the environment in the science hub space, dive into an interesting nature book in the library, and admire the breathtaking scenery surrounding you in one of the comfortable lounge spaces. You’ll also find the Global Gallery onboard, a boutique shopping experience you won’t want to miss.

When you’re not sailing, though, that’s when the real fun begins. Aboard National Geographic Endurance, you’ll find a fleet of kayaks available to use. Alongside the scheduled Zodiac tours and shore excursions, this is a fantastic way of getting even closer to the world around you. It’s worth keeping in mind, though, that the kayaking available is a largely unguided experience; so, you’ll need to be confident in your kayaking abilities, especially when it comes to exploring the icy waters of the polar regions.

National Geographic Endurance is also home to The Sanctuary, a wellness centre perfect for pampering yourself between destinations. In this area on the Observation Deck, you’ll find a yoga studio, both a tropic sauna and a Nordic sauna, several spa treatment rooms, and easy access to a lounging terrace and two aft-facing infinity edge pools. You’ll also find a well-equipped fitness studio on the deck below, so a comprehensive wellness journey awaits you onboard National Geographic Endurance.

Suite Exclusives

When booking into a suite aboard National Geographic Endurance, you’ll have the chance to enjoy exclusive amenities throughout your voyage. These include:

• Priority booking for spa treatments (one appointment per departure)
• Priority booking for igloo stays (subject to weather conditions)
• In-room espresso maker
• Complimentary laundry services

On this ship, this only applied to Category 6 and Category 7 suites (Junior Suite with Balcony and Large Balcony Suite), of which there are numerous on the Bridge Deck.

Incredible Igloos

On National Geographic Endurance, you’ll have the opportunity to book an Igloo – exclusive glass domes that you can actually stay in overnight. Aft-facing, and right by the two infinity edge pools, these Igloos are ideal for sightseeing and offer a unique experience to everyone who decides to spend a night under the stars (or, if you’re sailing in the Arctic during the summer months, the near-endless daylight).

Inside, you’ll find eye masks and ear plugs to help you sleep, plenty of blankets, heated water bottles for warm beverages, and bathrobes. Although, you won’t find any power outlets here, so it’s important to charge any mobile devices before you settle in for the evening.

Although, it’s not as though you’re locked into your Igloo, so there’s nothing stopping you from enjoying the infinity edge pools in the early hours, heading back to your stateroom for something you forgot, or even finding a better spot for wildlife watching when the Observation Deck is a little emptier.