An intimate expedition vessel purpose-built for the polar region and blue water cruising, National Geographic Explorer is a ship devoted to exploration; equipped with a wide range of modern tools and a well-appointed interior with an abundance of large windows, an adventure with National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions aboard this ship is truly unforgettable. Onboard, when you’re not admiring the surrounding scenery or wildlife spotting from the Observation Lounge, you’ll have the chance to enjoy authentic regional cuisine in three dining venues, relax in a lounge area with a well-stocked bar and state-of-the-art presentation facilities, or indulge in some light retail therapy with the Global Gallery: a small boutique shopping experience onboard. Also equipped with state-of-the-art wellness facilities for you to take advantage of, which include a fitness centre and sauna, everyone will find something to look forward to when cruising aboard National Geographic Explorer – and the destinations on every itinerary are certainly worth looking forward to, too!
The ship in numbers
What's onboard
Dining
The dining experience available aboard National Geographic Explorer is truly delightful; you’ll be met with three options and menus featuring regional flavours and locally-sourced ingredients wherever possible. So, each mealtime will further immerse you in the environment around you and continue the cultural experiences you’ll have the chance to enjoy during shore excursions.
A smaller ship, however, it’s worth keeping in mind that all the meals are served at a single seating throughout your itinerary; so, you’re not going to have too much freedom when it comes to choosing when you eat during your National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions cruise. However, you will be able to choose from three venues: the dining room, the Bistro, and the Observation Lounge. Each dining venue boasts a welcoming, informal atmosphere and an open seating policy, meaning you’ll have no trouble sitting with whoever you want and mingling with other like-minded travellers while tucking into something tasty.
Despite National Geographic Explorer being among the larger ships in National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions’ fleet, it’s still an intimately sized ship, and the dining experience available onboard reflects that. Mealtimes are relaxed, informal, and utterly delicious – wherever you are in the world.
Entertainment
Every adventure aboard National Geographic Explorer is about exploring the stunning world around you and furthering your connection to the destinations on your itinerary; so, you’ll find that a lot of the onboard entertainment available is related to that – meaning, you’re not going to see any Broadway-style stage productions or video arcades onboard.
The main entertainment venue onboard is the Lounge on the Veranda Deck, an area with plenty of places to sit and socialise with like-minded travellers. With a well-stocked bar, too, the refreshments flow as easily as the conversations here. This lounge space is also where you’ll have the chance to attend a range of interesting talks and informative presentations from the naturalists and experts onboard; educational, yet often entertaining, these experiences make up the bulk of the entertainment offerings available onboard.
Beyond this, though, you’ll also find a comfortable library area on the Bridge Deck and plenty of places to sit and admire the stunning scenery surrounding you – both inside and out. So, even if there’s no planned entertainment to look forward to, you’ll always find something interesting to occupy your time.
Family
National Geographic Explorer isn’t designed to accommodate children, unlike some other larger cruise ships, but everyone is invited to share in the adventures available onboard. So, children over the age of six months are welcome aboard. It’s worth keeping in mind, though, that some of the experiences available during an itinerary aboard this National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions ship are unsuitable for younger travellers, and additional age limits may apply.
Although, the crew onboard will endeavour to make each moment exciting for travellers of all ages, including children. On select voyages, younger cruisers will also be able to participate in National Geographic’s Explorers-in-Training programme, something that aims to further their connection ot the world around them through interactive learning experiences and engaging activities.
Things to do
When you’re not disembarking to enjoy an engaging shore excursion somewhere exciting, you’ll find that almost everything available on National Geographic Explorer is related to furthering your connection with the world around you. So, in your free time, you’ll have the opportunity to spend some time diving into an interesting book in the library, learning more about polar navigation in the Chart Room, or even peeking behind the scenes thanks to the open bridge policy onboard. Both the Lounge and the Observation Lounge also make for excellent places to trade stories with fellow explorers, while also enjoying the breathtaking scenery surrounding you through the many windows here.
That’s not all, though; you’ll also find a spa onboard, which is home to a sauna space, and a well-equipped Fitness Center. With a range of sumptuous treatments to choose from, and the opportunity to work up a sweat in more ways than one, you’ll have no trouble relaxing between shore excursions or refreshing yourself ahead of an indulgent evening meal onboard.
Useful Information
Suite Exclusives
When you’re booking into a suite on National Geographic Explorer, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy exclusive amenities throughout your voyage. These include:
- Priority booking for spa treatments (one appointment per departure)
- In-room espresso maker
- Complimentary laundry services
On this ship, these additional amenities are only available when staying in the larger suites on the Upper Deck; the four suites that feature these exclusive amenities also benefit from private balconies.
