National Geographic Islander 2

The 1991-built National Geographic Islander 2 cruise ship (formerly “Crystal Esprit” and “MegaStar Taurus”) was one of Crystal Yacht Cruises’ vessels. In 2021, the previous shipowner GHK (Genting Hong Kong) sold the yacht to Lindblad Expeditions. In 2022, the renamed “Nat Geo Islander 2” replaced the older namesake NatGeo Islander (built 1995).

The vessel (IMO number 8705266) is currently Ecuador-flagged (MMSI 735060256) and registered in Guayaquil. Previously, she was Panama-flagged (MMSI 352001060) and registered in Colon. During the COVID-related pause in commercial operations (2020–21), the yacht remained docked at Port Kraljevica (southeast of Rijeka, Croatia, off Krk Island).

After joining Lindblad’s fleet, the vessel was reflagged from the Bahamas (MMSI 311000506/registered in Nassau) to Panama/Colon. In March 2022, she underwent a 22-day extensive drydock refit, during which the number of cabins was reduced (from 31 to 26 / max capacity from 71 to 48), outdoor decks received new premium teak wood flooring, and a Science Hub (research lounge) was added.

In April 2022, Lindblad Expeditions Holdings Inc. announced that the refurbished vessel would be deployed in the Galapagos Islands, beginning with her Maiden Voyage on August 19, 2022.

History – construction and ownership

The 75-passenger Crystal Esprit was launched by “Crystal Yacht Cruises” (a division of Crystal Cruises) in Seychelles in December 2015. The inauguration marked a milestone for the brand, expanding from its long-held fleet of two ocean ships (Symphony and Serenity) into premium yachting (2015) and river cruising (2016). Prior to Crystal’s acquisition, the yacht was frequently chartered by GHK for its subsidiary Star Cruises. The vessel was built in Germany by Flender-Werft AG (Lubeck).

Crystal Cruises, founded in 1988, was a subsidiary of Japan’s NYK Line (Nippon Yusen Kaisha), one of the world’s largest container shipping companies. In 2015, NYK Line sold Crystal Cruises to Genting Hong Kong (GHK). Following the acquisition, the company was renamed “Crystal Ltd” and expanded to include Crystal Cruises (ocean ships), Crystal River Cruises (riverboats), Crystal Yacht Cruises (superyachts), Crystal Luxury Air (aircraft), and Crystal AirCruises (fly-cruise programs).

The superyacht’s christening ceremony on December 20, 2015, was held at Eden Island Marina in Victoria (Mahe Island), attended by travel partners, local dignitaries, and GHK executives.

On September 7, 2021, Crystal announced that Crystal Esprit had been sold to Lindblad Expeditions and would leave the fleet. The 30-year-old yacht served Crystal for five years (2015–2020). The decision to sell was driven by COVID-related changes in the travel market, and Crystal stated that the small-yacht concept no longer aligned with the brand’s future plans.

• A total of 50 Crystal Esprit voyages (scheduled between September 5, 2021, and March 24, 2024) were canceled.
• Guests with fully paid bookings received either a 100% monetary refund or a 115% FCC (future cruise credit) of the fare paid.

The yacht features one 2-person submarine, four 10-passenger Zodiacs, and a 32-passenger tender. Onboard facilities include 3 dining venues, 3 bars and lounges, 1 swimming pool, and 2 Jacuzzis. The aft marina platform supports complimentary water sports including jet skis, kayaks, wakeboards, snorkeling and scuba gear, and fishing equipment. Complimentary bicycles are also provided ashore.

The submarine experience (30 minutes) costs USD 600 per person. Crystal Esprit cruise fares started at approximately USD 900 per person per day.

The 85-m / 279-ft long yacht has a shallow draft (3.8 m / 13 ft), enabling access to small ports, harbors, bays, islands, cays, and rivers that are inaccessible to larger ships.

Decks and Cabins

Nat Geo Islander II staterooms (26 total) are all outside/oceanview and categorized as Suites. The yacht has no balcony cabins; even the largest accommodation (the Santa Cruz Islander Suite) lacks a step-out veranda. There are 6 connecting cabins and no wheelchair-accessible cabins, making the vessel unsuitable for passengers with mobility impairments.

The yacht has 5 decks, of which 4 are passenger-accessible and 2 accommodate staterooms.

FPV Ship Tour (drone video)

The following YouTube video is the well-known “FPV Ship Tour” (fly-through video) produced in 2022 by Dream Beach Media under contract with Lindblad Expeditions.

With a 10-hour production window, the media team captured the entire yacht using customized FPV racing drones. These small, fast drones require operators to wear live-feed goggles and perform highly precise, rapid maneuvers that demand significant piloting skill.

The dynamic “racing” shots throughout the yacht resulted in an impressive full-ship walkthrough featuring all indoor and outdoor spaces, including the staterooms. This visual production has become a valuable promotional tool for Lindblad, now one of the world’s leading expedition travel companies.

Shipboard dining options – Food and Drinks

Crystal Esprit features multiple dining venues, including the main dining room (multicourse dinners), an outdoor café (casual alfresco lunches), a self-serve snack station (for late-night snacks), a grill, and 24-hour room service.

Below is the complete list of Crystal Esprit restaurants and food bars:

• The Pantry (24-hour buffet/snack bar) operates as a self-service bistro with specialty coffees and teas, wine bar, light snacks, and pastries.
• Compass Room (wine bar; specialty dining, reservation-only).
• Yacht Club Restaurant (Main Dining Room) provides waiter-served breakfast, lunch, and dinner featuring contemporary and traditional gourmet cuisine prepared using fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
• Patio Café (the Yacht Club’s alfresco extension) offers lighter menu choices and waiter-served breakfast and lunch.
• Both the Yacht Club and Patio Café offer made-to-order dishes (waffles, pancakes, omelets, sandwiches).
• Health Bar provides freshly made fruit and vegetable juices, healthy lunch options (pasta, risotto, seafood, meats), made-to-order antipasti, salad bar, and an à-la-carte menu with dishes inspired by the itinerary and destinations.
• Sunset Bar & Grill (casual outdoor fast-food bar) serves wraps, burgers, and locally inspired street food.

Shipboard entertainment options – Fun and Sport

The all-suite yacht offers several bars, an aft marina with complimentary jet skis, kayaks, fishing gear, and snorkeling equipment. Bicycles are available for guest use ashore. Crystal Esprit also carries a small submarine accommodating two passengers for 30-minute underwater experiences (USD 600 per person).

Below is the full list of Crystal Esprit lounges, clubs, and entertainment venues for all age groups:

• Submersible marina platform for water sports; equipment includes kayaks, water skis, jet skis, wakeboards, scuba and snorkeling gear, fishing rods; two 10-passenger Zodiacs for transfers and exploration; a 3-seat submarine for underwater excursions; and a 12-passenger tender for special outings. Complimentary bicycles are provided ashore.
• Crystal Spa & Salon (medispa services).
• Doctor (all massage treatments and medical consultations performed by licensed physicians; complimentary enrichment seminars available).
• Casino (three blackjack tables).
• Yacht tender (12-passenger).
• Cove (Main Lounge and entertainment venue, served by the Cove Bar).
• Sunset Pool (swimming pool), two large Jacuzzis, and a sun deck.
• Sunset Gym (fitness room equipped with treadmill, exercise bike, Kinesis machines, ellipticals, free weights, yoga mats).

Crystal Adventures (shore excursions program) includes cultural, sporting, and exploration activities such as themed photography, health and meditation, beauty and wellness, and drone-flying experiences.

Itineraries

Crystal Esprit’s Maiden Voyage was a 7-night roundtrip from Mahe through the Seychelles Islands, followed by a 2-night land program in Dubai for New Year’s celebrations. The inaugural season included itineraries visiting the Holy Land, Middle East, Mediterranean, Adriatic Coast, Seychelles, and the Indian Ocean. Complimentary adventure tours were included at all ports, with boutique excursions offered at an additional cost.

However, at the end of February 2016, due to necessary “technical upgrades,” Crystal Yacht Cruises canceled the following inaugural itineraries:

• March 26 – April 3: Aqaba to Limassol (Cyprus)
• April 3 – April 10: Limassol to Piraeus–Athens (Greece)
• April 10 – April 17: Piraeus–Athens to Dubrovnik (Croatia)
• From April 17 onward (7-day Dubrovnik–Venice), the program continued as scheduled.

In November 2016, Crystal announced the yacht’s redeployment to the Caribbean (November 2017) for roundtrips departing every Sunday from Marigot Bay (Saint Martin) on two alternating 7-day itineraries. One itinerary visited St Barthelemy and four BVI ports; the second itinerary visited Anguilla, Saba, Nevis, St Barthelemy, and St Martin.

In October–December 2019, Crystal Esprit was deployed to the Red Sea for 7- to 11-day itineraries (combinable into B2Bs). The program featured overnights in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and visits to Sir Bani Yas Island, Mina Salman (Bahrain), Doha (Qatar), Sokhna (Egypt, for Giza Pyramids tours), Eilat (Israel), and Muscat (Oman).

For the 2021 season, Crystal Esprit’s schedule included:

• “Turquoise Coast of Turkey” – three 10-day itineraries
• “Dalmatian Coast” – twenty-two 7-day itineraries (Croatia, Slovenia, Montenegro)
• “Seychelles” – nine 7-day itineraries (Laraie Bay / Curieuse Island and Mahe Island)
• “Greek Isles” – five 7-day voyages
• “United Arab Emirates” – four itineraries (6, 7, 9, and 12 days)
• “Holy Lands” – two itineraries (8 and 11 days) visiting Cyprus (Larnaca), Israel, Egypt, Jordan

Crystal Esprit’s 2021 voyages became available for booking in December 2018, with fares starting at USD 4150 per person. “Book Now Savings” offered up to USD 2000 per cabin for bookings made by February 28, 2019.

For January–March 2023, the yacht was scheduled to operate 35 itineraries in Seychelles and Europe (Mediterranean, Adriatic, Holy Land). From 2023 through Q1 2024, she was planned for deployment in Southern Europe with:

• 5 Mediterranean voyages (France and Italy)
• 13 Greek Isles voyages (Greece and Turkey)
• 10 Adriatic voyages (Croatia, Dalmatian Coast)
• 7 Holy Land & Middle East itineraries (Jordan, Cyprus)
• 12 Seychelles itineraries

Crystal Esprit itineraries for 2023–2024 opened for booking on August 26, 2020. Most voyages were 6- to 8-nights, while Holy Land and Holiday cruises were 11- to 12-nights.

Nat Geo Islander II has a maximum draft of 3.8 m (13 ft) and a propulsion system based on MWM marine diesel engines (model TBD604BV16) with a total power output of 3340 kW. The vessel (yard/hull number 114470) was constructed by Flender-Werft AG in Lubeck, Germany.

Lindblad unofficially christened Nat Geo Islander II on July 30–31, 2022, in Salinas (Santa Elena Province, Ecuador’s westernmost city). The ceremony was led by godmother Ana Esteves (Lindblad’s VP of Hotel Operations) and attended by Niels Olsen (Ecuador’s Minister of Tourism), Gustavo Manrique (Minister of the Environment, Water and Ecological Transition), Captain Gonzalo Cifuentes (the ship’s Master), as well as local partners, industry colleagues, and Lindblad crew. The vessel began operations for Lindblad with her Maiden Voyage in the Galapagos Islands on August 19. The official christening ceremony was held on October 25, 2022, at Black Turtle Cove (Santa Cruz Island) during a voyage attended by CEO Sven Lindblad, VIP guests, local dignitaries, and media representatives. The formal ceremony was led by godmother Angela Flaim (wife of Juan B. Flaim, 1936–2022).

The yacht’s namesake is the 2000-built Margaritaville At Sea Islander (formerly Costa Atlantica).

Crystal Yacht Cruises (GHK’s new luxury brand) debuted with the Esprit yacht on December 23, 2015. The ship’s exotic around-the-world itineraries included destinations in the Mediterranean (French and Italian Rivieras, Adriatic Sea, Greek Isles) and Asia (Seychelles, Arabian Gulf). Esprit’s all-inclusive fares for a 4-day voyage started at approximately USD 2700 per person (or ~USD 600 per person per day).

Crystal Esprit’s godmother was Lady Gaenor Anne Meakes, then fiancée of Mark Richards (eight-time champion skipper of the Sydney-to-Hobart 628-mile yacht race). The christening ceremony took place on December 20, 2015, at Eden Island Marina in Victoria (Mahe Island, Seychelles). The yacht was christened with a 2004 Louis Roederer Cristal Brut wine bottle, and the event included a fireworks display.

The superyacht’s Maiden Voyage (Dec 23–30) was a 7-night Seychelles Islands cruise departing from Victoria (Mahe) and ending in Dubai, UAE. Promotional fares began at USD 3240 per person (for bookings made by October 31, 2015). During her inaugural season, Esprit operated in Europe (Mediterranean) and the Indian Ocean (Seychelles). Complimentary excursions were included in all ports, with additional boutique tours offered at extra cost.

Following the vessel’s acquisition by Lindblad in September 2021, all 50 scheduled Crystal Esprit voyages were canceled.

The table below shows Esprit’s last itinerary planned by Crystal. The 6-day “Seychelles Yachting Serenade Cruise” was scheduled for departures from December 16, 2021, through March 24, 2024.

Prices ranged between approximately USD 5000 and 7600 (EUR 4230–6430) per person based on double occupancy.

Crystal Esprit itineraries 2016 changes

Due to a refurbishment period that lasted longer than expected, the following Crystal Esprit Mediterranean itineraries were officially canceled:

• (March 27 – April 2) 6-day Aqaba to Limassol, visiting Suez Canal, Ashdod, Haifa, Larnaca
• (March 27 – April 10) 14-day Aqaba to Athens, visiting Suez Canal, Ashdod, Haifa, Larnaca, Limassol, Paphos, Kas, Marmaris, Rhodes, Kos, Paros
• (April 3 – April 10) 7-day Limassol to Athens, visiting Paphos, Kas, Marmaris, Rhodes, Kos, Paros
• (April 3 – April 17) 14-day Limassol to Dubrovnik (Croatia), visiting Paphos, Kas, Marmaris, Rhodes, Kos, Paros, Athens/Piraeus, Nafplion, Hydra, Itea, Parga, Corfu, Kotor
• (April 10 – April 17) 7-day Athens to Dubrovnik (Croatia), visiting Nafplion, Hydra, Itea, Parga, Corfu, Kotor, Dubrovnik, Kotor
• (April 10 – April 23) 13-day Athens to Venice, visiting Nafplion, Hydra, Itea, Parga, Corfu, Kotor, Dubrovnik, Kotor, Split, Zadar, Opatija, Piran
• (April 17 – April 23) 6-day Dubrovnik to Venice, visiting Kotor, Split, Zadar, Opatija, Piran
• (April 17 – May 1) 14-day roundtrip from Dubrovnik (Croatia), visiting Kotor, Split, Zadar, Opatija, Piran, Venice, Rovinj, Sibenik, Trogir, Vis, Hvar, Korcula

The yacht’s itinerary program resumed as scheduled starting April 24, 2016 (departing from Venice, Italy).