National Geographic Endeavour 2

The 2005-built National Geographic Endeavour 2 cruise ship (fka "MS Via Australis") joined the Lindblad fleet in 2016. On December 31, 2015, Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic revealed the purchase of Via Australis for USD 18 million. After a US$10 million drydock refurbishment in late 2016, the boat was redeployed to the Galapagos Islands under the new NatGeo name.

The vessel (IMO number 9334088) is currently Ecuador-flagged (MMSI 735059655) and registered in Guayaquil.

History - construction and ownership

The 96-passenger ship Nat Geo Endeavour 2 is a fully stabilized and ice-strengthened expedition cruise vessel which allows smooth navigation regardless of the itinerary (operational region). This ship is also equipped with exploration tools allowing for daily marine activities.

The National Geographic Endeavour 2 cruise ship is owned and operated by Lindblad Expeditions in cooperation with the National Geographic Society (aka NatGeo - a US non-profit institution for science and education). The partnership that Nat Geo has with Lindblad enables passengers to enjoy an expedition-style small ship travel vacation as active explorers. Lindblad cruise ships sail unique destinations to explore out-of-the-way inlets, making Zodiac landings and looking for wildlife.

National Geographic Endeavour 2 (2005-built as "Via Australis") was acquired by Lindblad Expeditions in 2016. The vessel was purchased for USD 18 million from the "Australis Cruises" - small expedition travel company operating in Patagonia (South America) on itineraries between Punta Arenas and Ushuaia.

Following a USD 10 million drydock refurbishment, the vessel was renamed to "National Geographic Endeavour II". The ship's refit and refurbishment project included:

• redesigning and upgrading 46 double-occupancy passenger cabins, plus 4 single cabins
• redesigning all public spaces (to improve outside views and for quick open deck access in events of wildlife/nature sightings)
• improved main lounge
• additional forward lounge (with large windows and open decks access)
• improved top deck (for open-air gathering, al fresco dining, and stargazing)
• upgraded fitness room and spa
• new modern audio-video system (for media presentations)
• adding a fleet of Zodiacs (large-capacity inflatable boats for landings) and sea kayaks
• improved crew quarters

Decks and Cabins

National Geographic Endeavour 2 has 5 decks (3 with cabins) and 53 staterooms.

All cabins (42 double plus 11 studios) are Outside - with portholes or picture windows.

The number of cabin grades is 8.

Shipboard facilities and amenities

The ship has one Main Dining Room which offers single seating with unassigned tables. The menu is international featuring an Ecuadorian flair.

Lindblad's “Open Bridge” policy allows passengers 24-hour access (depending on weather conditions) to the Wheelhouse/Navigation Bridge to meet and converse with the ship's officers on duty and the Captain.

Ideally suited for the intriguing Galapagos expeditions, the ship carries wet suits, snorkeling gear, underwater cameras, a glass-bottom boat, kayaks and a fleet of Zodiacs. Every voyage is accompanied by a full-time doctor, photo instructor, video chronicler, wellness and undersea specialists. Internet access is available shipwide.

Onboard public areas include an intimate covered deck with chairs, tables, and hammocks; a fitness center; spa; global gallery; library; doctor's office; lounge with bar and facilities for slide shows, presentations, and films.

Itineraries

Nat Geo Endeavour 2's itinerary program is based on Galapagos Islands cruises departing from Baltra (pre- and post- cruise hotel stay in Guayaquil Ecuador).

Among the best small Galapagos cruise ships, National Geographic Endeavour 2 (aka "Nat Geo Endeavour 2") is an expedition cruise vessel designed especially for operations in polar regions. The ship is perfectly suited for Galapagos cruising expeditions, carrying wet suits, snorkeling gear, underwater cameras, sea kayaks, glass-bottom boat and a fleet of Zodiacs.

Every Nat Geo Endeavour II cruise is accompanied by a full-time doctor, photo instructor, a video chronicler, undersea and wellness specialists. Lindblad line's traditional "Open Bridge” policy allows the Ecuadorian officers and the ship's captain to welcome passengers to the navigation bridge.

Nat Geo Endeavour 2 was previously owned and operated by Transportes Marítimos Geo Australis. On December 31, 2015, Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic advertised the company's purchase of the vessel (previously named "Via Australis") for USD 18 million, followed by a USD 10 million extensive drydock refurbishment conducted in 2016-Q4.

The ship Via Australis was specifically designed to withstand the harsh weather conditions in South America's Chilean Fjords (Cape Horn region of Patagonia). This is a top-luxury superyacht able to easily navigate in the South American fjords and the shallow bays at the very bottom of the continent. The onboard Zodiacs are used for landings on shore excursions and wildlife viewing tours (offered daily).

MV Via Australis had identification MMSI number 725003280, call-sign number CBVU, and was registered in Chile. The ship is equipped with the latest safety and navigation technology. Its navigation system features a radar, echo sounder, GPS and modern communication systems. The ship also has a sprinkler fire suppression system. Among the changes done by Lindblad was reducing its capacity - Max Passengers (from 136 to 96, and Crew Capacity (from 45 to 64).

Endeavour 2 has installed Fleet Xpress - fast Internet connectivity provided by Inmarsat (owner and operator of a global satellite network). Fleet Xpress is fully integrated with the boat's phone system (PABX) and comm platforms.

Nat Geo Endeavour II has max draft 3,3 m (11 ft) and a powerplant based on Cummins marine diesel engines (model HC-M434C1) with total power output 1250 kW. The vessel (ASENAV yard/hull number 145) was constructed in Valdivia (Chile) by ASENAV (Astilleros Y Servicios Navales SA).

The sistership is The Taipan (1991-built, IMO 8705278, fka "MegaStar Aries" and "Genting World") which since 2022 (renamed "Doulos Hope") is owned by OM Germany (a religious/Christian organization based in Mosbach, Germany) and operated by its subsidiary OM Ships.