National Geographic Endurance

The 2020-built / 2021-inaugurated MS National Geographic Endurance is the first “Ulstein X-Bow” vessel in the Lindblad–National Geographic fleet. The ship was originally scheduled for delivery in January 2020 with a maiden voyage planned for April. Endurance was followed by her sistership, the National Geographic Resolution, delivered in late 2021.

The vessel (IMO number 9842554) is currently Bahamas-flagged (MMSI 311000929) and registered in Nassau.

On November 7, 2017, Lindblad Expeditions Holdings signed a contract with Ulstein Verft AS (Norway) to build the new-design Ulstein CX104 expedition vessel at a price of USD 134.6 million, with 20% payable upfront. The delivery deadline was January 21, 2020, with an option for accelerated delivery on November 18, 2019. The agreement included options for two additional vessels of the same class and design.

Nat Geo Endurance has a maximum draft of 5.3 m (17 ft) and a gross tonnage (GT) of 12,786.

Decks and Cabins

The ship has 8 decks (6 passenger-accessible, 4 with cabins), 56 standard staterooms (40 with private balconies, accounting for 75% of all accommodations), and 13 balcony suites.

Among the 69 staterooms, 12 may be booked as single cabins (studios with single-occupancy rates). Cabin sizes range from 140 ft² (13 m²) for the “Solo Cabin” to 430 ft² (40 m²) for the “Category 7 Suite.” All accommodations are outside-facing, featuring either two large non-opening portholes, one large opening window, or a step-out balcony (accessed via floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors).

All staterooms include a living area (low table, reading chair or sofabed), phone, writing desk with armchair, USB ports, smart HDTV (Infotainment system with Internet and on-demand movies), Wi-Fi, and a “Command Center” (National Geographic World Atlas, analog clock, barometer, and a digital tablet with daily itinerary and activity information). Additional features include convertible twin/double beds, bedside cabinets, pillow options, reading lamps, individually controlled air-conditioning, and an en-suite bathroom (WC, glass shower, mirrored single-sink vanity, hairdryer, botanical bath products).

Suites are larger and feature walk-in closets, multiple USB docking stations, and expanded command centers (for electronics, chargers, door locks). Suite balconies are also fitted with hammocks. All Balcony cabins include a command center and rain-shower heads in their bathrooms.

The ship’s passenger capacity is 148 (maximum) or 126 during expedition operations (April–September). All decks are connected by two passenger elevators and three staircases, and each deck has public restrooms.

Shipboard facilities and amenities

Nat Geo Endurance offers seven dining venues, including the Main Dining Room, Two Seven Zero Restaurant, Chef’s Table (VIP dining), C. Green’s (Lido buffet), an outdoor BBQ/grill bar, the Bistro (Bar & Restaurant), and the Winter Garden (outdoor seating).

The 270-degree Restaurant serves as the ship’s Main Dining Room, offering single-seating service, open/flexible seating, and panoramic views through floor-to-ceiling windows. Menus emphasize locally sourced ingredients and sustainable cuisine. The Bistro (on Observation Deck) serves afternoon tea, light fare, and made-to-order dishes, while barbecues and deck parties take place in the heated outdoor Winter Garden.

During all Main Dining Room meals, expedition leaders, naturalists, and guest speakers join guests to discuss wildlife, destinations, and daily activities.

Nat Geo Endurance holds the highest ice-class rating in the cruise industry—PC5 (Category A). The patented X-Bow design improves fuel efficiency, reduces wave impact, and enhances stability in rough seas. The refined marine engineering by Ulstein Design & Solutions AS also improves wildlife viewing due to unobstructed downward sightlines over the bow.

The ship features multiple promenade decks, walk-out viewing platforms, and glass-railed observation areas accessible from the Navigation Bridge, Observation Lounge, and Lido Deck—ideal for photography and nature watching.

Signature public areas include The Sanctuary (wellness and spa complex) with two seaview saunas (high- and low-heat), a relaxation room, two massage treatment rooms, and a glass-walled Yoga Studio. Also located on Observation Deck (Deck 8) is the aft Sun Deck, featuring an outdoor barbeque bar, two Infinity Edge Pools (glass-walled Jacuzzis), and two igloos with daybeds.

The wellness complex also includes a Fitness Center (Deck 7). The ship has more than 10,000 ft² (930 m²) of floor-to-ceiling glass, Scandinavian-themed interiors, a new patented Zodiac launching system (two loading stations serving eight high-capacity landing craft), expedition equipment (snowshoes, cross-country skis, sea kayaks), a hydrophone, SplashCam (underwater camera), two ROVs (operated by the undersea specialist), a video microscope, a helipad, and a remote-control helicopter with camera.

The Zodiac system enables fast, safe loading for operations in areas inaccessible to the vessel. Each 6-m (19-ft) Zodiac is powered by a 4-stroke diesel engine and carries up to 12 people. The ROV reaches depths of 305 m (1,000 ft), transmitting real-time video of deep-water ecosystems. A hydrophone captures marine mammal sounds for live or recorded playback.

The floating marina platform supports sea-kayak deployment at any location. The undersea specialist conducts cold-water dives using HD cameras, broadcasting footage to passengers. Naturalists also use the ship’s video microscope (80× magnification) to display and explain marine ecosystem details on screens in the Ice Lounge (equipped with an advanced audio-video system, 39 LCD TVs, and an electronic navigation chart).

In warm-water regions, complimentary snorkeling gear (masks, snorkels, fins, wetsuits) is provided for the duration of the voyage.

Additional facilities include a Library (reading lounge), Internet Café, Main Lounge (full-service bar), 24-hour beverage station, conference/media rooms (documentaries, lectures, presentations), a photo workshop, laundry facilities, and the Base Camp/mudroom (with expedition-gear lockers and two enclosed Zodiac boarding stations).

Lindblad’s “Open Bridge” policy permits 24-hour access (weather permitting) to the Wheelhouse/Navigation Bridge, allowing guests to meet the officers and Captain.

The ship carries a full-time doctor and dedicated expedition staff, including an undersea specialist, National Geographic photographer, certified photo instructor, and a video chronicler.

Endurance also features CHANGE—the first permanent at-sea art installation—curated by American artist Zaria Forman. The exhibition includes paintings, drawings, photographs, sculptures, and video works themed on the beauty and fragility of the polar regions.

Itineraries

For 2020, Lindblad planned eight “Inaugural Cruise” itineraries in the Arctic, including a Northeast Passage voyage from Norway to Alaska. These itineraries included:

• 11-day “Svalbard in Spring: Polar Bears, Arctic Light and Epic Ice” (priced USD 11,600–45,980)
• 9-day “Norwegian Fjords and Scottish Isles” (USD 7,970–31,060)
• 10-day “Norwegian Discovery: Svalbard and Northern Fjords” (USD 10,290–40,640)
• 17-day “Coastal Wonders of Norway, Faroe Islands and Iceland” (USD 17,160–67,800)
• 17-day “Arctic Exploration: A Voyage to Iceland, East Greenland and Norway” (USD 17,160–67,800)
• 26-day “Northeast Passage: An Unforgettable Voyage from Norway to Alaska” (USD 34,750–137,560)
• 20-day “East Greenland: Wild Shores of the High Arctic” (USD 23,870–94,320)

Two additional departures (December 27, 2020, and January 26, 2021) were themed “Epic Antarctica,” visiting four wilderness regions: the Antarctic Peninsula, the Ross Sea ice shelf, and New Zealand’s sub-Antarctic islands. The 34-day voyage was priced from AUD 61,000 per person.

Due to COVID-19, the ship’s entire 2020 program was canceled, including the rescheduled November 9, 2020, 20-day Maiden Voyage from Ushuaia to Antarctica, South Georgia, and the Falklands.

The ship was then expected to enter service in 2021, beginning with a 30-day Transatlantic repositioning cruise (“Atlantic Isles Discovery: From the Falklands to Madeira”) from Ushuaia to Funchal (Madeira). However, the maiden voyage was again rescheduled—first to May 5, then to July 21.

• Canceled: May 5, 2021 (7-day “Land of the Ice Bears – In-Depth Exploration of Arctic Svalbard”), from USD 11,760 (EUR 9,765 / GBP 8,435)
• New: July 21, 2021 (19-day “Iceland and Greenland”), roundtrip from Reykjavik, priced from USD 22,190 (EUR 18,570) per person
• Two 13-day voyages (August 7 and 18, 2021): “Iceland and Greenland: Wild Coasts and Icy Shores,” priced from USD 13,350 (EUR 11,170)

The vessel’s official Maiden Voyage ultimately departed on July 22, 2021, following the naming ceremony in Reykjavik. The 19-day inaugural cruise (“National Geographic Endurance Inaugural: Iceland and Greenland”) featured fjord cruising, coastal scenery, and multiple landings. Prices began at USD 22,190 (EUR 18,850 / GBP 16,140) per person (Category 1 cabin).

This was followed by two 13-day “Iceland and Greenland: Wild Coasts and Icy Shores” roundtrips from Reykjavik, departing August 7 and 18, with fares from USD 13,350 (EUR 11,340 / GBP 9,710) per person.

The shipbuilding contract between Lindblad Expeditions and Ulstein Verft was signed on November 7, 2017. The vessel’s first steel-cutting ceremony (Ulstein yard/hull number 312) was held on January 5, 2018, at CRIST Shipyard in Gdynia, Poland. The keel-laying ceremony followed on March 17, 2018, during which the ship’s name was officially announced. Attended by Sven Lindblad (President and CEO), the ceremony included the traditional coin-laying. A commemorative silver coin—etched with the ship’s name, a penguin and polar bear symbolizing both poles, and the words “To Explore and Understand the World”—was welded beneath the keel.

On March 9, 2018, Ulstein contracted ABB Group to supply the ship’s automation, propulsion, powerplant, and digital systems. The order was secured in early April 2019. The package includes two Azipod DO thrusters per vessel integrated into ABB Ability System 800xA (safety/control), with continuous 24/7 connectivity to the ABB Ability Collaborative Operations Center for remote monitoring, diagnostics, and predictive maintenance.

On April 23, 2019, the hull arrived at Ulstein Verft for outfitting (insulation, electrical systems, engines, propulsion units). The hull and partial superstructure were built at CRIST Shipyard (Poland) and towed to Norway by two tugboats. The Ulstein CX104 vessel was launched (floated out of drydock) on December 7, 2019.

The vessel’s name honors the 1912-built, three-masted barquentine Endurance, used by British polar explorer Sir Ernest Henry Shackleton (1874–1922) during the Imperial Transantarctic Expedition (1914–1917). In November 1915, while navigating in the Weddell Sea, the sailing ship was crushed by pack ice and sank off the Antarctic Peninsula.

After assembly in Poland, the hull was towed to the Ulstein shipyard in Ulsteinvik (Hareidlandet Island, Norway) for outfitting.

In late June 2019, Lindblad announced a polar-themed shipwide art exhibition aboard NatGeo Endurance titled CHANGE. Curated by US artist Zaria Forman—renowned for her hyper-realistic large-scale pastel landscapes—the permanent installation features drawings, paintings, photographs, and glass sculptures by more than 35 artists. The artworks are displayed throughout all public spaces and 12 suites, with deck-specific thematic arrangements.

NatGeo Endurance’s christening ceremony took place on July 22, 2021, dockside at Reykjavik Harbor, Iceland. The naming was an exclusive Lindblad guest event, presided over by two godmothers: Jen Martin (Director of Field Staff & Expedition Development) and Ana Esteves (Hotel Operations Director). Also present were Sven Lindblad (Founder), Dolf Berle (CEO), and Captain Aaron Wood (Master). The celebration featured Champagne, canapés, and live Icelandic music. The ceremony was followed by a 19-day Maiden Voyage (roundtrip Reykjavik) visiting destinations in Iceland and Greenland.

National Geographic Endurance – ship technology

The vessel incorporates Ulstein’s patented X-BOW design, enhancing fuel efficiency and improving stability in rough seas. Enlarged fuel and water tanks support extended operations in remote destinations. The ice-strengthened hull and higher ice class enable deeper penetration into polar regions. Modern stabilizers provide zero-speed stability when the ship is stationary for wildlife viewing or landings.

The propulsion system consists of two ABB Azipod DO units (360-degree azimuthing thrusters, 3.5 MW each), which require approximately 25% less power than equivalent systems. ABB Ability technologies, including the System 800xA distributed control and electrical management platform, integrate all propulsion and power systems into a single interface, enabling onboard and shoreside teams to monitor performance in real time. ABB’s Collaborative Operations Centers (seven worldwide) support remote diagnostics, monitoring, and predictive maintenance. The company’s “Electric–Digital–Connected” concept significantly reduces on-call engineer needs (up to 70%) and docking costs (up to 50%).

The ship is powered by four General Electric marine diesel engines (models L250 and V250), delivered by Denmark’s VMS Group (GE’s Danish sales agent). These next-generation GE engines feature an upgraded control system, two-stage turbocharging, high-pressure common rail injection, and an advanced EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) scrubber system. The technology eliminates the need for SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) equipment, reducing onboard space requirements, minimizing tank and load impacts, and lowering procurement, installation, and maintenance costs. Avoiding SCR and urea systems saves up to 75% space and shortens shipbuilding time.

Inaugural Cruise 2021

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing global travel restrictions, Lindblad canceled the vessel’s entire 2020 program. The Maiden Voyage was rescheduled multiple times—initially March 14, later May 5, May 26, and finally June 9, 2021. The inaugural voyage was a 14-day Arctic Norway itinerary from Bergen to Longyearbyen (Spitsbergen Island, Svalbard, Norway), priced from USD 19,565 per person (double occupancy).

The ship’s planned 30-day “Atlantic Isles Discovery: From the Falklands to Madeira” cruise (March 14 – April 13, 2021) was to operate from Ushuaia to Funchal, visiting the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Inaccessible Island, St Helena (Tristan da Cunha, Ascension), Cape Verde (Sao Tiago, Fogo), the Canary Islands (La Palma, La Gomera), and Madeira. The itinerary was scheduled to conclude with a flight to Lisbon and a hotel stay at Altis Avenida or similar. Prices started at USD 25,350 per person.

Inaugural Cruise Itineraries 2020 (CANCELED)

Listed below are the originally scheduled—and later canceled—2020 South America voyages. Prices are per person based on double occupancy.

20-day “Ushuaia to Buenos Aires Fly-Cruise” (USD 28,600 pp)

20-day “Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands Cruise”

10-day “Journey to Antarctica: The White Continent” (USD 18,000 pp)

32-day “Ushuaia to Dunedin Cruise” (USD 48,810 pp)

(2021) 15-day “Night Southern Patagonia Glaciers, Fjords and Wildlife Cruise” (USD 19,450 pp)

Godspeed!