National Geographic Explorer

National Geographic Explorer cruise ship was built in 1982 and launched under the name ms Midnatsol for Hurtigruten.

History - construction & ownership

The 6,471-ton, 162-passenger flagship of NatGeo fleet - National Geographic Explorer is an expedition cruise vessel able to reach the most remote shores of our planet, while offering a first-rate on board experience. The ship is outfitted with various tools for marine exploration.

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

Cruise itinerary program

National Geographic Explorer itinerary program is based on expedition cruises in Antarctica during winter and in the Arctic during summer months. The ship also cruises along the Atlantic coast and explores the Baltic Sea region, Norway, Northwest Passage, Iceland, Canadian coastal and South America (Patagonia) itineraries leaving form various ports.

Cabins

National Geographic Explorer has 6 passenger decks and 81 cabins, all of which Outside with portholes or windows. The cabin grades number is 9.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

Nat Geo Explorer has one Main Dining Room which offers single seating with unassigned tables, and a Bistro. The selection of dining options offer regional cuisine using local ingredients.

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

National Geographic Explorer carries a fleet of Zodiacs and kayaks, as well as HD cameras, hydrophones and video equipment allowing access to the amazing underwater world. In the lounge, passengers can view  images from the ocean’s depths, projected from a remotely operated vehicle. A full-time doctor, photo instructor, video chronicler, wellness and undersea specialists accompany every voyage. Internet access is also available. The officers and captain welcome travelers to the bridge according to the “Open Bridge” policy.

Public areas on board include a Chart Room (facilities for films and presentations), Global Gallery (shop), Internet Cafe (Internet access), Observation Lounge with full-service bar, sauna, LEX spa and fitness center. The Explorer also features a well-stocked library which is a quiet refuge. The Sun Deck offers observation spaces for viewing the sculpted icebergs of Antarctica or the steep-walled fjords of Norway.

Lindblad's flagship National Geographic Explorer cruises from pole to pole (Arctic and Antarctica), and also in Europe - to Iceland, Greenland and the Norwegian Fjords. The vessel was originally built as MS Midnatsol (link to the Hurtigruten ship). Today, Nat Geo Explorer is an expedition cruise ship designed to easily navigate in remote areas, specifically in the polar regions. It has extra hull plating to withstand high icebreaking tolerances.

As a true expedition cruising ship, National Geographic Explorer is staffed with a full-time doctor and a wellness specialist, a photo instructor and a video chronicler, and also an undersea specialist. Another feature is the specific expedition equipment on board, including a remote operated vehicle (diving to 1000 ft depth), a fleet of 36 2-person kayaks and 15 Zodiacs, wet suits and snorkeling gear, also a glass-bottom boat. Onboard educational and entertainment facilities are the observation lounge and the library. There is a mudroom with lockers providing storage for boots, thus saving space in cabins.

MS Explorer (aka "Nat Geo Explorer") is an expedition vessel designed specially for operations in the remote polar regions. The ship is perfectly suited for cruising expeditions, carrying wet suits, snorkeling gear, underwater cameras, kayaks, glass-bottom boat and a fleet of Zodiacs. The ship's ROV (remote operated vehicle) can dive to 1000 ft / 305 m sea depth.