National Geographic Explorer
Former names: MS Lyngen, MS Midnatsol 2, MS Midnatsol
Cruise line
Lindblad Expeditions
National Geographic Explorer Review and Specifications
Specifications of National Geographic Explorer
| Year built | 1982 / Age : 38 |
| Flag state | Bahamas |
| Builder | Ulstein Verft AS (Ulsteinvik, Norway) |
| Class | ice-strengthened expedition ship |
| Owner | Lindblad Expeditions Holdings Inc |
| Operator | Lindblad National Geographic Cruises |
| Speed | 18 kn / 33 kph / 21 mph |
| Length (LOA) | 112 m / 367 ft |
| Beam (width) | 16 m / 52 ft |
| Gross Tonnage | 6471 gt |
| Passengers | 148 - 162 |
| Crew | 70 |
| Passengers-to-space ratio | 41 |
| Decks | 6 |
| Cabins | 81 |
| Decks with cabins | 3 |
| Last Refurbishment | 2017 |
| Former names | MS Lyngen, MS Midnatsol 2, MS Midnatsol |
Current position of National Geographic Explorer
Review of 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 onboard 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 - a 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 offers 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 a 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.
National Geographic Explorer - user reviews and comments
Other Lindblad Expeditions cruise ships
National Geographic Explorer Wiki
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 remotely 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 especially 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 (remotely operated vehicle) can dive to 1000 ft / 305 m sea depth.
National Geographic Explorer Itineraries
The below listed National Geographic Explorer cruise prices on itineraries are only indicative and Per Person (in US dollars, based on double occupancy). These are the cheapest Lindblad Expeditions fares on the ship’s lowest category cabins available for booking. Cruise fares typically change with departure dates approaching, last minute deals, discounts, promotions, independent travel agency offers.
| Date | Cruise Name | Departure Port | Price from | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 May 03 | 14 days, round-trip 14 Night Circumnavigating the Baltic Sea Cruise | Copenhagen | $17333 | |
| 2020 May 17 | 10 days, one-way from Copenhagen to London Tilbury | Copenhagen | $11785 | |
| 2020 May 27 | 13 days, one-way from London Tilbury to Bergen | London Tilbury | $15336 | |
| 2020 Jun 10 | 11 days, one-way from Bergen to Reykjavik | Bergen | ||
| 2020 Jun 21 | 9 days, round-trip 9 Night Circumnavigation of Iceland Cruise | Reykjavik | $11318 | |
| 2020 Jun 30 | 4 days, round-trip 4 Night Wild Iceland Escape Cruise | Reykjavik | $5021 | |
| 2020 Jul 04 | 9 days, round-trip 9 Night Circumnavigation of Iceland Cruise | Reykjavik | $11325 | |
| 2020 Jul 13 | 4 days, round-trip 4 Night Wild Iceland Escape Cruise | Reykjavik | $5028 | |
| 2020 Jul 17 | 9 days, round-trip 9 Night Circumnavigation of Iceland Cruise | Reykjavik | $11316 | |
| 2020 Jul 26 | 9 days, round-trip 9 Night Circumnavigation of Iceland Cruise | Reykjavik | $11320 | |
| 2020 Aug 08 | 14 days, round-trip 16 Night Exploring Greenland and the Canadian High Arctic Cruise and Land Tour | Kangerlussuaq | $17299 | |
| 2020 Aug 22 | 14 days, one-way from Kangerlussuaq to St Johns NL | Kangerlussuaq | $16201 | |
| 2020 Sep 05 | 8 days, round-trip 8 Night The Canadian Maritimes and Newfoundland Cruise | St Johns NL | $9811 | |
| 2020 Sep 13 | 8 days, round-trip 8 Night The Canadian Maritimes and Newfoundland Cruise | St Johns NL | $9820 | |
| 2020 Oct 10 | 16 days, one-way from Puerto Montt to Ushuaia | Puerto Montt | $19951 | |
| 2020 Oct 26 | 14 days, one-way from Ushuaia to Port Stanley | Ushuaia | ||
| 2020 Nov 10 | 10 days, round-trip 11 Night Journey to Antarctica The White Continent Cruise and Land Tour | Ushuaia | $14943 | |
| 2020 Nov 20 | 10 days, round-trip 11 Night Journey to Antarctica The White Continent Cruise and Land Tour | Ushuaia | ||
| 2020 Nov 30 | 10 days, round-trip 11 Night Journey to Antarctica The White Continent Cruise and Land Tour | Ushuaia | $14944 | |
| 2020 Dec 10 | 10 days, round-trip 11 Night Journey to Antarctica The White Continent Cruise and Land Tour | Ushuaia | $14930 | |
| 2020 Dec 20 | 10 days, round-trip 11 Night Journey to Antarctica The White Continent Cruise and Land Tour | Ushuaia | $16125 | |
| 2020 Dec 30 | 10 days, round-trip 11 Night Journey to Antarctica The White Continent Cruise and Land Tour | Ushuaia | $16123 | |
| 2021 Jan 09 | 10 days, round-trip 11 Night Journey to Antarctica The White Continent Cruise and Land Tour | Ushuaia | $14941 | |
| 2021 Jan 19 | 10 days, round-trip 11 Night Journey to Antarctica The White Continent Cruise and Land Tour | Ushuaia | $14934 | |
| 2021 Jan 29 | 10 days, round-trip 11 Night Journey to Antarctica The White Continent Cruise and Land Tour | Ushuaia | $14935 | |
| 2021 Feb 08 | 10 days, round-trip 11 Night Journey to Antarctica The White Continent Cruise and Land Tour | Ushuaia | $14933 | |
| 2021 Feb 18 | 20 days, one-way from Ushuaia to Buenos Aires | Ushuaia | $25759 | |
| 2021 Mar 10 | 14 days, one-way from Ushuaia to Port Stanley | Ushuaia | ||
| 2021 May 08 | 14 days, round-trip 14 Night Circumnavigating the Baltic Sea Cruise | Copenhagen | $17480 | |
| 2021 May 21 | 7 days, one-way from Copenhagen to Bergen | Copenhagen | ||
| 2021 May 22 | 8 days, one-way from Copenhagen to Bergen | Copenhagen | $9569 | |
| 2021 May 30 | 13 days, one-way from London Tilbury to Bergen | London Tilbury | ||
| 2021 Jun 13 | 13 days, one-way from London Tilbury to Bergen | London Tilbury | $16597 | |
| 2021 Jun 28 | 11 days, one-way from Bergen to Reykjavik | Bergen | $11886 | |
| 2021 Jul 08 | 4 days, round-trip 4 Night Wild Iceland Escape Cruise | Reykjavik | $5170 | |
| 2021 Jul 12 | 9 days, round-trip 9 Night Circumnavigation of Iceland Cruise | Reykjavik | $11461 | |
| 2021 Jul 21 | 4 days, round-trip 4 Night Wild Iceland Escape Cruise | Reykjavik | $5185 | |
| 2021 Jul 25 | 9 days, round-trip 9 Night Circumnavigation of Iceland Cruise | Reykjavik | $11468 | |
| 2021 Aug 03 | 9 days, round-trip 9 Night Circumnavigation of Iceland Cruise | Reykjavik | $11461 | |
| 2021 Aug 16 | 14 days, round-trip 16 Night Exploring Greenland and the Canadian High Arctic Cruise and Land Tour | Kangerlussuaq | $17387 | |
| 2021 Aug 30 | 14 days, one-way from Kangerlussuaq to St Johns NL | Kangerlussuaq | $16365 | |
| 2021 Sep 13 | 8 days, round-trip 8 Night The Canadian Maritimes and Newfoundland Cruise | St Johns NL | $9946 | |
| 2021 Sep 29 | 19 days, one-way from Port-of-Spain to Salvador de Bahia | Port-of-Spain | $25825 | |
| 2021 Oct 19 | 18 days, one-way from Salvador de Bahia to Puerto Madryn | Salvador de Bahia | $23479 | |
| 2021 Nov 10 | 10 days, round-trip 11 Night Journey to Antarctica The White Continent Cruise and Land Tour | Ushuaia | $15083 | |
| 2021 Nov 20 | 20 days, one-way from Ushuaia to Buenos Aires | Ushuaia | $25893 | |
| 2021 Dec 10 | 10 days, round-trip 11 Night Journey to Antarctica The White Continent Cruise and Land Tour | Ushuaia | $15070 | |
| 2021 Dec 20 | 10 days, round-trip 11 Night Journey to Antarctica The White Continent Cruise and Land Tour | Ushuaia | $16754 | |
| 2021 Dec 30 | 10 days, round-trip 11 Night Journey to Antarctica The White Continent Cruise and Land Tour | Ushuaia | $16760 | |
| 2022 Jan 09 | 10 days, round-trip 11 Night Journey to Antarctica The White Continent Cruise and Land Tour | Ushuaia | $15074 | |
| 2022 Jan 19 | 20 days, one-way from Ushuaia to Ushuaia | Ushuaia | $25895 | |
| 2022 Feb 08 | 10 days, round-trip 11 Night Journey to Antarctica The White Continent Cruise and Land Tour | Ushuaia | $15079 | |
| 2022 Feb 18 | 10 days, round-trip 11 Night Journey to Antarctica The White Continent Cruise and Land Tour | Ushuaia | $15082 |
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