National Geographic Explorer

Former names: MS Lyngen, MS Midnatsol 2, MS Midnatsol

National Geographic Explorer current position

National Geographic Explorer current location is at South Africa (coordinates -37.05761 S / -12.30949 W) cruising en route to TRISTAN DA CUNHA. The AIS position was reported 1 hour ago.

All Itineraries Current Position

Current itinerary of National Geographic Explorer

National Geographic Explorer current cruise is 18 days, one-way from Ushuaia to Cape Town. Prices start from USD 22850 (double occupancy rates). The itinerary starts on 08 Mar, 2024 and ends on 26 Mar, 2024.

Specifications of National Geographic Explorer

Year of build1982  /  Age: 42
Flag state Bahamas
BuilderUlstein Verft AS (Ulsteinvik, Norway)
Classice-strengthened expedition ship
Engines (power)Rolls-Royce Bergen (4.7 MW / 6303 hp)
Speed18 kn / 33 km/h / 21 mph
Length (LOA)112 m / 367 ft
Beam (width)17 m / 56 ft
Gross Tonnage6471 gt
Passengers148 - 162
Crew70
Passengers-to-space ratio41
Decks6
Cabins81
Decks with cabins3
Last Refurbishment2023
Former namesMS Lyngen, MS Midnatsol 2, MS Midnatsol
OwnerLindblad Expeditions Holdings Inc (via Lindblad Expeditions Holdings LLC)
OperatorLindblad National Geographic Cruises (via LEX Explorer Ltd)

National Geographic Explorer Itineraries

DateItineraryDeparture PortPrice from
2024 Feb 17 20 days, round-trip 21 Night Antarctica Cruise and Land Tour Buenos Aires $28560
2024 Feb 17 20 days, round-trip 21 Night Antarctica South Georgia and the Falkland Islands Cruise and Land Tour Buenos Aires $28560
2024 Feb 18 20 days, round-trip 20 Night Antarctica South Georgia and the Falklands Cruise Ushuaia $30063
2024 Feb 18 20 days, round-trip 21 Night Antarctica South Georgia and the Falklands Cruise and Land Tour Buenos Aires $30063
2024 Mar 08 18 days, one-way from Ushuaia to Cape Town Ushuaia $22850
2024 Mar 08 18 days, one-way from Buenos Aires to Cape Town Buenos Aires $22850
2024 Mar 08 18 days, one-way from Buenos Aires to Cape Town Buenos Aires $22850
2024 Mar 26 16 days, one-way from Cape Town to Dar es Salaam Cape Town $21156
2024 Mar 26 16 days, one-way from Cape Town to Dar es Salaam Cape Town $21156
2024 Apr 18 10 days, one-way from Cairo to Piraeus-Athens Cairo $10260
2024 Apr 20 8 days, one-way from Safaga to Piraeus-Athens Safaga $10260
2024 Apr 28 10 days, one-way from Piraeus-Athens to Barcelona Piraeus-Athens $13080
2024 Apr 28 10 days, one-way from Piraeus-Athens to Barcelona Piraeus-Athens $13080
2024 May 08 12 days, one-way from Barcelona to Bordeaux Barcelona $22020
2024 May 20 8 days, one-way from Bordeaux to Dublin Bordeaux $9960
2024 May 28 8 days, one-way from Dublin to Leith-Edinburgh Dublin $10260
2024 May 28 10 days, round-trip 10 Night Emerald Isle Expedition Irelands Rugged Coastlines and Celtic Traditions Cruise Dublin $12825
2024 Jun 07 8 days, one-way from Dublin to Leith-Edinburgh Dublin $10260
2024 Jun 09 11 days, one-way from Portsmouth UK to Leith-Edinburgh Portsmouth UK $11887
2024 Jun 15 8 days, one-way from Leith-Edinburgh to Bergen Leith-Edinburgh $10200
2024 Jun 16 8 days, one-way from Leith-Edinburgh to Bergen Leith-Edinburgh $10200
2024 Jun 20 11 days, one-way from Portsmouth UK to Leith-Edinburgh Portsmouth UK $11887
2024 Jun 23 8 days, one-way from Leith-Edinburgh to Bergen Leith-Edinburgh $10200
2024 Jun 24 8 days, one-way from Leith-Edinburgh to Bergen Leith-Edinburgh $10200
2024 Jun 24 13 days, round-trip 14 Night Circumnavigating the Baltic Sea Cruise Helsinki
2024 Jul 04 9 days, round-trip 9 Night Circumnavigation of Iceland Cruise Reykjavik $11172
2024 Jul 07 12 days, one-way from Helsinki to Bergen Helsinki $19560
2024 Jul 13 5 days, round-trip 5 Night Wild Iceland Escape Cruise Reykjavik $6192
2024 Jul 18 9 days, round-trip 9 Night Circumnavigation of Iceland Cruise Reykjavik $11172
2024 Jul 19 10 days, one-way from Bergen to London-Tilbury Bergen $10990
2024 Jul 27 5 days, round-trip 5 Night Wild Iceland Escape Cruise Reykjavik $6192
2024 Jul 29 14 days, one-way from London-Tilbury to Bergen London-Tilbury $18310
2024 Jul 30 14 days, one-way from London-Tilbury to Bergen London-Tilbury $19072
2024 Aug 01 9 days, round-trip 9 Night Circumnavigation of Iceland Cruise Reykjavik $11172
2024 Aug 10 5 days, round-trip 5 Night Wild Iceland Escape Cruise Reykjavik $6192
2024 Aug 12 12 days, one-way from Bergen to Reykjavik Bergen $13536
2024 Aug 13 12 days, one-way from Bergen to Reykjavik Bergen $13536
2024 Aug 15 9 days, round-trip 9 Night Circumnavigation of Iceland Cruise Reykjavik $11172
2024 Aug 29 14 days, one-way from Kangerlussuaq to St Johns NL Kangerlussuaq $18969
2024 Aug 29 14 days, one-way from Reykjavik to St Johns NL Reykjavik $18400
2024 Aug 30 14 days, one-way from Reykjavik to St Johns NL Reykjavik $18969
2024 Sep 12 9 days, round-trip 9 Night The Canadian Maritimes and Newfoundland Cruise St Johns NL $11437
2024 Sep 21 9 days, round-trip 9 Night The Canadian Maritimes and Newfoundland Cruise St Johns NL $10770
2024 Oct 22 9 days, one-way from Valparaiso-Santiago to Buenos Aires Valparaiso-Santiago $13580
2024 Oct 23 8 days, one-way from Puerto Natales to Ushuaia Puerto Natales $13580
2024 Oct 23 8 days, one-way from Valparaiso-Santiago to Buenos Aires Valparaiso-Santiago $13580
2024 Oct 24 7 days, one-way from Puerto Natales to Ushuaia Puerto Natales $13580
2024 Oct 31 20 days, round-trip 21 Night Antarctica South Georgia and the Falkland Islands Cruise and Land Tour Buenos Aires $28020
2024 Nov 01 20 days, round-trip 20 Night Antarctica South Georgia and the Falklands Cruise Ushuaia $28020
2024 Nov 01 20 days, round-trip 21 Night Antarctica South Georgia and the Falkland Islands Cruise and Land Tour Buenos Aires
2024 Nov 01 20 days, round-trip 21 Night Antarctica South Georgia and the Falklands Cruise and Land Tour Buenos Aires $28020
2024 Nov 20 7 days, one-way from Ushuaia to King George Island Antarctica Ushuaia $10950
2024 Nov 20 7 days, one-way from Ushuaia to Puerto Natales Ushuaia $10950
2024 Nov 20 10 days, round-trip 11 Night Journey to Antarctica The White Continent Cruise and Land Tour Buenos Aires $16000
2024 Nov 21 10 days, round-trip 10 Night Journey to Antarctica The White Continent Cruise Ushuaia
2024 Nov 21 10 days, round-trip 11 Night Journey to Antarctica The White Continent Cruise and Land Tour Buenos Aires $16000
2024 Nov 27 5 days, round-trip 5 Night Antarctica Direct Fly the Drake Passage Cruise King George Island Antarctica $7975
2024 Nov 27 5 days, round-trip 7 Night Antarctica Direct Fly the Drake Passage Cruise and Land Tour Puerto Natales $7975
2024 Nov 30 10 days, round-trip 11 Night Journey to Antarctica The White Continent Cruise and Land Tour Buenos Aires $16000
2024 Dec 01 10 days, round-trip 10 Night Journey to Antarctica The White Continent Cruise Ushuaia
2024 Dec 01 10 days, round-trip 11 Night Journey to Antarctica The White Continent Cruise and Land Tour Buenos Aires
2024 Dec 02 5 days, round-trip 5 Night Antarctica Direct Fly the Drake Passage Cruise King George Island Antarctica $7975
2024 Dec 02 5 days, round-trip 7 Night Antarctica Direct Fly the Drake Passage Cruise and Land Tour Puerto Natales $7975
2024 Dec 09 7 days, one-way from Ushuaia to King George Island Antarctica Ushuaia $10950
2024 Dec 09 7 days, one-way from Ushuaia to Puerto Natales Ushuaia $10950
2024 Dec 10 10 days, round-trip 11 Night Journey to Antarctica The White Continent Cruise and Land Tour Buenos Aires $16000
2024 Dec 11 10 days, round-trip 10 Night Journey to Antarctica The White Continent Cruise Ushuaia
2024 Dec 11 10 days, round-trip 11 Night Journey to Antarctica The White Continent Cruise and Land Tour Buenos Aires
2024 Dec 16 5 days, round-trip 5 Night Antarctica Direct Fly the Drake Passage Cruise King George Island Antarctica $7975
2024 Dec 16 5 days, round-trip 7 Night Antarctica Direct Fly the Drake Passage Cruise and Land Tour Puerto Natales $7975
2024 Dec 20 10 days, round-trip 11 Night Journey to Antarctica The White Continent Cruise and Land Tour Buenos Aires $17790
2024 Dec 21 5 days, round-trip 5 Night Antarctica Direct Fly the Drake Passage Cruise King George Island Antarctica $9975
2024 Dec 21 5 days, round-trip 7 Night Antarctica Direct Fly the Drake Passage Cruise and Land Tour Puerto Natales $9975
2024 Dec 21 10 days, round-trip 10 Night Journey to Antarctica The White Continent Cruise Ushuaia
2024 Dec 21 10 days, round-trip 11 Night Journey to Antarctica The White Continent Cruise and Land Tour Buenos Aires
2024 Dec 28 7 days, one-way from Ushuaia to King George Island Antarctica Ushuaia $12950
2024 Dec 28 7 days, one-way from Ushuaia to Puerto Natales Ushuaia $12950
2024 Dec 30 10 days, round-trip 11 Night Journey to Antarctica The White Continent Cruise and Land Tour Buenos Aires $17790
2024 Dec 31 10 days, round-trip 10 Night Journey to Antarctica The White Continent Cruise Ushuaia
2024 Dec 31 10 days, round-trip 11 Night Journey to Antarctica The White Continent Cruise and Land Tour Buenos Aires
2025 Jan 04 5 days, round-trip 5 Night Antarctica Direct Fly the Drake Passage Cruise King George Island Antarctica $8975
2025 Jan 04 5 days, round-trip 7 Night Antarctica Direct Fly the Drake Passage Cruise and Land Tour Puerto Natales $8975
2025 Jan 09 5 days, round-trip 5 Night Antarctica Direct Fly the Drake Passage Cruise King George Island Antarctica $8975
2025 Jan 09 5 days, round-trip 7 Night Antarctica Direct Fly the Drake Passage Cruise and Land Tour Puerto Natales $8975
2025 Jan 09 10 days, round-trip 11 Night Journey to Antarctica The White Continent Cruise and Land Tour Buenos Aires $16640
2025 Jan 10 10 days, round-trip 10 Night Journey to Antarctica The White Continent Cruise Ushuaia
2025 Jan 10 10 days, round-trip 11 Night Journey to Antarctica The White Continent Cruise and Land Tour Buenos Aires
2025 Jan 16 7 days, one-way from Ushuaia to King George Island Antarctica Ushuaia $11950
2025 Jan 16 7 days, one-way from Ushuaia to Puerto Natales Ushuaia $11950
2025 Jan 19 10 days, round-trip 11 Night Journey to Antarctica The White Continent Cruise and Land Tour Buenos Aires $16640
2025 Jan 20 10 days, round-trip 10 Night Journey to Antarctica The White Continent Cruise Ushuaia
2025 Jan 20 10 days, round-trip 11 Night Journey to Antarctica The White Continent Cruise and Land Tour Buenos Aires
2025 Jan 23 5 days, round-trip 5 Night Antarctica Direct Fly the Drake Passage Cruise King George Island Antarctica $8975
2025 Jan 23 5 days, round-trip 7 Night Antarctica Direct Fly the Drake Passage Cruise and Land Tour Puerto Natales $8975
2025 Jan 28 5 days, round-trip 5 Night Antarctica Direct Fly the Drake Passage Cruise King George Island Antarctica $8975
2025 Jan 28 5 days, round-trip 7 Night Antarctica Direct Fly the Drake Passage Cruise and Land Tour Puerto Natales $8975
2025 Jan 29 10 days, round-trip 11 Night Journey to Antarctica The White Continent Cruise and Land Tour Buenos Aires $16640
2025 Jan 30 10 days, round-trip 10 Night Journey to Antarctica The White Continent Cruise Ushuaia
2025 Jan 30 10 days, round-trip 11 Night Journey to Antarctica The White Continent Cruise and Land Tour Buenos Aires
2025 Feb 04 7 days, one-way from Ushuaia to King George Island Antarctica Ushuaia $11950
2025 Feb 04 7 days, one-way from Ushuaia to Puerto Natales Ushuaia $11950
2025 Feb 08 20 days, round-trip 21 Night Antarctica South Georgia and the Falkland Islands Cruise and Land Tour Buenos Aires $29110
2025 Feb 09 20 days, round-trip 21 Night Antarctica South Georgia and the Falklands Cruise and Land Tour Buenos Aires
2025 Feb 09 20 days, round-trip 21 Night Antarctica South Georgia and the Falkland Islands Cruise and Land Tour Buenos Aires
2025 Feb 09 20 days, round-trip 20 Night Antarctica South Georgia and the Falklands Cruise Ushuaia
2025 Feb 11 5 days, round-trip 7 Night Antarctica Direct Fly the Drake Passage Cruise and Land Tour Puerto Natales $8975
2025 Feb 11 5 days, round-trip 5 Night Antarctica Direct Fly the Drake Passage Cruise King George Island Antarctica $8975
2025 Feb 16 5 days, round-trip 7 Night Antarctica Direct Fly the Drake Passage Cruise and Land Tour Puerto Natales $8975
2025 Feb 16 5 days, round-trip 5 Night Antarctica Direct Fly the Drake Passage Cruise King George Island Antarctica $8975
2025 Feb 23 16 days, one-way from Buenos Aires to Valparaiso-Santiago Buenos Aires $22711
2025 Feb 23 16 days, one-way from Ushuaia to Punta Arenas Ushuaia $22711
2025 Feb 28 16 days, one-way from Buenos Aires to Valparaiso-Santiago Buenos Aires $22030
2025 Feb 28 16 days, one-way from Ushuaia to Punta Arenas Ushuaia
2025 Mar 01 16 days, one-way from Valparaiso-Santiago to Buenos Aires Valparaiso-Santiago $22711
2025 May 02 11 days, one-way from Portsmouth UK to Leith-Edinburgh Portsmouth UK $12122
2025 May 13 11 days, one-way from Portsmouth UK to Leith-Edinburgh Portsmouth UK $12122
2025 May 27 5 days, round-trip 5 Night Wild Iceland Escape Cruise Reykjavik $6315
2025 Jun 01 9 days, round-trip 9 Night Circumnavigation of Iceland Cruise Reykjavik $11394
2025 Jun 10 5 days, round-trip 5 Night Wild Iceland Escape Cruise Reykjavik $6380
2025 Jun 15 9 days, round-trip 9 Night Circumnavigation of Iceland Cruise Reykjavik $11511
2025 Jun 24 5 days, round-trip 5 Night Wild Iceland Escape Cruise Reykjavik $6380
2025 Jun 29 9 days, round-trip 9 Night Circumnavigation of Iceland Cruise Reykjavik $11511
2025 Jul 08 5 days, round-trip 5 Night Wild Iceland Escape Cruise Reykjavik $6380
2025 Jul 13 9 days, round-trip 9 Night Circumnavigation of Iceland Cruise Reykjavik $11511
2025 Jul 22 5 days, round-trip 5 Night Wild Iceland Escape Cruise Reykjavik $6380
2025 Jul 28 9 days, round-trip 10 Night South Greenland Exploration Fjords Waterfalls and Fishing Villages Cruise and Land Tour Reykjavik $14238
2025 Aug 05 5 days, round-trip 6 Night Wild Greenland Escape from Boston Boston $7974
2025 Aug 05 5 days, round-trip 5 Night Wild Greenland Escape Cruise Kangerlussuaq $7974
2025 Aug 11 5 days, round-trip 6 Night Wild Greenland Escape from Boston Boston $7974
2025 Aug 11 5 days, round-trip 5 Night Wild Greenland Escape Cruise Kangerlussuaq $7974
2025 Aug 17 14 days, one-way from Reykjavik to St Johns NL Reykjavik $19530
2025 Aug 17 14 days, one-way from Kangerlussuaq to St Johns NL Kangerlussuaq $19530
2025 Aug 31 9 days, round-trip 9 Night The Canadian Maritimes and Newfoundland Cruise St Johns NL $11781
2025 Sep 09 9 days, round-trip 9 Night The Canadian Maritimes and Newfoundland Cruise St Johns NL $11088

National Geographic Explorer Review

Review of National Geographic Explorer

The 1982-built National Geographic Explorer cruise ship was launched under the name MS Midnatsol (now Maud) for Hurtigruten.

The vessel (IMO number 8019356) is currently Bahamas-flagged (MMSI 309336000) and registered in Nassau.

History - construction and ownership

The 162-passenger ship Nat Geo Explorer 1 is an expedition 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.

Lindblad National Geographic Explorer cruise ship

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 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.

Decks and Cabins

National Geographic Explorer has 5 decks (3 with cabins) and 81 staterooms, all of which are Outside with either portholes or picture windows.

The number of cabin grades is 9.

During the drydock refurbishment in 2023 May (conducted at Astilleros Canarios/ASTICAN shipyard in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canaries Spain), the ship's 8 Suites were redesigned and renovated. The new scheme features textured fabrics (in aqua and cassis colors), and each accommodation is fitted with a Command Center (LG HDTV, Nat Geo Atlas, barometer) and a Nescafe espresso coffee machine.

Shipboard facilities and amenities

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.

The ship 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. 

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.

Lindblad National Geographic Explorer cruise ship

The boat's facilities and public areas include a Chart Room (facilities for films and presentations), Global Gallery (shop), Internet Cafe (Internet access), Observation Lounge with a 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.

Itineraries

Nat Geo Explorer's 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.

Following the Coronavirus crisis, in 2021 the NatGeo Explorer ship started operation in July with two alternating Iceland itineraries, both leaving roundtrip from Reykjavik.

  • (July 7, 2021) 6-day "Wild Island Escape" itinerary visits Westfjords (Djupavik), Arnafjordur (Dynjandi Waterfall), Latrabjarg Cliffs, Westman Islands (Heimaey and Surtsey). Fares started at USD 5180 per person (with double occupancy).
  • (July 11, 2021) 11-day "A Circumnavigation of Iceland" itinerary visits Flatey Island, Latrabjarg, Westfjords (Isafjardardjup, Vigur Island, Isafjordur), Siglufjordur and Akureyri, Lake Myvatn and Husavik, Langanes Peninsula, Djupivogur, Westman Islands (Heimaey and Surtsey). Fares started at USD 11460 per person.
  • Lindblad's cruise prices are inclusive of all meals, drinks, shore excursions (including Zodiac coastal cruising), complimentary bar tab, crew gratuities.

In 2024, Lindblad with Nat Geo Explorer introduced two new Antarctic itineraries, emphasizing shortened voyages and air travel (charter flights) over the Drake Passage.

The first 8-day itinerary includes roundtrip flights (over the Drake Passage) to/from the Chilean Base on King George Island, where tourists embark on the ship. At the end of the voyage, on King George Island tourists disembark the ship, fly to Puerto Natales Chile, stay overnight and on the next day fly back home.

The second 8-day itinerary is a one-way cruise from Ushuaia Argentina (where they board the ship), follow two days (through the Drake Passage) to reach Antarctica and five days of cruising. The voyage ends on King George Island, from where tourists are ferried via a charter flight homeward.

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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 polar regions. The ship is perfectly suited for cruising expeditions, carrying wet suits, diving/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.

Nat Geo Explorer has max draft 4,7 m (16 ft) and a powerplant based on two Rolls-Royce Bergen marine diesel engines (model Normo-Bergen KVM-16) with total power output 4708 kW. The vessel (yard/hull number 114470) was constructed by Hatlo Verksted AS in Ulsteinvik Norway.