National Geographic Explorer

The 1982-built National Geographic Explorer cruise ship was launched as MS Midnatsol for Hurtigruten.

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

History – construction and ownership

The 162-passenger Nat Geo Explorer is an expedition vessel capable of reaching some of the most remote shores on the planet while providing a first-class onboard experience. The ship is equipped with a full suite of tools for marine exploration.

National Geographic Explorer is owned and operated by Lindblad Expeditions in cooperation with the National Geographic Society (NatGeo, a US non-profit institution for science and education). This partnership enables guests to enjoy expedition-style small-ship travel as active explorers. Lindblad ships sail to unique destinations, exploring remote inlets, making Zodiac landings, and searching for wildlife.

Decks and Cabins

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

The ship offers 9 cabin categories.

During the May 2023 drydock refurbishment (conducted at Astilleros Canarios/ASTICAN Shipyard in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands), the vessel’s 8 Suites were redesigned and renovated. The updated décor incorporates textured fabrics in aqua and cassis tones, and each Suite was fitted with a Command Center (LG HDTV, Nat Geo Atlas, barometer) and a Nescafe espresso machine.

Shipboard facilities and amenities

Nat Geo Explorer has one Main Dining Room offering single-seating service with unassigned tables, as well as a Bistro. Dining emphasizes regional cuisine prepared with local ingredients.

The ship carries a fleet of Zodiacs and kayaks, along with HD cameras, hydrophones, and video equipment that provide access to the underwater world. In the lounge, guests can view imagery from the ocean depths projected from a remotely operated vehicle (ROV). A full-time doctor, photo instructor, video chronicler, wellness specialist, and undersea specialist accompany every voyage. Internet access is also available.

Lindblad’s “Open Bridge” policy allows passengers round-the-clock access (weather permitting) to the Wheelhouse/Navigation Bridge to meet and converse with the officers on duty and the Captain.

The ship’s public spaces include a Chart Room (with facilities for films and presentations), Global Gallery (shop), Internet Café, Observation Lounge with full-service bar, sauna, LEX spa, and fitness center. A well-stocked library provides a quiet retreat. The Sun Deck offers excellent viewing platforms for observing Antarctica’s sculpted icebergs or Norway’s dramatic fjords.

Itineraries

Nat Geo Explorer’s itinerary program is based on expedition cruises in Antarctica during the winter season and in the Arctic during summer. The ship also sails along the Atlantic coast and explores the Baltic Sea, Norway, the Northwest Passage, Iceland, coastal Canada, and South America (Patagonia), departing from various ports.

Following the Coronavirus shutdown, Nat Geo Explorer resumed operations in July 2021 with two alternating Iceland itineraries, both operating roundtrip from Reykjavik:

• (July 7, 2021) The 6-day “Wild Island Escape” itinerary visits the Westfjords (Djupavik), Arnafjordur (Dynjandi Waterfall), Latrabjarg Cliffs, and the Westman Islands (Heimaey and Surtsey). Fares started at USD 5180 per person (double occupancy).
• (July 11, 2021) The 11-day “A Circumnavigation of Iceland” itinerary visits Flatey Island, Latrabjarg, Westfjords (Isafjardardjup, Vigur Island, Isafjordur), Siglufjordur, Akureyri, Lake Myvatn, Husavik, Langanes Peninsula, Djupivogur, and the Westman Islands. Fares started at USD 11,460 per person.
• Lindblad’s cruise fares are inclusive of all meals, drinks, shore excursions (including Zodiac cruising), complimentary bar tab, and crew gratuities.

In 2024, Lindblad and Nat Geo Explorer introduced two new Antarctic itineraries focused on shorter voyages and air travel (charter flights) over the Drake Passage:

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

The second 8-day itinerary is a one-way cruise from Ushuaia, Argentina. Guests board the ship, spend two days crossing the Drake Passage, enjoy five days of Antarctic cruising, and disembark on King George Island for a charter flight home.

Lindblad’s flagship, National Geographic Explorer, cruises from pole to pole (Arctic and Antarctica) and also operates in Europe, including Iceland, Greenland, and the Norwegian Fjords. The vessel was originally built as MS Midnatsol (a Hurtigruten ship). Today, Nat Geo Explorer is a purpose-built expedition cruise vessel designed for safe navigation in remote regions, particularly the polar areas. She is reinforced with additional hull plating to withstand high ice-class tolerances.

As a true expedition ship, National Geographic Explorer carries a full-time doctor, wellness specialist, photo instructor, video chronicler, and an undersea specialist. She is also equipped with dedicated expedition gear, including a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) capable of diving to 1000 ft, a fleet of 36 two-person kayaks and 15 Zodiacs, wetsuits and snorkeling gear, and a glass-bottom boat. Onboard educational and enrichment venues include the observation lounge and the library. A mudroom with personal lockers provides storage for boots and outerwear, helping to maximize cabin space.

MS Explorer (also known as “Nat Geo Explorer”) is designed specifically for polar operations. She is fully outfitted for expedition cruising, carrying wetsuits, diving and snorkeling equipment, underwater cameras, kayaks, a glass-bottom boat, and a Zodiac fleet. The vessel’s ROV can reach depths of up to 1000 ft / 305 m.

Nat Geo Explorer has a maximum draft of 4.7 m (16 ft) and is powered by two Rolls-Royce Bergen marine diesel engines (model Normo-Bergen KVM-16) with a combined output of 4708 kW. The vessel (yard/hull number 114470) was constructed by Hatlo Verksted AS in Ulsteinvik, Norway.