National Geographic Islander

The 1995-built National Geographic Islander cruise ship was named "Rivage Guadeloupe" until 2002. Former names of the boat also include "Lord of the Highlands" (2002-2004) and Islander 2004-2008). The namesake is the 1991-built superyacht Nat Geo Islander 2 (fka Crystal Exprit) purchased by Lindblad in 2021.

The vessel (IMO number 9139878) is currently Ecuador-flagged (MMSI 735059027) and registered in Guayaquil.

History - construction and ownership

The 50-passenger ship Nat Geo Islander is designed for year-round active exploration and provides the ideal mobile platform to experience every aspect of the Galapagos Islands, above and below the sea.

The National Geographic Islander cruise 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 Islander has 3 decks (all with cabins) and 24 staterooms, all of which are Outside - with either portholes or picture windows. The cabin grades number is 5.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

Nat Geo Islander has one Main Dining Room with unassigned tables. Meals are served single seating for easy mingling and informal atmosphere. The menu is international and features Ecuadorian flair.

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

Nat Geo Islander public areas include an intimate covered deck with chairs, tables, and hammocks; a fitness center and LEX spa; gift shop; library; Internet kiosk; Wi-Fi; doctor’s office; lounge with full-service bar and facilities for slide shows, presentations, and films.

The ship is equipped with kayaks and Zodiacs fleet, snorkeling gear, a video microscope, underwater video cameras, and Internet access. Every voyage is accompanied by a full-time doctor, photo instructor, video chronicler, wellness and undersea specialists. The Ecuadorian officers and captain welcome guests to bridge in accordance with the “Open Bridge” policy of the ship.

Itineraries

National Geographic Islander itinerary program is based on expedition-style Galapagos Islands cruises from Ecuador (round-trip Guayaquil Ecuador port departures).

MS National Geographic Islander is an expedition travel cruise ship designed for navigating in remote areas. The ship's former names were MS Islander (until 2008), Lord of the Highlands (until 2004) and Rivage Guadeloupe (until 2002).

As a true expedition ship, Nat Geo Islander has staffed a full-time physician, wellness specialist, photo instructor, video chronicler, undersea specialist. Another feature is the specific expedition equipment on the ship, including kayaks, Zodiacs, wet suits, snorkeling gear, glass-bottom boat. The partnership between Nat Geo and Lindblad Expeditions (since 2004) enables passengers to become active explorers and enjoy expedition-style travel on small-ship vacations. Lindblad's boats sail unique destinations and make Zodiac landings to explore out-of-the-way inlets and look for wildlife.

NAT GEO Islander has installed Fleet Xpress - fast Internet connectivity provided by Inmarsat (owner and operator of a global satellite network). Fleet Xpress is fully integrated with the boat's phone system (PABX) and comm platforms.

Nat Geo Islander 1 has max draft 2,5 m (8 ft) and was constructed by Chantiers Naval de Marseille in Marseille France.