National Geographic Islander
Former names : Nat Geo Islander, Lord of the Highlands, MV Islander, Rivage Guadeloupe
National Geographic Islander last position
The last location of National Geographic Islander is in South America West Coast cruising en route to PTO LUCIA. The AIS position was last reported 2 years ago.
Current PositionSpecifications of National Geographic Islander
| Year of build | 1995 / Age: 31 |
| Flag state | Ecuador |
| Builder | Chantiers Naval de Marseille (Marseille, France) |
| Speed | 14 kn / 26 km/h / 16 mph |
| Length (LOA) | 50 m / 164 ft |
| Beam (width) | 13 m / 43 ft |
| Gross Tonnage | 1065 gt |
| Passengers | 48 - 50 |
| Crew | 27 |
| Passengers-to-space ratio | 25 |
| Decks | 3 |
| Cabins | 24 |
| Decks with cabins | 3 |
| Last Refurbishment | 2015 |
| Former names | Nat Geo Islander, Lord of the Highlands, MV Islander, Rivage Guadeloupe |
| Owner | Lindblad Expeditions Holdings Inc (via Lindblad Expeditions Holdings LLC) |
| Operator | Lindblad National Geographic Cruises (via Marventura de Turismo CIA Ltda) |
National Geographic Islander Review
Review of National Geographic Islander
The 1995-built National Geographic Islander cruise ship was named "Rivage Guadeloupe" until 2002. Her former names also include "Lord of the Highlands" (2002-2004) and "Islander" (2004-2008). Her namesake is the 1991-built superyacht Nat Geo Islander 2 (fka Crystal Esprit), 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 Nat Geo Islander is designed for year-round active exploration and provides an ideal mobile platform to experience every aspect of the Galapagos Islands, both above and below the water.
National Geographic Islander 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 long-standing partnership enables passengers to enjoy expedition-style small-ship travel as active explorers. Lindblad’s vessels sail to unique destinations, exploring remote inlets, making Zodiac landings, and searching for wildlife.
Decks and Cabins
National Geographic Islander has 3 decks (all with cabins) and 24 staterooms, all of which are Outside accommodations featuring either portholes or picture windows.
The total number of cabin categories is 5.
Shipboard facilities and amenities
Nat Geo Islander has one Main Dining Room with unassigned seating. Meals are served in a single seating to encourage easy socializing and maintain an informal onboard atmosphere. The menu is international with Ecuadorian influences.
Public areas include an intimate covered deck with chairs, tables, and hammocks; a fitness center and LEX spa; a gift shop; library; Internet kiosk; Wi-Fi; doctor’s office; and a lounge with a full-service bar and facilities for slide shows, presentations, and films.
The ship is equipped with kayaks and a Zodiac fleet, snorkeling gear, a video microscope, underwater video cameras, and Internet access. Each voyage includes a full-time doctor, photo instructor, video chronicler, wellness specialist, and undersea specialist.
Lindblad’s “Open Bridge” policy allows passengers 24-hour access (weather permitting) to the Wheelhouse/Navigation Bridge to meet and converse with the officers on duty and the Captain.
Itineraries
Nat Geo Islander’s itinerary program is based on expedition-style Galapagos Islands cruises from Ecuador, operating round-trip from Guayaquil.
Photos of National Geographic Islander
Other Lindblad Expeditions cruise ships
National Geographic Islander Wiki
MS National Geographic Islander is an expedition cruise ship designed for navigation in remote regions. Her former names included MS Islander (until 2008), Lord of the Highlands (until 2004), and Rivage Guadeloupe (until 2002).
As a true expedition vessel, Nat Geo Islander carries a full-time physician, wellness specialist, photo instructor, video chronicler, and undersea specialist. She is also equipped with dedicated expedition gear, including kayaks, Zodiacs, wetsuits, snorkeling equipment, and a glass-bottom boat. The long-standing partnership between National Geographic and Lindblad Expeditions (since 2004) allows passengers to travel as active explorers and enjoy expedition-style voyages on small ships. Lindblad’s vessels sail to unique destinations and make Zodiac landings to explore remote inlets and search for wildlife.
NAT GEO Islander is fitted with Inmarsat’s Fleet Xpress, providing high-speed satellite Internet connectivity. Fleet Xpress is fully integrated with the vessel’s phone system (PABX) and communication platforms.
Nat Geo Islander 1 has a max draft of 2.5 m (8 ft) and was constructed by Chantiers Navals de Marseille in Marseille, France.