National Geographic Resolution

MS National Geographic Resolution ship is the second Lindblad-National Geographic cruise line's vessel of the "Ulstein X-Bow" series, with scheduled delivery in 2021-Q4. From the same class is the sistership Lindblad Endurance (2020-Q1).

On November 7, 2017, the shipowner Lindblad Expeditions Holdings and the Norwegian shipbuilding company Ulstein Verft AS signed an agreement to build the new-design passenger vessel at the price of USD 134,6 million, with 20% due upfront. By the contract, the delivery deadline is January 21, 2020 (potential "accelerated" delivery on November 18, 2019). The deal also included building two more (optional) vessels of the same class / design) to be constructed in subsequent years.

Cruise itinerary program

National Geographic Resolution's cruise itinerary program is yet to be announced by Lindblad Expeditions. However, just like the fleetmate and sistership Endurance, Resolution will be deployed seasonally in the European (Norway, Iceland, Greenland) and the Canadian Arctic regions, USA (Alaska) and Antarctica (Antarctic Peninsula, Ross Sea, and the sub-Antarctic Islands of New Zealand).

Cabins

The Lindblad Endurance ship has a total of 6 passenger decks (4 with cabins), 56 standard staterooms, 40 of which are with private balconies / or 75% of all) plus 13 balcony suites.

Of all Nat Geo Resolution staterooms, 12 can be booked as single cabins (studios with single-occupancy rates). Cabin sizes range from 140 ft2 (13 m2) "Solo Cabin" to 430 ft2 (40 m2) "Category 7 Suite". All cabins are outside, with 2 porthole windows (large, non-opening), 1 large window (opening) or 1 step-out balcony. All cabin balconies are accessed via floor-ceiling sliding glass doors. All the 69 staterooms offer as standard amenities:

• living room (with a low table, reading chair or sofabed / 2-seater couch)
• phone, writing desk with armchair, USB ports, flat TV (satellite reception, smart technology with infotainment system - Internet, on-demand movies, ship info channel), Wi-Fi connections
• "Command Center" - with National Geographic's World Atlas (paper edition), analogue clock, barometer, digital tablet (information on current cruise itinerary and daily scheduled activities - onboard and ashore),
• twin beds (convertible to double), bedside cabinets, different-sized bed pillows, wall-mounted reading lamps
• individually controlled air-conditioning
• en-suite bathrooms (WC, glass shower, mirrored single-sink vanity with shelves and under sink storage, hairdryer, botanic hair products - soap, shower gel)

The Suites are large-sized, with walk-in closets, multiple USB docking stations, command centres (for electronics, chargers, door locks). The suite balcony is also fitted with a hammock. All Balcony cabins are also with a command centre and rain showerheads (in the bathrooms).

Passenger capacity is 148 (max) and 126 (on expedition cruises, in the period April through September). All decks are connected via 2 elevators (passenger lifts) and 3 staircases and have public restrooms.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

Lindblad Resolution ship provides a total of 7 onboard dining options, including Main Dining Room, Two Seven Zero Restaurant, Chef's Table (small group VIP dining), C. Green's (Lido buffet restaurant), an outdoor BBQ (poolside grill bar), Bistro (Bar and Restaurant) and Winter Garden (outdoor seating).

270° Restaurant is the ship's MDR (Main Dining Room) with floor-ceiling windows (for 270-degree panoramic views), single-seating capacity, open-seating (flexible dining), locally-sourced ingredients, fresh produce, healthy and sustainable food choices. The Bistro (Bar and Restaurant on Observation Deck) serves afternoon tea, appetizers (lighter fare) and made-to-order dishes. Barbeques and deck parties are held at the heated outdoor Winter Garden.

During all MDR meals, ship's expedition staff (leader, naturalists, guest speakers) join the passengers to provide interesting information and answer questions.

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

Lindblad Resolution ship has the industry's highest ice-class rating - PC5 (Category A). The patented X-Bow design provides stable navigation in all-weather conditions and increases fuel efficiency. The innovative marine engineering and design (developed by Ulstein Design & Solutions AS) also improve wildlife viewing capabilities due to hull's unobstructed downward sight lines.

Passengers can benefit from multiple promenade (walk-out / open-air) deck areas from the Navigation Bridge (Wheelhouse), Observation Lounge and glass railings on Lido Deck. Located on the ship's top deck, these are the best vantage points for photography and nature viewing. Among the signature public spaces is The Sanctuary (wellness/spa complex) with 2 saunas (high- and low-heat, both with sea views), relaxation room, 2 treatment rooms (for massages), glass-walled Yoga Studio (for classes), photo gear locker. On Observation Deck (deck 8) is also the aft-located Sun Deck with an outdoor barbeque bar and two Infinity Edge Pools (Jacuzzis / whirlpool hot tubs with glass walls at the stern) and two igloos (with daybeds).

The wellness complex also includes a Fitness Center (gym room on Deck 7). NatGeo Resolution ship has over 10,000 ft2 (930 m2) of floor-ceiling glass windows and doors, Scandinavian-themed interiors, new patented Zodiac launching system (2 loading stations serving ship's fleet of 8 large-capacity Inflatable speedboats / landing craft), expedition equipment (complimentary provided on landings - snowshoes, cross-country skis, sea kayaks), hydrophone, underwater video camera, 2 remotely operated vehicles (ROVs operated by dedicated undersea specialist), video microscope, helipad (top-deck helicopter landing platform on Helideck), remote control helicopter with camera.

• The innovative Zodiac system allows quick and safe transportation to shore destinations inaccessible for the cruise ship. These boats have length 6 m (19 ft), each powered by 4-stroke diesel engines, and with max capacity 12 people.
• The ROV can reach depths of 305 m (1000 ft) and allows passengers to view undersea areas not accessible even to the most experienced scuba divers.
• Ship's custom-designed floating marina platform is used to deploy sea kayaks at any location.
• Ship's dedicated undersea specialist operates the underwater camera and dive often during the cruise. He uses cold-water gear to show HD quality real-time images of deep-water marine life and environment.
• The NatGeo naturalists on the ship use its video microscope (80x magnification) to explain to passengers all elements of the marine ecosystems. The spellbinding real-time images are displayed on the HDTV in the Main Lounge. At the Lounge, there is also an electronic chart displaying the current ship position, course and cruising speed.
• The underwater microphone listens to marine mammals and provides sound transmissions broadcasted real-time (through the PA system) or recorded for later playback.
• In warm waters is offered snorkeling, with snorkeling gear (masks, snorkels, fins, wetsuits) complimentary provided to all passengers for the duration of the voyage.

The cruise ship also has Library (reading lounge), Internet Cafe, Main Lounge (with full-service Bar), 24-hour beverage station (coffee, tea, water, juices), state-of-the-art conference facilities (for travel-themed documentary films, port talks, slideshows, media presentations), photo workshop, laundry rooms, mudroom (expedition base with expedition gear lockers).

The "open bridge" policy allows 24-hour access (depending on weather conditions) to ship's Navigation Bridge and the Captain or the officers on duty. The ship has Infirmary (with a full-time doctor) and dedicated expedition staff, including undersea specialist, NatGeo photographer, NatGeo certified photo instructor, and a video chronicler.