National Geographic Resolution

The 2021-built MS National Geographic Resolution is the second vessel in the Lindblad–National Geographic fleet constructed under the “Ulstein X-Bow” series. The ship was delivered in 2021-Q4. Her sistership from the same class is National Geographic Endurance (delivered in March 2020).

The vessel (IMO 9880685) is currently Bahamas-flagged (MMSI 311000893) and registered in Nassau.

On November 7, 2017, Lindblad Expeditions Holdings and the Norwegian shipbuilder Ulstein Verft AS signed a contract for one new-design passenger vessel at a price of USD 134.6 million, with 20% payable upfront. The contract set a delivery deadline of January 21, 2020 (with an “accelerated” delivery option on November 18, 2019) and included options for two additional vessels of the same class/design.

Decks and Cabins

The Lindblad Resolution has 8 decks (6 passenger-accessible, 4 with accommodations), 56 standard staterooms (40 with private balconies, or 75% of all), plus 13 balcony suites.

Of all National Geographic Resolution staterooms, 12 are available for single occupancy (studio cabins with single-occupancy rates). Cabin sizes range from 140 ft² (13 m²) for the “Solo Cabin” to 430 ft² (40 m²) for the “Category 7 Suite”. All cabins are outside accommodations, featuring either two large non-opening portholes, one large opening window, or a step-out balcony accessed via floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors.

All 69 staterooms feature standard amenities including a living area (low table, reading chair or sofabed/2-seater couch), telephone, writing desk with armchair, USB ports, smart HDTV (Infotainment system with Internet access and on-demand movies), Wi-Fi, a “Command Center” (NatGeo’s World Atlas in paper format, analog clock, barometer, digital tablet with itinerary and daily activity information), convertible twin beds, bedside cabinets, pillows, wall-mounted reading lamps, individually controlled air-conditioning, and an en-suite bathroom (WC, glass shower, mirrored single-sink vanity, hairdryer, botanical toiletries).

Suites are larger and offer walk-in closets, multiple USB docking stations, and expanded command centers (for electronics, chargers, door locks). Suite balconies are fitted with hammocks. All Balcony cabins also feature a command center and rain showerheads in the bathrooms.

Passenger capacity is 148 (maximum) and 126 on expedition cruises between April and September. All decks are connected by two passenger elevators and three staircases and include public restrooms.

Shipboard dining options – Food and Drinks

National Geographic Resolution offers seven dining venues: the Main Dining Room (MDR), Two Seven Zero Restaurant, Chef’s Table (VIP small-group dining), C. Green’s (Lido buffet restaurant), an outdoor BBQ/poolside grill bar, the Bistro (Bar and Restaurant), and the Winter Garden (outdoor seating).

The 270° Restaurant is the ship’s MDR, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows providing panoramic views, single-seating capacity, open-seating flexibility, and menus focused on fresh, locally sourced, healthy, and sustainable ingredients. The Bistro, located on the Observation Deck, serves afternoon tea, lighter fare, and made-to-order dishes. Barbecues and deck parties are hosted in the heated outdoor Winter Garden.

During all MDR meals, the ship’s expedition team (leader, naturalists, and guest speakers) joins passengers to share insights and engage in conversation.

Shipboard entertainment options – Fun and Sport

The vessel has the industry’s highest ice-class rating, PC5 (Category A). The patented Ulstein X-Bow design enhances fuel efficiency, improves navigation in all weather conditions, and offers superior wildlife viewing due to its unobstructed downward sightlines.

Passengers enjoy numerous open-air and walkout deck areas from the Navigation Bridge (Wheelhouse), Observation Lounge, and Lido Deck, all with glass railings providing optimal vantage points for wildlife viewing and photography.

The Sanctuary (spa and wellness complex) includes two saunas (high- and low-heat), a relaxation room, two treatment rooms, a glass-walled Yoga Studio, and dedicated photo gear lockers.

On Observation Deck (Deck 8), the aft Sun Deck offers an outdoor barbeque bar, two Infinity Edge Pools (outdoor Jacuzzis with glass walls at the stern), and two igloos (glass-enclosed “snow huts” with daybeds).

The wellness complex also includes a Fitness Center (Deck 7). National Geographic Resolution features more than 10,000 ft² (930 m²) of floor-to-ceiling glass and Scandinavian-inspired interiors. The ship has a patented Zodiac launching system (two loading stations serving eight high-capacity inflatable speedboats/landing craft), expedition equipment (snowshoes, cross-country skis, sea kayaks), hydrophone, SplashCam (underwater video camera), two ROVs (remotely operated vehicles), a video microscope, helipad (on the top deck), and a remote-control helicopter with a camera.

The Zodiac system enables fast and safe access to shore destinations unreachable by the ship. Each 6 m (19 ft) boat is powered by a 4-stroke diesel engine and carries up to 12 passengers. The ROVs reach depths of 305 m (1000 ft), allowing passengers to view undersea environments inaccessible even to experienced divers. The underwater microphone (hydrophone) transmits marine mammal sounds in real time over the PA system or records them for later playback.

The custom-designed floating marina platform is used for sea kayak deployment. A dedicated undersea specialist operates the underwater camera and conducts dives during the voyage, using cold-water gear to capture HD real-time imagery of deep-water marine life. NatGeo naturalists use the ship’s video microscope (80x magnification) to explain marine ecosystems, with real-time images displayed on Ice Lounge monitors. The Ice Lounge features a state-of-the-art audio-video system, 39 LCD TVs, and an electronic chart showing the vessel’s current position, course, and speed.

In warm-water regions, snorkeling is offered, with complimentary snorkel gear (masks, snorkels, fins, wetsuits) available for all passengers for the duration of the voyage.

The ship also has a Library (reading lounge), Internet Café, Ice Lounge (with full-service bar), 24-hour beverage station (coffee, tea, water, juices), advanced conference facilities (for documentary films, port talks, slideshows, and media presentations), a photo workshop, self-service laundry rooms, and a Mudroom (expedition base with gear lockers).

Lindblad’s “Open Bridge” policy allows 24-hour passenger access (weather permitting) to the Wheelhouse/Navigation Bridge to meet the officers and Captain.

The ship carries a full-time doctor and a dedicated expedition team, including an undersea specialist, National Geographic photographer, NatGeo-certified photo instructor, and a video chronicler.

Itineraries

Lindblad Expeditions has not yet fully announced National Geographic Resolution’s itinerary program. However, like her sistership Endurance, she is expected to operate seasonally in Europe (Norway, Iceland, Greenland), the Canadian Arctic, the USA (Alaska), and Antarctica (Antarctic Peninsula, Ross Sea, and New Zealand’s sub-Antarctic islands).

The Inaugural Cruise is scheduled for November 17, 2021, departing roundtrip from Ushuaia (Argentina) to Antarctica, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (SGSSI), and the Falkland Islands.

The shipbuilding contract between Lindblad Expeditions and Ulstein Verft was signed on November 7, 2017, and covered the construction of one vessel with options for two additional Ulstein X-Bow series ships. Construction of the first vessel, National Geographic Endurance (yard number 312, delivered in March 2020), began on January 5, 2018. Assembly of the second vessel, National Geographic Resolution (yard number 316), commenced on October 7, 2019. Each ship’s hull and superstructure were assembled at CRIST Shipyard in Gdynia, Poland, then towed to the Ulstein shipyard in Ulsteinvik (Hareidlandet Island, Norway) for outfitting, including insulation, electrical installations, engines, and propulsion systems.

On March 9, 2018, Ulstein contracted ABB Group to supply automation, propulsion, powerplant, and digital systems for the cruise vessels. The order was secured in early April 2019. The integrated package, including two Azipod DO thrusters per ship, is connected to ABB Ability System 800xA (safety and control system) with 24/7 real-time monitoring through the ABB Ability Collaborative Operations Center for remote diagnostics and predictive maintenance.

The shipbuilding order for National Geographic Resolution was signed on February 28, 2019. The vessel’s keel was laid on October 8, 2019, when she was also officially named. Attendees included Sven Lindblad (President and CEO of Lindblad Expeditions), Kenneth Pettersen (Ulstein Verft Project Director), Nikolaos Doulis (Ulstein Verft SVP Newbuildings), Reed Ameel (Drydock Manager), and Jarle Asemyr (Hull Department Manager). During the traditional coin-laying ceremony, a 1928-minted Hawaii Sesquicentennial half-dollar coin (90% silver) was welded into place. Owned by Sven Lindblad, the coin commemorates the 150th anniversary of Captain Cook’s arrival in Hawaii (January 20, 1778). Its obverse depicts Captain Cook; the reverse shows a Hawaiian chieftain.

The vessel’s name honors HMS Resolution, a 1771-built merchant ship purchased and refitted by the British Navy. She served until 1782. Aboard HMS Resolution, Captain James Cook began his second and third Pacific expeditions. In 1773, Resolution became the first ship to cross the Antarctic Circle (January 17). She returned to her homeport, Sheerness (Kent, England), in 1775. During Cook’s third expedition, launched in July 1776 from Plymouth, the vessel crossed the Arctic Circle twice—on August 17, 1778, and July 19, 1779—and returned to England on October 4, 1780. In 1780–81, the ship was converted for military cargo transport to the East Indies. On June 9, 1782, she was captured by French Admiral Pierre André de Suffren (1729–88), renowned for his successful Indian Ocean campaign against the British.

Between October 16–22, 2020, the unfinished Resolution (yard/hull number 316) was towed from Poland to Norway, arriving at Ulstein Verft from CRIST S.A. shipyard in Gdynia. On November 11, she was moved into the shipyard’s drydock hall for electrical works, insulation, piping, steel outfitting, and installations. Ulstein Verft’s drydock hall, opened in 2002, measures 225 m (738 ft) in length, with a 34 m (112 ft) gate width and two indoor cranes offering a combined lifting capacity of 500 tonnes.

Resolution was launched (floated out from drydock) on June 8, 2021. Baltic Sea trials were successfully completed on September 3–6, 2021. The vessel was officially delivered to Lindblad Expeditions Holdings on September 30 in Ulsteinvik, with the signing ceremony attended by Ulstein Verft’s Nikolaos Doulis (SVP New Buildings) and Kenneth Pettersen (Project Director).

The Maiden Voyage—an expedition to Antarctica, South Georgia, and the Falklands—departed on November 17 from Ushuaia, Argentina. The christening ceremony took place on November 24 during the inaugural sailing, held on fast ice in the Weddell Sea (Duse Bay, off Trinity Peninsula). Passengers walked freely on the ice to join Captain Heidi Norling, who served as Godmother. After remarks from Captain Martin Graser, guests and crew celebrated with a champagne toast, with penguins nearby.

National Geographic Resolution ship technology

The vessel is built with Ulstein’s patented X-BOW design, providing enhanced fuel efficiency and improved performance in rough seas. Enlarged fuel and water tanks support extended operations in remote regions. The ice-strengthened hull and higher ice class enable navigation deep into polar territories. Modern stabilizers ensure stability at zero speed, critical during wildlife viewing or landing operations.

The propulsion system includes two ABB Azipod DO units (3.5 MW each), requiring approximately 25% less power compared to propulsion units of similar performance. The ship is equipped with ABB’s “Ability” systems, including the System 800xA distributed control and electrical management platform, which enhances safety and fuel efficiency. This integrated technology allows onboard and shore-based teams to oversee all essential performance data. ABB’s Collaborative Operations System ensures real-time communication between the vessel and ABB experts for monitoring, diagnostics, and predictive maintenance—an essential feature for a ship operating in remote polar areas. ABB maintains seven land-based support centers coordinating remote marine equipment oversight. Its “Electric–Digital–Connected” concept reduces the need for on-call engineers by up to 70% and can lower docking costs by up to 50%.

The Danish company VMS Group (General Electric’s sales agent for Denmark) supplied all four General Electric marine diesel engines (L250 and V250 models), manufactured by GE Transportation. These engines feature an upgraded control system, two-stage turbocharging, high-pressure common-rail fuel injection, and an advanced exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) scrubber system. This technology removes the need for Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) equipment, reducing space requirements, weight, tank capacity, and the cost of purchasing, installing, and maintaining SCR components. Eliminating SCR systems and associated monitoring and dosing equipment (urea tanks) reduces onboard space usage by up to 75% and shortens shipbuilding time and cost.