National Geographic Venture

The 2018-built National Geographic Venture cruise ship is one of the new Lindblad-National Geographic expedition vessels, with sistership NatGeo Quest (2017).

History - construction and ownership

The 100-passenger ship Nat Geo Venture is an expedition vessel with an ice-strengthened hull, fully-stabilized and with relatively shallow draft (9 ft / 2,7 m) which allows safe navigation regardless of the itinerary region.

Constructed at Washington' Nichols Brothers Boat Builders, NatGeo Venture is Lindblad fleet's 3rd larger vessel. This new fleet of 3 same-design ships is by the same shipbuilder as Lindblad's long-serving 62-passenger ships Sea Lion and Sea Bird. In comparison, the newbuilds feature an extra deck, sophisticated design, new cabin grades, new facilities and amenities (including mudroom with rows of lockers, snorkeling equipment, and other gear). The ship's ROV (remotely operated vehicle) can dive up to 1000 ft / 305 m sea depths.

National Geographic Venture 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.

Cruise itinerary program

MS Venture itinerary program is based USA and Canada coastal cruises in Alaska, Baja California and Pacific Northwest. The pre-scheduled 14-day maiden voyage (June 24, 2018) was themed “Treasures of Inside Passage: Alaska and British Columbia”. Then was scheduled an 8-day “Exploring Alaska's Coastal Wilderness” cruise program with 8 departures, plus another (“Treasures of Inside Passage” in September, followed by six 8-day “The San Juan Islands and British Columbia” cruises. 

However, due to delayed delivery (in October), the ship's inaugural cruise was re-scheduled for December 2, 2018. The 5-night maiden voyage (Northern and Southern California itinerary) was roundtrip from San Francisco CA. Cruise prices started from USD 3,800 pp (double occupancy).

Inaugural voyage's highlights included snorkeling in Cabo Pulmo National Park (Los Cabos coral reef with over 220 fish species) and optional tour to Guerrero Negro (world’s largest salt mine) and Isla Natividad (tour to the fish processing plant). Among the destinations was also Mexico's Magdalena Bay (Isla Magdalena) in Baja California Sur.

Decks and Cabins

National Geographic Venture has 4 decks (3 with cabins) and 50 staterooms. Of all cabins, 22 are with small step-out balconies (with floor-ceiling sliding doors) and 12 (6 pairs) are connecting cabins (via internal doorway access) allowing families to combine 2 adjacent rooms. All category 5 suites accommodate a 3rd person on a convertible sofabed.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

Nat Geo Venture has one Main Dining Room which offers single seating with unassigned tables. Food served aboard is local, fresh and sustainably sourced when possible. When weather conditions allow, light fare is served outside on ship's observation deck. The captain and officers welcome passengers to the bridge in accordance with line's “Open Bridge” policy.

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

Ideally suited for expeditions, the National Geographic Venture carries wet suits, snorkeling gear, underwater cameras, a glass-bottom boat, 24 sea kayaks, paddle boards, a fleet of Mark V Zodiacs and even a video microscope displaying microorganisms from polar waters. Every voyage is accompanied by a full-time doctor, photo instructor, video chronicler, wellness and undersea specialists. Internet access is available shipwide.

Nat Geo Venture public areas include an intimate covered deck with chairs, tables, and hammocks; a fitness center; spa; global gallery; library; doctor’s office; lounge with bar and facilities for slide shows, presentations, and films.

The vessel was launched (floated-out from drydock) on September 14, 2018, at the shipyard of Nichols Brothers (Freeland, Whidbey Island WA).

Lindblad Venture ship had two Inaugural Cruise itineraries scheduled after the inauguration in December 2018.

• 5-day itinerary (departing December 2 from San Francisco CA) visited Angel Island, Sausalito, Avila Beach, Catalina Island, Monterey, Point Lobos, and ends in Long Beach CA. Prices started from USD 3,800 pp
• 12-day itinerary (departing December 7 from Long Beach) ended in La Paz Mexico, with multiple calls in Baja California. Prices started from USD 9,100 pp.

Boat's christening ceremony was on December 4 (2018), held at the former US Navy base on Treasure Island (a man-made island in San Francisco Bay). The naming ceremony was led by godmother Pamela Fingleton - Lindblad Travel company's Senior VP. Followed a preview cruise in San Francisco Bay.

During the drydock in January 2019, the vessel received an equipment package including FURUNO VOYAGER (IBS / Integrated Bridge System), new radars (models FAR3210 and FAR3220), two FMD-3200 ECDIS (multifunction consoles), GPS and AIS, GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress and Safety System), VDR (Voyage Data Recorder), DOPPLER SPEED LOG DS-80 system.

NAT GEO Venture also has 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.