National Geographic Explorer

An authentic expedition ship, purpose-engineered for blue water and polar exploration

Overview

Originally constructed for service along Norway’s coast as part of the famed Hurtigruten, or Coastal Express, she ferried passengers among the fjords of this iconic coast in conditions that could deteriorate into heavy seas in a matter of minutes. She had to be able to handle deep swells and towering waves—and have a high degree of maneuverability. Those traits, and an ideal size, made her a natural choice for addition to the National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions fleet. 

 

The plans to completely rebuild her drew on 50 years of pioneering expedition history and expertise. National Geographic Explorer was equipped with an ice-strengthened hull and advanced navigation equipment for polar expeditions; a roster of tools for exploration; and a well-appointed interior with vast expanses of glass for an unprecedented connection to the environment. Her interior and exterior design embodied the National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions expedition ethos—the privilege of wildness and the luxury of comfort.

 

For many guests she remains their paradigm of an expedition ship. She is devoted to exploration—from her Welcoming Bridge, and the Chart Room below it where you can tuck in to warm up with a hot chocolate, to her high-perched Observation deck with its aqueous light and compelling 24/7 views. Even the art on the walls—from the Hurley prints of Shackleton’s expedition to the stunning National Geographic photos— tells an uber-narrative of globe-spanning travel and a dedication to curiosity and wonder.

(12) National Geographic Explorer Itineraries

Europe

Europe & British Isles

New and Noteworthy

Ancient Isles: England, Ireland and Scotland

Duration

12 days
  1. May
  2. Jun

From

$11,745

Prices are per person

Highlights

Europe

Europe & British Isles

New and Noteworthy

Ancient Isles: England, Ireland and Scotland

Duration

12 days
  1. May
  2. Jun

From

$11,745

Top Highlights

  • Trace a maritime thread around the isles, exploring the wild and beautiful places where Celtic and Viking influences still thrive in local languages and customs
  • Zodiac into Staffa Island's ancient Fingal's Cave, formed entirely from hexagonal basalt columns (conditions permitting), and observe a puffin colony
  • Walk along Cornwall's scenic cliffside trails, and experience the peninsula's rich history and culture with visits to local producers and country estates

Antarctica

Patagonia

Antarctica and Patagonia: Legendary Ice and Epic Fjords

Duration

20 days
  1. Feb
  2. Mar
  3. Nov
  4. Dec

From

$24,262

Prices are per person

Highlights

Antarctica

Patagonia

Antarctica and Patagonia: Legendary Ice and Epic Fjords

Duration

20 days
  1. Feb
  2. Mar
  3. Nov
  4. Dec

From

$24,262

Top Highlights

  • Seek out Antarctica’s iconic wildlife – including penguins, seals, and orcas
  • Marvel at incandescent icebergs using our fleet of kayaks and Zodiacs
  • Navigate Chile’s coastal fjords and explore spectacular Glacier Alley, where monumental glaciers calve into the sea

Antarctica

Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage 8-Day

Duration

8 days
  1. Jan
  2. Nov
  3. Dec

From

$10,138

Prices are per person

Highlights

Antarctica

Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage 8-Day

Duration

8 days
  1. Jan
  2. Nov
  3. Dec

From

$10,138

Top Highlights

  • Get a head start on your Antarctica experience by flying across the Drake Passage from Puerto Natales to King George Island, landing at the Chilean research station which permanently operates there
  • Explore the world’s last great wilderness in the company of top naturalists and the most experienced polar captains in Antarctica, with more than 55 years of expedition heritage
  • Hike amid magnificent mountains; see huge glaciers; and observe a parade of gentoo, Adélie, and chinstrap penguins

Antarctica

Antarctica Direct: Sail and Fly the Drake Passage

Duration

10 days
  1. Jan
  2. Nov
  3. Dec

From

$11,950

Prices are per person

Highlights

Antarctica

Antarctica Direct: Sail and Fly the Drake Passage

Duration

10 days
  1. Jan
  2. Nov
  3. Dec

From

$11,950

Top Highlights

  • Experience it all—cruise the legendary Drake Passage aboard the National Geographic Explorer and then enjoy the ease of returning on our 2-hour direct flight from King George Island to Puerto Natales
  • Explore the world’s last great wilderness in the company of top naturalists, and the most experienced polar captains in Antarctica, with more than 55 years of expedition heritage
  • Hike amid magnificent mountains; see huge glaciers; and observe a parade of gentoo, Adélie, and chinstrap penguins

Antarctica

Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falklands

Duration

24 days
  1. Jan
  2. Feb
  3. Oct
  4. Nov

From

$26,304

Prices are per person

Highlights

Antarctica

Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falklands

Duration

24 days
  1. Jan
  2. Feb
  3. Oct
  4. Nov

From

$26,304

Top Highlights

  • Explore three distinct regions and benefit from our 50-plus years of experience here
  • Scan the skies for bird species and keep an eye on the sea for fin whales, southern right whales, and blue whales
  • Trace the story of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s fateful journey in 1914 aboard Endurance, and toast his gravesite in South Georgia

Arctic

Canada

Iceland

New Arctic Odyssey: Iceland, Greenland, and Canada

Duration

15 days
Aug

From

$16,571

Prices are per person

Highlights

Arctic

Canada

Iceland

New Arctic Odyssey: Iceland, Greenland, and Canada

Duration

15 days
Aug

From

$16,571

Top Highlights

  • Circumnavigate the Island of Fire and Ice, from its wealth of wildlife and striking geological formations, to its cultural history steeped in saga and exploration history
  • Explore a variety of landscapes across the island from lava fields, seismic faults, geothermal springs, and thundering waterfalls
  • Hike up mountain trails, kayak in protected fjords, bike through remote villages, or take a Zodiac cruise around a seabird colony

Patagonia

Chilean Patagonia: Fjords, Glaciers and Torres del Paine

Duration

16 days
  1. Mar
  2. Oct

From

$22,828

Prices are per person

Highlights

Patagonia

Chilean Patagonia: Fjords, Glaciers and Torres del Paine

Duration

16 days
  1. Mar
  2. Oct

From

$22,828

Top Highlights

  • Venture inland to explore the wildlife-rich, iconic landscapes of Torres del Paine, Patagonia’s jewel, with either the Tierra Patagonia Hotel or the Explora Patagonia Hotel as your base camp
  • With special permission, explore wild, rugged Isla de los Estados (Staten Island), located at the extreme end of South America and largely off limits to travelers since 1923
  • Transit the legendary Beagle Channel and look out for shearwater, petrels, albatrosses, and more

Europe

Arctic

Europe & British Isles

Iceland

Exploring Iceland: Fjords, Waterfalls and Wildlife

Duration

6 days
  1. May
  2. Jun
  3. Jul
  4. Aug

From

$6,645

Prices are per person

Highlights

Europe

Arctic

Europe & British Isles

Iceland

Exploring Iceland: Fjords, Waterfalls and Wildlife

Duration

6 days
  1. May
  2. Jun
  3. Jul
  4. Aug

From

$6,645

Top Highlights

  • Actively explore Iceland’s pristine fjords and mysterious lava fields on daily hikes, Zodiac cruises, and more while accompanied by a dedicated team of naturalists
  • Delve into the rural history of Iceland at a turf farm or float down one of its glacial rivers in the northern region of Skagafjörður
  • Discover the rich biodiversity of the remote Westfjords and watch for humpback and minke whales in the surrounding waters

Europe

Arctic

Iceland

Fire and Ice: An 8-Day Sail Around Iceland

Duration

8 days
  1. May
  2. Jun
  3. Jul
  4. Aug

From

$8,446

Prices are per person

Highlights

Europe

Arctic

Iceland

Fire and Ice: An 8-Day Sail Around Iceland

Duration

8 days
  1. May
  2. Jun
  3. Jul
  4. Aug

From

$8,446

Top Highlights

  • Circumnavigate the Island of Fire and Ice, from its wealth of wildlife and striking geological formations, to its cultural history steeped in saga and exploration history
  • Explore a variety of landscapes across the island from lava fields, seismic faults, geothermal springs, and thundering waterfalls
  • Hike up mountain trails, kayak in protected fjords, bike through remote villages, or take a Zodiac cruise around a seabird colony

Patagonia

Patagonia: Chilean Fjords and Argentina's Staten Island

Duration

12 days
  1. Mar
  2. Oct

From

$12,588

Prices are per person

Highlights

Patagonia

Patagonia: Chilean Fjords and Argentina's Staten Island

Duration

12 days
  1. Mar
  2. Oct

From

$12,588

Top Highlights

  • Venture through wildlife reserves not easily accessible to the public, including Karukinka Natural Park in Tierra del Fuego
  • Kayak and Zodiac cruise the breathtaking Chilean fjords that are only accessible by expedition ship
  • See massive glaciers, dramatic fjords, and soaring snow-covered peaks and spot Magellanic penguins, Andean condors, Austral parakeets, foxes, sea lions, elephant seals, and more

Canada

New Sailing the St. Lawrence Seaway and Canadian Maritimes

Duration

11 days

From

$12,688

Prices are per person

Highlights

Canada

New Sailing the St. Lawrence Seaway and Canadian Maritimes

Duration

11 days

From

$12,688

Top Highlights

  • Look for majestic belugas and minke whales in the Saguenay River Fjord and right whales in the Gulf of St. Lawrence
  • Stroll the charming streets of Québec City to explore its historic architecture, vibrant culture, and renowned culinary scene
  • Immerse yourself in the region’s gastronomy both on and off ship—from Indigenous recipes such as traditional Bannock bread to fresh-caught seafood in fishing villages

Arctic

Canada

The Canadian Maritimes and Newfoundland

Duration

10 days
Sep

From

$10,200

Prices are per person

Highlights

Arctic

Canada

The Canadian Maritimes and Newfoundland

Duration

10 days
Sep

From

$10,200

Top Highlights

  • Discover charming coastal villages and small islands, including the historic French settlements at St. Pierre et Miquelon
  • Explore two UNESCO World Heritage sites: Gros Morne National Park, one of the few places on earth where the mantle is exposed, and the 11th-century Viking site at L’Anse aux Meadows
  • Hike along the dunes and sandstone cliffs of Îles de la Madeleine

Talk to an Expedition Specialist

1-800-397-3348

Make a reservation

Book Now

View or order a brochure

View brochure

Talk to an Expedition Specialist

1-800-397-3348

Make a reservation

Book Now

View or order a brochure

View brochure