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

Ancient Isles: England, Ireland and Scotland

Duration

12 days
  1. May
  2. Jun

From

$10,196

Prices are per person

Highlights

Europe

Europe & British Isles

Ancient Isles: England, Ireland and Scotland

Duration

12 days
  1. May
  2. Jun

From

$10,196

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

$21,252

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

$21,252

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

New Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage

Duration

8 days

From

$12,154

Prices are per person

Highlights

Antarctica

New Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage

Duration

8 days

From

$12,154

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: Fly the Drake Passage 8-Day

Duration

8 days
  1. Jan
  2. Nov
  3. Dec

From

$12,154

Prices are per person

Highlights

Antarctica

Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage 8-Day

Duration

8 days
  1. Jan
  2. Nov
  3. Dec

From

$12,154

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

$13,297

Prices are per person

Highlights

Antarctica

Antarctica Direct: Sail and Fly the Drake Passage

Duration

10 days
  1. Jan
  2. Nov
  3. Dec

From

$13,297

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

Arctic

Canada

Iceland

New Arctic Odyssey: Iceland, Greenland, and Canada

Duration

15 days
Aug

From

$28,405

Prices are per person

Highlights

Arctic

Canada

Iceland

New Arctic Odyssey: Iceland, Greenland, and Canada

Duration

15 days
Aug

From

$28,405

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

Europe

New North Atlantic Wonders: Iceland, Scotland and the Faroes

Duration

11 days

From

$9,270

Prices are per person

Highlights

Europe

New North Atlantic Wonders: Iceland, Scotland and the Faroes

Duration

11 days

From

$9,270

Top Highlights

  • Experience a deep dive into the cultural connections and striking landscapes of these North Atlantic islands—a photographer and history buff’s dream
  • In Kirkwall, the capital of the Orkney Islands, uncover layers of history amid its palaces, cathedrals, and tombs
  • Immerse yourself in the eclectic culture of the Shetland Islands as you discover dramatic coastlines, abundant wildlife, and Viking traditions

Europe

New Norway, Sweden and Denmark: Nordic Flavors and Scenic Landscapes

Duration

8 days

From

$6,489

Prices are per person

Highlights

Europe

New Norway, Sweden and Denmark: Nordic Flavors and Scenic Landscapes

Duration

8 days

From

$6,489

Top Highlights

  • Zodiac, kayak, and hike among 6,000 marine species, including 60 different endemic marine sponges, in Kosterhavet National Park, Sweden’s first National Marine Park
  • Search for bottlenose dolphins and taste locally made whiskey along the River Spey in Moray Firth
  • Explore the narrow, whitewashed streets of Mandal, one of Sweden’s oldest trade villages and discover its historic arts scene

Canada

New Sailing the St. Lawrence Seaway and Canadian Maritimes

Duration

11 days

From

$10,150

Prices are per person

Highlights

Canada

New Sailing the St. Lawrence Seaway and Canadian Maritimes

Duration

11 days

From

$10,150

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

Europe

Europe & British Isles

New Scotland’s Wild Isles: Shetlands, Orkneys and Inner Hebrides

Duration

10 days
Apr

From

$6,894

Prices are per person

Highlights

Europe

Europe & British Isles

New Scotland’s Wild Isles: Shetlands, Orkneys and Inner Hebrides

Duration

10 days
Apr

From

$6,894

Top Highlights

  • Peer into the past in the prehistoric homes of Skara Brae in the Orkney Islands and Jarlshof in the Shetland Islands
  • Ride Zodiacs for a close-up view of the unique geometric basalt columns of Staffa, a tiny island in the Inner Hebrides
  • Join our naturalists on excursions and aboard the ship to watch for puffins, gannets, fulmars, razorbills, kittiwakes, and more
  • Venture to the Aberdeenshire countryside to learn about Scottish Highland traditions, including a visit to a Highland cattle farm or local whiskey distillery
  • Capture your best photos alongside a National Geographic Photography Expert
  • Extend your voyage: choose to explore Dublin’s rich history on a pre-voyage extension, and discover the Scottish Highlands on a post-voyage extension

Arctic

Greenland

South Greenland Exploration: Fjords, Waterfalls and Fishing Villages

Duration

11 days
Aug

From

$11,690

Prices are per person

Highlights

Arctic

Greenland

South Greenland Exploration: Fjords, Waterfalls and Fishing Villages

Duration

11 days
Aug

From

$11,690

Top Highlights

  • Experience the ice floes and deep fjords of southern Greenland by Zodiac, kayak, and hiking excursions
  • Navigate the spectacular majesty of Prins Christian Sund, flanked by soaring snow-topped mountains, rock-strewn cliffs, and icebergs
  • Discover the Western and Eastern Settlements of Erik the Red, the great Norse explorer credited with naming Greenland

Arctic

Canada

The Canadian Maritimes and Newfoundland

Duration

10 days
Sep

From

$9,135

Prices are per person

Highlights

Arctic

Canada

The Canadian Maritimes and Newfoundland

Duration

10 days
Sep

From

$9,135

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