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National Geographic Explorer

National Geographic Explorer Luxury Polar Cruise Ship

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Max Passengers: 148
Ship Type: Luxury Expedition Ship
Operated by: National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions

As a magnificent ice-class expedition ship, National Geographic Explorer embodies the essence of the National Geographic brand, allowing its visitors to explore some of the world's most beautiful natural destinations. The 81 cabins on this cutting-edge ship, which has a capacity of 148 passengers, are entirely exterior-facing.

Onboard, you'll find a library, a spa, a gym, and lounges where you can relax and read a book. The food is produced focusing on regional flavors in each of the hotel's dining establishments. Climate control and either portholes or windows are standard features in each of the cabins.

When it comes to exploration technology, the Nat Geo Explorer has hydrophones, a zodiac boat, kayaks with HD underwater cameras, and a remote-operated vehicle (ROV). A video chronicler is on board, as well as an open bridge policy, so you can discover more about the intriguing locales this flagship ship explores. A cruise on the National Geographic Explorer combines education and exploration.
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Photo Gallery

National Geographic Explorer National Geographic Explorer's dining room. Relax in the luxurious sauna aboard the National Geographic Explorer. Relax in the National Geographic Explorer's lounge. National Geographic Explorer's chart room. National Geographic Explorer's fitness center. Catagory 5 Cabin Enjoy the balcony in select cabins

Departures

Select a Departure Date

  • May 2, 2025from $12,245Ancient Isles: England, Ireland, and Scotland
  • May 13, 2025from $14,179Ancient Isles: England, Ireland, and Scotland
  • May 27, 2025from $8,946Fire and Ice: An 8-Day Sail Around Iceland
  • Jun 3, 2025from $8,946Fire and Ice: An 8-Day Sail Around Iceland
  • Jun 10, 2025from $9,044Fire and Ice: An 8-Day Sail Around Iceland
  • Jun 17, 2025from $9,044Fire and Ice: An 8-Day Sail Around Iceland
  • Jun 24, 2025from $9,044Fire and Ice: An 8-Day Sail Around Iceland
  • Jul 1, 2025from $8,140Fire and Ice: An 8-Day Sail Around Iceland
  • Jul 8, 2025from $9,044Fire and Ice: An 8-Day Sail Around Iceland
  • Jul 15, 2025from $9,044Fire and Ice: An 8-Day Sail Around Iceland
  • Jul 22, 2025from $9,044Fire and Ice: An 8-Day Sail Around Iceland
  • Jul 29, 2025from $8,140Fire and Ice: An 8-Day Sail Around Iceland
  • Aug 5, 2025from $9,044Fire and Ice: An 8-Day Sail Around Iceland
  • Aug 12, 2025from $6,645Exploring Iceland: Fjords, Waterfalls and Wildlife
  • Aug 17, 2025from $18,571Arctic Odyssey: Iceland, Greenland and Canada
  • Aug 31, 2025from $11,900The Canadian Maritimes and Newfoundland
  • Sep 9, 2025from $11,200The Canadian Maritimes and Newfoundland
  • Oct 10, 2025from $13,588Patagonia: Chilean Fjords and Argentina's Staten Island
  • Nov 7, 2025from $14,943Antarctica Direct: Sail and Fly the Drake Passage
  • Nov 14, 2025from $12,349Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage
  • Nov 19, 2025from $11,975Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage
  • Nov 26, 2025from $13,523Antarctica Direct: Sail and Fly the Drake Passage
  • Dec 3, 2025from $15,249Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage
  • Dec 8, 2025from $15,003Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage
  • Dec 15, 2025from $16,682Antarctica Direct: Sail and Fly the Drake Passage
  • Dec 22, 2025from $17,677Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage
  • Dec 27, 2025from $17,677Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage
  • Jan 3, 2026from $16,738Antarctica Direct: Sail and Fly the Drake Passage
  • Jan 10, 2026from $14,119Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage
  • Jan 15, 2026from $13,896Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage
  • Jan 22, 2026from $15,646Antarctica Direct: Sail and Fly the Drake Passage
  • Jan 29, 2026from $13,896Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage
  • Feb 3, 2026from $13,896Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage
  • Feb 10, 2026from $15,100Antarctica Direct: Sail and Fly the Drake Passage
  • Feb 17, 2026from $13,896Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage
  • Feb 22, 2026from $12,664Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage
  • Apr 15, 2026from $12,745Ancient Isles: England, Ireland, and Scotland
  • Apr 26, 2026from $12,745Ancient Isles: England, Ireland, and Scotland
  • May 17, 2026from $9,124Fire and Ice: An 8-Day Sail Around Iceland
  • May 24, 2026from $9,124Fire and Ice: An 8-Day Sail Around Iceland
  • May 31, 2026from $9,124Fire and Ice: An 8-Day Sail Around Iceland
  • Jun 7, 2026from $9,224Fire and Ice: An 8-Day Sail Around Iceland
  • Jun 14, 2026from $9,224Fire and Ice: An 8-Day Sail Around Iceland
  • Jun 21, 2026from $9,224Fire and Ice: An 8-Day Sail Around Iceland
  • Jun 28, 2026from $9,224Fire and Ice: An 8-Day Sail Around Iceland
  • Jul 5, 2026from $9,224Fire and Ice: An 8-Day Sail Around Iceland
  • Jul 12, 2026from $9,224Fire and Ice: An 8-Day Sail Around Iceland
  • Jul 19, 2026from $9,224Fire and Ice: An 8-Day Sail Around Iceland
  • Jul 26, 2026from $9,224Fire and Ice: An 8-Day Sail Around Iceland
  • Aug 2, 2026from $9,224Fire and Ice: An 8-Day Sail Around Iceland
  • Aug 9, 2026from $28,405Arctic Odyssey: Iceland, Greenland and Canada
  • Aug 24, 2026from $11,419The Canadian Maritimes and Newfoundland
  • Sep 22, 2026from $11,419The Canadian Maritimes and Newfoundland
  • Oct 21, 2026from $13,859Patagonia: Chilean Fjords and Argentina's Staten Island
  • Nov 18, 2026from $14,691Antarctica Direct: Sail and Fly the Drake Passage
  • Nov 25, 2026from $12,154Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage
  • Nov 30, 2026from $12,154Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage
  • Dec 7, 2026from $13,179Antarctica Direct: Sail and Fly the Drake Passage
  • Dec 14, 2026from $12,438Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage
  • Dec 19, 2026from $12,844Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage
  • Dec 26, 2026from $14,330Antarctica Direct: Sail and Fly the Drake Passage
  • Jan 2, 2027from $13,710Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage
  • Jan 7, 2027from $13,710Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage
  • Jan 14, 2027from $16,322Antarctica Direct: Sail and Fly the Drake Passage
  • Jan 21, 2027from $13,710Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage
  • Jan 26, 2027from $13,710Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage
  • Feb 2, 2027from $15,404Antarctica Direct: Sail and Fly the Drake Passage
  • Feb 9, 2027from $13,489Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage
  • Feb 14, 2027from $13,489Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage
  • Feb 21, 2027from $29,174Antarctica and Patagonia: Legendary Ice and Epic Fjords (Northbound)
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Available Itineraries

Cabins

National Geographic Explorer's Category 1 Cabin.
Cat 1
Main Deck with one or two portholes. #301-308
National Geographic Explorer's Category 2 Cabin.
Cat 2
Main Deck with window. #317-320, 335-336
National Geographic Explorer's Category 3 Cabin.
Cat 3
Main Deck with Window #313-316, 321-328, 337-340, 342, 344-350

Main Deck L-shaped Suite #341 & 343
National Geographic Explorer's Category 4 Cabin.
Cat 4
Upper and Veranda Decks with Window. # 103-104, 107-108, 201-202, 204-207, 210, 212, 217, 226, 228.
National Geographic Explorer's Category 5 Upper Deck Cabin.
Cat 5
Upper Deck with Balcony. #209, 211, 214, 216, 218, 220-222, 224.
National Geographic Explorer's Category 6 Cabin.
Cat 6
Upper Deck Suite 213 has a balcony, 290 sq ft.
Veranda Deck Suites 101 and 102 are 355 sq ft without balcony
Luxurious Catagory 8 Suite
Cat 7
Upper Deck Suite with Balcony. #215, 219, 230
National Geographic Explorer's Category SA and SB.
Cat SA
C Deck Solo - Cabins 309-312, 329-334. Single cabins with window
National Geographic Explorer's Category SA and SB.
Cat SB
Upper and Veranda Decks with Window. #105-106, 203, 208

Deckplan

National Geographic Explorer's Deck Plan.

Dining aboard National Geographic Explorer

The National Geographic Explorer Ship dining experience is designed to be relaxed and informal. Menus focus on sustainable seafood, and meals are served in the dining room, bistro bar, or the observation lounge. A single seating and unassigned tables offer an informal atmosphere for easy mingling. Decks are open for expansive views of the ocean, and a Bistro Bar offers light fare at any time of day or night.

Onboard Amenities on the Nat Geo Explorer Ship

Public spaces include a lounge with a state-of-the-art presentation facility, an observation lounge, storage for expedition gear, and access to the ship's bridge to see the Captain as well as officers and the on-duty wildlife spotter. LEXspa treatment room and sauna are staffed by wellness experts in the glass-enclosed fitness center. A doctor, undersea specialist, qualified picture instructor, video chronicler, internet cafe, and laundry services are also available.

National Geographic Explorer Ship Specifications

Year Built: 1982
Last Refurbished: 2017
Flag: Bahamas
Built by: Ulstein Verft AS in Norway
Owner: Lindblad Expeditions Holdings Inc
Former Names: MS Midnatsol, MS Midnatsol 2, MS Lyngen, 
Passengers: 148
Decks: 6

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