National Geographic Endeavour II

Max Passengers: 96
Ship Type: Expedition Cruise Ship
Operated by: National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions

National Geographic Endeavour II is a purpose-built expedition ship that first sailed in 2005. She is exceptionally nimble and maneuverable, with great viewing from all public spaces, large windows in cabins and suites, state-of-the-art tools for exploration, and a fast, seamless twin Zodiac loading platform.

Public Areas: 
Bridge: Visit whenever safe navigation permits and learn about navigation from the officers.

Lounge: The lounge and bar are the main social hub of the ship, and where all the briefings, photography talks, guest speaker presentations, and cocktail hour take place. With sweeping windows over the bow and large windows on three sides, the room offers ample natural light and dramatic views. A variety of beverages are available for purchase; sodas and juices are complimentary. Board games and puzzles are also available.

Library: Visit the ship’s cozy library where a dramatic wall of windows overlooks the sea. A limited collection of books is available. 24-hour beverage service, including coffee, espresso, a variety of teas, sodas, water, ice, and cookies are offered.

Gym: Take advantage of treadmills, exercise bikes, an elliptical machine, free weights, and large windows for wildlife-viewing.

Global Gallery: A celebration of the talent of local artisans, the global gallery showcases and sells items made by the people of Galápagos and Ecuador. You may find hand-carved wooden wildlife figures and masks, jewelry crafted from recycled glass beads, woven sun hats and locally made bags, locally grown coffee and avocado oil, plus books by some of your naturalists. 

Meals:
The ship's dining room easily accommodates an entire expedition community for a single seating, and unassigned table settings make for a gregarious experience for solo travelers and groups. Dress is always casual and the general ambience is relaxed and informal.

All food served aboard is fresh, local and delicious; sourced from suppliers that share values of sustainability whenever possible, and often inflected with regional flavors. Breakfast is served buffet-style, with eggs and other dishes made to order. Enjoy freshly-baked pastries, and a bounty of fresh, tropical fruits and fresh-squeezed fruit juices. Lunch is most often buffet, though occasionally served family style. Dinners are plated and served in the dining room, except for the evening when an extravagant barbecue is held on Endeavour II’s open deck. 

During lunch and dinner your expedition leader, naturalists, and any guest speakers will join you for meals, and during breakfast they often sit together to plan the logistics of the exciting day ahead.

Cabins: 
National Geographic Endeavour II accommodates 96 guests in 53 cabins: 42 double cabins and 11 solo cabins. As the primary focus in exploring Galápagos is on the world outside, all cabins offer large windows for catching glimpses of the isles. All double-occupancy cabins and suites feature two single beds that can be converted into a queen bed. The three suites also include either floor-to-ceiling or large windows, an armchair or sofa, and suite-sized bathrooms.

Every cabin has Wi-Fi access, temperature controls, a chair, and writing desk. Beneath every bed is space to store luggage, and a closet. Botanically-inspired hair products and shower gel are stocked in every shower, and a hairdryer and robes are supplied in each cabin. Relax and rejuvenate in luxurious organic cotton duvets and crisp, cotton sheeting.

Expedition Equipment:
Snorkeling gear and wetsuits, Zodiacs, kayaks, glass-bottom boat, underwater camera, hydrophone, video microscope, and walking sticks.

Special Features: 
Guest internet access and laundry service. Two iMac stations are available, in the ship’s lounge and library, for sorting and transferring your photos. They’re equipped with a digital media reader and USB outlets. A doctor is aboard and available 24 hours a day free of charge.