National Geographic Explorer
Lindblad Expeditions ship guide
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National Geographic Explorer in fast ice off Antarctica, December 2008 · Photo: Jason Auch, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
About National Geographic Explorer
National Geographic Explorer is a Lindblad Expeditions cruise ship, in service since 1982. She measures 6,471 gross tons and carries 148 guests with a crew of 99. She sails Antarctica, Northern Europe, Canada and New England, South America itineraries. We rate her 3.3 out of 5.
National Geographic Explorer began life in 1982 as Midnatsol, a Hurtigruten coastal ship built by Ulstein in Norway, and later sailed as Midnatsol II and Lyngen before Lindblad rebuilt her as an ice-class expedition ship in 2008. She carries 148 guests in 81 outside cabins and is well equipped for exploring, with 14 Zodiacs, 36 kayaks and a remotely operated vehicle that can dive to about 1,000 feet, plus a chart room, library, observation lounge and fitness center. Her year runs from Antarctica, South Georgia and Patagonia to Iceland, Greenland, Baffin Island, Scandinavia and the British Isles, as well as voyages along the Saint Lawrence Seaway and the Canadian Maritimes.
Ship facts
- Guests
- 148
- Crew 99 · 1:1.5
- Entered service
- 1982
- Refitted 2008
- Length
- 112 m
- Shorter than 81% of 575 ships
- Decks
- 6
National Geographic Explorer is smaller than 77% of the 418 cruise ships in service on Cruises Frog with a tonnage on record, and carries fewer guests than 79%. At 43.7 gross tons per guest she is roomier than 73% of 416; the median ship is 39.4.
Ratings
- Cabins
- 3/5, fleet average 3.0
- Dining
- 4/5, fleet average 4.0
- Entertainment
- 3/5, fleet average 3.0
- Service
- 5/5, fleet average 5.0
- Pools & decks
- 2/5, fleet average 2.1
- Value
- 3/5, fleet average 3.0
Editorial scores, 1 to 5 per metric; the overall is their average, not an average of reader reviews. Ticks mark the Lindblad Expeditions fleet average across 12 rated ships in service.
More from Lindblad Expeditions
The ships in the fleet closest to her in size.
3.3 ★National Geographic Orion2003 · 4,050 GT · 102 guests · Antarctica · MediterraneanNational Geographic Orion is a 102-guest, ice-strengthened expedition ship from the Cassens Werft yard at Emden in Germany, in service since November 2003. She first sailed for…
3.5 ★National Geographic Islander II1991 · 3,370 GT · 48 guests · GalápagosNational Geographic Islander II is a 48-guest, all-suite expedition ship based year-round in the Galápagos. Flender Werft in Lübeck floated her out as Lady Diana in 1989 and…
3.5 ★National Geographic Gemini2001 · 2,937 GT · 48 guests · GalápagosNational Geographic Gemini is a 48-guest expedition ship that works the Galápagos all year. Cassens Werft in Emden, Germany, built her in 2001 as Sun Bay, and she became…Official deck plans
Photos
National Geographic Explorer in fast ice off Antarctica, December 2008Photo: Jason Auch, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Where she sails
Quick answers
Which cruise line operates National Geographic Explorer?
National Geographic Explorer is operated by Lindblad Expeditions.
How big is National Geographic Explorer?
National Geographic Explorer measures 6,471 gross tons and 112 metres in length, with 6 decks.
How does National Geographic Explorer compare in size with other cruise ships?
National Geographic Explorer is smaller than 77% of the 418 cruise ships in service on Cruises Frog with a tonnage on record, and carries fewer guests than 79%. At 43.7 gross tons per guest she is roomier than 73% of 416; the median ship is 39.4.
How crowded does National Geographic Explorer feel?
National Geographic Explorer has a passenger space ratio of 43.7: 6,471 gross tons for 148 guests. Ratios over 50 feel spacious and under 30 busy, so National Geographic Explorer feels comfortable for her size.
How many passengers does National Geographic Explorer carry?
National Geographic Explorer carries 148 guests at double occupancy, with a crew of 99 (about 1.5 guests per crew member).
When did National Geographic Explorer enter service?
National Geographic Explorer entered service in 1982 and was last refurbished in 2008.
Where does National Geographic Explorer sail?
National Geographic Explorer sails Antarctica, Northern Europe, Canada and New England and South America itineraries.
Where can I find the deck plans for National Geographic Explorer?
Lindblad Expeditions publishes the deck plans for National Geographic Explorer; this page links to Deck plans and Deck plans (PDF).
How is National Geographic Explorer rated?
Cruises Frog rates National Geographic Explorer 3.3 out of 5 overall, the average of 6 editorial scores. She scores best on service (5/5) and lowest on pools & decks (2/5).
Traveller reviews
What people who've been say. One review each; you can update yours.
Related news about National Geographic Explorer
- Traveling solo with Lindblad Expeditions: solo cabins, roommate matching and open seating
Lindblad has solo cabins on every ship, a roommate-matching option, and open-seating dining where nobody eats alone unless they want to. How to book it.
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