National Geographic Islander II
Sails from Baltra, Galápagos · Fly into GPS
Page updated
National Geographic Islander II off Baltra, Galápagos, November 2025 · Photo: Wolfgang Fricke, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
About National Geographic Islander II
National Geographic Islander II is a Lindblad Expeditions cruise ship, in service since 1991. She measures 3,370 gross tons and carries 48 guests with a crew of 57. She sails Galápagos itineraries. We rate her 3.5 out of 5.
National 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 completed her in 1991 as Aurora I; she later sailed as MegaStar Taurus for Star Cruises and, from 2015, as the yacht Crystal Esprit. Lindblad bought her in 2021 and gave her a top-to-bottom refit, adding a marina and a Science Hub and reducing capacity from 62, before her first Galápagos voyage in August 2022. She replaced the original National Geographic Islander, and two of her suites are set aside for Galápagos residents, researchers and educators.
Ship facts
- Guests
- 48
- Crew 57 · 1:0.8
- Entered service
- 1991
- Refitted 2022
- Length
- 85 m
- Shorter than 89% of 575 ships
- Decks
- 5
National Geographic Islander II is smaller than 79% of the 418 cruise ships in service on Cruise Frog with a tonnage on record, and carries fewer guests than 98%. At 70.2 gross tons per guest she is roomier than 94% 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
- 3/5+0.9, 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.
3.5 ★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…
3.2 ★National Geographic Quest2017 · 2,920 GT · 100 guests · Alaska · Mexican RivieraNational Geographic Quest was the first ship Lindblad ordered new, built with her sister National Geographic Venture by Nichols Brothers Boat Builders at Freeland on Whidbey…3.2 ★National Geographic Endeavour II2005 · 2,716 GT · 96 guests · GalápagosNational Geographic Endeavour II is the largest of Lindblad's Galápagos ships, carrying 96 guests in 52 cabins year-round in the archipelago. The ASENAV yard at Valdivia, Chile…Official deck plans
Photos
National Geographic Islander II off Baltra, Galápagos, November 2025Photo: Wolfgang Fricke, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Where she sails
Home port: Baltra, Galápagos.
Flying in for your cruise?
National Geographic Islander II sails from Baltra, Galápagos. The airport is Galapagos Baltra (GPS), with 1 lounge to wait in before you board.
The lounge at Galapagos Baltra on Lounge FrogEvery ship sailing from Baltra, GalápagosQuick answers
Which cruise line operates National Geographic Islander II?
National Geographic Islander II is operated by Lindblad Expeditions.
How big is National Geographic Islander II?
National Geographic Islander II measures 3,370 gross tons and 85 metres in length, with 5 decks.
How does National Geographic Islander II compare in size with other cruise ships?
National Geographic Islander II is smaller than 79% of the 418 cruise ships in service on Cruise Frog with a tonnage on record, and carries fewer guests than 98%. At 70.2 gross tons per guest she is roomier than 94% of 416; the median ship is 39.4.
How crowded does National Geographic Islander II feel?
National Geographic Islander II has a passenger space ratio of 70.2: 3,370 gross tons for 48 guests. Ratios over 50 feel spacious and under 30 busy, so National Geographic Islander II feels spacious for her size.
How many passengers does National Geographic Islander II carry?
National Geographic Islander II carries 48 guests at double occupancy, with a crew of 57 (about 0.8 guests per crew member).
When did National Geographic Islander II enter service?
National Geographic Islander II entered service in 1991 and was last refurbished in 2022.
Where does National Geographic Islander II sail?
National Geographic Islander II sails Galápagos itineraries. Her home port is Baltra, Galápagos.
Which airport should I fly into for National Geographic Islander II?
National Geographic Islander II sails from Baltra, Galápagos. Fly into Galapagos Baltra (GPS), which has 1 airport lounge listed on Lounge Frog.
Where can I find the deck plans for National Geographic Islander II?
Lindblad Expeditions publishes the deck plans for National Geographic Islander II; this page links to Deck plans and Deck plans (PDF).
How is National Geographic Islander II rated?
Cruise Frog rates National Geographic Islander II 3.5 out of 5 overall, the average of 6 editorial scores. She scores best on service (5/5) and lowest on value (3/5).
Traveller reviews
What people who've been say. One review each; you can update yours.
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