
Built in
1982
Remodeled in
2009
Capacity
148
By
National Geographic/Lindblad Expeditions
Venture to the planet’s most remote and awe-inspiring regions aboard the National Geographic Explorer, a true expedition classic that has set the global standard for immersive exploration. Originally built as a Norwegian ice-class research vessel and later transformed by Lindblad Expeditions into a world-class expedition ship, the Explorer combines rugged capability with refined comfort—making it an ideal platform for adventures from pole to pole.
At 367 feet in length, the Explorer accommodates just 148 guests in 81 outside-facing cabins and suites, many with large windows or balconies. Each cabin is tastefully appointed with modern conveniences, en-suite bathrooms, and thoughtful storage. Select suites offer additional space and amenities such as wraparound windows, lounge areas, and prime views of the surrounding landscapes.
The ship’s interiors feature Scandinavian-inspired design with a focus on functionality and warmth. Onboard amenities include a library with panoramic views, a wellness center with a gym and spa treatment rooms, a sauna, and a dining room serving locally inspired, sustainable cuisine. The Ice Lounge serves as the heart of the ship, where daily briefings, enrichment lectures, and social gatherings take place.
Engineered for true expedition travel, the Explorer carries a fleet of Zodiacs, kayaks, and undersea exploration equipment including an ROV, hydrophones, and HD video technology. A National Geographic-certified photo instructor, along with a multidisciplinary team of naturalists, scientists, historians, and undersea specialists, leads every voyage—offering guests insider access to the wonders of the natural world.
Sailings on this ship
We'll email you the current itineraries we sell on National Geographic Explorer, plus the reasons travelers book with Small Ship Travel. Reply anytime to ask about specific cabins, dates, or itineraries.
Suites
sq. feet
-#215, 219, 230 — These newly renovated suites feature a private balcony, two single beds that can be converted into a queen, and a sofa bed that can be converted into a triple. There is a seating area with a writing desk, coffee table with sitting chair, and a small table. Suites feature a double closet, TV, mini bar, and espresso maker. Bathrooms are generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall.
sq. feet
-Veranda Deck, #101-102 — These newly renovated suites feature two single beds that can be converted into a queen, a sofa-bed that can be converted into a triple, a writing desk, double closet, chairs, three large windows, TV, mini bar and espresso maker. Bathrooms are generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall.
Upper Deck, #213 — This newly renovated suite features a private balcony with glass doors, two single beds that can be converted into a queen, a writing desk, double closet, armchairs, TV, mini bar and espresso maker. Bathrooms are generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall.
Guests receive complimentary laundry and priority access to one spa appointment per departure.
sq. feet
-#209, 211, 214, 216, 218, 220-222, 224 — Cabins feature a balcony with sliding glass doors, one queen-sized bed, writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, private bathrooms with a glass-wall shower, and a TV. (Cabin 221 has two single beds that can convert to a queen.)
sq. feet
-Veranda Deck: #103-104, 107-108 — Cabins feature two single beds than can convert into a queen. They have a writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, sitting chair, private bathrooms with a glass-wall shower, and a TV.
Upper Deck: #201-202, 204-207, 210, 212, 217, 226, 228 — Cabins feature two single beds than can convert into a queen (cabins 217, 226 & 228 have a queen bed only). They have a writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, sitting chair, private bathrooms with a glass-wall shower, and a TV.
sq. feet
-#313-316, 321-328, 337-340, 342, 344-350 — Cabins feature two single beds (can be converted to a queen-sized bed), one large window, a sitting chair, a small table, ample storage, writing desk with chair, floor length mirror, reading lamps, TV, and well-appointed bathrooms with a roomy glass-wall shower.
#341 & 343 — each L-shaped suite also has a sofa-bed that can be converted into a triple, double closet, espresso maker, and generously sized bathrooms.
sq. feet
-#317-320, 335-336 — Cabins feature two single beds (some can convert to a queen-sized bed), and one large window. They offer a writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, sitting chair, well-appointed bathrooms with a roomy glass-wall shower, and a TV.
sq. feet
-#301-308 — Cabins feature one or two portholes. Cabins #301, 302, and 307 have two twin beds. Cabins #304-306 feature one queen-sized bed. Cabin #308 features two twin beds that can be converted to a queen. All cabins feature a writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, well-appointed bathrooms with a roomy glass-wall shower, and a TV.
sq. feet
-Veranda Deck: #105-106 & Upper Deck: #203, 208 — These cabins feature one single bed and a large window, a writing desk, reading lamp, bathroom with a roomy glass-walled shower stall, and a TV.
sq. feet
-#309-312, 329-334 — These cabins feature one single bed and a large window, a writing desk, reading lamp, bathroom with a roomy glass-wall shower stall, and a TV.

National Geographic Lindblad Expeditions is a leader in small-ship expedition travel, running expertly guided voyages to some of the most remote places on earth. Its expedition vessels are built for travellers who want authentic adventure, in-depth discovery, and close access to nature and wildlife. Destinations reach from Antarctica and the Arctic to the Galapagos Islands, the Amazon, and Alaska, and each voyage is planned to give real cultural and ecological context.
What sets National Geographic Lindblad apart is its commitment to exploration, science, and conservation. Every voyage carries onboard naturalists, marine biologists, historians, and National Geographic-certified photographers, so guests understand what they are seeing through expert guidance and hands-on time in the field. A Zodiac, the inflatable landing craft used to reach shore, opens up close encounters. On a single voyage you might cross a glacial fjord, snorkel near sea lions in the Galapagos, or watch the northern lights in the Arctic. Each one puts you in direct contact with the natural world.
Small group sizes keep the atmosphere intimate and let guests stay close to their surroundings. The onboard experience pairs comfort with learning, with scientific briefings, photography workshops, and regional cuisine. National Geographic Lindblad also backs sustainable travel, supporting conservation work, local communities, and research projects that help protect the fragile places it visits.
At Small Ship Travel, we focus on the strongest small-ship expeditions, choosing the ones that meet our standards for quality, authenticity, and responsible travel. National Geographic Lindblad has been carefully vetted and chosen as a partner in our collection, which reflects how much we value transformative, conservation-minded voyages.
With its record of scientific depth, cultural access, and conservation-driven travel, National Geographic Lindblad fits how we like to plan expeditions: educational, genuinely inspiring, and well run. We work directly with Lindblad to build itineraries around what each traveller wants to see and do.
As specialists in small-ship travel, Small Ship Travel offers advisor access, considered recommendations, and concierge-level support to round out your National Geographic Lindblad voyage. From choosing the right itinerary to arranging pre- and post-cruise stays, private transfers, and specialised excursions, we take care of the detail.
Plan a voyage of discovery with National Geographic Lindblad and Small Ship Travel, where adventure, learning, and conservation come together across some of the most remarkable places on earth. Contact us to start planning your expedition.
consultation
Reach out to our travel concierges today to create your perfect journey.