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"National Geographic Explorer IMO 8019356 P Grundarfjördur 14-07-2021" by Wolfgang Fricke (CC BY 3.0)
HomeLindblad Expeditions › National Geographic Explorer

National Geographic Explorer

38 upcoming departures  ·  19 itineraries
Class Ice-class expedition ship
Built / Refurb 1982 / 2008
Gross Tonnage 6,471
Guests 148
Crew 99
Length 112.0 m
Beam 16.5 m
Decks 6
Cabins 81

Live Position ● 2 hours ago

Heading to: IS HORNVIK

Currently on: Arctic Eclipse Odyssey: Iceland, Greenland and Canada (15 nights)

Full port route isn't linked for this sailing yet.

0.1 knots Not Defined

Position via AIS — updated periodically, not real-time.

About National Geographic Explorer

National Geographic Explorer is a compact, ice-class expedition ship designed for polar and blue-water exploration. The 148-guest vessel combines a high staff-to-guest ratio with expedition tools including Zodiacs, kayaks, an open Bridge, observation spaces and a remotely operated underwater vehicle. Its 81 outside-facing cabins and informal public areas emphasize access to the environment rather than resort-style cruising. The ship operates in both Arctic and Antarctic regions, with naturalists, photographers and specialists supporting wildlife observation and educational programming.

Ship at a Glance

Operator
Lindblad Expeditions
Builder / shipyard
Ulstein Verft AS, Ulsteinvik, Norway
Registry / flag
Bahamas
Call sign
C6WR2
IMO number
8019356
MMSI
309336000
Previous names
Midnatsol; Midnatsol II; Lyngen

Onboard Experience

Signature highlights

The ship features an open Bridge, a Chart Room, observation areas, expedition gear storage and a fleet of Zodiacs and kayaks. Guests can participate in wildlife watching, shore landings and guided exploration supported by expedition specialists.

Dining

Dining is offered across three venues, including the main dining room, Bistro bar and Observation lounge. Lindblad describes the setting as single-seating and informal, with regionally inspired menus and sustainable choices where possible.

Entertainment

Onboard activities center on expedition presentations, natural-history interpretation and destination briefings. Public spaces include a library, lounge and bar, observation lounge, global gallery and presentation facilities.

Staterooms & suites

The ship has 81 cabins, all with outside views, and includes updated suites with Scandinavian-inspired design elements. Cabin categories and layouts vary across the six guest decks.

For families

Family-oriented programming can include expedition activities, wildlife interpretation and hands-on exploration, but the ship is primarily designed for small-group expedition travel rather than dedicated children’s facilities.

Pools, spa & wellness

Wellness facilities include a fitness center, sauna and spa-related services. The ship also carries a wellness specialist.

Environmental features

The operator emphasizes low-impact expedition practices, sustainable menu choices where possible and educational programming focused on conservation and responsible exploration.

Explore This Ship

Jump from National Geographic Explorer sailings into the broader destination network with cruise line and region hub pages.

Itineraries & Sailings

11 Nights

Ancient Isles: England, Ireland and Scotland

Next: Apr 25, 2027
1 upcoming departure
11 Nights

Ancient Isles: England, Ireland and Scotland

Next: May 6, 2027
1 upcoming departure
17 Nights

Antarctica and Patagonia: Legendary Ice and Epic Fjords

Next: Feb 21, 2027
1 upcoming departure
7 Nights

Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage 8-Day

Next: Nov 25, 2026
6 upcoming departures
9 Nights

Antarctica Direct: Sail and Fly the Drake Passage

Next: Dec 19, 2026
4 upcoming departures
9 Nights

Antarctica Direct: Sail and Fly the Drake Passage

Next: Nov 18, 2026
5 upcoming departures
20 Nights

Antarctica, South Georgia, and the Falklands

Next: Oct 30, 2026
1 upcoming departure
7 Nights

Arctic Edges: Iceland Westfjords to East Greenland

Next: Jun 26, 2027
6 upcoming departures
11 Nights

Celtic Coasts and Iberian Shores: Voyage from Edinburgh to Lisbon

Next: Apr 14, 2027
1 upcoming departure
16 Nights

Fabled Lands of the North: Greenland to Newfoundland

Next: Aug 15, 2027
1 upcoming departure
10 Nights

North Atlantic Wonders: Iceland, Scotland and the Faroes

Next: Jun 16, 2027
1 upcoming departure
8 Nights

Norway, Sweden and Denmark: Nordic Flavors and Scenic Landscapes

Next: May 25, 2027
1 upcoming departure
8 Nights

Norway, Sweden and Denmark: Nordic Flavors and Scenic Landscapes

Next: May 17, 2027
1 upcoming departure
10 Nights

Sailing the St. Lawrence Seaway and Canadian Maritimes

Next: Sep 2, 2026
2 upcoming departures
7 Nights

Scotland’s Wild Isles: Shetlands, Orkneys and Inner Hebrides

Next: Jun 9, 2027
1 upcoming departure
7 Nights

Scotland’s Wild Isles: Shetlands, Orkneys and Inner Hebrides

Next: Jun 2, 2027
1 upcoming departure
10 Nights

South Greenland Exploration: Fjords, Waterfalls and Fishing Villages

Next: Aug 7, 2027
1 upcoming departure
9 Nights

The Canadian Maritimes and Newfoundland

Next: Aug 24, 2026
3 upcoming departures

All Upcoming Departures

Departure Return Itinerary Nights Region Book
Aug 24, 2026 Sep 2, 2026 The Canadian Maritimes and Newfoundland 9 Canada & New England Book →
Sep 2, 2026 Sep 12, 2026 Sailing the St. Lawrence Seaway and Canadian Maritimes 10 Canada & New England Book →
Sep 12, 2026 Sep 22, 2026 Sailing the St. Lawrence Seaway and Canadian Maritimes 10 Canada & New England Book →
Sep 22, 2026 Oct 1, 2026 The Canadian Maritimes and Newfoundland 9 Canada & New England Book →
Oct 1, 2026 Oct 10, 2026 The Canadian Maritimes and Newfoundland 9 Canada & New England Book →
Oct 30, 2026 Nov 19, 2026 Antarctica, South Georgia, and the Falklands 20 Antarctica Book →
Nov 18, 2026 Nov 27, 2026 Antarctica Direct: Sail and Fly the Drake Passage 9 Antarctica Book →
Nov 25, 2026 Dec 2, 2026 Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage 8-Day 7 Antarctica Book →
Nov 30, 2026 Dec 7, 2026 Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage 8-Day 7 Antarctica Book →
Dec 7, 2026 Dec 16, 2026 Antarctica Direct: Sail and Fly the Drake Passage 9 Antarctica Book →
Dec 14, 2026 Dec 21, 2026 Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage 8-Day 7 Antarctica Book →
Dec 19, 2026 Dec 28, 2026 Antarctica Direct: Sail and Fly the Drake Passage 9 Antarctica Book →
Dec 26, 2026 Jan 4, 2027 Antarctica Direct: Sail and Fly the Drake Passage 9 Antarctica Book →
Jan 2, 2027 Jan 9, 2027 Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage 8-Day 7 Antarctica Book →
Jan 7, 2027 Jan 16, 2027 Antarctica Direct: Sail and Fly the Drake Passage 9 Antarctica Book →
Jan 14, 2027 Jan 23, 2027 Antarctica Direct: Sail and Fly the Drake Passage 9 Antarctica Book →
Jan 21, 2027 Jan 28, 2027 Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage 8-Day 7 Antarctica Book →
Jan 26, 2027 Feb 4, 2027 Antarctica Direct: Sail and Fly the Drake Passage 9 Antarctica Book →
Feb 2, 2027 Feb 11, 2027 Antarctica Direct: Sail and Fly the Drake Passage 9 Antarctica Book →
Feb 9, 2027 Feb 16, 2027 Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage 8-Day 7 Antarctica Book →
Feb 14, 2027 Feb 23, 2027 Antarctica Direct: Sail and Fly the Drake Passage 9 Antarctica Book →
Feb 21, 2027 Mar 10, 2027 Antarctica and Patagonia: Legendary Ice and Epic Fjords 17 Antarctica Book →
Apr 14, 2027 Apr 25, 2027 Celtic Coasts and Iberian Shores: Voyage from Edinburgh to Lisbon 11 Book →
Apr 25, 2027 May 6, 2027 Ancient Isles: England, Ireland and Scotland 11 Book →
May 6, 2027 May 17, 2027 Ancient Isles: England, Ireland and Scotland 11 Book →
May 17, 2027 May 25, 2027 Norway, Sweden and Denmark: Nordic Flavors and Scenic Landscapes 8 Book →
May 25, 2027 Jun 2, 2027 Norway, Sweden and Denmark: Nordic Flavors and Scenic Landscapes 8 Book →
Jun 2, 2027 Jun 9, 2027 Scotland’s Wild Isles: Shetlands, Orkneys and Inner Hebrides 7 Book →
Jun 9, 2027 Jun 16, 2027 Scotland’s Wild Isles: Shetlands, Orkneys and Inner Hebrides 7 Book →
Jun 16, 2027 Jun 26, 2027 North Atlantic Wonders: Iceland, Scotland and the Faroes 10 Book →
Jun 26, 2027 Jul 3, 2027 Arctic Edges: Iceland Westfjords to East Greenland 7 Northern Europe Book →
Jul 3, 2027 Jul 10, 2027 Arctic Edges: Iceland Westfjords to East Greenland 7 Northern Europe Book →
Jul 10, 2027 Jul 17, 2027 Arctic Edges: Iceland Westfjords to East Greenland 7 Northern Europe Book →
Jul 17, 2027 Jul 24, 2027 Arctic Edges: Iceland Westfjords to East Greenland 7 Northern Europe Book →
Jul 24, 2027 Jul 31, 2027 Arctic Edges: Iceland Westfjords to East Greenland 7 Northern Europe Book →
Jul 31, 2027 Aug 7, 2027 Arctic Edges: Iceland Westfjords to East Greenland 7 Northern Europe Book →
Aug 7, 2027 Aug 17, 2027 South Greenland Exploration: Fjords, Waterfalls and Fishing Villages 10 Book →
Aug 15, 2027 Aug 31, 2027 Fabled Lands of the North: Greenland to Newfoundland 16 Book →