Review
of National Geographic Venture deck 3 (Lounge-Dining-Spa)
The Lounge's forward window doors open to the bow observation area (Viewing Platform) - an outdoor deck space used mainly for wildlife viewing. Unlike many expedition cruise vessels, this Lindblad ship was designed with anchors on a tiered system (located below the bow). This new design allows the bow area to remain open and completely unobstructed for passengers. Two stairways are located on either side of the Viewing Platform, providing direct and quick access to the observation deck above.
The Lounge is served by its own bar. Each evening, here are held cocktail hour and shore excursions / tours recap. The Lounge also serves Lindblad - National Geographic's enrichment program with daily lectures, media presentations (by guest speakers), port talks. The Lounge features wraparound windows, comfortable seating (sofas, armchairs, bar stools) and has multiple HD screens utilized for videos, slideshows and also for the video microscope (80x magnification).
Part of the Lounge is a small library with mostly travel guides and NatGeo books. here are also available popular board games and playing cards. An electronic chart shows the ship's current position, course and speed on display in the lounge.
The Lounge Bar is opens at 11 am until 1 hour after lunch begins, and later from 5 pm until closing. Beverages cost extra (not included in the cruise price) and include wines (by the glass or bottle), cocktails, spirits, specialty drinks.
The Lounge also has a 24-hour open self-service beverage station (coffee, tea, soda, beer, filtered water, snacks, ice). A concise version of "The New York Times" is printed on the ship each day.
In the Lounge are available photo kiosks / stations for editing, sorting and uploading personal photos. These stations are equipped with USB outlets and digital media readers. Photo kiosks are complimentary, and on a first-come first-serve basis.
Global Gallery is the ship's shop selling hand-made crafts and items made by locals in the destinations along Lindblad cruise itineraries. Here can be purchased Alaska-made silver jewelry, Panama-made woven baskets, also paintings, books, expedition clothing, essentials. Every purchased item contributes (5% of all sales go) to Lindblad Artisan Fund supporting local artisans in communities worldwide. The Lindblad-National Geographic Fund matches dollar for dollar the money raised through these sales.
Gym (portside) is the ship's Fitness Center equipped with 2 treadmills, exercise bikes / stationary bicycles, elliptical machines, exercise bands, also small hand weight sets. Exercise classes are also offered.
Spa
The aft-located Dining Room Restaurant has capacity to accommodate all passengers. The restaurant is complimentary, single-seating, with unassigned table settings. The served food is fresh, with localy sourced products (from suppliers in ports of call along the cruise itinerary route). Weather permitting, lighter fare could be served on Observation Deck (ship's top deck).
