Lindblad Expeditions signed an agreement for its 2nd newbuild ship, a move that will bring the NatGeo fleet of polar vessels to 4 ships. The Norwegian shipbuilder Ulstein is due to develop the new design and build the vessel.
Scheduled for delivery late in 2021-Q3, the newbuild (NAT GEO Resolution) will be the next phase in Lindblad's fleet expansion, following the launch of NAT GEO Quest (July 2017), NAT GEO Venture (December 2018), and the scheduled delivery of NAT GEO Endurance (2020-Q1).
A sibling to the National Geographic Endurance, the new vessel will be fully stabilized as well as built to the highest ice class of any purpose-built passenger ship, PC5 Category A. It will also feature Ulstein’s signature X-BOW design, that allows for better fuel efficiency and fewer emissions.
Like NatGeo Endurance, the newbuild will have a capacity of 126 guests in 69 staterooms and suites, with an overall design that aims to connect guests with the environment. 75% of the cabins will offer private balconies, and the vessel will also sport multiple observation decks, and “observation wings.” Other amenities include a new Zodiac loading system, a remotely operated vehicle, a video microscope, kayaks, cross-country skis, hydrophones, and underwater video cameras.