Lindblad Expeditions revealed the maiden voyage of the fleet's newest expedition ship National Geographic Endurance.
The 126-passenger boat is scheduled to set sail on July 21 leaving roundtrip from Reykjavik Iceland.
Lindblad's first polar vessel was named to honor the polar explorer Ernest Shackleton. It embodies every innovation Lindblad Expeditions has developed in 50+ years of expedition travel. Originally due to launch in April 2020, the NatGeo Endurance sat out the COVID crisis in Norway and is ready to discover the wilder side of Greenland and Iceland.
The 19-day inaugural cruise itinerary (“Iceland & Greenland”) explores Iceland’s fjords and waterfalls and stunning coastal landscapes. The ship will then sail along the ice’s edge off Greenland's east coast. With the highest ice class of any purpose-built passenger ship and her ability to go longer, deeper, and farther, National Geographic Endurance is due to enable the adventurous passengers on her inaugural cruise unprecedented access to pristine Arctic regions. Fares begin at US$22,190 per person, double occupancy.
Following the inaugural voyage, NatiGeo Endurance will embark on a couple of 13-day cruises, “Iceland and Greenland: Wild Coasts and Icy Shores”. Scheduled to depart on August 7 & August 18, passengers can soak in geothermal hot springs, discover Iceland’s fjords and the biodiversity of the Westfjords, hike over cooled lava fields. The vessel will then follow the edge of the seasonal sea ice of Greenland in search of extraordinary wildlife. Fares begin at US$13,350 per person, double occupancy.
Passengers on both itineraries will have the chance to hike to the erupting Fagradalsfjall Volcano in Geldingadalur region. Offered as a complimentary and optional excursion, the ~3-hour adventure will culminate with a view of Iceland’s erupting volcano.
Guests will revel in NatGeo Endurance’s amenities; take in the polar art exhibit, CHANGE, curated by Zaria Forman; sleep under the stars in the top deck igloos or relax after a jacuzzi dip; survey surroundings in the glass-walled gym or yoga studio, and hang out on the expansive navigation bridge with the team.