National Geographic Explorer

The 1982-built National Geographic Explorer cruise ship was launched under the name MS Midnatsol for Hurtigruten.

The vessel (IMO number 8019356) is currently Bahamas-flagged (MMSI 309336000) and registered in Nassau.

History - construction and ownership

The 162-passenger ship Nat Geo Explorer 1 is an expedition vessel able to reach the most remote shores of our planet while offering a first-rate onboard experience. The ship is outfitted with various tools for marine exploration.

The National Geographic Explorer ship is owned and operated by Lindblad Expeditions in cooperation with the National Geographic Society (aka NatGeo - a US non-profit institution for science and education). The partnership that Nat Geo has with the Lindblad Expeditions line enables passengers to enjoy an expedition-style small ship travel vacation as active explorers. Lindblad cruise ships sail unique destinations to explore out-of-the-way inlets, making Zodiac landings and looking for wildlife.

Decks and Cabins

National Geographic Explorer has 5 decks (3 with cabins) and 81 staterooms, all of which are Outside with either portholes or picture windows.

The number of cabin grades is 9.

During the drydock refurbishment in 2023 May (conducted at Astilleros Canarios/ASTICAN shipyard in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canaries Spain), the ship's 8 Suites were redesigned and renovated. The new scheme features textured fabrics (in aqua and cassis colors), and each accommodation is fitted with a Command Center (LG HDTV, Nat Geo Atlas, barometer) and a Nescafe espresso coffee machine.

Shipboard facilities and amenities

Nat Geo Explorer has one Main Dining Room which offers single-seating with unassigned tables and a Bistro. The selection of dining options offers regional cuisine using local ingredients.

The ship carries a fleet of Zodiacs and kayaks, as well as HD cameras, hydrophones and video equipment allowing access to the amazing underwater world. In the lounge, passengers can view images from the ocean's depths, projected from a remotely operated vehicle. A full-time doctor, photo instructor, video chronicler, wellness and undersea specialists accompany every voyage. Internet access is also available. 

Lindblad's “Open Bridge” policy allows passengers 24-hour access (depending on weather conditions) to the Wheelhouse/Navigation Bridge to meet and converse with the ship's officers on duty and the Captain.

The boat's facilities and public areas include a Chart Room (facilities for films and presentations), Global Gallery (shop), Internet Cafe (Internet access), Observation Lounge with a full-service bar, sauna, LEX spa, and a fitness center. The Explorer also features a well-stocked library which is a quiet refuge. The Sun Deck offers observation spaces for viewing the sculpted icebergs of Antarctica or the steep-walled fjords of Norway.

Itineraries

Nat Geo Explorer's itinerary program is based on expedition cruises in Antarctica during winter and in the Arctic during summer months. The ship also cruises along the Atlantic coast and explores the Baltic Sea region, Norway, Northwest Passage, Iceland, Canadian coastal and South America (Patagonia) itineraries leaving form various ports.

Following the Coronavirus crisis, in 2021 the NatGeo Explorer ship started operation in July with two alternating Iceland itineraries, both leaving roundtrip from Reykjavik.

• (July 7, 2021) 6-day "Wild Island Escape" itinerary visits Westfjords (Djupavik), Arnafjordur (Dynjandi Waterfall), Latrabjarg Cliffs, Westman Islands (Heimaey and Surtsey). Fares started at USD 5180 per person (with double occupancy).
• (July 11, 2021) 11-day "A Circumnavigation of Iceland" itinerary visits Flatey Island, Latrabjarg, Westfjords (Isafjardardjup, Vigur Island, Isafjordur), Siglufjordur and Akureyri, Lake Myvatn and Husavik, Langanes Peninsula, Djupivogur, Westman Islands (Heimaey and Surtsey). Fares started at USD 11460 per person.
• Lindblad's cruise prices are inclusive of all meals, drinks, shore excursions (including Zodiac coastal cruising), complimentary bar tab, crew gratuities.

In 2024, Lindblad with Nat Geo Explorer introduced two new Antarctic itineraries, emphasizing shortened voyages and air travel (charter flights) over the Drake Passage.

The first 8-day itinerary includes roundtrip flights (over the Drake Passage) to/from the Chilean Base on King George Island, where tourists embark on the ship. At the end of the voyage, on King George Island tourists disembark the ship, fly to Puerto Natales Chile, stay overnight and on the next day fly back home.

The second 8-day itinerary is a one-way cruise from Ushuaia Argentina (where they board the ship), follow two days (through the Drake Passage) to reach Antarctica and five days of cruising. The voyage ends on King George Island, from where tourists are ferried via a charter flight homeward.

Lindblad's flagship National Geographic Explorer cruises from pole to pole (Arctic and Antarctica), and also in Europe - to Iceland, Greenland, and the Norwegian Fjords. The vessel was originally built as MS Midnatsol (link to the Hurtigruten ship). Today, Nat Geo Explorer is an expedition cruise ship designed to easily navigate in remote areas, specifically in the polar regions. It has extra hull plating to withstand high icebreaking tolerances.

As a true expedition cruising ship, National Geographic Explorer is staffed with a full-time doctor and a wellness specialist, a photo instructor, and a video chronicler, and also an undersea specialist. Another feature is the specific expedition equipment on board, including a remotely operated vehicle (diving to 1000 ft depth), a fleet of 36 2-person kayaks and 15 Zodiacs, wet suits and snorkeling gear, also a glass-bottom boat. Onboard educational and entertainment facilities are the observation lounge and the library. There is a mudroom with lockers providing storage for boots, thus saving space in cabins.

MS Explorer (aka "Nat Geo Explorer") is an expedition vessel designed especially for operations in the polar regions. The ship is perfectly suited for cruising expeditions, carrying wet suits, diving/snorkeling gear, underwater cameras, kayaks, glass-bottom boat and a fleet of Zodiacs. The ship's ROV (remotely operated vehicle) can dive to 1000 ft / 305 m sea depth.

Nat Geo Explorer has max draft 4,7 m (16 ft) and a powerplant based on two Rolls-Royce Bergen marine diesel engines (model Normo-Bergen KVM-16) with total power output 4708 kW. The vessel (yard/hull number 114470) was constructed by Hatlo Verksted AS in Ulsteinvik Norway.