Text & Photographs by Theodore W. Scull
Linblad Expeditions' National Geographic Explorer visited New York twice in October, docking at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal, during the course of two East Coast itineraries. Built in 1982 as the Midnatsol for the Norwegian Coastal Express between Bergen and Kirkenes, she had an intermediate name change as the Lyngen before undergoing a conversion to an expedition ship at Las Palmas, Canary Islands in 2008. She entered service in June 2008 for a wide variewty of cruises to South America, Antarctica, South Atlantic islands, South and East Africa, Indian Ocean islands, Mediterranean, Northern Europe and Svalbard (Spitsbergen).
Lindlblad has partnered with the National Geographic Society to provide a top expedition experience drawing on the two pools of naturalists and historians. Photography cruises hosted by the Society’s top photographers are also offered.
Grossing 6167 tons, she is 356 feet long, stabilized and takes up to 148 passengers in all outside cabins. Most passengers are well heeled Americans 50 years and up, and many are repeaters as the firm operates so many different itineraries within its six-ship fleet. For traveling in ice, the ship has been strengthened and is classified as 1A1-Ice-C.
Up to 10 naturalists with varied disciplines are lead by an expedition leader, and 11 Zodiacs are carried for exploring coast lines and going ashore. Two-person kayaks are used in warmer waters and snorkeling gear is also available free of charge. The ship carries hi-tech gear to record sounds and take underwater film footage to depths of up to 500 feet, for showing on board and for inclusion in the video record of the voyage. Nightly recaps before dinner include footage shot during the day. New dimensions of technology are being planned, including being able to take passengers in submersibles.
Public rooms, decorated in muted light colors, include a large lounge with a sit-up and serving bar that holds all passengers for lectures and briefings. Five wall screens show film footage, and a central podium allows speakers to be seen by all present. The lounge opens onto an afterdeck furnished with tables for buffet meals on deck. The forward Chart Room acts as an observation lounge and doubles as an intimate dining room with tables hosted on certain evenings by the captain and chief officer.
On the Bridge Deck, a long glass dome covers a library with a good reference collection and seating and a connecting observation lounge for viewing to port and starboard and up to the sky above. The spa, fitness center and sauna are aft on the Wellness Deck below. The ship carries a doctor, has an elevator connecting all passengers decks and an Internet Café.
An open plan shop opposite the reception carries high quality souvenirs that reflect the cruising regions and sundries. There is neither swimming pool nor a casino. Open deck space and deck chairs are tucked around the ship, and the ship has an open bridge policy under most circumstances.
Dining takes place in the forward facing restaurant at one open sitting. As not all passengers can be seated at one time, just aft is a starboard side informal bistro with a lighter menu and table service. Filipinos provide a friendly service in the restaurants, bar and in the cabins.
The 81 cabins are all outside with windows apart from eight forward Main Deck cabins with portholes. They fall into eight categories and have showers but no bathtubs. Most have twin beds that can be combined into a queen. One cabin is handicap-equipped and several are dedicated singles, and others in categories 2 and 3 may be reserved for sole occupancy. Category 6 cabins have private balconies, and three suites, two aft facing, also have balconies. One nice touch is a desk atlas open under glass that shows the current cruising region. A beautiful collection of framed photographs and prints decorate the cabins,
corridors and public rooms.
While she is still quite new, the National Geographic Explorer has all the ingredients and Lindblad’s experience behind it to make for a top flight expedition ship. She will soon replace the National Geographic Endeavour (former Caledonian Star) which will move to the Galapagos year-round.