Lindblad Expeditions has released a special preview of the new 126-guest National Geographic Endurance, which will be delivered in early 2020. The first new polar build in the line’s history, the ship was named to honor explorer Ernest Shackleton. Fully stabilized with the highest ice class (PC5 Category A) of any purpose-built passenger vessel, National Geographic Endurance will provide access to more polar environments, opening up previously unexplored opportunities as well as allowing Lindblad to explore familiar geographies for longer.
A notable part of National Geographic Endurance is her profile, resulting from the patented X-Bow. Introduced by Lindblad’s Norwegian shipbuilder, Ulstein, this design increases the ability to observe an area’s wildlife and natural surroundings, enabling forward and straight down-the-sides viewing—no leaning out over the deck rail required. The unobstructed downward sight lines, plus multiple walk-out areas from the Bridge, and Observation Lounge, and glass rails on the top deck create ideal conditions for viewing and photography. With a total of six guest decks, the ship has over 10,000 square feet of glass keeping guests constantly connected to the view.
Fire and ice are twin themes throughout the ship, in the color schemes and the feelings engendered by her spaces—from the “chill” cool of the Ice Lounge, the expedition community hub for Recap, talks, presentations and sociability with a B&H Photo Gear Locker for trying new tech; to the warmth around the fireplace of The Den on the Observation Deck. Discover spa treatments and therapies at The Sanctuary. Twin infinity Jacuzzis, saunas with views, and a glass-walled yoga studio will transform the polar experience.
The ship has 13 large balcony suites, each named for a famous polar explorer. Each suite is filled with warm colors, soft textures, round corners, Lindblad’s signature feather duvets, walk-in closets and stone-clad baths. Full-height windows and furnished balconies are also highlights.
In the 56 standard cabins, azure accents meet polar vistas at the windows. Of the 56 standard cabins, 40 have a balcony (including the 12 solo cabins). All of the 69 total cabins include a sofa or reading chair, as well as the new “Command Center” with a National Geographic Atlas, barometer, analog clock, digital tablet with daily programming and an array of USB and universal electrical ports for cameras and devices, plus a retractable lighted vanity mirror.
The National Geographic Endurance will offer several dining options. Restaurant Two Seven Zero surrounds gourmet dining with picturesque views. C. Green’s, named for Shackleton’s cook, offers an early riser breakfast, fresh salads and lighter fare, plus custom grilled selections at lunch and dinner. The Chef’s Table is a new approach to private dining. Each dinner includes “polar theater” in the form of regionally inspired food. In addition, daily high tea, hors d’oeuvres at Recap, and BBQs in the heated outdoor Winter Garden round out the new level of dining.
The ship will have a suite of Lindblad’s signature tools for exploration: fleet of Zodiacs, kayaks, snowshoes, cross-country skis, an ROV, hydrophones, video microscope, underwater video technology, and more expedition enhancements to be announced soon.
In 2020, National Geographic Endurance embarks on a series of eight inaugural Arctic itineraries, to explore areas both familiar and brand new. A few highlights:
Svalbard in Spring: Polar Bears, Arctic Light and Epic Ice - Voyage deep into Svalbard, an arctic refuge covered in snow and surrounded by sea ice, where polar bears freed from their winter sleep stalk seals on the ice.
Northeast Passage: An Unforgettable Voyage from Norway to Alaska - National Geographic Endurance roams free on this expedition, on one of the most untrammeled routes in the High Arctic – including Franz Josef Land, Severnaya Zemlya, the Siberian coast, and Wrangel Island.
East Greenland: Wild Shores of the High Arctic – Greenland’s eastern coast is flanked by thousands of bergs calved from the massive ice sheet. It’s where guests will enter the largest national park in the world – Northeast Greenland National Park – to find polar bears, seals, walrus; crevasse-laced glaciers; mountains, and coastal villages.
For more information, visit www.expeditions.com.
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