National Geographic Explorer

Originally constructed for service along Norway’s coast as part of the famed Hurtigruten, or Coastal Express, National Geographic Explorer ferried passengers among the fjords of this iconic coast in conditions that could deteriorate into heavy seas in a matter of minutes. She had to be able to handle deep swells and towering waves—and have a high degree of maneuverability. Those traits, and an ideal size, makes her a natural choice for expedition voyages to the polar regions. 

National Geographic Explorer is equipped with an ice-strengthened hull and advanced navigation equipment for polar expeditions; a roster of tools for exploration; and a well-appointed interior with vast expanses of glass for an unprecedented connection to the environment.

For many guests she remains their paradigm of an expedition ship. She is devoted to exploration—from her Welcoming Bridge, and the Chart Room below it where you can tuck in to warm up with a hot chocolate, to her high-perched Observation deck with its aqueous light and compelling 24/7 views. Even the art on the walls—from the Hurley prints of Shackleton’s expedition to the stunning National Geographic photos— tells an uber-narrative of globe-spanning travel and a dedication to curiosity and wonder.

Ship Features

  • All voyages will have a National Geographic photographer, a Lindblad-National Geographic certified photo instructor and a video chronicler onboard. 
  • Public Areas: Reception; three dining areas; global gallery; library, B&H Photo locker; 24-hour Bistro area beverage bar; lounge with bar and state-of-the-art presentation facilities; observation lounge; mudroom with lockers for expedition gear; plus open access to the Bridge, the Captain, officers and on-duty wildlife spotters. 
  • Cabins: All feature windows or portholes, private facilities, climate controls, hair dryers, and TV, plus Ethernet, Wi-Fi connections, and USB ports for mobile devices. Some cabins have balconies. Single cabins in Category SA and Category SB are located on the main deck and upper deck. 
  • Meals: Meals are served in the dining room, Bistro bar, or the Observation lounge, at a single seating with unassigned tables for an informal atmosphere and easy mingling. Menus feature sustainable choices, local where possible.
  • Wellness: A glass-enclosed fitness center, outdoor stretching area, a LEXspa treatment room and sauna, staffed by wellness specialists.
  • Expedition Equipment: Zodiac landing craft, a fleet of double kayaks, a crow’s nest camera, a hydrophone, underwater video cameras, video microscope, and an ROV. 

Ship Specifications

  • MAX # of guests: 148
  • Expedition team: 
  • Ice Class: 1A
  • Year Launched: 1982, rebuilt 1988, converted 2008

National Geographic Explorer Ship Gallery

Trips and Rates

Please note, rates are Per Person in USD

Single Travelers

  • Can book a dedicated solo cabin in Category A Solo or Category B Solo at the prices listed above
  • Share cabins may be available in select cabin categories, please enquire for more details
  • If booking Cat 1 – 7 at solo occupancy, the rate is 2x the per person share price

Adventure Options

  • Paddling – included in the voyage cost. Guests may have the chance to paddle once, conditions permitting.

Mandatory Charter Flights are an additional cost and not included in the cabin pricing. See neon green box in pricing grid for the cost of the charter flights.

  • Charter flights for Antarctica Direct Itineraries are between Puerto Natales, Chile and King George Island, Antarctica
  • Charter fights for Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falklands departures are between Buenos Aires & Ushuaia

Single Travelers

  • Can book a dedicated solo cabin in Category A Solo or Category B Solo at the prices listed above
  • Share cabins may be available in select cabin categories, please enquire for more details
  • If booking Cat 1 – 7 at solo occupancy, the rate is 2x the per person share price

Adventure Options

  • Paddling – included in the voyage cost. Guests may have the chance to paddle once, conditions permitting.
Category 1
$27,849
 
Category 2
$29,702
 
Category 3
$30,673
 
Category 4
$32,304
 
Category 5
$37,377
 
Category 6
$41,906
Full
Category 7
$46,906
Limited
Category A Solo
$37,039
 
Category B Solo
$40,796
 

Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage

Feb 22 - Mar 1, 2026 (8 days)
Paddling
Category 1
$9,664
Full
Category 2
$10,795
Full
Category 3
$11,112
 
Category 4
$11,910
 
Category 5
$14,760
Full
Category 6
$17,079
Full
Category 7
$18,819
Limited
Category A Solo
$14,240
Limited
Category B Solo
$16,412
Limited
Charter Flights
$3,000
 

Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage

Feb 17 - Feb 24, 2026 (8 days)
Paddling
Category 1
$10,174
Full
Category 2
$11,305
Full
Category 3
$11,622
 
Category 4
$12,420
 
Category 5
$15,270
Full
Category 6
$17,589
Limited
Category 7
$19,329
Full
Category A Solo
$14,750
Full
Category B Solo
$16,922
Limited
Charter Flights
$3,000
 
Category 1
$12,699
Full
Category 2
$14,204
Limited
Category 3
$14,627
 
Category 4
$15,689
 
Category 5
$19,484
 
Category 6
$22,572
Limited
Category 7
$24,888
Limited
Category A Solo
$20,293
Limited
Category B Solo
$23,185
Limited
Charter Flights
$1,500
 

Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage

Feb 3 - Feb 10, 2026 (8 days)
Paddling
Category 1
$10,174
Full
Category 2
$11,305
$500 Save
$10,805
Limited
Category 3
$11,622
$500 Save
$11,122
 
Category 4
$12,420
$500 Save
$11,920
 
Category 5
$15,270
$500 Save
$14,770
Full
Category 6
$17,589
$500 Save
$17,089
Limited
Category 7
$19,329
$500 Save
$18,829
Limited
Category A Solo
$14,750
Full
Category B Solo
$16,922
Full
Charter Flights
$3,000
 

Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage

Jan 29 - Feb 5, 2026 (8 days)
Paddling
Category 1
$10,174
Full
Category 2
$11,305
Full
Category 3
$11,622
 
Category 4
$12,420
 
Category 5
$15,270
Limited
Category 6
$17,589
Limited
Category 7
$19,329
Full
Category A Solo
$14,750
Full
Category B Solo
$16,922
Limited
Charter Flights
$3,000
 
Category 1
$12,950
Full
Category 2
$14,426
Full
Category 3
$14,841
Full
Category 4
$16,199
Limited
Category 5
$19,602
Full
Category 6
$23,082
Limited
Category 7
$24,900
Full
Category A Solo
$18,925
Full
Category B Solo
$21,761
Full
Charter Flights
$1,500
 

Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage

Jan 15 - Jan 22, 2026 (8 days)
Paddling
Category 1
$10,174
Full
Category 2
$11,305
Full
Category 3
$11,622
 
Category 4
$12,420
 
Category 5
$15,270
 
Category 6
$17,589
Limited
Category 7
$19,329
Full
Category A Solo
$14,750
Full
Category B Solo
$16,922
Full
Charter Flights
$3,000
 

Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage

Jan 10 - Jan 17, 2026 (8 days)
Paddling
Category 1
$10,382
Full
Category 2
$11,537
Full
Category 3
$11,860
Full
Category 4
$12,674
 
Category 5
$15,582
Full
Category 6
$17,948
Full
Category 7
$19,723
Full
Category A Solo
$15,052
Full
Category B Solo
$17,270
Full
Charter Flights
$3,000
 
Category 1
$14,229
Full
Category 2
$15,861
Full
Category 3
$16,320
$1000 Save
$15,320
 
Category 4
$17,471
$1000 Save
$16,471
 
Category 5
$21,584
$1000 Save
$20,584
 
Category 6
$24,931
$1000 Save
$23,931
Limited
Category 7
$27,438
$1000 Save
$26,438
Limited
Category A Solo
$20,833
Full
Category B Solo
$23,970
Full
Charter Flights
$1,500
 

Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage

Dec 27 - Jan 3, 2025 - 2026 (8 days)
Paddling
Category 1
$11,553
Full
Category 2
$12,850
Limited
Category 3
$13,214
 
Category 4
$14,129
 
Category 5
$17,397
Full
Category 6
$20,057
Full
Category 7
$22,053
Full
Category A Solo
$16,803
 
Category B Solo
$19,295
 
Charter Flights
$3,000
 

Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage

Dec 22 - Dec 29, 2025 (8 days)
Paddling
Category 1
$11,553
Full
Category 2
$12,850
Full
Category 3
$13,214
 
Category 4
$14,129
 
Category 5
$17,397
Full
Category 6
$20,057
Full
Category 7
$22,053
Full
Category A Solo
$16,803
 
Category B Solo
$19,295
 
Charter Flights
$3,000
 
Category 1
$11,951
Full
Category 2
$13,303
Full
Category 3
$13,683
 
Category 4
$14,637
 
Category 5
$18,046
 
Category 6
$20,820
Limited
Category 7
$22,900
Full
Category A Solo
$18,925
Full
Category B Solo
$21,524
Full
Charter Flights
$1,500
 

Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage

Dec 8 - Dec 15, 2025 (8 days)
Paddling
Category 1
$8,975
Full
Category 2
$9,960
Full
Category 3
$10,235
Full
Category 4
$11,506
Full
Category 5
$13,412
Full
Category 6
$15,432
Full
Category 7
$16,950
Full
Category A Solo
$13,645
Full
Category B Solo
$15,635
Limited
Charter Flights
$3,000
 

Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage

Dec 3 - Dec 10, 2025 (8 days)
Paddling
Category 1
$9,642
Full
Category 2
$10,699
Full
Category 3
$10,994
Full
Category 4
$11,742
 
Category 5
$14,407
Limited
Category 6
$16,576
Limited
Category 7
$18,207
Full
Category A Solo
$13,925
Full
Category B Solo
$15,954
Full
Charter Flights
$3,000
 
Category 1
$11,451
Full
Category 2
$12,803
Full
Category 3
$13,183
$1000 Save
$12,183
 
Category 4
$14,137
$1000 Save
$13,137
 
Category 5
$17,546
$1000 Save
$16,546
 
Category 6
$20,320
$1000 Save
$19,320
Limited
Category 7
$22,400
$1000 Save
$21,400
Limited
Category A Solo
$18,425
Full
Category B Solo
$21,024
Full
Charter Flights
$1,500
 

Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage

Nov 19 - Nov 26, 2025 (8 days)
Paddling
Category 1
$8,975
$500 Save
$8,475
Full
Category 2
$9,960
$500 Save
$9,460
Limited
Category 3
$10,235
$500 Save
$9,735
 
Category 4
$10,930
$500 Save
$10,430
 
Category 5
$13,412
$500 Save
$12,912
 
Category 6
$15,432
$500 Save
$14,932
Limited
Category 7
$16,950
$500 Save
$16,450
Limited
Category A Solo
$12,962
$4612 Save
$8,350
 
Category B Solo
$14,852
$5236 Save
$9,616
 
Charter Flights
$3,000
 

Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage

Nov 14 - Nov 21, 2025 (8 days)
Paddling
Category 1
$9,349
Full
Category 2
$10,375
Full
Category 3
$10,662
Full
Category 4
$11,386
 
Category 5
$13,971
Full
Category 6
$16,075
Limited
Category 7
$17,657
Limited
Category A Solo
$13,503
Full
Category B Solo
$15,472
Full
Charter Flights
$3,000
 
Category 1
$10,673
Full
Category 2
$12,803
Full
Category 3
$13,183
Limited
Category 4
$14,137
 
Category 5
$17,546
Full
Category 6
$20,320
Full
Category 7
$22,400
Full
Category A Solo
$18,425
Full
Category B Solo
$21,024
Full
Charter Flights
$1,500
 
Category 1
$28,304
$2000 Save
$26,304
 
Category 2
$31,802
$2000 Save
$29,802
 
Category 3
$32,784
$2000 Save
$30,784
 
Category 4
$35,251
$2000 Save
$33,251
 
Category 5
$44,063
$2000 Save
$42,063
 
Category 6
$51,236
$2000 Save
$49,236
Limited
Category 7
$56,607
$2000 Save
$54,607
Limited
Category A Solo
$42,455
$15350 Save
$27,105
 
Category B Solo
$49,176
$17568 Save
$31,608
 
Charter Flights
$1,370
 
Category 1
$18,571
 
Category 2
$20,146
 
Category 3
$20,972
 
Category 4
$22,358
 
Category 5
$26,670
 
Category 6
$30,520
Limited
Category 7
$35,882
Limited
Category A Solo
$25,046
 
Category B Solo
$26,138
 
Category 1
$9,044
 
Category 2
$10,661
 
Category 3
$11,109
 
Category 4
$12,684
 
Category 5
$13,762
 
Category 6
$16,485
Limited
Category 7
$19,096
Limited
Category A Solo
$13,272
 
Category B Solo
$13,853
 
Category 1
$9,044
 
Category 2
$10,661
 
Category 3
$11,109
 
Category 4
$12,684
 
Category 5
$13,762
 
Category 6
$16,485
Limited
Category 7
$19,096
Limited
Category A Solo
$13,272
 
Category B Solo
$13,853
 

Fire and Ice: An 8-Day Sail Around Iceland

Jul 22 - Jul 29, 2025 (8 days)
Paddling
Category 1
$9,044
 
Category 2
$10,661
 
Category 3
$11,109
 
Category 4
$12,684
 
Category 5
$13,762
 
Category 6
$16,485
Limited
Category 7
$19,096
Limited
Category A Solo
$13,272
 
Category B Solo
$13,853
 

Fire and Ice: An 8-Day Sail Around Iceland

Jul 15 - Jul 22, 2025 (8 days)
Paddling
Category 1
$9,044
Full
Category 2
$10,661
 
Category 3
$11,109
 
Category 4
$12,684
 
Category 5
$13,762
 
Category 6
$16,485
Limited
Category 7
$19,096
Limited
Category A Solo
$13,272
 
Category B Solo
$13,853
 
Category 1
$9,044
 
Category 2
$10,661
 
Category 3
$11,109
 
Category 4
$12,684
 
Category 5
$13,762
 
Category 6
$16,485
Limited
Category 7
$19,096
Limited
Category A Solo
$13,272
 
Category B Solo
$13,853
 
Category 1
$9,044
 
Category 2
$10,661
 
Category 3
$11,109
 
Category 4
$12,684
 
Category 5
$13,762
 
Category 6
$16,485
Limited
Category 7
$19,096
Limited
Category A Solo
$13,272
 
Category B Solo
$13,853
 
Category 1
$9,044
 
Category 2
$10,661
 
Category 3
$11,109
 
Category 4
$12,684
 
Category 5
$13,762
 
Category 6
$16,485
Limited
Category 7
$19,096
Limited
Category A Solo
$13,272
 
Category B Solo
$13,853
 

Fire and Ice: An 8-Day Sail Around Iceland

Jun 17 - Jun 24, 2025 (8 days)
Paddling
Category 1
$9,044
 
Category 2
$10,661
 
Category 3
$11,109
 
Category 4
$12,684
 
Category 5
$13,762
 
Category 6
$16,485
Limited
Category 7
$19,096
Limited
Category A Solo
$13,272
 
Category B Solo
$13,853
 

Fire and Ice: An 8-Day Sail Around Iceland

Jun 10 - Jun 17, 2025 (8 days)
Paddling
Category 1
$9,044
 
Category 2
$10,661
 
Category 3
$11,109
 
Category 4
$12,684
 
Category 5
$13,762
 
Category 6
$16,485
Limited
Category 7
$19,096
Limited
Category A Solo
$13,272
 
Category B Solo
$13,853
 
Category 1
$8,946
 
Category 2
$10,549
 
Category 3
$10,997
 
Category 4
$12,558
 
Category 5
$13,622
 
Category 6
$16,324
Limited
Category 7
$18,900
Limited
Category A Solo
$13,132
 
Category B Solo
$13,713
 
Category 1
$8,946
Limited
Category 2
$10,549
 
Category 3
$10,997
 
Category 4
$12,558
 
Category 5
$13,622
 
Category 6
$16,324
Limited
Category 7
$18,900
Limited
Category A Solo
$13,132
 
Category B Solo
$13,713
 
Category 1
$12,572
Full
Category 2
$14,124
Limited
Category 3
$14,561
Full
Category 4
$15,656
Full
Category 5
$19,570
Full
Category 6
$22,755
Full
Category 7
$25,143
Full
Category A Solo
$18,857
Full
Category B Solo
$21,842
Full
Charter Flights
$1,000
 

Availability & prices are subject to change at anytime. Please contact us for the real time availability & prices.

Cabin Descriptions

Category 7

#215, 219, 230 — Newly renovated in May 2023, each large suite has a private balcony, two single beds that can be converted into a queen, and a sofa bed that can be converted into a triple. There is a seating area with a writing desk, coffee table with sitting chair, and a small table. Suites feature a double closet, TV, mini bar, and espresso maker. Bathrooms are generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall.

Category 6

Veranda Deck, #101-102 — Newly renovated in May 2023, each spacious suite has two single beds that can be converted into a queen, a sofa-bed that can be converted into a triple, a writing desk, double closet, chairs, three large windows, TV, mini bar, and espresso maker. Bathrooms are generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall. Upper Deck, #213 — Newly renovated in May 2023, this spacious suite has a private balcony with glass doors, two single beds that can be converted into a queen, a writing desk, double closet, armchairs, TV, mini bar, and espresso maker. Bathrooms are generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall. Guests receive a welcome amenity, complimentary laundry, and priority access to one spa appointment per departure.

Category 5

#209, 211, 214, 216, 218, 220-222, 224 — Cabins feature a balcony with sliding glass doors, one queen-sized bed, writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, private bathrooms with a glass-wall shower, and a TV. (Cabin 221 has two single beds that can convert to a queen.)

Category 4

Veranda Deck #103-104, 107-108 — Cabins feature two single beds than can convert into a queen. They have a writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, sitting chair, private bathrooms with a glass-wall shower, and a TV. Upper Deck #201-202, 204-207, 210, 212, 217, 226, 228 — Cabins feature two single beds than can convert into a queen (cabins 217, 226 & 228 have a queen bed only). They have a writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, sitting chair, private bathrooms with a glass-wall shower, and a TV.

Category 3

#313-316, 321-328, 337-340, 342, 344-350 — Cabins feature two single beds (can be converted to a queen-sized bed), one large window, a sitting chair, a small table, ample storage, writing desk with chair, floor length mirror, reading lamps, TV, and well-appointed bathrooms with a roomy glass-wall shower. #341 & 343 — newly renovated in May 2023, each L-shaped suite also has a sofa-bed that can be converted into a triple, double closet, espresso maker, and generously sized bathrooms.

Category 2

#317-320, 335-336 — Cabins feature two single beds (some can convert to a queen-sized bed), and one large window. They offer a writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, sitting chair, well-appointed bathrooms with a roomy glass-wall shower, and a TV.

Category 1

#301-308 — Cabins feature one or two portholes. Cabins #301, 302, and 307 have two twin beds. Cabins #304-306 feature one queen-sized bed. Cabin #308 features two twin beds that can be converted to a queen. All cabins feature a writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, well-appointed bathrooms with a roomy glass-wall shower, and a TV.

Category A Solo

#309-311, 329-334 — These cabins feature one single bed and a large window, a writing desk, reading lamp, bathroom with a roomy glass-wall shower stall, and a TV.

Category B Solo

Veranda Deck: #105-106; Upper Deck: #203, 208 — These cabins feature one single bed and a large window, a writing desk, reading lamp, bathroom with a roomy glass-walled shower stall, and a TV.

Deck Plan

National Geographic Explorer deck plan