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National Geographic Explorer Review - Sneak Preview
First Impressions
A spa, multiple dining venues, balcony cabins ... is this an expedition ship? Turns out, if you yearn to explore far-flung places like the Arctic or Antarctic, you don't necessarily have to rough it. National Geographic Explorer, which joined Lindblad in late 2008, is the fleet's most state-of-the-art expedition ship, combining the line's focus on educational and enrichment opportunities with many of the creature comforts that today's cruise travelers have come to expect.
The ship itself is not brand-new; it was built in 1982 and sailed under several names: Midnatsol, Midnatsol II and Lyngen. Lindblad purchased the vessel from Hurtigruten in 2007 and put it through a rigorous, eight-month refurbishment that went far beyond fresh paint and carpets. The 6,100-ton vessel initially carried 323 passengers in small, basic cabins, as well as 40 automobiles on a small car deck. It was, essentially, gutted during the refit, and it now carries just 148 passengers in 81 all-outside-facing staterooms -- including a dozen with balconies, a first for the line and a rarity among expedition ships, in general.
Also, as a relatively large ship for so few passengers, there's plenty of room onboard for multiple dining venues and an expanded version of Lindblad's signature luxury wellness spa, which includes a sauna and steam room. There's also a windowed fitness center with bikes, elliptical machines, treadmills and weights, and lots of windows offering 180-degree views of the sea and sky. Also included are a roomy, stocked library and a glass-enclosed observation lounge near the top of the ship, great for viewing panoramic vistas.
Yet, even with these modern amenities, National Geographic Explorer still offers the traditional Lindblad experience, which is centered on stellar academic and enrichment programs. Naturalists, expedition leaders, photographers and writers from the namesake magazine sail on every voyage, offering talks and workshops. The ship is outfitted with a fleet of 14 Zodiacs, 26 kayaks and inflatable rafts for bringing passengers from ship to shore. Entertainment-wise, the main event is still nature -- but when you aren't in the great outdoors, you get to enjoy it in high-definition. (Remote-controlled cameras, positioned atop the ship and underwater, broadcast real-time footage on LCD and plasma screens located throughout the ship.)
Mealtime
All meals involve single, open seatings. Breakfast is ultra-casual and served buffet-style. Lunches and dinners feature waiter service, but are still informal and leisurely. Menus generally reflect the cuisine of the region in which the ship is sailing, with chefs using fresh, local ingredients whenever possible. If you are a fish-lover, know this: The line only serves seafood that's obtained through sustainable sources and caught responsibly.
Passengers can choose to dine in the large, main dining room or the adjacent alternative dining venue -- the smaller, cozy Bistro Bar. There's no charge to take meals there. (In fact, you won't pay for any meal, anywhere, on any of Lindblad's ships.) It's simply first-come, first-served. The menus in the two dining spots are similar, but not identical; items from the main dining room appear on the Bistro Bar menu, but the Bistro Bar also offers some lighter options. We like the space for supper with a view, as the tables are lined up against a string of large windows. The Bistro is also the setting for occasional culinary demonstrations, including lessons in knife skills and cooking classes. And, when weather and location allow, meals can be moved to an outside deck -- or even ashore.
Private meals hosted in the ship's nautically themed Chart Room, which features maps and other navigational tools, are another popular option. Throughout each voyage, Lindblad staff host intimate dinners for groups of 10 to 15 passengers. Typically, everyone onboard will receive an invitation to at least one private dinner, to which he or she can RSVP. But, Chart Room meals can also be specially arranged for large groups sailing together.
Regular cocktail hours allow for pre-dinner mingling.
Bedtime
National Geographic Explorer accommodates 148 passengers in 81 cabins, all of which offer an ocean view and some of which feature balconies, a first for the line. There are also cabins designed specifically for solo travelers -- a concept that's becoming increasingly rare.
There are 10 different categories of cabins: standard doubles with portholes (8); standard doubles with windows, lower deck (6); standard doubles with windows, upper decks (15); long doubles with windows (21); oversized doubles with windows (2); solo staterooms with windows, lower deck (10); solo staterooms with windows, upper decks (4); doubles with balconies (9); suites without balconies (3) and suites with balconies (3).
Cabins include two twin beds that can be converted into a queen; LCD TV’s, which broadcast presentations from the lounge, as well as footage from the Crow's Nest camera; Internet access; ample storage space, including hooks for raincoats; and a large desk, topped with a sheet of glass (underneath which sits a National Geographic Atlas) for journaling and writing postcards. Bathrooms are shower-only. In keeping with the photography focus, framed prints decorate the cabins (as well as corridors and public rooms).
A note on size: Unlike most mega-ship cabins, which are built at a separate factory and then popped into place, National Geographic Explorer's cabins were custom-built into the superstructure and tend to feature slightly different configurations, even within similar categories. Therefore, square footage varies from cabin to cabin; over the phone, Lindblad reservationists are able to help potential passengers with specific questions on cabin layouts and dimensions.
Grand Old Favorites
We're glad to see the continuation of Lindblad's unique "open bridge" policy on National Geographic Explorer. Passengers are allowed to visit with the captain and officers to learn about the navigational equipment used onboard. The bridge is open pretty much around the clock, except under certain circumstances (in areas of particularly tricky navigation, for example). A word of warning: While visiting the bridge, keep your hands and tunes to yourself -- according to folklore, it's considered bad luck to whistle onboard a ship, as it's said to elicit stormy weather!
New & Nifty
Okay, it's not necessarily new (National Geographic Endeavor had it first), but it's still nifty: In addition to the kayaks and Zodiacs, this ship is equipped with an ROV (remotely operated vehicle) that can dive up to 1,000 feet. Basically, it's an underwater video camera in a cage that can be controlled from the ship. The ROV grabs footage in areas -- such as beneath unsteady icebergs -- where it may be unsafe to send scuba divers. Also, staff can dispatch the ROV any time something of interest is detected nearby. The live footage from the ROV is displayed on the high-definition screens in lounges and cabins.
Huh?
When we heard there was a public area onboard called the "mud room," we weren't quite sure what to expect. Turns out, it's at the Zodiac landing (where passengers generally disembark for adventures off-ship); there, passengers will find lockers to stow their boots and expedition gear so that they are always at the ready.
Kid-Friendly Factor
Families are welcome onboard National Geographic Explorer; in fact, Lindblad often offers special discounts for those who want to bring along their kids or grandkids. On select Alaska, Costa Rica, Galapagos and Greek Isles sailings, staff are trained to extend the expedition experience to younger cruisers through a special course, created in conjunction with NG Kids Magazine. However, cruises to more far-flung regions like Antarctica or the Arctic (this ship's bread and butter) won't be as family-focused. Lindblad does not offer a kids' program.
The key is to know your kids. If you have a hard-to-please teen, who simply can't survive a week without the discos and sports courts of larger ships, an expedition cruise might not suit you as a family vacation option. On the flip side, if your child is comfortable spending his or her time with adults and is interested in learning about nature, the experience could be incredibly rewarding for the whole family.
Bottom Line
Lindblad offers a decidedly different cruise experience -- not because of what's missing (like casinos, pools and room service), but because of what's extra. Writers and photographers from National Geographic Magazine sail onboard, along with naturalists and expedition teams, keeping the trip's focus on learning and adventure. This newest addition to the fleet carries on the Lindblad tradition, but with nods toward comfort and the cutting-edge.
Cruise travelers that are eager to explore rugged terrain without sacrificing, say, an onboard spa, flat-screen TV or balcony cabin, will appreciate the luxuries and state-of-the-art accoutrement that supplement the expedition experience onboard National Geographic Explorer.
--by Melissa Baldwin Paloti, Managing Editor
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Stellar academic and enrichment programs
