How many passengers does National Geographic Explorer hold?
National Geographic Explorer carries 148 guests at double occupancy and up to 162 at maximum capacity.
Lindblad Expeditions · Expedition Class
National Geographic Explorer
Built to go everywhere. Designed to make you forget everything else.
1982 · Refurbished 2008
Year Built
148
Guests
Expedition Class
Class
6,471
GT
0
Pools
The National Geographic Explorer is Lindblad's flagship workhorse, originally built in 1982 and extensively refurbished in 2008, carrying up to 148 guests in 81 outside staterooms. It is celebrated for its iconic blue hull, ROV, and decades of trailblazing expedition history.
Dining & Drinks
Signature Culinary Program
Polar & Expedition Table — Fresh, Hearty Regional Cuisine Included in Fare
Included Restaurants
Main Expedition Dining Room
Open-Seating Multi-Course International & Regional Menus
Al Fresco Deck Grill / Bistro Lounge
Casual Lunches, Early-Riser Pastries & Post-Landing Snacks
Specialty dining (extra charge)
All drinks included
Room service (extra charge)
Dietary Options
Gluten-FreeVegan
Expedition & Polar Inclusions
All daily Zodiac cruises, shore landings & guided hikes included
Veteran polar expedition leaders, marine biologists, glaciologists & historians
Complimentary polar expedition parka to keep + waterproof muck boot loan
All onboard meals, lectures, citizen-science briefings & port fees included
Wellness & Relaxation
Fitness Center
Gym included
Pools
0
Hot Tubs
1
Medical Center
✓
Where National Geographic Explorer sails
Ports on this ship's regular rotation — click any for a feel of it before you pack.
GoCruiseTravel.com Ship Data
1
Sailings tracked
148
guests
GoCruiseTravel.com tracks 1 upcoming sailings on National Geographic Explorer (Lindblad Expeditions). Built 1982 (refurbished 2008), 148 guests, 6,471 GT. Amenities: 1 hot tubs, self-laundry, accessible cabins, medical center. Browse Lindblad Expeditions sailings on GoCruiseTravel.com.
Accessible Travel
Traveling with accessibility needs? National Geographic Explorer has 1 accessible cabins.
Elevators: 1
Ask anything about National Geographic Explorer
Policies at a Glance
PetsNot Allowed
Balcony SmokingNot Allowed
Smoking & Cigar LoungesSmall designated outdoor aft deck area only; strictly no smoking in cabins, balconies, or on Zodiacs/shore.
Dress CodeCasual
Formal NightsNo
The Details
Can I do laundry onboard?
Yes — self-service laundry available
What voltage are the cabins?
110V & 220V
Is there a dress code?
Casual
Are there formal nights?
No formal nights required
Can I smoke on the balcony?
No — balcony smoking not allowed
USB in Cabins
✓
Quick answers
Frequently Asked Questions
When was National Geographic Explorer built?
National Geographic Explorer was built in 1982 and most recently refurbished in 2008.
Which cruise line operates National Geographic Explorer?
National Geographic Explorer is operated by Lindblad Expeditions.
Is there self-service laundry on National Geographic Explorer?
Yes, National Geographic Explorer features self-service passenger laundromats onboard.
Which restaurants are included on National Geographic Explorer?
On National Geographic Explorer, all onboard restaurants—including Main Expedition Dining Room, Al Fresco Deck Grill / Bistro Lounge—are included in the cruise fare at no extra charge.
Who sails this line
Kids onboard
Uncommon — adult-leaning atmosphere
Sister Ships · Expedition Class
Vessels built to the same architectural blueprint, sharing deck layouts, signature venues, and hull dimensions.
Sister Ship
National Geographic Orion
Expedition Class · 102 guests · 2003
Ulstein X-BOW Class
National Geographic Resolution
Ulstein X-BOW Class · 126 guests · 2021
Ulstein X-BOW Class
National Geographic Endurance
Ulstein X-BOW Class · 126 guests · 2020