A Stylish And Comfortable Ship
National Geographic Resolution isn’t meant to be a luxury ship. It doesn’t offer butlers with every cabin, as one luxury vessel sailing to Antarctica does. Yet it’s still a stylish and comfortable ship more so than many expedition vessels.
For a vessel designed to carry just 126 passengers, National Geographic Resolution offers a generous array of eateries and lounges, all with a soothing, Scandinavian-influenced design. Plus, it features a small but inviting spa and a fitness center that is large for a ship of this size.
The spa, notably, has saunas with glass walls offering views to the ocean as well as a separate yoga studio — something you don’t normally find on an expedition ship.
Just outside the spa, on an outer deck, are two innovative glass-walled “igloos” where passengers can spend the night under the stars on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Related: I just spent the night in an ‘igloo’ in Antarctica here’s how you can, too
As I experienced during my 10-night sailing, the ship’s two main eateries have a focus on locally sourced and sustainable cuisine from South America that is well prepared. The ship also has a high-end chef’s table experience, with a six-course tasting menu. Every passenger gets to try it once per sailing, at no extra charge.
Baffin Island & West Greenland In
Using Iceland as your entry and exit points, this 15 day High Arctic adventure offers the best of both West Greenland and Canadas Baffin Island. High points will be the epic scale of West Greenlands ice, chanced encounters with The
Offering a full circumnavigation of Iceland at the height of summer, this voyage is unprecedented. Situated astride the mid Atlantic ridge and on the rim of the Arctic Circle, this voyage explores Icelands dominant themes: geology, wildlife and culture –
Find And Compare All 1 Antarctica Small Ship Cruise National Geographic Expeditions Cruises And Packages From 1 Companies
As some have mentioned, the white desert excursion from cape town is the ultimate way to visit antarctica, and the one which allows you to visit. Travel on an antarctica cruise through south georgia and the falkland islands on an small ship cruise and view boundless wildlife with national geographic cruise expeditions. In a relatively rare and wonderful moment of antarctica touring, we had made landfall on a sheet of fast ice sea ice that is fastened to the coastline.
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Antarctica Cruise Lindblad Expeditions Review: Closer Encounters
Kerry van der Jagt
Once remote, Antarctica has become tantalisingly accessible, writes Kerry van der Jagt.
The pod of killer whales surface as one, dorsal fins rising and falling in a slow waltz, frigid breath glowing like gossamer in the early-morning sun. In the distance the glistening edge of a glacier clutches at a cobalt-blue sky, the line of whales forming shadow puppets against a curtain of white ice.
From The Antarctic Circle To The Weddell Sea
As is typical for Antarctica trips, the seven days of exploring mostly took place along the Antarctic Peninsula, a staggeringly beautiful, 800-mile-long stretch of soaring mountains, glaciers, fjords and icebergs.
Thanks to the ship’s speed and navigating capabilities, it was a wider-ranging exploration than is sometimes the case.
After pushing south below the Antarctic Circle over the first few days of the trip, we returned northward over the next few days to explore the northwestern parts of the peninsula and, eventually, its eastern side along the Weddell Sea a part of Antarctica that not all expedition ships regularly visit.
Every day brought something a little different as we stopped at a wide variety of sites. At Neko Harbor, a picture-perfect, mountain-lined bay flanked by a glacier calving into the sea, we landed by Zodiac late one evening to marvel at large numbers of gentoo penguins.
The next morning, in the Gerlache Strait, we ran across an armada of humpback whales. We stopped for hours to watch them first from the decks of National Geographic Resolution and then from Zodiac boats. Just hours later, we stumbled across a pod of orcas.
Later in the week, after rounding the northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula to James Ross Island, some of us kayaked in a tranquil bay fed by waterfalls descending from a glacier, while others explored by Zodiac.
It was, no doubt, a very wide mix of experiences.
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A Quick Overview Of Lindblads Fleet Renewal & Expansion
In January 2017, Lindblad Expeditions took delivery of the 96-passenger National Geographic Endeavour II to replace the long-serving NatGeo Endeavour in the Galápagos. Then in July 2017, a newly-built 100-passenger NatGeo Quest became the first of two ordered ships to sail alongside the venerable veterans NatGeo Sea Bird and NatGeo Sea Lion in Alaska, British Columbia, the Pacific Northwest and to reintroduce Belize itineraries.
The second, NatGeo Venture, entered service in October 2018 on the U.S. west coast. Her seasonal itineraries will be in Baja, Pacific Northwest, and Alaska. US-flag ships come from Nichols Brothers Boat Builders, near Seattle. Not stopping there, in May 2020, just as the COVID19 pandemic was taking hold, Lindblads NatGeo Endurance was delivered from the Crist Shipyard in Gdynia, Poland. The Polar Class 5 rated Endurance recalls the name of Ernest Shackletons pioneering Antarctic expedition vessel. Sister-ship NatGeo Resolution arrived in late 2021.
How We Rate Our Trips
- DAY 1: Arrive Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Arrive in the sophisticated city of Buenos Aires, Argentinas cosmopolitan capital – reminiscent of the European capitals, with a vibrant flavor all its own. Check into the Sofitel and enjoy lunch with your fellow travelers. In the afternoon, embark on an excursion to view the highlights of this exciting city from the Beaux Arts palaces on grand boulevards of the old aristocracy the public art, parks and the legacy of Eva Peron. Please contact us for additional extension options in Buenos Aires.
- DAY 2: Buenos Aires – Ushuaia – Embark
- In the morning, you will be transferred to the airport for a private charter flight to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. Upon arrival, youll enjoy lunch during a catamaran cruise of the scenic Beagle Channel before embarking your expedition vessel.
- DAY 3: At Sea
- The day is spent at sea, settling into shipboard life, spending time on deck and on the bridge, scanning for seabirds , and listening to informal discussions from the naturalist staff to prepare you for the wildness ahead in the Falklands.
- DAY 6-7: At Sea
- These two days are at sea as your voyage continues to South Georgia. During this time, you will learn about the fascinating history of Antarctic exploration, as well as the flora, fauna and geology of South Georgia. A lookout is kept to identify the seabirds that follow us: Wandering albatross, Prions and Black-browed albatross.
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Get Warm In The Poles
Lots of expedition ships now have hot tubs, which is a nice addition especially in polar regions. The infinity design of the jacuzzi on the Resolution, where a glass wall provided scenic views over the stern of the ship, gave the illusion we were soaking blissfully in among the icebergs. Retreating from the hot tub to the sauna was a treat. Usually, I prefer a more humid tropical sauna but after a soak in the tub the arid Nordic sauna had us dried out in no time.
What Are The Rooms Like
There are three levels of cabin depending on your budget, but all have the same look and similar facilities. The attention to styling detail onboard is very high and this continues in the cabins. Wood paneling and brass fixtures make sure you remember youre on a ship.
Our bed was insanely comfortable and the bathroom, though small, had everything youd need.
Theres an open-door policy with the cabins on board, so unless youre paranoid about theft, you can leave your room unlocked. The daily turndown service will leave your door as you left it.
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Where Else Does The Orion Travel To
National Geographic Lindlbald Expeditions go all over the world and have some amazing sounding destinations. Weve got our eye on the voyage to Antarctica next and we love the sound of the South American trips like the Galapagos and the Upper Amazon.
But although the Kimberley is only one of the expeditions the National Geographic Orion travels to, staff and regular guests told us this was one of the most unique and isolated expeditions.
There are also other ships in the National Geographic Lindblad Expeditions fleet .
This really was the trip of a lifetime. But I dont think this will be the only National Geographic expedition well ever do. Ive got a feeling well be back on the Orion at some point again. And Id recommend you do the same!
Do you think this style of holiday is for you? Have you ever been on a cruise? What did you think of it? Tell us in the comments!
Images by Mrs Romance using an Olympus OM-D E-M10 camera. Other images by Susan Seubert and Adam Cropp.
Review Of National Geographic Endurance
The 2020-built/2021-inaugurated MS National Geographic Endurance cruise ship is Lindblad-National Geographic cruise line‘s first “Ulstein X-Bow” vessel. The boat was scheduled for delivery in January 2020 . Lindblad’s Endurance ship was followed by the sistership NatGeo Resolution .
The vessel is currently Bahamas-flagged and registered in Nassau.
On November 7, 2017, the shipowner Lindblad Expeditions Holdings and the Norwegian shipbuilding company Ulstein Verft AS signed an agreement to build the new-design passenger vessel at the price of USD 134,6 million, with 20% due upfront. By the contract, the delivery deadline is January 21, 2020 . The deal also included building two more vessels of the same class/design) to be constructed in subsequent years.
Nat Geo Endurance has max draft 5,3 m and GT-tonnage/volume 12786 tons.
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Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
Scenic Eclipse is the Worlds First Discovery Yacht. From the Arctic to Antarctica and everywhere in between, youll travel in six-star luxury and enjoy world-class innovation. Scenics Discovery Leaders are experts in their field, covering a range of subjects and interests, including a full complement of dedicated Arctic and Antarctic team members. For an additional fee, Scenics Sixth Star helicopter and seven-seat submarine will provide more ways to explore the worlds delights and mysteries.
Antarctica Cruise Review: Sailing To The Harshest Island Paradises On Earth
Craig Platt Journalist for Traveller
Antarctica offers a chilling encounter with a harsh, but hauntingly beautiful, wilderness, writes Craig Platt.On a shipss deck looking out to sea it occurs to me that this is not what most would associate with the phrase island cruise. There are no white-sand beaches, palm trees, tropical heat or exposed bodies to be found in this archipelago.
To book a voyage to Antarctica contact us on 1300 784 794 or email us at: .
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Beyond Antarctica with Tailor-Made Journeys
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Antarctica Travel Centre offers expert and independent advice on several luxury & expedition Antarctic cruises.We are proud to be affiliate members of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators .
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The Cruise Thats Not A Cruise Our Voyage On The National Geographic Orion
Ever since our trip aboard the National Geographic Orion so many people have asked us about what its really like on a cruise and if we enjoyed it. The short answer is yes, we loved it. But you cant really call the Orion a cruise. Its a more like an expedition. Heres what its really like on board.
Mrs Romance and I have never been keen on the idea of a cruise. I find the thought of being stuck with strangers for any length of time daunting and Mrs R thought shed feel trapped.
Though Ive always secretly lusted after the thought of the all-you-can-eat-and-drink buffets.
But what would we know? After all, we were cruise virgins.
Thankfully whatever preconceptions we might have had from the moment we boarded the National Geographic Orion, we knew we were in for much more.
We were going on an adventure.
This adventure would take us on an expedition through some of the most isolated yet beautiful coastlines of Australia. Billed as The Wild North-West, this journey starts in Broome an old pearling town some 2,250km north of Perth, WA. Then for the next 11 days we travel north and then east to Darwin in the Northern Territory.
We were also surprised at how active we were on this trip another preconception we had gone. We imagined it to be just lots of retirees sitting around waiting for the next dinner bell or being shepherded off to the next over-touristy location.
We pictured twice-daily bingo games, a burnt out club singer and rows of bain-marie buffet trays.
Onboard Communications & Facilities
If you wish to stay in touch, even in Antarctica, you can choose from the options below:
- Satellite phone: For making personal calls
- Internet: Ethernet, WiFi lounges and Internet card available
Please note that this is only for light data traffic and that the above services are subject to extra charges.
Other facilities include:
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Faster To The Splendor
Our day of walking atop fast ice in Lallemand Fjord came fewer than 72 hours after departing Ushuaia, Argentina, the hub for most Antarctica-bound expedition cruise vessels. But it wasn’t our first epic experience in Antarctica.
Thanks to National Geographic Resolution’s speediness, we already had had two other major outings even before we dashed south below the Antarctic Circle.
The day before reaching Lallemand Fjord, after a Drake Passage crossing that lasted barely 40 hours, we had pulled into one of the most stunningly beautiful spots in all of the continent, the ice-filled Lemaire Channel.
A few hours later, we landed at nearby Petermann Island, famous for a colony of thousands of gentoo penguins.
Normally, an expedition cruise vessel heading to Antarctica might not reach the Lemaire Channel and Petermann Island until three or four days into the trip. But with an ability to travel at nearly 17 knots, National Geographic Resolution had reached them far faster.
Lined with glaciers and towering cliffs, the 8-mile-long Lemaire Channel and its environs is one of the great sights of Antarctica, and we used the extra time we had gained from our speedy crossing of the Drake to soak it in.
As passengers looked on from National Geographic Resolution’s top decks, Captain Graser carefully navigated the ship down the waterway, past ice so heavy he wasn’t sure at first he’d be able to make it through.
It was a scene almost too beautiful to comprehend.
Why We Loved It
Why we loved being aboard the National Geographic Orion could be a whole posts on its own. The things we saw, the stuff we learnt, the people we met, the level of service, the quality of the product this was without a doubt a lifetime highlight of a trip.
Im a bit of a nature geek , so the things we saw while we were on the National Geographic Orion blew us away.
We got up close with salt and freshwater crocodiles, turtles, sharks, a sea snake, rock wallabies, an airborne manta ray and the most incredible array of birdlife imaginable.
In a nutshell we loved it because it felt like we were really going somewhere no one else had ever been with people who really knew what they were talking about. And at the same time, we were doing all this in the kind of comfort you only get in big luxury hotels in a major city.
While youre aboard the National Geographic Orion, although you know youre there as a tourist, you do feel part of a serious scientific journey exploring new places. The crew are always looking for something different to do a new path to tread.
We also felt like we were surrounded by fairly like-minded people. Yes, they might have been a lot older than us, but almost everyone was up for an adventure, to learn about and experience a new place and to appreciate the beauty of it.
And of course, the Kimberley Region is full of natural beauty. Here are some of our favourite shots while we were on excursion:
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National Geographic Antarctica Cruise Reviews
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