Aboard the National Geographic Explorer

History 

The ship was originally built in July 1981 at the Ulstein Hatlø A/S Shipyard in Ulsteinvik, Norway and launched as a passenger ferry in 1982. Commissioned for the Hurtigruten Group, it was originally named the MS Midnatsol. Its sister ships were the MS Narvik and the MS Vesterǻlen and, after being refitted in 1995, they were designed to carry approximately 500 passengers and 40 cars. 

The vessel was subsequently renamed Midnatsol II in 2003, after the group took delivery of a new Midnatsol. On September 24, 2005 the ship was subsequently renamed MS Lyngen after a peninsula in northern Norway. Major modifications were made in 1998, 1995 and 2005. During the modifications the ship was practically rebuilt, with the addition of cabin capacity aft and the inclusion of the panoramic observation deck. 

In September 2007, Lindblad Expeditions acquired the ship from the Hurtigruten Group and renamed it the National Geographic Explorer. It was extensively retrofitted at Astican Shipyard in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria in early 2008. Improvements include a complete remodel of all guest areas and the creation of all new cabins and suites, some of which have balconies. Several new features have been added to this vessel including a second Bistro Bar dining area, a Chart Room, a Mud Room, and an Observation Lounge. Technical modifications onboard include the addition of stabilizers, two more rescue/lifeboats, a waste water treatment plant, waste management system, and a new generator. 

The National Geographic Explorer is now considered to be a state-of-the-art expedition ship, and is the newest addition to the Lindblad fleet. It is a fully stabilized, ice-class vessel, enabling it to navigate polar passages while providing exceptional comfort.