Lindblad orders another polar vessel

Latest Lindblad polar vessel is second of two on order at Norwegian shipbuilder Ulstein

Lindblad Expeditions Holdings Inc. reports that it has signed an agreement with Norwegian shipbuilder and ship designer Ulstein to build a new polar vessel.

The state-of-the-art vessel will mark the next phase of Lindblad’s fleet expansion following the launches of its two Nichols Brothers newbuilds National Geographic Quest in July 2017 and National Geographic Venture in December 2018 and the scheduled delivery of National Geographic Endurance, currently under construction at Ulstein, in first quarter 2020.

The new ship is scheduled for delivery in late third quarter 2021. A sister ship to National Geographic Endurance, it will be fully stabilized and built to the highest ice class (PC5 Category A) of any purpose-built passenger vessel.It will feature Ulstein’s signature X-Bow, a unique design that affords the smoothest, most comfortable ride imaginable, in all sea behavior, which results in greater fuel efficiency and fewer emissions, for reduced environmental impact.

Like its sister ship, the new vessel will accommodate 126 passengers in 69 guest cabins and suites, and is being designed to connect guests to their environment and be the ultimate platform for exploration. With 75 percent of the cabins featuring balconies for private viewing, multiple observation decks inside and outside, and “observation wings,” the surrounding environs will always be accessible. Off-ship exploring will be enhanced with an innovative Zodiac loading system