Lindblad Expeditions has inaugurated the National Geographic Endurance, more than a year after its originally scheduled date in APR 2020, which was postponed due to the pandemic.
On 22JUL guests were welcomed in Reykjavik, Iceland for the christening ceremony before boarding the ship for its inaugural sailing. Sven-Olof Lindblad, founder of Lindblad Expeditions, Dolf Berle, CEO of Lindblad Expeditions and Aaron Wood, captain of the new ship, were in attendance to speak to guests, among other officials and executives.
On the bridge deck, Lindblad Expeditions’ Director of Field Staff & Expedition Development, Jen Martin, and Ana Esteves, Director of Hotel Operations performed the champagne toss to officially welcome National Geographic Endurance as part of the Lindblad Expeditions fleet.
"The energy, the enthusiasm, the dedication that has been put in to the making of this ship was for one purpose only—to make it possible for you folks to go out and explore the world, to appreciate all its wonders and then to face together some of the challenges that we inevitably must as it relates to the natural world," said Sven-Olof Lindblad.
"What was wonderful for me to witness was a number of you meeting staff from our ships that you knew, sometimes more than ten years ago, and so there is a family feeling already, and that is a big part of who we are," said Dolf Berle.
The inaugural voyage will take 126 guests on a 19-day journey around Iceland, Greenland, and the Arctic to see wildlife such as polar bears, whales, and more. The ship will also make landings in Greenland with shore voyages if permitted by the local government. Before returning to Reykjavik to disembark, the National Geographic Endurance will showcase the Westfjords of the region.
Following its debut voyage, the National Geographic Endurance will sail two 13-day Iceland and Greenland: Wild Coasts and Icy Shores itineraries set to depart on 07AUG and 18AUG 2021 to explore Iceland's fjords and Greenland's wildlife. Guests will have the opportunity to hike to the erupting Fagradalsfjall Volcano in the region of Geldingadalu, in a complimentary excursion.
National Geographic Endurance is the first polar build in Lindblad Expeditions' history, and is named to honor explorer Ernest Shackleton and his legendary Transantarctic Expedition. Rated at the highest ice class (PC5 Category A), the ship has the ability to venture where many ships cannot. Its patented X-Bow design ensures a smoother, quieter ride for its 126-guest capacity. Other features include the polar art exhibit, CHANGE, curated by artist Zaria Forman; a jacuzzi, top deck igloos and more.
For more details on the National Geographic Endurance, click here.
