National Geographic Explorer

History and name

The National Geographic Explorer is an expedition ship operated by Lindblad Expeditions. Its history began in Norwegian coastal service: Ulstein Hatlø built the ship in 1982 under yard number 176 for the shipping company Troms Fylkes Dampskipsselskap (TFDS). It was the first of two ships built by Ulstein for the Hurtigruten. Upon delivery, it was a combined passenger and cargo ship. The hull measured 108 meters in length and 16.5 meters in width, and the ship had 86 passenger cabins.

Passenger and cargo ship on the Norwegian coast

From 1982 to 2003, the ship operated on a regular scheduled route between Bergen and Kirkenes. It connected coastal communities in northern and southern Norway, carrying both passengers and freight. When delivered in 1982, the ship was designed to carry 190 passengers, and its lounges offered 250 seats.

The ship was converted in Germany as early as 1982: the large deck crane at the stern was removed, and additional cabins were added there. When a new passenger and cargo ship was given the same name, Midnatsol, in 2003, the older vessel was renamed Midnatsol II. In 2004, it was laid up at the shipyard in Fiskerstrand and offered for sale. It was renamed Lyngen in 2005.

Conversion into an expedition ship

In 2008, the ship was renamed National Geographic Explorer and joined the Lindblad Expeditions fleet. For this historic expedition period, Ulstein describes a capacity of 148 people. Facilities at the time included a library, lounge, observation salon, fitness area, and chart room. According to the same shipyard description, the ship carried 36 kayaks and 14 smaller boats for excursions.

A remotely operated underwater vehicle was also part of the documented expedition equipment; Ulstein stated that it could dive to a depth of up to 1,000 feet. Documented destinations included Norway, Greenland, and Canada, as well as the Arctic and Antarctica.

The renaming thus marked the transition from regular Norwegian coastal service to expedition voyages. The Lindblad fleet also included the National Geographic Sea Lion, another expedition ship operated by the company.