Lindblad has entered an agreement with Norwegian shipbuilder Ulstein to build a new expedition vessel designed for the Polar regions.
The Arctic and Antarctica are some of the most popular destinations for cruisers, and this vessel will have a new, futuristic design that focuses on safety, comfort and innovative sustainability solutions designed to reduce its environmental impact in such delicate regions.
Chief among the design features is Ulstein's signature X-BOW that provides fuel efficiency while improving the passenger experience in rough seas as well as a high ice class for access deep into polar regions. The ship's expanded fuel and water tanks will also provide for extended operations in remote areas, while its zero-speed stabilizers will ensure stability.
"We are incredibly excited to be working with Ulstein and their brilliant team of engineers and designers on this state-of-the-art vessel as we continue the expansion of our fleet," said Sven Lindblad, president and CEO of Lindblad. "It is the next step in the long-term growth of the company, and will be the most extraordinary global expedition ship in the world on a multitude of levels."
The ship will be a milestone for the expedition company.
"The launch of this ship will mark the 50th anniversary year of the first-ever purpose-built expedition ship, Lindblad Explorer, which was built by my father, Lars-Eric Lindblad, and will set another important milestone in the company's commitment to deliver expedition travel at its best," said Lindblad
A number of innovative features will captivate the environment being explored for guests.
Seventy-five percent of the cabins will feature balconies. There will be multiple outdoor decks, and outside "observation wings" will bring the unique surroundings to life for passengers.
Onboard, there will be 69 cabins and suites, with 12 dedicated to solo travelers. There will also be a spa, a fitness area, saunas, a yoga room, two infinity Jacuzzis, a main restaurant and an outdoor barbecue and bistro area.
The ship will also feature an enhanced Zodiac loading system, ensuring speedy access at each destination. Other expedition amenities include kayaks, cross-country skis, a remotely operated vehicle (ROV), hydrophones, a video microscope, underwater video cameras and a helicopter landing platform.
Expect additional features to be announced in the months before the ship debuts during the first quarter of 2020.
"Our expedition cruises, operated through our alliance with Lindblad Expeditions, have delivered remarkable experiences to our guests for the past 13 years," said Nancy Schumacher, head of travel and tour operations for National Geographic.
"The expansion of the Lindblad-National Geographic fleet is truly terrific news, as it allows us to offer these unforgettable trips to even more travelers in the future," added Schumacher. "We look forward to joining our partner Lindblad Expeditions in celebrating the launch of the latest addition to the Lindblad-National Geographic fleet."
The announcement of this new vessel comes on the heels of the launch of Lindblad's newest ship, the National Geographic Quest. The new ship set sail on its first voyage from Juneau, Alaska, in July.
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