National Geographic Explorer: Ship Details and Overview

Photo of National Geographic Explorer

The National Geographic Explorer ship is a luxury Antarctica cruise vessel that offer a state of the art facilities to her passengers.

Purchased from Norway, the National Geographic Explorer set sail in the Polar regions in mid-2008 after a complete re-haul. The ship has an ice strengthened-hull and comes fully stabilized for on board comfort. With a 1A ice-class, the Explorer is the perfect ship to explore the cold environments around the Antarctic peninsula.

The National Geographic Explorer can carry up to 148-passengers and offers a modern and intimate setting. On board facilities include an undersea Specialist, Spa Therapist, Wellness Specialist and a Video Chronicler. Cabins are all well thought out and come with windows or portholes, TV and en suites.

Because of her small size, luxury facilities and knowledgeable staff, the National Geographic Explorer is one of the favorites among Antarctic travelers.

Get a Cruise Quote, Now!

Antarctica Guide do not sell tours, we simply provide impartial advice. If you would like an exact quote with our recommended specialist click Get a Quote.

Get Quote

National Geographic Explorer Ship Overview

Specifications

Ship Type: Luxury Expedition Ship

Passengers: 148

Cabins : 81

Beam : 54

Length : 367

Route Map of the National Geographic Explorer

Facilities

Two Restaurant, Bar, Lounge, several Sun Decks, Observation lounge, Gym, Sauna, Library, Business Center with wifi access, Gift Shop, Mud room and lockers, Elevator, Laundry and Open Bridge

Equipment

Zodiacs, Remotely operated vehicle (R.O.V.) Kayaks, Snorkelling gear, Splash-Camera, Underwater video cameras, Video microscope

Cabin Options

​Category 1
Main Deck – Average 188 sq ft with 1 or 2 portholes. Cabins 301, 302 and 307 come with two fixed twin beds. Cabins 303-306 come with one fixed queen-sized bed. Cabin 308 can be either a queen or two twins.
​Category 2
Main Deck – Average 171 sq ft with 2 fixed twin beds (some cabins convert to a queen-sized bed) and one large window.
​Category 3
Main Deck – Average 210 sq ft with 2 twin beds (some cabins convert to a queen-sized bed), one big window, two sitting chairs and a small table and excellent storage.
Category 4
Upper or Veranda Deck – Cabins come with two fixed twin beds and a minimum of one large window. Cabin 217, 226 and 228 come with one queen-size bed.
​Category 5
Upper Deck – Cabins all come with a balcony, sliding glass doors and one queen-sized bed. Cabin 221 has 2 fixed twin beds that can convert, if needed, to an Olympic-sized queen.
Category 6
Veranda or Upper Deck – Great sized suites that come with two twin beds that can be converted if needed into a queen bed. Bathrooms have twin sinks. Veranda deck cabins can be converted into triples if required. Upper deck cabins come with a private balcony.
Category 7
Upper Deck – Large suites with private balconies, queen-sized bed or two twin beds that can be convert to an Olympic-sized queen if needed. Cabins come with seating areas that can be converted to triples. Bathrooms have twin sinks.
Category A & B – Solo
Main, Upper or Veranda Deck – Cabins come with one twin bed and a large window or several portholes.

On-Board Facilities

Public Area Facilities

The National Geographic Explorer boasts a whole host of facilities that people have come to expect from luxury Antarctica vessels. Because of her small size, the facilities all have a very intimate and modern feel about them.

On board facilities include: Several restaurant, Bar/Lounge, Several good sized Sun Decks, Observation lounge with panoramic windows, Gift Shop, Mud room with lockers, Gym and Sauna, Polar Library, Business Center with Internet access, Elevator, Laundry room and an 

Open Bridge for people to visit the captains area.

Cabin Facilities

All 81 cabins on board the National Geographic Explorer face outward with either windows or portholes. Each cabin comes with a large desk, excellent drawer space, reading lamps, private en suite facilities, temperature controls and flatscreen TV showing the ship’s position and programming. 

Most cabins also offer a comfortable armchair for reading. Bathrooms are a good size and come with a large glass-walled shower. Each bathroom is stocked with naturally-inspired bath and shower products, hair dryers and comfortable white robes. Suites come with twin sinks. Double cabins all come with different layouts.

Get a Cruise Quote, Now!

Antarctica Guide do not sell tours, we simply provide impartial advice. If you would like an exact quote with our recommended specialist please complete the form.

quote-left Great recommendation, thanks!
Custuomer photo

Mark W

USA

* Fields are required. Expect a response within 48 hours.
Check your spam / junk for your quote.

I agree that your recommended Antarctica specialist can contact me *

Ship Photos

Placeholder
Placeholder
Placeholder
Placeholder
Placeholder
Placeholder
Placeholder
Placeholder
Placeholder
Placeholder
Placeholder
Placeholder
Placeholder
Placeholder
Placeholder
Placeholder
Placeholder
Placeholder
Placeholder

Activities Offered

Activity Details Offered?
Camping

$180 per person on average – camping info
Kayaking

$465 per person on average
Skiing

Adventure itineraries only
Photography Workshop

Selected itineraries only
Shore-based walking

Included in price
Hiking and snowshoeing

Included in price
Polar Plunge and Zodiac Trip

Included in price
Helicopter Ride

Price varies
Scuba-diving

Price varies

FAQ

If you would like to know more, please leave a comment below and we will endeavor to get back to you within 24 hours! Alternatively, please see our FAQ page here. If you would like to get a cruise quote, please use this form.

Thank you - AntarcticaGuide Team

If you found this article useful please share it...

Get a Cruise Quote, Now!

* Fields are required. Expect a response within 48 hours.
Check your spam / junk for your quote.

I agree that your recommended Antarctica specialist can contact me *

2 comments

  • Sue Webb says

    4 years ago

    What adaptor will I need to bring to use electrical outlet in cabin Category A solo cabin number 329. I will need to charge my camera battery. Many thanks, Sue Webb
    Reply

    • Burnham Arlidge says

      4 years ago

      Hi Sue, I think the Nat Geo Explorer provides two US power points and two Europe power points in each room. Thanks, Burnham - Antarctica Guide Team
      Reply