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An Epic Galápagos Cruise on the National Geographic Endeavour II [In-depth Review]

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An Epic Galápagos Cruise on the National Geographic Endeavour II [In-depth Review]

Why Book a Cruise?

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A Galápagos cruise has been on the top of my bucket list for years. I knew when I was able to finally make it happen that I wanted to book it with Lindblad/National Geographic Expeditions (those beautiful, glossy catalogs that they have been sending me for years worked, I guess).

In this post, I will take you on a tour of the ship I sailed on, the National Geographic Endeavour II, and tell you a bit about what I did on this trip. This was my first experience on such a small ship, so it was all new to me (I’ve only cruised on traditional large ships before).

If you’ve had your eye on a Galápagos cruise, I hope this post will give you an idea of what you can expect.

An Epic Galápagos Cruise

There are a couple of different Galápagos cruise itineraries offered by Lindblad/National Geographic. I booked the 10-day/9-night Galápagos cruise on the National Geographic Endeavour II .

10 day Galapagos aboard National Geographic Endeavour II booking

I wish I could tell you that I redeemed points at an amazing 6 cents each in value, but I can’t. I booked this trip the old-fashioned way — with cash a credit card.

Unfortunately, the partnership between Lindblad and Hyatt ended on December 31, 2023, so it’s no longer possible to earn 4x points by paying for Lindblad trips with Hyatt credit cards.

Lindblad now has a partnership with World of Hyatt , but I booked this trip before that partnership was announced and wasn’t able to take advantage of any of the benefits (which bummed me out). I paid the initial deposit on my  Chase Sapphire Reserve ® to earn 3x Ultimate Rewards points. However, I was still able to earn a lot of World of Hyatt points in the process because I paid for the majority of the trip after the partnership was announced.

I paid for the balance of the trip using both of my World of Hyatt credit cards — The World of Hyatt Credit Card and the World of Hyatt Business Credit Card . I was even able to use the charges to help me hit the minimum spending requirement for the welcome bonus on the World of Hyatt Business card.

The good news is that Lindblad/National Geographic trips code as Hyatt purchases and therefore earn 4 points per $1 when you use either World of Hyatt credit card . This is separate from the 5 points per dollar you can earn booking through World of Hyatt , and you can earn the credit card points even if you don’t book through World of Hyatt.

Here’s a breakdown of what I spent:

Additionally, I earned a 75,000-point welcome bonus on the World of Hyatt Business card and these charges triggered the 2 $50 Hyatt credits on that card, as well.

So, in total, I was able to earn 129,856 World of Hyatt points and 4,500 Ultimate Rewards points from this trip!

Bottom Line: Lindblad/National Geographic Expeditions offers an incredible collection of bucket-list-worthy cruises and land excursions.

There were a lot of reasons I booked a cruise to the Galápagos Islands instead of staying in hotels on land. The first reason is that Galápagos is an area where you’ll want to see lots of different locations, many of which are small, uninhabited islands, and a cruise is the best way to access those.

Also, most of these locations require visitors to be with a naturalist at all times , so these aren’t places you can just visit on your own. Plus, a cruise gives you easy access to all of the water activities you’ll want to try, such as snorkeling and kayaking.

Bottom Line: A small ship cruise is a great way to visit the Galápagos Islands because it gives you the best access to all of the places you’ll want to see and takes care of all of the regulations, like the required naturalists, so you can just enjoy your trip.

The Galápagos Islands are a part of Ecuador, so I flew from Columbus, Ohio (CMH) to Guayaquil, Ecuador (GYE), with a stop in Miami (MIA) as the first leg of this trip.

We stayed overnight at Hotel Oro Verde and had a day to explore Guayaquil. We flew in a day early because we didn’t want to get in late at night (the flight from Miami didn’t land until 10 p.m.) and then have to get on the ship the next day.

We stayed at Hotel Oro Verde for 2 nights before the cruise and 1 night after the cruise, and it was all arranged by Lindblad.

Treats at Oro Verde Hotel

Lindblad/National Geographic required all passengers to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and to provide a negative COVID-19 test result 3 to 5 days before the trip . We also had to take another test upon arrival in Ecuador.

Hot Tip: If you find yourself at Guayaquil José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport (GYE), be sure to check out the VIP Aeropuertos Club lounge.

The next day, we flew on Avianca from Guayaquil to San Cristóbal Island (SCY) to board the National Geographic Endeavour II. After a short bus ride, we arrived at a small dock and hopped on a zodiac to get to the ship. It was there that I first saw what I discovered was a common sight in the Galápagos Islands — sea lions everywhere !

Sea lions at the San Cristobal dock

My Galápagos cruise visited many different islands and points of interest:

  • Day 1: San Cristóbal Island
  • Day 2: Española Island/Gardner Bay/Punta Suárez
  • Day 3: Floreana Island
  • Day 4: Santa Cruz Island
  • Day 5: Dragon Hill/Guy Fawkes/Daphne Major
  • Day 6: San Salvador Island/Bartolomé/Sombrero Chino
  • Day 7: Genovesa Island
  • Day 8: Baltra Island

National Geographic Endeavour II map of Galapagos itinerary

Each day, we would usually stop in 2 different locations — 1 in the morning and 1 in the afternoon. There would be a variety of included activities available, ranging from hiking and snorkeling to photography tours and glass-bottom boat rides .

Activity schedule on National Geographic Endeavour II

National Geographic Endeavour II Review

I sailed through the Galápagos Islands aboard the National Geographic Endeavour II . The ship carries 96 passengers in 52 cabins . It has 4 categories of cabins along with 3 categories of suites. Select rooms can accommodate solo travelers or groups of 3.

There are only 52 cabins on 3 deck levels on the National Geographic Endeavour II. I booked a Category 1 cabin — the least expensive option. There are only 2 examples of this cabin level on the ship — rooms 201 (mine) and 202.

The room itself was just a hair smaller than those in other room categories (excluding suites) and was more than sufficient for my husband and me. But there was a problem, and it was a big one, in my opinion. My room was located right above the anchor, and it was incredibly loud when it was raised or lowered.

Unfortunately, this happened most nights in the middle of the night as well as during the day on occasion. It sounded as though someone was in my room hitting a large metal pipe with a shovel — it was crazy loud! I was really surprised that this wasn’t disclosed at the time of booking, and I think it should have been.

My mom’s room was next to ours (a Category 2 solo room), and she was bothered by the noise every night as well.

I understand I booked the least expensive room, but it was by no means cheap, so this isn’t something that I would expect based on how much the room cost.

Bottom Line: There are only 52 cabins, including 4 suites, accommodating up to 96 passengers on the National Geographic Endeavour II. If you book a Category 1 or some Category 2 rooms, prepare to be woken up every night by the very loud anchor.

Category 1: Room 201

My room was small, but it was fine for my husband and me. This wasn’t the kind of trip where you spend a lot of time in your room, so we didn’t need more space.

There was a comfortable king-sized bed with a large window behind it that let in a lot of light. There were small bedside tables and lamps on either side of the bed.

Cabin 201 National Geographic Endeavour II

There were plenty of plugs available by the bedside lights and within the headboard of the bed.

Bedside plugs on National Geographic Endeavour II

Opposite the bed was a small desk and chair. The desk had a drawer with a lock where you could store any valuables. There was also a pitcher that was filled with cold water each day by the housekeeping staff .

National Geographic Endeavour II desk

Next to the desk was a closet with 4 small drawers and space for hanging clothes. There was a laundry bag in the closet, as well as an extra blanket and 2 robes.

National Geograhpic Endeavour II closet

The entryway had hooks for hanging your life jacket and other essentials.

Entry to Cabin 201 NatGeo Endeavour II

There was a cute do not disturb sign in case you didn’t want housekeeping services.

National Geographic Endeavour II do not disturb sign

The bathroom was small but functional — which is all I expect on a cruise.

Bathroom on National Geographic Endeavour II

There was a toilet and sink with a few small shelves by the mirror.

Cabin 201 bathroom shelves

The shower always had plenty of hot water and good pressure, which was a nice treat after adventuring every day.

National Geographic Endeavour II Bathroom

There was shampoo, conditioner, and body wash available in large containers in the shower.

Shower on National Geographic Endeavour II

Unlocked Rooms

The cabins on the ship only locked from the inside.  Any time you left your cabin it would remain unlocked, so you never needed a key to enter. I found it strange the first time it was mentioned but it ended up being great. It was a small and intimate ship so I never had any worry that something would be stolen from my room.

The rooms could be locked from the inside so that you didn’t have to sleep or shower in an unlocked room.

There were a few rooms on the ship that could accommodate a third person. My mother-in-law, father-in-law, and sister-in-law shared a room, so I was able to get a photo. It was definitely tight with the third bed, which folded out from the wall, but it was less expensive than having the additional person in a separate room.

National Geographic Endeavour Cabin for 3 people

Bottom Line: My cabin, 201, was small but functional. It had a comfortable king-sized bed with a large window, a desk, a closet, and a private bathroom.

There was hand sanitizer and filtered water available in the ship’s hallways. High-touch areas, such as railings, were cleaned multiple times a day.

Hand sanitizer and water filling station on National Geographic Endeavour II

There’s 1 dining room on the National Geographic Endeavour II. We had every meal there except 1 during our expedition.

Overall the food was great , and it exceeded my expectations. I had gone in assuming that since this was an activity-focused expedition, food may be an afterthought. It absolutely wasn’t. I appreciated that most of what was served had an Ecuadorian or South American flair and wasn’t “Americanized.” The one exception was a BBQ-themed dinner with ribs and hamburgers which ended up being my least favorite meal of the entire trip.

Dinner on National Geographic Endeavour II

Breakfast was served buffet-style each morning, but coffee, tea, and fresh juice were served at the table. Pastries were available before breakfast in the lounge for early risers.

Each morning, there was a selection of cold items, such as cereal, yogurt, and fruit.

Breakfast on Endeavour II

There was a featured fruit of the day in addition to common fruits that were served every day. These featured fruits were usually relatively obscure or tropical fruits that we don’t see often in the U.S., such as tree tomato, soursop, and dragonfruit.

Endeavour II Fruit of the Day

There was also a hot buffet with typical breakfast fare, such as eggs, pancakes, and hash browns, as well as rotating items that included Ecuadorian dishes.

Endeavour II breakfast buffet

There was also an omelet station. After a day or 2 on the ship, the waitstaff seemed to know everyone’s names and where you were sitting in the dining room, so you could order your omelet and the staff would bring it to your table.

Omelet station at breakfast on Endeavour II

Bottom Line: Breakfast was served buffet-style each morning on the ship. There were also pastries available in the lounge before breakfast.

Lunch and dinner were served as sit-down meals each day. Each had a choice between 3 entrees — a meat option, a fish option, or a vegetarian option.

Dinner menu on Endeavour II

There was usually a soup or specialty salad each day in addition to the option of a green salad or Caesar salad.

Each meal concluded with dessert and/or a choice of ice cream. We had the same waiter for each meal and he got so used to the way my husband ordered his ice cream he ended up bringing it without even asking by the end of the trip.

National Geographic Endeavour II dessert

The lounge was an important part of the ship because that’s where we met each evening for the day’s recap. It was bright and cozy, with plenty of seating and lots of windows .

National Geographic Endeavour II lounge

There were also different lectures and seminars held in the lounge throughout the week.

Recap in the lounge of the Endeavour II

There was a coffee machine that made regular coffee as well as specialty coffees, such as cappuccinos and mochaccinos, that was available at all times. There was also an ice machine and a selection of teas.

Coffee and tea in the lounge of the Endeavour II

Plus, there were snacks available throughout the day — the locally-made plantain chips were my favorite.

Snacks in the lounge

There was a different fresh juice and flavored water available daily.

Fresh juice in the Endeavour II lounge

In addition, there was a mini fridge with sodas and local beers.

Soda and beer in the National Geographic Endeavour II lounge

The bar was open during the evening recaps, and most drinks, except for some high-end liquors, were included.

Endeavour II Included Alcohol

Top-shelf liquor brands could be ordered for an additional charge.

Top shelf liquor on Endeavour II

Appetizers were served each evening during the recap and before dinner. There were different options each night, ranging from Caprese salad bites to mini pasta bowls to sushi.

Appetizers in the lounge

There was also a specialty cocktail served each evening. The Santa Cruz was my favorite. I’m not a big drinker, so I ordered mine without rum, and it was very tasty.

ENdeavour II Cocktail of the day

The ship’s library is on Deck 4, and I found it to be a great place to sit and relax. It has lots of seating and floor-to-ceiling windows, making it easy to take in the stunning vistas around you.

National Geographic Endeavour II Library

Coffee and tea were available at any time in the library, just as they were in the lounge.

Endeavour II Library coffee machine

Plus, there was a computer station available for use.

Endeavour II Library computer station

Next to the library is the Global Gallery, the ship’s gift shop. It was open each day after breakfast, after lunch, and before dinner.

Endeavour II Global Gallery

It sold a variety of items made by local artists, along with a few toiletry essentials and Lindblad/National Geographic-branded expedition clothing.

National Geographic Endeavour II gift shop

There is a gym onboard the National Geographic Endeavour II, but I honestly don’t know how anyone could find the time to use it! It has large windows and fantastic views, but the trip was so packed with activities I can imagine it only got used by die-hard gym rats.

I’ll admit, I never stepped foot inside the gym except to take this photo!

National Geographic Endeavour gym

There were 2 treadmills, 2 bikes, and an elliptical machine, along with some accessories, such as balance balls, yoga mats, and free weights.

Gym equipment on Endeavour II

Each morning, the ship’s wellness expert hosted a stretch class on the deck. I wanted to try it out but the times were just too early for me!

Guests could book massages with the ship’s wellness expert/masseuse in the spa room. I wanted to get a massage, but I didn’t want to miss out on any activities, so I skipped it. My mom got a massage, and she said it was excellent.

Massages are not included in the cost of the cruise .

National Geographic Endeavour II spa

The top deck was open for guests to enjoy anytime. There were a few chairs set up, but I didn’t use them much because the shade was minimal.

National Geographic Endeavour II Observation Deck

There were also racks set up if you needed to dry off any clothing.

National Geographic Endeavour II top deck drying racks

One evening before dinner there was a wine tasting event on the top deck that took place as the ship was circumnavigating Daphne Major Islet .

Endeavour II wine tasting event

There were plenty of activities during my cruise through the Galápagos Islands, and everything was included in the cruise price .

Katie snorkeling with a Galapagos sea lion

The ship was well-equipped with kayaks, paddleboards, zodiacs, snorkeling equipment, wetsuits, walking sticks, and even a glass-bottom boat .

I snorkeled with sea lions, took hikes along rugged ocean cliffs, kayaked with sea turtles, and got to see animals up close , including blue- and red-footed boobies, Galápagos land iguanas, Galápagos tortoises, and much more.

Katie with a Galapagos tortise

Each time we went ashore, we went in small groups accompanied by a certified naturalist (this is required by law in many locations) who was able to educate us on the local flora and fauna we were seeing.

There were also photography-themed groups that went ashore with certified National Geographic photo instructors .

Sea lion at Gardner Bay on Espanola Island Galapagos

During normal times, the ship’s staff can arrange for guests to scuba dive (which I really wanted to do), but due to COVID-19, the cruise line still wasn’t allowing it. I was disappointed, but now, at least I have an excuse to go back!

Diving isn’t included in the price, so when it’s available there is an extra cost .

Bottom Line: All of the activities were included in my Galápagos cruise on the National Geographic Endeavour II, including snorkeling, kayaking, hiking, paddleboarding, zodiacs, and glass-bottom boat rides.

The National Geographic Endeavour II had an open-bridge policy, so you could check it out at any time of day. And they really mean any time — they even gave my mother-in-law a wake-up call in the middle of the night so that she could be on the bridge while the ship crossed the equator.

Equator Crossing pin from Lindblad National Geographic

There’s a nice observation deck at the front of the ship that can be accessed via the bridge.

View from bridge of National Geographic Endeavour II

The Wi-Fi on the ship was bad, plain and simple. However, I wasn’t sure I’d have any Wi-Fi at all, so I was happy with the little I got. It was just enough to send my daughter a quick text or to post a photo to Instagram. It usually only worked for a couple of minutes at a time, so you couldn’t do much more than that.

The nice thing was that the first 7 hours of internet use were free — and I don’t think I could have used that much if I tried!

This ship has a crew workstation that served as the central hub for signing up for activities, getting information about the day’s plans, signing up for spa treatments, and much more. This area also had a map that tracked where we cruised each day and a checklist of all of the wildlife we saw.

Endeavour II staff workstation

I can’t say enough about the staff and crew of the National Geographic Endeavour II. Everyone I came into contact with was simply fantastic.

From the expert naturalists and photo instructors to the waitstaff and zodiac drivers, the service was top-notch .

Cabins were serviced 3 times per day ! It seemed like every time I came back to my room it was picked up, and I had fresh towels. In the evenings, we got the next day’s itinerary along with some local chocolates.

Daily program and chocolates from housekeeping on Endeavour II

Gratuities weren’t included in the cruise fare. An amount of $200 per person for the 7-night cruise was suggested on board. This amount could be adjusted and added to your shipboard account.

My trip was from April 28 to May 8, 2022, so there were extra COVID-19 considerations that we had to deal with in order to travel.

Lindblad/National Geographic Expeditions took its COVID-19 protocols very seriously. First, every guest had to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. We also had to take a PCR test 3 to 5 days before traveling. The Ecuadorian government wasn’t requiring this, but the cruise line did.

Then, we had to take another test once we got to the hotel the day before we departed on the cruise. Lindblad/National Geographic set this up, and the cost was included.

Once on the ship, masks were required in public areas and during embarkation and disembarkation on the zodiacs that took us ashore each day.

There was hand sanitizer widely available and there were yellow symptom cards that we had to turn in each day to confirm that no one in the cabin had experienced any COVID-19 symptoms.

Despite all of the effort, there ended up being 4 confirmed cases of COVID-19 during our cruise . The expedition leader was very open about this and disclosed the details to all of the guests. As it turned out, all 4 cases were from guests and staff that had participated in a pre-trip extension. The guests that were in close contact with those infected were tested on board as were all of the crew and staff.

Unfortunately, 2 of the photography experts who were traveling with us were among those infected, which was disappointing. Those infected were taken off of the ship and sent to a hotel.

Lindblad/National Geographic also administered the tests we needed to fly back to the U.S. after the cruise. Thankfully, there was no additional spread after the 4 who tested positive and everyone else got a negative test and was able to fly home as scheduled.

This Galápagos cruise on the National Geographic Endeavour II was indeed a bucket-list trip for me and one that I highly recommend if you enjoy active vacations, incredible scenery, and unique wildlife.

I loved that everything was included — I didn’t have to pay extra for any activities, and this trip was jam-packed with things to do, such as snorkeling, kayaking, hiking, and paddleboarding.

I’ll definitely consider booking through Lindblad/National Geographic again — especially since there’s now a partnership with World of Hyatt that allows you to earn or use World of Hyatt points on these expeditions!

The information regarding The World of Hyatt Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a galápagos cruise worth it.

To me, it was 100% worth it! I absolutely loved this trip and would do it again in a heartbeat if I could. If you enjoy activities, such as snorkeling, kayaking, hiking, and seeing incredible animals, then you’ll probably love a trip to the Galápagos Islands.

What country owns the Galápagos Islands?

The Galápagos Islands belong to the South American nation of Ecuador. You can fly from mainland Ecuador to the Galápagos Islands in about 90 minutes.

How many days do you need in the Galápagos Islands?

I did a 7-night cruise through the Galápagos Islands and felt that was a good amount of time to see a lot. I would say anything less than 5 days wouldn’t be enough time.

What's included in a Galápagos cruise on the National Geographic Endeavour II?

Almost everything is included when you cruise the Galápagos on the National Geographic Endeavour II, including food, drinks, activities, and transportation. The only things that cost extra on board were top-shelf alcohol, massages, gift shop purchases, and gratuities.

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About Katie Seemann

Katie has been in the points and miles game since 2015 and started her own blog in 2016. She’s been freelance writing since then and her work has been featured in publications like Travel + Leisure, Forbes Advisor, and Fortune Recommends.

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Is this the ultimate Antarctica cruise ship? Our take on Lindblad's new vessel

Gene Sloan

Editor's Note

I was about three days into a 10-night voyage to Antarctica on the new National Geographic Resolution when I began to understand just how special a vessel it was.

We were plowing through one of the thickest ice fields that I have ever experienced during a polar sailing. A sea of white surrounded us. And the Lindblad Expeditions ship was bumping through it like it didn't have a care in the world.

From an observation deck overlooking National Geographic Resolution's bow, I watched, mesmerized, as the 126-passenger vessel pushed aside giant slabs of ice with ease.

For more cruise guides, tips and news, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter.

Then the two-month-old ship did something even more awesome. It ran right into a seemingly endless sheet of snow-topped ice that stretched off to the horizon.

The vessel slowly ground to a halt, firmly embedded in the ice.

national geographic cruise review

A few passengers standing near me thought it might have been an accident. But it wasn't.

A few minutes later, a little door swung open at the front of the ship and out popped several of our expedition guides.

In a relatively rare and wonderful moment of Antarctica touring, we had made "landfall" on a sheet of fast ice — sea ice that is "fastened" to the coastline. Unlike drift (or pack) ice, fast ice doesn't move with currents and wind, and it is relatively stable.

Stable enough, it turns out, to walk on.

Soon our guides were calling for us to join them. Bundled up against the cold, we followed them out that little door to romp around in the thick snow that lay over the ice like a blanket.

national geographic cruise review

What followed was an hour-long celebration that included lots of selfie-taking, snow angel-making and a few impromptu snowball fights. Some passengers hiked a circular path stomped out in the snow by our guides. Others just gazed in awe at the larger-than-life scene all around: Snow, ice, glaciers and mountains as far as the eye could see.

Even for people like me who have traveled by ship through polar regions many times, it was a special moment — one made possible by the remarkable abilities of this new vessel.

A faster, more maneuverable ship

National Geographic Resolution is an expedition cruise ship — a type of cruise ship that is specifically designed for adventurous travel to remote, hard-to-reach places such as Antarctica. It's also a particularly hardy and versatile one.

Not every expedition cruise vessel is capable of pushing itself into fast ice in Antarctica to give passengers a chance to walk above the frozen sea. Those that are usually only do it early in the Antarctica cruise season, when fast ice is more plentiful.

Related: An untamed wilderness: Discovering the wild dreamscape of Antarctica

By late January, when I first arrived in Antarctica to test out National Geographic Resolution, the fast ice mostly had melted away in the northernmost areas of the Antarctic Peninsula that draw the bulk of Antarctica expedition vessels. To get us into the ice, the ship had to travel farther south than some expedition ships will go in Antarctica, to an ice-clogged waterway known as Lallemand Fjord.

Lallemand Fjord was so far south that we had to cross the Antarctic Circle — the latitude where the sun never sets at the height of the austral summer — to get there.

We only could do that, and get so deep into the ice, because National Geographic Resolution is tougher, faster and more maneuverable than most existing expedition cruise ships.

national geographic cruise review

Built by Ulstein, a Norwegian shipbuilding company known for producing hardy vessels, National Geographic Resolution boasts an extra-strong hull that lets it bump through ice that would stop many lesser ships. It carries a polar class rating of PC 5 Category A, a notch above most Antarctica cruise vessels.

The ship has powerful engines that let it travel at more than 16 knots even in rough seas — several knots more than is typical for most expedition vessels. This gives it a wider range when traveling in Antarctica.

In addition, National Geographic Resolution can spin completely around in place, thanks to two Azipod thrusters that hang down below the vessel and can rotate a full 360 degrees. This allows it to better maneuver in ice-clogged areas than older expedition vessels with traditional propeller propulsion systems.

The extra maneuverability means National Geographic Resolution not only can get into an ice-clogged area such as Lallemand Fjord, but — more importantly — can also get out.

national geographic cruise review

Wind and currents can quickly pack drifting ice around a vessel that's buried nose-first in fast ice, making backing out tricky. Vessels with traditional propeller systems that try to reverse their way out of such situations risk damaging their propellers.

But when it came time to leave Lallemand Fjord, National Geographic Resolution's seasoned captain, Martin Graser, was able to use the ship's Azipod thrusters to spin it around almost in place so it could break out of the ice facing forward.

A smoother ride across the Drake

The marvels of National Geographic Resolution don't end there.

Another notable — and very noticeable — feature of the ship is its distinctive sloping bow, which looks almost as if it were accidentally put on upside down.

As I saw during my voyage, the patented Ulstein design, dubbed an X-bow, cuts through waves in a way that makes it much more comfortable in rough seas than older expedition ships.

This can be a big deal on Antarctica voyages, which usually begin with a nearly two-day ride across the often-rough body of water between South America and Antarctica known as the Drake Passage.

national geographic cruise review

More than 600 miles across, the Drake Passage often is roiled with waves 10 or 20 feet high, which can bounce around expedition vessels in what Antarctica aficionados call the Drake Shake.

As I've experienced myself on a previous trip to Antarctica, the churn in the Drake Passage occasionally can be even more extreme. Waves up to 30 or even 40 feet high at times are not uncommon — something known as the Drake Quake.

On last week's sailing, the Drake was relatively mild on the way down to Antarctica. But it raged for a time on the way back, with waves topping out at nearly 20 feet. It was then that the X-bow's advantage became clear.

While the ship still pitched forward and back in the waves, it was a smoother rise and fall, without the big bow slaps against the waves you get with traditional bows in heavy seas — something that can send shudders through an entire vessel.

For someone concerned about seasickness, that can make all the difference.

Related: These 8 books are must-reads before an Antarctica trip

Faster to the splendor

Our day of walking atop fast ice in Lallemand Fjord came fewer than 72 hours after departing Ushuaia, Argentina, the hub for most Antarctica-bound expedition cruise vessels. But it wasn't our first epic experience in Antarctica.

Thanks to National Geographic Resolution's speediness, we already had had two other major outings even before we dashed south below the Antarctic Circle.

The day before reaching Lallemand Fjord, after a Drake Passage crossing that lasted barely 40 hours, we had pulled into one of the most stunningly beautiful spots in all of the continent, the ice-filled Lemaire Channel.

national geographic cruise review

A few hours later, we landed at nearby Petermann Island, famous for a colony of thousands of gentoo penguins.

Normally, an expedition cruise vessel heading to Antarctica might not reach the Lemaire Channel and Petermann Island until three or four days into the trip. But with an ability to travel at nearly 17 knots, National Geographic Resolution had reached them far faster.

Lined with glaciers and towering cliffs, the 8-mile-long Lemaire Channel and its environs is one of the great sights of Antarctica, and we used the extra time we had gained from our speedy crossing of the Drake to soak it in.

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As passengers looked on from National Geographic Resolution's top decks, Captain Graser carefully navigated the ship down the waterway, past ice so heavy he wasn't sure at first he'd be able to make it through.

It was a scene almost too beautiful to comprehend.

The experience didn't end there. After we reached the far end of the channel, the ship's expedition leader, Shaun Powell, announced we would be venturing out in Zodiacs to steal an even closer look at the ice. (As is typical for expedition ships that visit Antarctica, National Geographic Resolution carries a small fleet of the lightweight, inflatable boats for such exploring.)

Boarding the Zodiacs at a side door near the ship's waterline, we soon were darting around ice chunks of all shapes and sizes, from small transparent "growlers" just a few feet across to larger "bergy bits" as big as a house and even bigger icebergs.

national geographic cruise review

Some were all white; some were laced with spectacular streaks of blue. Some, much to our delight, were topped with lounging seals.

The outing continued until late afternoon, when we returned to the ship to prepare for dinner. While we were dining, Graser moved the vessel to a spot just off Petermann Island, for an after-dinner landing to see the penguins.

national geographic cruise review

Thus began seven days of daily landings and waterborne exploring by Zodiac boats that brought repeated encounters with penguins — often in large numbers — as well as sightings of whales, seals and all sorts of petrels, terns, skuas and other birds.

Fewer than 48 hours after departing Ushuaia, we already were in the heart of Antarctica's wonder zone.

Related: This new luxury tour gets you to Antarctica faster than most

From the Antarctic Circle to the Weddell Sea

As is typical for Antarctica trips, the seven days of exploring mostly took place along the Antarctic Peninsula, a staggeringly beautiful, 800-mile-long stretch of soaring mountains, glaciers, fjords and icebergs.

Thanks to the ship's speed and navigating capabilities, it was a wider-ranging exploration than is sometimes the case.

After pushing south below the Antarctic Circle over the first few days of the trip, we returned northward over the next few days to explore the northwestern parts of the peninsula and, eventually, its eastern side along the Weddell Sea — a part of Antarctica that not all expedition ships regularly visit.

Every day brought something a little different as we stopped at a wide variety of sites. At Neko Harbor, a picture-perfect, mountain-lined bay flanked by a glacier calving into the sea, we landed by Zodiac late one evening to marvel at large numbers of gentoo penguins.

national geographic cruise review

The next morning, in the Gerlache Strait, we ran across an armada of humpback whales. We stopped for hours to watch them — first from the decks of National Geographic Resolution and then from Zodiac boats. Just hours later, we stumbled across a pod of orcas.

Later in the week, after rounding the northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula to James Ross Island, some of us kayaked in a tranquil bay fed by waterfalls descending from a glacier, while others explored by Zodiac.

Related: I just went kayaking in Antarctica — and it was the most calm I've felt all year

national geographic cruise review

At nearby Brown Bluff and Devil Island, we gaped at large numbers of Adelie penguins as well as gentoo penguins. At Aitcho Island in the South Shetland Islands, we saw yet another type of penguin, the chinstrap.

It was, no doubt, a very wide mix of experiences.

Maximizing the experience

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention a few more notable things about the design of National Geographic Resolution that contribute to it being able to offer such a wide-ranging exploration.

For starters, it has one of the best Zodiac launch set-ups I've ever seen. The ship's 13 Zodiacs tuck away very close to the waterline, in an indoor "garage" with giant doors that open to the water. This allows them to be deployed more quickly than on some expedition ships.

national geographic cruise review

In addition, Resolution boasts both a rear-facing marina and side doors at the waterline for loading passengers into Zodiacs — a redundancy that gives the ship an edge in running Zodiac operations amid wind and waves. Many expedition vessels have either a marina or side doors, but not both.

Add in the fact that Resolution has a dynamic positioning system that lets it hover in place during Zodiac operations without having to anchor, and the result is a vessel that can land passengers in places like Antarctica much more efficiently than other expedition cruise ships.

national geographic cruise review

Such efficiency plays right into the Lindblad style of expedition cruising, where it's all about maximizing the experience in any given destination, even if that means changing plans on the fly.

As I saw last week during our humpback whale encounter in the Gerlache Strait, the ability to stop the ship on a dime and get passengers out quickly in Zodiacs to take in an unexpected sight can make all the difference in turning an ordinary day into an extraordinary one.

Related: An Antarctica packing list

When Powell, the expedition leader, realized the humpback whales would be sticking around for a while, he was able to make a quick call to put down the Zodiacs to get us out among them. It led to an epic two hours of up-close whale viewing that included the opportunity to watch the massive creatures working together to bubble-net feed on schools of Antarctic krill — a type of coordinated feeding in which they circle their prey with rings of blown bubbles.

national geographic cruise review

The whale encounter went on so long that some of the ship's hotel staff eventually came out in a Zodiac with hot chocolate to pass to passengers looking for a warm-up. They also brought out Kahlua, Frangelico and a few other liqueurs to splash into it — a lovely touch.

An adventure focus

Much to my delight, National Geographic Resolution also is designed with lots of interior and exterior observation areas where passengers can get up-close views of passing scenery and wildlife.

The bow of the vessel, in particular, is awash in outdoor viewing platforms that stretch over three decks. An indoor observation lounge at the bow offers views in three directions, and the ship's forward-facing bridge also is open to passengers.

This may not seem like a big thing. But in a place like Antarctica, it's all about the views, and you want a ship that is open as much as possible to the outdoors. Sadly, not every modern expedition ship has been built with this in mind.

national geographic cruise review

National Geographic Resolution also sails with an impressive stash of adventure gear for exploring, including the previously mentioned kayaks, snowshoes and cross-country skis.

Also on board: a remotely operated underwater vehicle, which a two-person team permanently based on the ship can use to capture images of creatures that are far below the ship.

A stylish and comfortable ship

National Geographic Resolution isn't meant to be a luxury ship. It doesn't offer butlers with every cabin, as one luxury vessel sailing to Antarctica does . Yet it's still a stylish and comfortable ship — more so than many expedition vessels.

For a vessel designed to carry just 126 passengers, National Geographic Resolution offers a generous array of eateries and lounges, all with a soothing, Scandinavian-influenced design. Plus, it features a small but inviting spa and a fitness center that is large for a ship of this size.

The spa, notably, has saunas with glass walls offering views to the ocean as well as a separate yoga studio -- something you don't normally find on an expedition ship.

Just outside the spa, on an outer deck, are two innovative glass-walled "igloos" where passengers can spend the night under the stars on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Related: I just spent the night in an 'igloo' in Antarctica — here's how you can, too

national geographic cruise review

As I experienced during my 10-night sailing, the ship's two main eateries have a focus on locally sourced and sustainable cuisine from South America that is well prepared. The ship also has a high-end chef's table experience, with a six-course tasting menu. Every passenger gets to try it once per sailing, at no extra charge.

National Geographic Resolution's 69 cabins and suites have the same clean-lined, Scandinavian-influenced decor as its public venues and feature lots of cleverly designed storage spaces that come in handy on longer Antarctica sailings. Most come with balconies — something that used to be rare for expedition vessels. About 20% are large suites, with a similar number of solo cabins.

The luxury of small-group exploring

While National Geographic Resolution isn't marketed as a luxury vessel, it does offer a rare and luxurious touch — the intimacy that comes with a vessel designed for just 126 people. This is something that can be a real advantage on an expedition trip to a place like Antarctica.

In expedition cruising, sometimes the ultimate luxury is being in a small group.

Related: The best new cruise ships sailing to Antarctica

Even if National Geographic Resolution is operating at 100% capacity, with every one of its 126 berths filled, its expedition guides can quickly get all of its passengers off the ship onto Zodiacs and on their way to see penguins and other wildlife. That isn't the case with bigger expedition ships that often carry at least 200 and sometimes even 400 or 500 people.

national geographic cruise review

In Antarctica, in particular, the size of a vessel matters when it comes to the quality of the experience, as expedition ships in Antarctica are limited to landing 100 passengers at a time by international treaty.

The more passengers an expedition ship has on board in Antarctica, the more its expedition guides have to break them up into separate groups for landings, greatly slowing down the process of exploring at any single landing site.

The result is that passengers on smaller ships in Antarctica get to see far more wildlife and scenery up close than passengers on bigger ships.

A costly trip

As is the case with all Antarctica trips, voyages on National Geographic Resolution are expensive. Fares for 11-night Antarctica cruises on the vessel start at $16,780 per person, based on double occupancy — more than $1,500 per day.

That said, the fares bundle together a lot of extras, including a pre-cruise, one-night hotel stay in Buenos Aires, Argentina, or Santiago, Chile; flights from Buenos Aires or Santiago to Ushuaia, Argentina; drinks, including spirits and wines; and prepaid gratuities.

national geographic cruise review

Frequent travelers might be able to ease the financial burden a bit. As part of a 3-year-old partnership between Hyatt and Lindblad, World of Hyatt members can pay for a Lindblad cruise using Hyatt points — or earn 5 base points per dollar on eligible spending (excluding incidentals), plus the standard bonuses for Hyatt elite members, as well as elite tier-qualifying night credits. All members — regardless of status — will enjoy a $250 onboard credit to use on incidentals.

Bottom line

National Geographic Resolution is one of two nearly identical vessels that Lindblad Expeditions has unveiled in quick succession. The other, the 126-passenger National Geographic Endurance, also has debuted in recent months and is sailing in Antarctica. It was built at Ulstein in Norway to the same basic specifications.

Lindblad has built up a lot of expertise in polar cruising over many decades of offering ship-based trips to places like Antarctica — an expertise that shows in the way it designed National Geographic Resolution. Along with its sister vessel, the ship is one of the most versatile around for exploring the destination and other polar regions. After four trips to the White Continent, I'm convinced it's truly the ultimate Antarctica cruise ship.

Planning an Antarctica cruise expedition? Start with these stories:

  • Dreaming of Antarctica: How to book the trip of a lifetime
  • Skip the Drake Passage: What it's like flying to Antarctica on a chartered plane
  • 7 tips for visiting Antarctica before it's too late
  • The ultimate packing list for an Antarctica trip
  • These 8 books are must reads before any Antarctica trip

I went on a 6-day cruise in Alaska with a National Geographic photographer, and seeing wildlife up close felt like I stepped inside a TV show

  • Last year, I won a free cruise around southern Alaska and had no idea what to expect.
  • From day one, I saw brown bears catching salmon and humpback whales breaching just yards away.
  • The trip gave me a deeper appreciation for nature, and if money were no object I'd go again.

Insider Today

Last spring, I was one of five winners of a college writing contest for environmental storytelling. As a prize, the five of us received a free, six-day cruise that summer in Alaska. The cruise, called the "Wild Alaska Escape," travels from Sitka to Juneau across southeast Alaska and is run by Lindblad Expeditions, an eco-tourism-focused cruise company, in partnership with nature magazine National Geographic.

The normal price of this cruise is around $4,800 per person, but as a prize winner, I received the trip for free, which included food and nonalcoholic drinks onboard. In August, I paid for my own flight from Portland, Oregon, where I'd just finished 70 days of camping and volunteering for AmeriCorps, to Sitka, Alaska, to depart on the cruise.

Here's what the cruise was like, from nature and photography excursions to early morning wildlife sightings.

I arrived in Sitka excited to see a new state and experience a week at sea, since I'd never been to Alaska or on a cruise before.

national geographic cruise review

I was also eager to learn from the resident researchers and scientists on the ship who are known as naturalists, and who would guide and educate us throughout the trip.

As an amateur photographer, I was especially looking forward to having the professional National Geographic photographer onboard, who would lead guided photo walks to share tips for photographing wildlife.

Boarding the ship, I fell in love with the ocean views on deck. I thought the interior was slightly dated, but cozy.

national geographic cruise review

The cruise was on the National Geographic Sea Bird , a small ship with 31 cabins. The ship can fit 62 guests, according to the cruise website, although I noticed that there were only about 40 passengers on my trip. 

On the bottom deck, I found a lounge area with a bar, as well as the sole dining hall. Most guests cabins and the captain's quarters were located on the middle and top decks, where there was also an observation deck and a sundeck.

I thought my cabin was modest in size and decor, and I appreciated the large window.

national geographic cruise review

My room was one of the few cabins on the bottom deck, near the lounge and dining hall. It had two twin-sized beds, a bathroom with a toilet and stand-up shower, and a sink just outside the bathroom.

Next to the beds, there was a small nightstand with drawers, and there was also a spacious closet with hooks and hangers to store clothes.

My favorite part of the cabin was the large window above one of the beds, where I could watch the water as the ship cruised along. Once while getting dressed, I was surprised to see a small whale swim right by my window.

Although I can't compare my cabin with others as this was my first cruise, the room felt small to me since there wasn't much floor space. Still, I thought it was comfortable, and as a solo traveler, I was glad to have the entire room to myself.

On the ship, I found the crew and nature experts to be friendly and knowledgeable about the region and local wildlife.

national geographic cruise review

Lindblad Expeditions began partnered cruises with National Geographic in 2004, according to their website , in order to pair a team of naturalists and scientists with National Geographic photographers to guide cruise passengers on daily adventures.

There were four naturalists on my cruise, with specialties ranging from geology to undersea studies, as well as one National Geographic photographer. The photographer took photos of me and other travelers during our daily expeditions, but also gave us tutorials on how to take better nature photos with cameras and phones. I found the naturalist staff to be personable, and eager to answer any of my questions about the types of plants or animals I saw.

We saw animals like puffins, whales, and sea otters during the trip, often at unpredictable times.

national geographic cruise review

The first morning, I was woken up at 6:30 a.m. by a loudspeaker announcement from our captain, who said there was a whale sighting and invited everyone to come up to the deck to watch. This was the first of many impromptu calls and over the week, we were alerted to sightings of sea otters, puffins, and more animals. 

The unpredictable nature of these sightings made the experience all the more thrilling and magical for me, since it was always a pleasant surprise to hear a new announcement from the captain. The excitement never got old, and I thought the spontaneity added a sense of adventure to the trip.

I especially enjoyed our daily excursions on smaller rafts, since it brought me closer to wildlife in ways I didn't expect.

national geographic cruise review

Each day, we disembarked the ship and boarded smaller boats called Zodiacs , which were inflatable vessels about the size of life rafts and used for expeditions. There was a naturalist on each boat, and we rode through the open ocean, narrow straits, and small bays, hoping to catch glimpses of wildlife.

These smaller rafts allowed us to see animals like bears, whales, and otters up close. On our first Zodiac excursion, I watched a brown bear and two cubs cross over a small waterfall while plucking salmon from the water, less than 20 yards from our boat.

On another excursion, five humpback whales breached right in front of us and shook the boat when they fell back into the water. Even though I knew the trip would be a wildlife cruise, these animal sightings were more frequent and immersive than I'd imagined.

There were optional outdoor activities each day like hiking, kayaking, and rafting, so I never felt bored.

national geographic cruise review

Each evening, we received an itinerary for the following day with options to sign up for outdoor excursions, such as hiking and kayaking. One of my favorite on-shore trips was when we docked in Haines, Alaska, and had the choice of an airplane ride, cycling, rafting, or a tundra trek.

I chose the tundra trek, and although its name made me picture hiking through a blizzard, there wasn't any snow since it was August. Instead, we explored alpine meadows and rolling hills, which I thought were beautiful, and the trek wasn't strenuous for me.

While I had fun on every experience, including the trek, most of the excursions felt leisurely and left me wanting a more of a thrill. Still, since there were multiple outings each day, I never felt bored.

Throughout the trip, I was glad to receive advice from the National Geographic photographer to improve my photography skills.

national geographic cruise review

As a photographer, I've always aspired to take wildlife photos like those on the front page of National Geographic, and was excited to learn from the professional photographer on board.

I didn't take my Nikon camera on the cruise, but I did have my iPhone, and was pleasantly surprised when the photographer on board gave us a lesson on iPhone photography tips. Some of the information was a refresher for me, but I also walked away with new tricks, like using the panorama feature vertically instead of horizontally to capture more of the sky and ground.

On one outing, I opted for a guided photo walk through a small island off the Chatham Strait. We didn't see any animals, so I focused on photographing the underbrush.

Back on the ship, the National Geographic photographer helped select my best pictures and gave me advice to improve my shooting. He also suggested cropping some of my photos to eliminate a distracting background and draw a viewer's eyes to the subject more easily.

Each day ended with an educational recap led by the ship's team of naturalists, which I found insightful and supportive.

national geographic cruise review

I was impressed by how much I learned about nature and wildlife over the course of the trip, both from our daily activities and nightly educational recaps. 

After dinner each day, everyone on board gathered in the common lounge for drinks and dessert. Photographers would show off their photos from the day, and the naturalists gave educational presentations on what we'd seen and done that day, like the type of whales we encountered and the geology of the glaciers we sailed past.

Following the recaps, the passengers and crew spent time in the lounge getting to know each other and chatting about our days. I appreciated these recaps as a refresher on the day, and as a nice chance to bond with my fellow shipmates.

The highlight of my trip was seeing receding glaciers. I felt lucky to see them knowing one day they might be gone.

national geographic cruise review

For me, the highlight of the trip was seeing glaciers, which I'd never seen in person before. While they weren't as exciting as brown bears or as cute as otters, the beauty and size of these massive blocks of ice left me in awe.

Taking the Zodiac rafts allowed us to get within a few hundred yards of the Dawes Glacier, located in the Endicott Arm Fjord about 85 miles south of Juneau. From the raft, I could hear the ice crackle, and watched huge chunks calve and splinter and fall into the sea.

While seeing the glaciers felt magical, I was also left with a sense of sadness knowing that I might never see these ice structures in the same way, as glaciers are rapidly receding as a result of climate change. The Dawes glacier, which we visited on the Zodiacs, has retreated 3.8 kilometers since 1985 , at a rate of 105 meters per year, according to the American Geophysical Union . The Mendenhall Glacier, which we visited in Juneau, has receded 800 feet just between 2021 and 2022 , according to Juneau's KTOO News.

I felt grateful to see these glaciers in person, knowing that even if I return to Alaska in the future, they may not be the same.

I enjoyed Alaska's summer weather, and the comfortable temperatures meant we saw more animals than usual, according to the naturalists on board.

national geographic cruise review

It was warmer than I expected on the cruise, between 50 to 60 degrees on average. The coldest day was when we visited the glaciers, since we could feel the chill from the icebergs.

I usually wore Crocs or sneakers, waterproof pants, a long sleeve shirt, and a puffer jacket to stay warm on deck. When we went on the Zodiac rafts, I also wore knee-high boots to avoid wet feet. Some passengers brought their own waterproof pants and boots, but I used rentals that the cruise offered instead.

Since it was August during salmon spawning season that began in June, the naturalists explained the salmon encouraged brown bears and eagles to come out to hunt.

Throughout the trip, the naturalists and photographers told me that even they were shocked by the amount of wildlife we saw. Although they do the same expedition route for weeks or months at a time, they were just as excited as the passengers by the many animal sightings, so I knew our cruise was a special experience.

As another perk, thanks to the sunny weather and regular spurts of mist and rain, I also saw rainbows over the ocean on most days.

The cruise exceeded my expectations in nearly every way, and I left wishing it could last longer.

national geographic cruise review

Between the animal sightings, group excursions, and educational sessions, the trip gave me a greater appreciation for Alaska's wildlife and landscape, plus a renewed enthusiasm for nature photography. 

Although I haven't been on other cruise ships to compare, I enjoyed the small-ship atmosphere of this cruise. I appreciated that the limited number of passengers allowed everyone to spend time with the naturalists and experts, and made the excursions feel more personal and inclusive.

Although the regular price tag might deter me, I wouldn't hesitate to take another cruise with a team of nature experts.

national geographic cruise review

I was grateful to receive the cruise for free, since I couldn't have afforded the $4,800 price on my own as a recent college graduate. But if money were no object, I wouldn't hesitate to take another Lindblad Expeditions - National Geographic cruise to explore a new destination, like Portugal or Iceland . 

In terms of other Alaska cruises, there are more frugal ways to plan a trip, and you can find cheaper rates on routes in the Sitka region with carriers like Carnival , as of May 2023. However, if you're willing to splurge, I think the wildlife excursions, nature experiences, and connection with naturalists and National Geographic experts are worth the price.

national geographic cruise review

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Expert Aboard: National Geographic Resolution & Endurance Ship Review

AdventureSmith Explorations Founder and President Todd Smith shares personal experiences and insights from his Land of the Ice Bears cruise to Arctic Svalbard in this firsthand National Geographic Resolution review. This Resolution ship review also applies to the nearly identical sister ship National Geographic Endurance . Both ships operate Lindblad cruises worldwide, so you can apply these insights to wherever you choose to sail on these ships.

When writing a National Geographic Resolution ship review, what first comes to mind is how many unseen design and technical capabilities stood out during my 10 days aboard. Even before I embarked, I knew she would be one of the most advanced polar expedition ships sailing today. I’m here to report now that the Resolution and Endurance live up to their lofty expectations.

What follows is my personal review of the unique features that distinguish the National Geographic Resolution from other ships in her class, and where this ship has room for improvement.

Luxury Expeditions

Of course, the Resolution and Endurance possess many luxurious attributes one would expect aboard a modern ship. For instance, most cabins have balconies, the lounges and common areas are comfortable with incredible views and the food is delicious and well presented. These amenities are well documented in online ship descriptions, brochures and virtual tours, so I won’t go into detail here. Instead, I focus on the unique features that distinguish the Resolution from other ships in her class.

X-BOW® The Future of Expedition Ships

The Resolution and Evolution are further confirmation that the X-BOW® is the future of expedition ships (see my review of the Greg Mortimer ). Her stability and capability breaking through ice is unlike any expedition ship I have sailed on. It was noticeably smoother and quieter than other polar vessels. The notorious Drake Passage crossing to Antarctica is sure to be a much less dreadful place now.   Viewing portals on the front of the ship gave guests a great view of the X-BOW® in action. Located on the Main Deck and Lounge Deck these viewing areas were the best place to photograph and video the ship breaking through ice. 

Impressive Ice Rating

The Resolution and Endurance are among a handful of passenger vessels to meet a PC5 (Polar Class 5) ice rating. This design increases safety, broadens her reach and extends the polar cruising season. My April cruise in Svalbard, when sea ice was at its peak, is a prime example of this. Typically the Svalbard cruising season begins in June when sea ice has melted. Solid and partially broken sea ice can inhibit a ship’s ability to enter fjords, get close to glaciers, approach the shoreline or watch wildlife.

Witnessing the ship firsthand in ice is a wonder. The thrill of plowing through fast ice at speed was exhilarating (see video). Winding through bergs and ice in early spring in Svalbard, was a highlight of the trip. Walking on the fast ice, right from the ship, was a dream come true. Pro tip: Stay on deck peering over the bow when she backs up in fast ice for an amazing experience in ice cruising. The triangular cutout left by the unique bow makes a great photo or video.

Automatic Positioning System – Anchorless Anchoring

The automatic positioning system was astounding. I had never seen a ship sit in virtually the same position without an anchor (or even with an anchor for that matter). Regardless of currents, winds or ice the Resolution remained in place for our off-vessel activities or wildlife viewing. This capability allows her to remain motionless close to shore in places that would be inaccessible to any ship that requires an anchor. An added benefit is no damage to the ocean floor. What will we call anchoring when anchors are no longer required?

Open Bridge

The bridge is a modern marvel. All the above-mentioned technologies are controlled and monitored here. Large interactive touch screen maps on the bridge and in the observation lounge traced our route and allowed armchair captains to navigate nautical charts and plot expeditions around the world. Lindblad Expeditions, who owns and operates this ship, practically invented the open bridge policy, where guests are invited to visit the bridge and interact with the officers. This bridge is about three times larger than necessary with a sitting area and 270-degree views to comfortably accommodate guests. 

Sustainability Built In

Efficiencies in propulsion, heating systems, waste management and hull design make her among the least polluting passenger vessels available. From an aesthetic point of view, I never once saw emissions or smelled fuel, a common occurrence aboard many expedition ships. Not to mention that sustainability and the tenets of ecotourism are baked into the Lindblad experience.

Ballast water is treated to avoid the spread of organisms. She is designed to minimize the impact on marine life with low underwater noise levels. Waste heat from the engine cooling water and from the exhaust gas is recovered and used for heating purposes and freshwater production.

Live an Episode of National Geographic

Exterior cameras projected live action on the big screens in the lounges and my cabin, so we could watch wildlife or enjoy scenic views from inside the ship. Of course, the best experience was always to bundle up, grab some binoculars and head out on deck. But screens in the observation lounge provided a reprieve from the cold without missing any action.

Drones and undersea videography footage extended the expedition experience. Overhead views of the ship, guests and landscape were right out of a National Geographic film and the envy of most photographers on board. Undersea footage and talks about what was down there enhanced our understanding of the environment and systems that tie the polar ecosystem together.

In some ways the video footage and photo images from on board photographers seemed a bit like cheating. They were providing memories of a much grander experience than I witnessed in person. Zoomed in photos and videos of walrus, birds and polar bears were all much closer than I saw with my eyes and lenses. The memories I take home are now an amalgam of my experiences and National Geographic enhancement.

Expedition Leaders, Crew & Programs

As expected, the naturalists and on-board expedition leaders were exceptional. As the flagship of the fleet, the Resolution had guides culled from other ships. Some had as much as 40+ years with the company, an astounding amount of experience. Lectures were informative, educational and sometimes personal. The evening recaps were a highlight. More than just covering the day’s events, the recaps gave naturalists an opportunity to educate us about the science of what we saw.

Nearly 50 countries were represented among the crew. The service was impeccable. At happy hour someone would take your order and before they returned 2-3 more came by to ask if you needed anything. The dining staff, hotel staff and all crew were always ready with a smile. 

Off Vessel Expeditions

Shore excursions and activities aboard the Resolution and Endurance include small craft excursions in zodiacs, guided naturalist walks ashore and sea kayaking. Activities are not strenuous and no experience is required. With a slow pace and excellent naturalist guides, shore excursions serve to help guests better understand and appreciate the environment that surrounds you.

Highlights from my cruise include a two hour walk where curious Svalbard reindeer trotted in a complete circle around us. At one point they came close enough we could hear their breath and the sound of their hooves on the crunchy snow.

A walk on sea ice was the fulfillment of a lifelong dream. The Resolution slowly pulled into a thick section of ice. Guides dug holes, like ice fishing holes, to ensure the ice was safe to walk on. Then they lowered the gangway and we walked around the ship on fast sea ice. The fjord below the ice was several hundred feet deep. Everyone took photographs and selfies near the bow of the ship.    

On a zodiac excursion among floating icebergs in front of a massive glacier we spotted several walrus. Being at water level while watching these unique animals was an intimate experience and the photographs were better than walrus photos from the ship. Our guide this day was a geologist so we learned a lot about the geological history and formations of Svalbard. Many of the ancient cliffs were home to thousands of nesting birds. 

The basecamp area, or mudroom, offered lockers and efficient zodiac embarkation on both sides of the ship. With 126 guests, there was still the need to call groups by starboard or portside cabins to avoid crowds for disembarkation.

Service touches permeated even the activities. For instance, they had walking sticks already ashore for those who wanted them. A coffee station with spirits and a bartender kept us warm on the fast ice.

I was surprised that the kayaking loading system had not been improved. Kayaks are still loaded safely, one at a time, on a shallow platform suspended between two zodiacs. But the system was slow and required decent mobility to enter and exit the kayaks. I was in the second group called to embark kayaks, and some guests were already returning to the ship while we were still waiting to load, further delaying the process. The kayaking excursion was a welcome excursion until the wind came up. Several kayakers welcomed a tow back to the resolution by the safety zodiacs in the area. 

Cabins Aboard Resolution

My category 7 cabin #705, at 430 square feet, is among the largest cabins available aboard small expedition ships anywhere. The spacious two room layout felt massive. We watched movies on the L shaped couch. This was a working vacation, so the large desk got ample usage. Every morning we would open the curtains revealing a wall of floor to ceiling windows immersing us in the Arctic landscape from the comfort of our bed. 

I chose category 7 because I wanted a balcony and I wanted to be close to the Observation Deck. The walk in closet, rain shower, bathtub and 1.5 baths were a bonus.  

The cabins aboard Resolution have several thoughtful touches absent on older expedition ships. A heated towel rack was great to heat towels, but also useful for drying wet gloves and bathing suits. There were ample outlets and USB ports to charge devices. One drawer cleverly had power inside it to keep charging batteries from cluttering the desk.

This was the quietest cabin I have ever experienced aboard a small ship. I never once heard a neighbor, footsteps from above or the hum of the engines. The pure silence in the cabin is a testament to the solid build of the entire ship. 

A modern, well-draining bathroom with plenty of storage and ventilation can make a big difference in the experience aboard an expedition. Every cabin category has a rain shower head with a high-pressure handheld shower has a high-pressure handheld shower head.

Cabin categories 3-7 have balconies. I must admit I used to think that a balcony aboard an expedition ship was overkill, an unneeded luxury. But I am now a balcony convert. The ability to roll out of bed and step outside creates a connection to nature not available through a window. The hammock, added to our balcony by housekeeping for a couple of days, was a fun touch. Prepare to bundle up in polar regions. 

Sleep on Deck

When I was a crew member aboard small ships, we (and occasionally some guests) sought out ways to sleep on deck. In Alaska we would bundle up on clear nights hoping to witness the aurora. In Baja we’d love to sleep under the stars. Deck chairs and zodiacs had to be our bed. This didn’t offer much comfort or privacy.

On Resolution and Endurance, the two onboard igloos make this adventurous notion a more comfortable reality. And of course, I was more than eager to try a night sleeping on the deck. We had a spectacular night under the midnight sun (and some snow flurries) while scenic vistas of western Svalbard provided endless postcard perfect landscapes.

While not heated to warmth, the floor is heated to prevent freezing. The sauna and hot tubs are nearby, and we took advantage with a midnight soak. Warm water bottles were wrapped in fleece and placed in the bed, and ample comforters and blankets kept us warm all night. Eye masks are available if the summer polar sunlight is too bright. I found my beanie kept my head warm and covered my eyes. Coffee and croissants delivered in bed warmed our morning.

Get Warm in the Poles

Lots of expedition ships now have hot tubs, which is a nice addition especially in polar regions. The infinity design of the jacuzzi on the Resolution, where a glass wall provided scenic views over the stern of the ship, gave the illusion we were soaking blissfully in among the icebergs. Retreating from the hot tub to the sauna was a treat. Usually, I prefer a more humid tropical sauna but after a soak in the tub the arid Nordic sauna had us dried out in no time.

Finishing Touches

There are so many touches, I could go on and on. The Ice Lounge layout, with the speaking lectern in the middle, created a personal atmosphere between the audience and speaker. This unique layout also ensured most of the tables still had a scenic view outside. Many monitors ensured there were no bad views of naturalist lectures. Outside seating with gas fireplaces was a favorite feature on our Arctic cruise route. Warm capes made the fireplaces even cozier.

The National Geographic Resolution is a superior expedition ship in so many ways. And when combined with the experience of exploration and adventure, this ship warrants the high price she commands. This is simply one of the finest ships I have ever encountered.

An arctic reindeer walks in front of the blue and white National Geographic Resolution ship parked near the icy shoreline.

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Learn More About These Polar Expedition Sister Ships & Their Cruises

This National Geographic Resolution ship review was written from our expert’s time personally cruising in Arctic Svalbard. Browse the resources below for more details on Nat Geo Resolution and Endurance. View deck plans, cabin details, photos, ship specifications and adventurous itineraries giving travelers an up-close and personal experience worldwide.

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Rogue orcas are thriving on the high seas—and they’re eating big whales

A fourth type of Pacific killer whale may live miles offshore from California and Oregon, preying on whales, other dolphins, and sea turtles.

A dorsal fin pokes out of the water on a foggy day.

Most orcas tend to stick to coastlines, from the Antarctic dwellers that make waves to knock seals off ice floes to the liver-extracting brothers around Cape Town . But now, scientists have found what could be a brand-new population of killer whales: Animals that ply the high seas, hunting large whales and other sizable prey.

These open-ocean denizens have been spotted at numerous locations far from Oregon and California, many of them well beyond the continental shelf, where waters can reach depths of 15,000 feet,   according to a recent study in Aquatic Mammals .

“There haven’t been any real studies, at least in the North Pacific, looking at killer whales in the open ocean,” says study leader Josh McInnes , a master’s candidate at the University of British Columbia’s Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries.  

“It was kind of a shock when … we saw animals that were out in this open ocean habitat and were completely different from the other ecotypes we know.”

Killer whales in the Pacific are grouped into three ecotypes: Residents, which live close to shore and eat salmon and other fish; offshores, which live farther out and also eat fish; and transients, also called Bigg’s, the only orcas previously known to eat mammals.   (See 13 fantastic photos of orcas.)

Scientists could not match the 49 whales in the new study with any known orcas through photos and descriptions, which are based on their unique dorsal fins and saddle patches, the gray or white pattern on an orca's back.  

This means the animals are either a subgroup of the transient ecotype or an entirely unique population, says McInnes, who is also a research associate with the Pacific Wildlife Foundation.

The team could also differentiate the population, dubbed the oceanics, from other known orcas due to scars or bite marks from the parasitic cookie-cutter shark, which only occur in the deep ocean.

An graphic in shades of blue from dark to light, the box shows the characteristics and common locations for different types of animals.

Beyond individual variations, the oceanics don't look like other known ecotypes, for example sporting a large gray saddle patch or no saddle patch at all.

“The open ocean doesn’t support a lot of large predators; it’s often described as a giant desert, so we weren’t expecting to find so many different animals, so we’re excited to carry on more research,” McInnes says.

“We really just don't know yet what is happening with the killer whales in the open ocean. This is the mystery behind what we hope to do next.”  

Following the prey

Our knowledge of orcas living in the open ocean is limited, as it’s difficult to find the widely distributed animals in a boat.

Yet the recent paper, a mixture of literature review and new observations, discovered nine instances in which marine mammal researchers, fishermen, and tourists observed whales in the northern Pacific Ocean between 1997 and 2021.

In the first documented incident, researchers watched a large pod of killer whales attack a herd of nine adult female sperm whales, managing to separate one from the pack and kill it. Other pods also hunted and ate an elephant seal, a pygmy sperm whale, a Risso’s dolphin, and a leatherback sea turtle.

With detailed records from each such encounter, the researchers plotted geo-referenced locations, determined water depth, and compared photos in databases to determine that the 49 whales sighted could potentially be a new ecotype.  

It’s possible that this new population formed as prey drew them farther from shore.

A whale splashes as it comes down from a jump in water.

“Mammal-eating killer whales are doing well, and their numbers are increasing as seal and other whale populations have rebounded since whaling and sealing became illegal,” says Robert Pitman , a marine ecologist at Oregon State University’s Marine Mammal Institute, who wasn’t involved in the study.

While prey overall is less abundant in deep-sea waters, killer whales may still find that habitat is more appealing than competing with the larger populations of resident whales closer to shore, he says.   (Watch video: sperm whales vs. orcas.)

To this end, McInnes and colleagues hope this study will spark efforts to document the new whale population through genetic sampling, satellite tagging, acoustic tracking, further photo identification, and additional field observation.

Climate change is affecting some populations of killer whales , such as those in Antarctica, which depend on seals that live on the rapidly decreasing ice. On the U.S. West Coast, a decline in salmon has reduced a population off Puget Sound , Washington.

Worldwide, however, the species is thriving, and coming more into contact with people in coastal areas. Orcas ramming and even sinking boats off Spain made headlines in 2023, with some people rooting for the animals as fighting back against human domination .

“Killer whales are probably the most widely distributed vertebrate on the planet. They are everywhere,” Pitman says.

With many tourist cruises available worldwide, he encourages everyone to put seeing a killer whale, whose males can reach lengths of 27 feet, on their bucket list.  

“This is the biggest apex predator we have on the planet today. We haven't seen anything like it since dinosaurs roamed the Earth.”  

Related Topics

  • ORCA (KILLER WHALE)
  • ANIMAL ATTACKS
  • SPERM WHALE

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  5. National Geographic Resolution Cruise: Expert Review (2023)

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    Call us direct at 530-583-1775. Office HoursMonday through Friday, 8am-5pm Pacific Time. Address40169 Truckee Airport Road, Suite 201Truckee, CA 96161. Nat Geo Resolution & Endurance ship review. Firsthand, detailed insight into what makes these best in class expedition ships.

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