New to the Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic cruise brand will be the National Geographic Islander ll — named after the original National Geographic Islander that it replaces — when the vessel sets sail in the Galapagos Islands year-round on Aug. 18, 2022.
“I had the pleasure of being in the Galapagos for the first time last week, and you could feel the Lindblad-National Geographic legacy in these iconic islands — from the second-generation Galapagos crew aboard, to the locally grown food on the table to stories of the role we have played in supporting conservation in the archipelago,” said Dolf Berle, president and CEO of Lindblad Expeditions. “With the new National Geographic Islander II, we will be able to build on that legacy and offer an even greater connection to Galapagos and its people for just 48 guests.”
If the ship looks familiar, it’s because it was formerly the Crystal Esprit from now-defunct Crystal Yacht Cruises. The already elegant 26-suite ship has received a full refurbishment including the signature blue-hull NatGeo livery. The stabilizer-equipped ship measures in at 280 feet long and 46 feet wide, and it has been enhanced with environmentally friendly and fuel-efficient upgrades such as minimized outdoor lighting, special paint and recycled water from new air conditioning systems.
Common to all accommodations are large windows, convertible king/twin bedding, marble dual sink basin bathrooms, plentiful storage, a sofa, a stocked mini-bar, a flat-screen television and Wi-Fi access.
A quartet of Islander Suites, three of which are brand new, upgrade to encompass four windows plus separate living rooms and tub- and rain shower-outfitted bathrooms. There are also four solo suites, as well as connecting and triple occupancy options. The Santa Cruz Islander Suite can be configured as a family suite with an attached double suite.
Other shipboard venues extend to a scenic observation deck and multiple dining options. The Cove lounge has been redesigned for pre-dinner briefings as well as cocktails, and dining is available at either the outdoor Patio Cafe or upscale Yacht Club Restaurant. Menus highlight Ecuadorian flavors and regionally sourced ingredients, and the artwork and decor further reflect the South American destination.
The ship also has a fresh expedition marina and Science Hub. Equipment available from the marina includes kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, a bespoke glass-bottom Zodiac and Mark V Zodiacs. And the hub presents a video display and lab benches to interact with guests for conservation and research purposes. In fact, two Cabins for Conservation Suites will be reserved for Galapagos community members, researchers, educators, storytellers and other experts in their fields.
The onboard expedition team consists of a leader and four naturalists such as an undersea specialist, a certified photo instructor and other educators from the National Geographic Global Explorers family program. In particular, National Geographic Islander ll touts a one-to-one guest-to-crew ratio.
The Details
Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic
