On 30 September 2021, Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc. took delivery of the ‘National Geographic Resolution’ from Ulstein Verft. The vessel is now ready to set off for her inaugural polar voyage exploring Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falklands on November 17, 2021

The delivery marks the official completion of the line’s next polar new build. The state-of-the-art, 126-guest expedition cruise vessel has been designed by Ulstein Design & Solutions AS as the ultimate expedition platform with a focus on safety and comfort. The ‘National Geographic Resolution’ has a very different kind of bow, the distinctive X-BOW®, that provides fuel efficiency and gives a smoother ride with softer motions in head seas.

A magnificent way of viewing wildlife in the sea

Being on a ship with a traditional bow, the guests will have to lean over the side of the ship and look backwards down towards the waterline. On this vessel, they will be able to look straight down into the water. The bow area is therefore often a gathering place in the early morning. This is where you can stand to look at the whales, penguins and dolphins when the vessel is sailing. The ship also has plenty of places in the forward part where the passengers can look right down to the waterline in front and observe the ship plough through the water.

The huge, open bridge is a very welcoming place for the guests who can come there to watch the navigation and see where the vessel is going. From here, they can go right out on deck and take photographs.

With this vessel, Lindblad can start the polar season earlier

With the PC5 ice class, the vessel can access deep into polar regions. The ship’s expanded fuel and water tanks provide for extended operations in remote areas; while the zero-speed stabilizers contribute to increased comfort at zero speed when stopped for wildlife observation or embarking/disembarking the ship. The vessel is equipped with emission reduction solutions that meet EPA Tier 4/IMO Tier III emission standards.

“This is an extraordinary ship, and I am so proud as we continue our growth with the addition of another best-in-class polar vessel to our fleet. With the National Geographic Resolution and her sister ship, National Geographic Endurance, we have the elusive result of expedition excellence and elegance exquisitely combined, “stated Sven Lindblad, Founder and Co-Chair of the Board of Lindblad. “It is also remarkable that her delivery was on time during this difficult period. We had an extraordinary team of engineers, designers and crew from Lindblad, Ulstein, Partnership Design and Crist – under the leadership of Nikolaos Doulis – and their collective talent and dedication are evident in every aspect of National Geographic Resolution.”

“We are very pleased to see Ulstein Verft once again delivering a newbuild polar vessel to Lindblad. We are proud to see the vessel being delivered on the contracted delivery date. It has been an amazing experience cooperating with Lindblad Expeditions, all our sub-contractors and partners on this splendid new polar vessel. Lindblad is an experienced and innovative polar explorer and decided to also be a pioneer in introducing the X-BOW into the cruise segment. We are grateful for the trust that Lindblad has placed in Ulstein, and we are eager to receive the feedback from the ‘Resolution’s first adventures,” says Cathrine Kristiseter Marti, CEO at Ulstein.

The on-board Arctic infinity experience

The ship has been designed to connect guests to the outside environment from anywhere on the ship. The cabin measurements range from 13 sqm solo cabins to the 40 sqm suites. 77 per cent of the cabins feature balconies with floor-to-ceiling sliding doors to let in the spectacular surroundings and Arctic light.

Glass is also an important part of the design around the public areas.

The main restaurant, Restaurant 270º, is named for its panoramic views, with floor-to-ceiling windows. There is also an outdoor barbeque and bistro area.

The Sanctuary Spa features a yoga room, treatment rooms, saunas, a fitness room, a relaxation area, as well as the infinity hot tubs and the spectacular glass igloos with seating on daybeds covered in reindeer fur. The yoga studio aft on deck 8 have large windows that enables the passenger to enjoy the nature when exercising yoga.

The multiple observation decks and the observation wings allow the passengers to get great views, also from outside the ship’s side.

All are solutions to give the passengers everlasting memories not to be experienced on any other ship.

Off-board adventuring

Getting off the vessel, there are various options to explore, even underwater. The ship carries its own a Remotely Operated Vehicle, capable of reaching 305 metres below water to shoot video of places few have seen and share with the guests. There are 14 expedition crafts for landing in otherwise inaccessible places, a high number of crafts to reduce waiting time. For other adventures, the vessel holds a variety of gear and equipment, including kayaks, paddling boards, snorkelling gear and wetsuits, cross-country skis to name a few.

Guest comfort

The X-BOW® feature has been proven on more than 100 offshore vessels, operating in rough conditions, and with this bow there will be softer motions in head seas. The ship will afford gracious comfort and an unparalleled level of service, with the highest comfort class for guests to ensure a quiet and peaceful environment onboard.

Lindblad Expeditions received their first polar newbuild from Ulstein Verft in 2020, the ‘National Geographic Endurance’, which is about to commence the 2021 Antarctica season in early November.