Ship Review: National Geographic Endurance

This ship joined the National Geographic Lindblad-Expeditions fleet in 2021, combining the pioneering spirit of both brands. Lindblad Travel, for instance, led the first tourist expedition to Antarctica in 1967 – a milestone that has shaped all subsequent tourism to the frozen continent.

Today, National Geographic Endurance carries on this legacy, offering journeys to Antarctica and other far-flung destinations. While the ethos of exploration remains unchanged, modern passengers sail in far greater style and comfort than those on the earliest voyages, enjoying luxury amenities alongside the thrill of discovery.  

Style & character: 5/5

The ship gets its name from Ernest Shackleton’s vessel, on which he led his ill-fated 1914 Antarctica expedition. It’s probably little surprise, then, that National Geographic Endurance is purpose-built for polar exploration – a fact you sense from the moment you approach.

Built to navigate glacial waters, its sleek, ice-class hull is both practical and visually striking. It cuts through the water with almost orca-like grace, nature’s influence evident in its design.

Once aboard, the interiors also blend style and functionality. Public spaces exude Scandi chic, with light wood and a neutral palette. The effect is one of understated luxury rather than cold minimalism – comfortable and elegant but never pretentious. 

Seamlessly integrated into the design is the heritage of both Lindblad and National Geographic. There are plenty of nods to exploration and discovery, from replicas of fossils and glacier-inspired sculptures to photography of polar ice. 

The walls are lined with pieces curated by artist and advocate Zaria Forman, whose own large-scale paintings bring the climate crisis into sharp focus. Her ethos is one shared by the cruise line, which is an entirely carbon-neutral company.

Perhaps the most appealing feature of the ship, however, is its openness. Expansive floor-to-ceiling windows bathe public spaces in light, which is particularly arresting when sailing seascapes lit by the midnight sun, past glittering glaciers or beneath shimmering auroras.

The sense of openness extends to the bridge. While many ships offer you a brief peek inside, National Geographic Endurance has an open-door policy. Here, you can sit back, binoculars in hand, and chat with the approachable crew. 

Cabins: 4.5/5

The 71 staterooms – including two solo cabins – are spacious for an expedition ship, with all cabins featuring large windows or balconies. Some even come complete with outdoor seating or hammocks, excellent for getting fresh air, weather permitting. 

There’s ample storage, which is especially convenient on longer voyages, and several cabin categories include a sofa for added comfort.

The largest suites have extra features like additional seating, a writing desk and a walk-in closet with a full-length mirror. Their bathrooms are also generously sized, with a double vanity, bathtub, rain shower and towel warmer.

True to National Geographic’s spirit, cabins are filled with thoughtful touches. Beyond National Geographic magazines, you’ll find items like a mammoth-sized atlas and a branded water bottle (no single-use plastic here).

The cabins are also tech-forward, but not overwhelmingly so. Expect your daily programme of activities on the in-room television and tablet, along with climate control. One note: for UK plugs, you’ll need an adaptor.

Food & Drink: 4/5

There are two restaurants onboard, serving a mix of familiar, luxury-standard staples and more creative plates that nod to the spirit of exploration.

Charlie Green, named after the cook on Shackleton’s Antarctica expedition, is the go-to spot for early morning pre-excursion breakfasts, casual pit stops or afternoon tea.

Two Seven Zero°, the ship's main restaurant, takes its name not from temperature but from the 270° windows that provide near wrap-around views while you dine. The menu here focuses on sustainability and locally sourced ingredients, depending on availability. A hearty buffet breakfast kicks off the day, followed by à la carte lunch and dinner options.

That said, it’s the chef’s table that truly intrigues. Passengers are typically invited at least once per voyage for a six-course menu with a bespoke theme. Think dishes inspired by the provisions on Shackleton’s Antarctic expedition, for example.

The onboard wine cellar, prominently on display as you enter the restaurant, is well-stocked with vintages to pair with a range of dishes.

After dinner, guests can head to the Ice Lounge, where the bar serves a selection of classic and signature cocktails, plus a good range of mocktails. Given the packed itinerary on most sailings, the atmosphere here leans towards relaxed sociability rather than anything raucous.

All meals and most alcoholic beverages are included in your fare, excluding some premium brands. 

Service & facilities: 5/5

This is where National Geographic Endurance truly excels. The guest-to-staff ratio is not far off one-to-one, with 138 passengers welcomed by 116 staff and crew. This means the service is remarkably intuitive, with a concerted effort to anticipate guests’ needs.

A standout feature is the scope of expertise onboard. Depending on the itinerary, you'll encounter National Geographic photographers, historians, naturalists and scientists, all eager to share insights, whether it's tips on photographing wildlife responsibly or discussing their latest research on seaweed's role in coastal ecosystems.

The facilities are equally impressive for an expedition ship. You’ll find a well-sized spa, saunas in true Scandi style and an ocean-view yoga studio where a wellness specialist leads sessions. There’s also a gym, a library stocked with a curated selection of books, a science hub and a photo workshop. For peace of mind in remote destinations, a resident doctor is on hand.

However, the true star of the show is the observation deck. Here, you’ll find two infinity-style hot tubs, which are especially popular after a polar plunge.

The deck also has two igloos with beds, allowing you to sleep beneath the stars or northern lights. While there’s no heating in the igloos, guests keep warm with thick duvets and hot water bottles. Suites receive priority booking, but otherwise it’s first come, first served.

Entertainment & excursions: 5/5

Given the remote regions the ship sails to, it's unsurprising that shore (and sea) excursions take centre stage. The vessel carries a fleet of motorised zodiacs, kayaks, snowshoes, cross-country skis and top-tier photography gear, all available for guest use.

While itineraries vary significantly, each region offers remarkable experiences: in Antarctica, cruisers may enjoy the company of gentoo penguins and witness the midnight sun illuminating near-vertical glaciers; in Patagonia, they can explore winding fjords and spot rare birds; in Svalbard, they may glimpse polar bears, Arctic foxes, reindeer and whales.

This close-up access is made possible by the ship’s size – it's smaller and therefore nimbler than the average expedition vessel. This gives the expert crew flexibility so they can adapt to changing conditions and seize opportunities to observe wildlife or natural phenomena as they arise.

Somewhat surprisingly, many of the excursions are remarkably family friendly. The ship does not have a lower age limit, which is rare in the expedition category. Older children’s natural curiosity is encouraged with features like thoughtfully designed guidebooks and zodiac driving lessons.

Given the extraordinary nature of the excursions, onboard entertainment is designed to complement rather than compete with off-ship experiences. The state-of-the-art facilities for films and presentations are put to good use by National Geographic experts, who host talks, documentary screenings or, better yet, share their own discoveries.

For example, on many sailings, a diver braves icy waters to collect footage of the marine world below, adding an entirely new dimension to the voyage. On occasion, this has even led to the discovery of species previously unknown to science.

Value for money: 4/5

The truth is, sailing to the far-flung destinations that National Geographic Endurance reaches – at the level of comfort it provides – is never going to come cheap. The cost varies depending on factors like the length and complexity of the itinerary, with shorter voyages to relatively more accessible regions like Norway and Iceland starting at under £7,000. For more remote destinations, like Antarctica, however, you could be looking at over £10,000 per person, excluding airfare (significantly more for longer itineraries and more luxurious cabin categories).

These are not small sums. However, if you have the inclination and budget, the voyages can be exceptional, especially when you consider the ship’s stylish design and high level of service. In comparison to luxury cruise lines sailing similar regions, it offers competitive value for those seeking a premium expedition.  

Facilities 

• Two restaurants
• Bar
• Fitness studio
• Yoga studio
• Hot tubs
• Sauna
• Spa
• Library
• Science hub
• Boutique shop
• Film and presentation facilities  
• Photo workshop area
• Doctor's office