National Geographic Endurance, which will enter service with US based Lindblad Expeditions, will offer a number of features aimed at enhancing the experience of passengers of their cruise in the Arctic regions.

A remotely operated vehicle (ROV) that is capable of reaching depth of 1,000 feet, far beyond the range of any Scuba diver, allows passengers to view parts of the undersea that are as unexplored as the moon. “Chances are you, like many of our guests, will be struck by how surprisingly colorful undersea life is in these unlikely places. And this glimpse may fundamentally change how you view the ocean.’ The company said in a presentation of the vessel on its website.

The ship will also feature eight boats, to be housed at two landing stations that allow passengers to go ashore in remote areas. The expedition landing craft are 19 feet long, powered by four-stroke outboard engines, and are capable of comfortably carrying 10-12 people. “They are widely recognised as the safest and most versatile small boats afloat,” Lindblad said..

National Geographic Endurance will be equipped with a fleet of kayaks large enough to ensure everyone who wants to can paddle at every opportunity. Prior kayaking experience is not necessary. Custom-designed floating platform lets Lindblad deploy kayaks from the ship, or any location - including far from shore. “Kayakers are usually free to explore where they want within boundaries set by the undersea specialist and officer of the watch,” Lindblad pointed out.

An undersea specialist will dive often during each expedition cruise, even in Alaska, with cold-water gear, to shoot high-definition footage of the deep..

Naturalists will use the video microscope to help explain all elements of the environment, including tiny organisms that are the building block of the marine ecosystem. “Spellbinding live views of krill at 80x magnification fills the high-definition screens in the lounge with vivid detail, and fills every onlooker with a sense of wonder at the importance of otherwise unobservable creatures,” Lindblad said.

Hydrophone, that is an underwater microphone, is deployed to listen to the vocalisations of marine mammals. Real time transmissions of their eerie, haunting sounds can be broadcast through the ship or recorded for later playback.

An electronic chart showing the ship’s location, course, and speed is almost always on display in the lounge, while passengers will have access to the bridge of the new ship, which features comfortable spaces to sit, enjoy the view, drink your morning coffee, or simply chat with the officers.

On warm weather itineraries where there will be snorkeling. A mask, snorkel, fins, and wetsuit that you have chosen will remain yours for the duration of the expedition.

The new ship will accommodate 126 guests in 69 outside-facing cabins. Cabins are efficiently designed, with sizes range from the 140-square-foot solo cabin to the 430-square-foot category 7 suite. Fifty-three of the 69 cabins, including all 12 of the solo cabins, will feature small balconies with floor-to-ceiling sliding doors that bring in the spectacular views and ample natural light.

Every cabin has two portholes, a large window or balcony, and temperature controls. Bathrooms are modern and stocked with botanically inspired hair products, soap, and shower gel, plus a hairdryer. Cabins are equipped with expedition command centers with tablets and USB/mobile device docking, TVs, Wi-Fi connections, and hair dryers.

The food served onboard is fresh, local, and delicious, and sourced from suppliers who share our values of sustainable use whenever possible, the company continued. “Meals aboard are almost always served in the dining room, located aft of the lounge deck. When weather conditions allow, lighter fare may be served on the observation deck. There is no assigned seating and our dining room accommodates the entire expedition community in a single seating. During meals your expedition leader, naturalists, and any guest speakers aboard will join you,” Lindblad said.

Public areas onboard comprise two restaurants, a Chef’s Table for small group dining, an Observation Lounge with bar, gym, Wellness area, infinity-style outdoor hot tubs, library, main lounge with full service bar, 24-hour beverage, state-of-the-art facilities for films, slideshows and presentations, and a photo workshop area; plus, an expedition base with lockers for expedition gear, and an “open bridge” for access to our captain, officers and the art of navigation.