National Geographic Resolution Marks Five Years With Lindblad

National Geographic Resolution has completed five years with Lindblad Expeditions, which took delivery of the vessel on September 30, 2021. The polar expedition ship is now repositioning to Antarctica for the 2026-27 season following its latest Arctic deployment.

Lindblad currently lists the 12,786-gross-ton vessel with capacity for 138 guests across 76 cabins. At launch, the ship was specified for 126 passengers and 69 cabins.

First voyages and polar seasons

After delivery and a repositioning voyage to South America, the ship began its first passenger cruise from Ushuaia on November 17, 2021. That itinerary covered Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands.

The christening took place during the voyage, on November 23, in Duse Bay in the Weddell Sea. Captain Heidi Norling, the first woman to captain a ship in Lindblad’s international fleet, served as godmother.

According to Lindblad, the vessel’s name honors Captain James Cook’s Resolution, which became the first ship to cross the Antarctic Circle in 1773.

Following its inaugural Antarctic season, National Geographic Resolution sailed European itineraries calling in Portugal, France, Scotland and Norway before heading to the Arctic. Its return south for the 2022-23 Antarctic season took it through Japan, the East China Sea and the Pacific Islands.

Built for polar waters

Built at Ulstein Verft in Norway, the 408-foot vessel is a sister to National Geographic Endurance, completed in 2020. Resolution carries approximately 116 crew and staff.

The ship combines a PC5 ice-strengthened hull with Ulstein’s patented X-Bow design. Lindblad credits the bow form with improving passenger comfort across a range of sea conditions; the vessel also has stabilization systems that operate while stationary.

Its expedition equipment includes Zodiacs and kayaks, along with snowshoes and cross-country skis. The ship also carries a remotely operated vehicle and other underwater exploration equipment.

Inside, Scandinavian-inspired interiors accommodate two restaurants, a lounge and bar, a library, and spaces for presentations, films and photography workshops. Wellness facilities include a gym, yoga studio, spa, ocean-view saunas and outdoor hot tubs.

All guest accommodations face outward, with either large windows or balconies. The onboard team includes a full-time doctor, a National Geographic photographer and a photo instructor.

For 2027, Lindblad has scheduled itineraries in the Pacific and the Canadian Arctic. Planned destinations include Tahiti, Japan and Fiji.

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