National Geographic Quest for the Antarctic Circle

The National Geographic Endurance, identical sister ship to the National Geographic Resolution, is a 126-guest innovative polar expedition ship sailing in Antarctica and the Arctic. The ship’s motto is “To Explore and Understand the World” and was named after the great explorer Ernest Shackleton’s ship, The Endurance. This educational polar vessel has a specifically designed hull to break through the tough pack ice, increasing the ability to explore these hard-to-reach destinations and making new expeditions possible. Her polar ice class 5 rating allows her to operate during any time of the year in polar environments, vastly expanding the range of exploration in Antarctica and the Arctic. Her ability to venture deeper paired with state-of-the-art educational equipment and highly qualified guides, create an in-depth intellectual and truly exploratory experience.

Why Sail Aboard National Geographic Endurance

Choose the National Geographic Endurance for a sophisticated, educational and comfortable experience voyaging aboard a modern, innovative polar vessel with highly intellectual programming and unique itineraries that reach into the depths of the polar regions. Dubbed the ultimate expedition platform, National Geographic Endurance is equipped to serve as a basecamp in the most remote locations, with numerous tools for learning and expert onboard guides trained to National Geographic standards. For these, and many other reasons, the National Geographic Endurance is among our top choices for passengers seeking Antarctica luxury cruises.

AdventureSmith Explorations has been aboard National Geographic firsthand. Read our dedicated National Geographic Endurance ship review, written by our founder and president who sailed aboard the ship in the Arctic. Or consult this page further for a detailed description of the National Geographic Endurance, including ship specs, deck plan, cabin images, photo gallery and current links to all the trips she sails. We can help compare the National Geographic Endurance with other Antarctica ships and polar expedition ships offering Arctic cruises, Antarctica cruises, Greenland cruises, Iceland cruises, Chile cruises, Patagonia cruises and Northern Europe cruises.

National Geographic Endurance Design & Sustainability

Designed and built by the Norwegian ship builders Ulstein Group, this ship is pioneering a new age of polar travel conceived with sustainability, efficiency, safety and stability in mind. The Ulstein’s innovative, signature bow—the X-BOW®—creates a faster, safer, more efficient and comfortable vessel and incorporates sustainability solutions to reduce the ship’s environmental impact.

This hull design also allows for excellent forward and straight-down viewing, combining perfectly with her multiple observation decks, including observation wings that extend out from the sides of the ship. Her larger volume displacement in the foreship, inverted bow and slender hull lines offer higher fuel efficiency, less loss of speed in waves, more stability in rough waters, softer entry into waves, low acceleration levels, less spray, less slamming and bow impact, and reduced vibration. Her zero-steam stabilizers create a more stable ship while anchored/not moving, and her expanded fuel and water tanks allow for longer expeditions to go farther afield.

Common Areas & Amenities Aboard Nat Geo Endurance

With six guest decks, the Nat Geo Endurance has over 10,000 square feet of glass for prime enclosed viewing. The interior is fitted with Scandinavian design making this expedition ship comfortable yet modern. Common spaces follow the themes of fire and ice throughout the ship, keeping the outdoors close. Photographers gather in the purpose-designed space for editing and collaboration that comes included with a photo gear locker filled with photography equipment for guests' use. This Nat Geo expedition ship takes self-care options to the next level with spa treatments and therapies, saunas with incredible views, training options in the gym, a gorgeous yoga studio and two infinity-pool Jacuzzis, leaving each traveler relaxed and reinvigorated for their entire trip and beyond.

Internet is available on board Nat Geo Endurance (one device at a time) via three plans: the time-limited complimentary “basic” internet plan offers app messaging, email and simple social media; the time-limited “enhanced” internet plan adds general web browsing and video conferencing capabilities; and the “premium” internet plan provides unlimited access to all features under the “enhanced” plan. Note that WiFi is satellite based and may not always be accessible due to inclement weather or the ship's remote location.

Guests aboard National Geographic Endurance can enjoy "CHANGE," a definitive polar art exhibition curated by acclaimed artist Zaria Forman. This first-ever, permanent ship-based installation of drawings, paintings, video, photography, sculpture and soundscape features 35+ artists dedicated to examining and expressing response to vulnerable polar geographies. Key themes are displayed in both public and private spaces, on each deck of the ship, with explorations of polar light, the intimate geometries of vast geographies, human history in polar regions and more.

Dining Aboard National Geographic Endurance

With multiple dining options, the Endurance keeps travelers fed, and fed well. Restaurant Two Seven Zero provides stellar views and a menu filled with options. C. Green's is named for Shackleton's cook and offers an early breakfast, fresh salads, lighter fare and custom grilled items for lunch and dinner. The Chef's Table offers private dining with "polar theater" in the form of regionally inspired, sustainable and inventive food. High tea and hors d'oeuvres are served daily. BBQs in the Winter Garden are offered when weather permits.

Activities Aboard National Geographic Endurance

The Nat Geo Endurance has an innovative Zodiac loading system for quick, easy and safe loading and unloading for onshore exploration. The ship’s expedition tools include cross-country skis, kayaks, hydrophones, underwater video cameras, a remotely operated vehicle and a video microscope.

Two glass dome igloos at the rear of the Observation Deck may be booked for an overnight stay on a first-come, first-serve basis. Enjoy polar stargazing from the comfort of a quality mattress and cozy duvet warmed by hot-water bottles, with Scandinavian decor.

Cabins & Deck Plan Aboard National Geographic Endurance

Cabins are decorated with warming tones, creating the perfect opportunity to take comfort inward from exploring outward. The large windows keep the outdoors present as well as offer a refuge from the midnight sun with the blackout shades. A whole 75% of the cabins offer balconies and 12 are designed for solo travelers. All 69 cabins have a command center with atlas, barometer, clock, tablet, electrical ports and mirror, and a sofa or reading chair.