New Coastal Ship National Geographic Venture
By Anne Kalosh.
At festivities in San Francisco, Lindblad Expeditions officially named its second U.S.-flag coastal new build National Geographic Venture. The 100-passenger ship is the sister of 2017’s National Geographic Quest.
“It is a great expedition ship. It’s comfortable, nimble and, with massive amounts of glass, [the ship will keep our guests constantly] connected to the outside world. We are delighted with the way she came out,” CEO Sven Lindblad said.
Pamela Fingleton and Sven Lindblad at the National Geographic Venture christening on Treasure Island in San Francisco Bay on November 30, 2018. * Photo: Lindblad Expeditions
He was joined by 40-year Lindblad Expeditions veteran and senior vice president Pamela Fingleton on the bow for a toast and the traditional Champagne bottle smash.
“For 15 years Lindblad and National Geographic have worked together taking travelers around the world to some of the most amazing places,” said Gary Knell, chairman of National Geographic Partners. “We could not be happier than we are seeing this beautiful new Venture head out to sea.”
National Geographic Venture enters service with a pair of Pacific Coast voyages before settling into Baja California itineraries. Come spring and summer, the vessel will sail in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska.
Officers and Crew during the christening on the National Geographic Venture on Treasure Island in San Francisco Bay on November 30, 2018. * Photo: Lindblad Expeditions
A platform for discovery, National Geographic Venture has a lounge that provides a moving window on the world, while the specially designed bow is ideal for photography with a Lindblad-National Geographic-certified photo instructor. To provide a superior experience, the bow has a tiered area that allows multiple rows of people to have an unobstructed view.
Customized Mark V Zodiacs are dropped to get close to marine mammals and the shoreline. Paddle boards, two dozen sea kayaks, a remotely operated vehicle, video microscope, hydrophone and underwater cameras round out the exploration tools.
The ship also features the B&H photo gear loaner program, letting passengers try the latest lenses, camera bodies and binoculars.
Capt. Andrew Cook praised the meticulous planning that went into Venture. “What we have learned over time has provided us the best way to experience the environment. For me personally, this is as fine a ship as I could have asked for,” he said.
Lindblad is also building its first polar-class expedition ship, National Geographic Endurance, due to begin sailing in early 2020.
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