Lindblad to Build Two New U.S.-Flagged Ships | Cruise News – Dec. 10, 2015

Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic to Build Two New U.S.-Flagged Coastal Vessels

Cruise News – Dec. 10, 2015

Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic has announced that it has signed definitive agreements with Nichols Brothers Boat Builders for the newbuild of two U.S.-flagged coastal vessels to be built at their shipyard on Whidbey Island in Washington State.

The first ship is scheduled to be delivered in the second quarter of 2017 and the second vessel is scheduled to be delivered in the second quarter of 2018. The new 100-guest ships were developed with decades of experience of captains, expedition leaders, engineers, and designers.

“With our significant resources, we can continue to deliver on our promise of expedition travel at its best, and can now expand our unique offerings in the Americas where we have very strong demand,” said Sven Lindblad, president and CEO of Lindblad. “This is an important milestone in the company’s history as we enter the 50th anniversary of the birth of expedition travel begun by my father, Lars-Eric Lindblad, with the first laymen expedition to Antarctica in 1966.”

Key features of the new vessels include:

• 50 cabins: 22 with balconies and eight that can be configured into four adjoining cabins for families.
• All public spaces are designed for maximum viewing with easy, quick access to decks for announcements from the bridge.
• An outdoor walkway around the entire sun deck, which will feature an al fresco bar and grill, in addition to the restaurant and a lounge with bar and facilities for presentations.
• A fleet of sea kayaks, paddleboards, and specially designed landing craft.
• A fully equipped fitness room and a wellness spa.
• State-of-the-art expedition technology including a remotely operated vehicle (ROV), video microscope, and a hydrophone and bow-cam.
• Full warm- and cold-water diving gear and underwater cameras.

Earlier this year, it was implied to expect growth for the line, after an announcement of an acquisition by Capitol Acquisition Corp. II in a deal valued at $439 million.

^{Photo: Jensen Naval Architects}

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