Vessel will be refitted and renamed before replacing Linblad’s National Geographic Endeavour
By
Rebecca Gibson |
Lindblad Expeditions Holdings has signed a definitive agreement to purchase Via Australis from vacation cruise company Australis, which sails in Chile and Patagonia.
To be purchased for US$18 million, Via Australis will be transferred to Linblad in the second quarter of 2016 and will replace Linblad’s National Geographic Endeavour when she begins service in the third quarter of 2016. The ship will then sail expeditions in the Galapagos Islands.
“Opportunities to acquire high quality expedition ships on attractive terms are infrequent so we seized this one,” said Sven Lindblad, president and CEO of Lindblad. “Via Australis will provide us with increased profitability on the same route through more operating days, revenue enhancement opportunities, operating efficiencies and cost savings compared to the National Geographic Endeavour. Additionally, it will require significantly lower capital expenditures for the foreseeable future.”
Prior to beginning service, Via Australis will undergo a US$10 million refurbishment and will be rechristened with a National Geographic name.
Following the refurbishment, the vessel will be able to accommodate up to 96 guests in 46 double cabins and four single cabins, and offer various onboard amenities. These include an A/V system for onboard presentations, a fully equipped fitness room, a spa, a main lounge and a forward-viewing additional lounge with large windows and immediate access to the outer decks, and an open top deck with space for dining, relaxing and stargazing. The ship will also offer a fleet of Zodiacs and sea kayaks, as well as a loading platform that can be used to simultaneously deploy two landing crafts.
“The most important elements of a Galapagos experience are the islands, the animals and the sea that surrounds them, so the ship that provides access to these things matters greatly,” said Lindblad. “The Via Australis is ultra-efficient to operate and was built with the same sensibility that matters so much to us, with a focus on the world outside. To that end, she has great viewing from all public spaces. Her ability to launch and deploy landing craft is fast and seamless. She is exceptionally quiet and manoeuvrable, a great asset when approaching marine life.”