By
Rebecca Gibson |
Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic’s new expedition ship, National Geographic Venture, has officially started services following her christening in San Francisco Bay, California on 30 November.
National Geographic Venture, which is the second newbuild in the company’s history, was named in front of Sven Lindblad, CEO of Lindblad Expeditions; Gary Knell, chairman of National Geographic Partners; the ship’s captain Andrew Cook; crew members; and other invited guests. Pamela Fingleton, a 40-year Lindblad veteran and senior vice president, joined Lindblad on the ship’s bow for the traditional toast and breaking of the champagne bottle.
“I am very, very, proud,” said Lindblad. “It is a great expedition ship. It’s comfortable, nimble, and with massive amounts of glass, our guests will constantly be connected to the outside world. We are delighted with the way she came out.”
Built by Nichols Brothers Boat Builders at its shipyard in Washington, US, National Geographic Venture is the second of two 100-guest, purpose-built expedition cruise vessels. The first, National Geographic Quest, has been operating since July 2017.
Both vessels have 50 spacious cabins, open decks for wildlife viewing, speciality tools for exploration, and features that enable them to sail in coastal waters, shallow coves and fast-moving channels where wildlife congregates.
"What we have learned over time has provided us the best way to experience the environment," said Cook. "For me personally, this is as fine a ship as I could have asked for.”
National Geographic Venture has embarked on two inaugural cruises on the Pacific Coast and will then begin her seasons in Baja, the Pacific Northwest and Alaska.
“For 15 years, Lindblad and National Geographic have worked together taking travellers around the world to some of the most amazing places,” said Knell. “We could not be happier than we are seeing this beautiful new Venture head out to sea.”