Anyone been on Lindblad NG Explorer?

Would like to hear a report on experience. We're booked on a 30 day B2B in June - would like to know what to expect.

Sorry, I don't have any information for you. But, I have been looking at these cruises with longing and I really hope that you will overload us here with your reports on your experience. Thanks in advance, Debbie

You can count on it. Have you sailed with Lindblad before?

I'll look forward to your observations. Never cruised this line before. But I really like what I see in the advertising. I think my biggest concern is ship motion (if you know what I mean) since I suffer from motion sickness. I guess my fear is that the smaller ship might be too rough a ride for my comfort. I wouldn't want a rougher ride than say RSSC Mariner or Voyager. I think you have cruised one or both of those ships and if you could come back with some feedback about how you think the ride compares I'd really appreciate it. Thanks, Debbie

Debbie

I'm probably not qualified to comment on sea sickness because i'm not usually stricken (except on our first crossing of Drakes Passage on the original Explorer). Yes, we have been on all Regent ships as well as all Lindblad ships (except new Explorer). There will be more motion on smaller ships, but sea conditions are the principal determinant. I'm sure you know that the Regent vs. Lindblad experience are totally different. Lindblad provides an "expedition" not a "cruise" - no shows, casinos, room service, afternoon tea etc. and no bargain fares. But, an incomparable group of naturalist - guides - lecturers - and interesting passengers (present company excepted!)

Ted

We were on the NG Explorer in October going from the Panama Canal to Peru. A fabulous trip and an incredible ship! There is motion in the rougher waters, but if you take precautions, it's survivable. Stabilizers work quite well, except in shallow waters!! The lounge is outfitted with many screens, so during lectures and report back, pictures are always visible and the audio is excellent. State of the art. The dining room was lovely, and the food quite good. The cabins are comfortable, and the bathrooms had an amazing amount of space for the size. The staff, as always, was amazing and knowledgable. There is a "wet room" with lockers for storage of snorkeling equipment, wet boots or anything else you don't want wet in your cabin. A wonderful use of space.

Gabelle

Thanks for the response - as previously indicated, we are Lindblad "regulars" and are booked on the NGE for a 30 day B2B in June-July. A couple of questions: I'm told that there is a different method of boarding Zodiacs compared to the other ships - comments? We are booked in 215 for the trip - did you, by any chance stay in that or one of the stern suites, or hear anything about them? Thanks for any help you might offer. I'm delighted, but not surprised that you had a good voyage - it was an extraordinary itinerary.

We didn't see the category of cabin you are in. Sorry. I'm sure it will be lovely. Our cabin was on the deck below. The zodiacs on The Explorer are boarded from the wet/mud room. The only other Lindblad trip we have been on was the Sea Cloud II, and that zodiac launch would not be similar to other ships. So unfortunately, I can't answer your questions.

I wonder if I could stress your patience and ask one more question - I'm told that the rooms have internet access for laptops - did you have any experience or hear of any experience with this? I have the prices for usage, but wonder about speed.

Thanks again.

Ted

We didn't use the internet, but many people were on their computers constantly. The speed seemed to vary depending upon location and weather. Something of importance to us was the lack of video or audio input into the tv for viewing our photos. Wish that had been available. If you have your laptop, that won't be an issue. They seem to have IT specialists aboard.

Nancy

Nancy

Thanks again! On other Lindblad boats, many folks hooked their cameras to TVs in the lounges to view their photos - not sure if NGE is geared for that. I usually don't bring a laptop but will be on the boat for 30 days and will value keeping in touch - will also be handy for editing, storing and backing up photos.

Ted

I have booked Lindblad's NG Explorer for Antarctica in Dec, 2010. I have had and will have some great trips and I expect this expedition to be at the very top.

It will indeed be at the very top!

We have just returned from a 28 day B2B on the NGE - in conversations with other Lindblad "regulars", all who have been there rate the Antarctic as the best experience. We have been there twice - first time on the original Explorer in '97 then again in '03 on the Endeavour - which included South Georgia. While the South Georgia itinerary adds significantly to time and expense, it is really worth it. The NGE is clearly a step up from the other Lindblad ships.

We were on the Explorer in the Arctic earlier this month. The ship is very quiet and has great stabilization with little vibration. I do get seasick and did not have issues. The internet is expensive, I think it averaged $1.00-2.00 a minute. It's a slow connection and took apr. 23 minutes to log on and send one email. However, we were out of satellite range most of the time, so I emailed once. There are computers downstairs. It is also possible to rent a laptop for $10.00 a day. Boarding the zodiaks is done in the mud room downstairs-easy and very safe. They have a mobile platform for getting in and out of kayaks. It's all done very well and safely.

Boarding the zodiaks is done in the mud room downstairs-easy and very safe. They have a mobile platform for getting in and out of kayaks. It's all done very well and safely.

Hi,

Thank you for adding information regarding boarding the zodiacs on the NG Explorer.

I am trying to find an Antartica cruise for my dad. He is 80, and has a brace on one leg. He uses crutches to walk. He would love to set foot on the white continent, but understands that once ashore, the terrain may limit his activities.

My concern is trying to find a ship that has the best set-up for boarding the zodiacs. I've seen photos of some ships that have a long, narrow stairway leading down to a tiny platform, which would make it difficult

for my dad to access the zodiac. Ideally, the boarding platform should be

large enough for my dad to be able to sit down and slide his legs into the

boat.

I haven't been able to find any photos of the NG Explorer's mud room, where you mention the zodiac boardings take place, so I'm wondering

if you wouldn't mind describing the zodiac boarding set-up, so that I can

better visualize it, please ( ie: are there many stairs?; is there a platform large enough for a person to sit down and straighten out his legs? ).

Any additional information you can provide will be very much appreciated.

Thanks very much,

Bill

I'm so glad I came across this thread!

My partner and I will be on the NGE in Feb. 2011 to Antarctica.

I can't believe we have booked so far in advance!

We will be in cabin 221 - aft ship in the center. Looks like a great location but I expect it will be rocky at times.

Has anyone seen this cabin? It looks smaller that the other cabins in its category but we are willing to trade space for location.

willis,

I'll try and help with regard to the ship and the zodiac boarding. We returned last week from the Arctic. I certainly would not want to discourage anyone from taking a dream trip, and hope your father will be able to take his. Honestly though, while not impossible I think it will be somewhat difficult. There is one elevator on the ship which is toward the bow, stairs in the middle and stern. So I would suggest trying for a cabin close by the elevator.

The mud room is a locker room where you can change in to and store your boots. People gather here in preparation for boarding the zodiacs. I have included two photos that will give you some idea of the loading area. One photo is taken from the mud room toward the door that is opened. It is not a great distance, but there are 3 or 4 steps. The other photo shows the zodiac on the outside of the door. Basically, what happens is the zodiac pulls up to the ship (there is no platform for the zodiacs it stays in the water). Passengers go down the steps and two or three crewman are there to assist you into the zodiac. This requires another step down into the zodiac and then you sit on the side. To depart the zodiac for a landing, you scoot to the front of the zodiac and swing your legs over and into the water.

I hope this helps to visualize it for you and I would be happy to answer any questions that I can. As soon as I can find the time, I will be doing a review of some sort.

ducksoupforme,

We were also in a category 6 cabin, but not 221. If it is laid out the same (see photo), we found it to be very comfortable. It isn't very large, but it is very workable and comfortable. The ship is very well stabalized and quiet. We never heard the passengers next to us.

willis,

 

I'll try and help with regard to the ship and the zodiac boarding. We returned last week from the Arctic. I certainly would not want to discourage anyone from taking a dream trip, and hope your father will be able to take his. Honestly though, while not impossible I think it will be somewhat difficult. There is one elevator on the ship which is toward the bow, stairs in the middle and stern. So I would suggest trying for a cabin close by the elevator.

 

The mud room is a locker room where you can change in to and store your boots. People gather here in preparation for boarding the zodiacs. I have included two photos that will give you some idea of the loading area. One photo is taken from the mud room toward the door that is opened. It is not a great distance, but there are 3 or 4 steps. The other photo shows the zodiac on the outside of the door. Basically, what happens is the zodiac pulls up to the ship (there is no platform for the zodiacs it stays in the water). Passengers go down the steps and two or three crewman are there to assist you into the zodiac. This requires another step down into the zodiac and then you sit on the side. To depart the zodiac for a landing, you scoot to the front of the zodiac and swing your legs over and into the water.

 

I hope this helps to visualize it for you and I would be happy to answer any questions that I can. As soon as I can find the time, I will be doing a review of some sort.

Wow...Thanks very, very much for your description and photos. This is exactly what we need to assess my dad's chances of getting onto the zodiacs. Judging from your information, I think that he'll be able to handle it, as long as the sea cooperates ( large swells would give him trouble ).

The few steps will not be a problem, and I like that passengers enter from the side of the zodiac. With Lindblad offering many opportunities to go ashore, it might not be unreasonable to expect that sea conditions will be calm enough at least once or twice during the cruise. The alternative

is for dad to do a drive-by cruise, where we know he'd have absolutely no chance to go ashore.

I'm going to copy off your information and head over to my dad's right now and see what he thinks.

Thanks again for your help. You're very kind and truly helpful. I hope

you enjoyed your Arctic trip, and I look forward to reading your review!

Regards,

Bill

ducksoupforme,

 

We were also in a category 6 cabin, but not 221. If it is laid out the same (see photo), we found it to be very comfortable. It isn't very large, but it is very workable and comfortable. The ship is very well stabalized and quiet. We never heard the passengers next to us.

Thanks hobse!

We returned last month from a 28 day B2B on NGE doing the British Isles and North Cape itineraries. While the Zodiac boarding process would be challenging, the staff is extremely helpful in boarding passengers. I still remember our Antarctic trip on Endeavour in '03 when staff members literally carried an older passenger ashore who expressed a strong desire to set foot on the white continent - while there should be no expecation that this kind of help is always available, it is indicative of the caring attitude of the crew.

Re 221 - we were in 215, a catagory 8 (now 7) for the trip. we had booked 219 for a cruise in 2010 and checked out the 2 stern suites with folks staying in them - there were no complaints about noise or motion. But beware! Drakes passage can be difficult irrespective of location. Yes 221 is a bit smaller than other category 6 suites, but the stern view is worth it!

Re 221 - we were in 215, a catagory 8 (now 7) for the trip. we had booked 219 for a cruise in 2010 and checked out the 2 stern suites with folks staying in them - there were no complaints about noise or motion. But beware! Drakes passage can be difficult irrespective of location. Yes 221 is a bit smaller than other category 6 suites, but the stern view is worth it!

Thanks for the insight! I like rough seas. In fact, on a TA crossing on Cunard that was particularly rocky I was in heaven. When it finally calmed down, everyone seemed so happy - I was disappointed.

Although I have a feeling this experience just might test my mettle.

We returned last month from a 28 day B2B on NGE doing the British Isles and North Cape itineraries. While the Zodiac boarding process would be challenging, the staff is extremely helpful in boarding passengers. I still remember our Antarctic trip on Endeavour in '03 when staff members literally carried an older passenger ashore who expressed a strong desire to set foot on the white continent - while there should be no expecation that this kind of help is always available, it is indicative of the caring attitude of the crew.

This is very helpful information for me and my Dad! Thank you very much for your response...

Bill

I once traveled with Lindblad among a group of passengers that included a 92 year old man with a broken arm, in a cast. The trip was in the Galapagos, so we didn't have to worry about snow/ice - but the crew got that gentleman into the Zodiac and out onto the shore and back aboard ship twice a day for a week. He had a great time, and there were no incidents. I've seen the crew perform similar uncredible feats in the Arctic and the Antarctic - they absolutely know what they're doing and do it magnificently. Even on less stable and forgiving ships (e.g., the original Sea Cloud) the Lindblad people are pros.

Their naturalists and expedition leaders can't be beat. Many of them are scientists and naturalists in their own right, and each expedition usually includes some naturalists who come from the area being visited.