National Geographic Resolution Zodiac alongside ship in polar waters

Ship · Nat Geo Lindblad

National Geographic Resolution

Lindblad’s Second Purpose-Built Polar Expedition Ship

Lindblad’s second purpose-built polar flagship — 138 guests, PC5 polar class, dual helicopters, and the full National Geographic scientific and naturalist programming in Antarctica and the Arctic.

Guests
138
Max capacity
Cabins
76
Multiple categories
Ice class
PC5
Ice-strengthened hull
Helicopters
2 onboard
Dual helicopter capability
Crew
116
1.2:1 guest-to-crew ratio
Starting price
$10,000
per person

Style Pure expedition · Modern boutique

  • Wildlife Encounters
  • Experiential Learning Adventure
  • Family-Friendly
  • High staff-to-guest ratio

National Geographic Resolution launched in 2021 as the near-sister ship to National Geographic Endurance, and together the two vessels form the core of Lindblad’s purpose-built polar fleet. Resolution carries 138 guests in 76 cabins across multiple categories, features two onboard helicopters, and delivers the full weight of Lindblad’s expedition program — a team of 20+ naturalists, scientists, undersea specialists, and National Geographic photographers who transform every Zodiac landing and wildlife encounter into a genuine learning experience.

Classified as PC5 rather than PC6, Resolution offers marginally stronger ice capability than Endurance and is used on some of Lindblad’s deepest Antarctic routing. Operationally the two ships are largely interchangeable, and the differences are minor for most travelers. The decision between them is almost always determined by itinerary and schedule rather than any significant distinction in product or experience.

Onboard facilities mirror Endurance: multiple cabin categories, a restaurant, lounge, library, and wellness facilities, with the design emphasis firmly placed on serving the expedition program rather than showcasing the ship. Resolution is particularly well-suited for multigenerational groups — Lindblad’s programming is specifically designed to engage travelers of all ages, and the ship’s expedition depth makes it the most educational option at this price point in the expedition cruise market.

On board + on site

What makes National Geographic Resolution the ship

National Geographic Endurance C-Greens Restaurant dining room

C-Greens Restaurant

All-inclusive dining with globally inspired rotating menus

C-Greens is Endurance’s main restaurant, serving three meals daily with menus that draw on global cuisines and fresh ingredients. The dining program is consistently rated a standout by Lindblad guests — genuinely better than the expedition ship norm, and a welcome backdrop for the kind of conversation that tends to happen after a full day on the ice.

National Geographic Endurance Ice Lounge observation space

Ice Lounge

Panoramic observation lounge and expedition briefing space

The Ice Lounge is Endurance’s signature social space — a forward-facing observation lounge with panoramic glass walls and a design that keeps Antarctica in view from almost every seat. Expedition briefings, post-landing recaps, and the informal conversations between specialists and guests that define the Lindblad experience all happen here.

National Geographic Resolution expedition ship exterior

Dual Helicopter Program

Dual helicopters for access beyond Zodiac range

Resolution’s two onboard helicopters expand operational reach beyond anything a Zodiac-only expedition ship can offer — aerial wildlife surveys, remote landing sites inaccessible by sea, and overflights of polar landscapes that most Antarctic travelers never experience. Identical program to Endurance, delivering the same access advantage on every PC5-routed voyage.

National Geographic photographer shooting from ship deck in Antarctica

NatGeo Photography Program

On-board NatGeo photographer and photo instruction program

Every Endurance voyage includes a certified National Geographic photographer and a photo instructor with access to Lindblad’s NatGeo photography resources. From wildlife timing to low-light polar technique, the program gives guests practical skills to document the expedition the way NatGeo would — and the results show.

National Geographic Endurance Science Hub research facility

Science Hub

Active research facility with guest-accessible citizen science

Endurance’s Science Hub is an active research facility where guest-accessible citizen science programming runs throughout every voyage. Equipped with analytical tools, specimen collections, and specialist oversight, it’s where Lindblad’s commitment to genuine scientific contribution becomes tangible rather than decorative.

A scuba diver swims next to a jellyfish

Undersea Specialist Program

Live undersea video, specialist team

Lindblad’s undersea specialist program deploys video cameras, remotely operated equipment, and specialist divers (on qualifying voyages) to document the marine world beneath the expedition route. Live footage is broadcast to screens throughout the ship in real time, allowing every guest to observe what the undersea team is encountering below the Zodiac landing sites. The program reflects Lindblad’s National Geographic partnership — a commitment to scientific documentation as an inherent part of the expedition experience rather than an optional add-on.

National Geographic Resolution Zodiac alongside ship in polar waters

Zodiac Landings

Daily Zodiac landings and sea kayaking in polar waters

Resolution’s Zodiac fleet launches daily in most conditions — bringing guests to Antarctic shore sites, wildlife colonies, and ice formations the main ship can’t access. The program mirrors Endurance’s, with the same tight operational tempo and expert-led shore programming that maximizes time on ice and minimizes wait in the water.

Cabins + suites

Where you'll sleep.

National Geographic Resolution Category 01 cabin interior

Fore Deck

Category 01

183 sq ft (17 m²) / Two large windows

The entry category on Resolution, forward on the Fore Deck: two large windows rather than a balcony, two single beds that convert to a queen, a sofa and bedside tables. Only six cabins carry this category, and the expedition program is exactly the same as in the suites: you’ll spend your days on deck, in the Zodiacs and ashore.

National Geographic Resolution Category 02 cabin interior

Fore Deck

Category 02

205 sq ft (19 m²) / Two large windows

Also on the Fore Deck with two large windows, but a little roomier than Category 01: two single beds that convert to a queen, a sofa and bedside tables. A good choice for travelers who want more space without paying for a balcony.

National Geographic Resolution Category 03 cabin interior

Main Deck

Category 03

205 sq ft (19 m²) / Private balcony

The lowest deck with a private balcony, set up with two chairs, a hammock and a table. Inside: two single beds that convert to a queen and a sofa. The most affordable way to step outside your own door to the ice.

National Geographic Resolution Category Solo A cabin interior

Main Deck

Category Solo A

140 sq ft (13 m²) / Private balcony / Solo

A cabin built for one, so there’s no single supplement to negotiate: one single bed, a writing desk and a private balcony with a chair and a table, on the Main Deck.

National Geographic Resolution Category 04 cabin interior

Lounge Deck

Category 04

205 sq ft (19 m²) / Private balcony

The same balcony layout as Category 03 (two chairs, a hammock and a table outside; two single beds that convert to a queen inside), one deck higher on the Lounge Deck.

National Geographic Resolution Category Solo B cabin interior

Lounge Deck

Category Solo B

140 sq ft (13 m²) / Private balcony / Solo

The same size as Solo A, one deck up on the Lounge Deck, with a hammock added on the balcony. One single bed, a bedside table and a writing desk.

National Geographic Resolution Category 05 cabin interior

Bridge Deck

Category 05

205 sq ft (19 m²) / Private balcony

The balcony cabin on the highest passenger deck, the Bridge Deck: two chairs, a hammock and a table outside; two single beds that convert to a queen inside. The same size as 03 and 04, with the best vantage point of the three.

National Geographic Resolution Category 06 cabin interior

Bridge Deck

Category 06

344 sq ft (32 m²) / Junior suite, private balcony

Resolution’s only junior suite (there is just one, #714), on the Bridge Deck. Noticeably larger than the balcony cabins, with a private balcony set up with two chairs, a hammock and a table. Ask us early if you want it.

National Geographic Resolution Category 07 cabin interior

Bridge Deck

Category 07

430 sq ft (40 m²) / Suite, private balcony

The top category on Resolution: a full suite on the Bridge Deck with a separate sitting area and a private balcony with two chairs, a hammock and a table. More than twice the floor space of the balcony cabins.

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