National Geographic Islander II

Lindblad Expeditions
Brand overview

Lindblad Expeditions voyages the world’s most remote places, exploring extraordinary wildlife sites, pristine atolls and polar regions with their fleet of small expedition ships.

Project background

Now under its new ownership with Lindblad Expeditions, we were an appropriate choice to revitalise the Crystal Esprit, which has been renamed the National Geographic Islander II. We had previously completed the successful refurbishment of Crystal Esprit back in 2015, turning what was formerly a charter vessel into a yacht for commercial use.

The now 48-guest expedition yacht, which will solely tour the Galapagos islands, required light refurbishment in most areas and purposeful reconfiguration to some public spaces, including extending the outdoor dining deck of the Patio Cafe to provide more alfresco dining on the aft terrace.

As well as modifying the Cove, a comfortable lounge with a full-service bar, to allow for a minimum of 55 seats, strategically placed to enable the view of a centrally positioned Speaker to engage guests.

It was also essential to make changes to the yacht as required for its new operation as an expedition vessel for 48 guests.

This included replacing the Casino with a Science Hub and extending the Marina to make way for additional wetsuit and snorkelling equipment.

The expedition yacht, operated in partnership with National Geographic,
will commence tours in the late summer of 2022.

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