A very small ship, for nature and wildlife cruises
Overview. National Geographic Endeavour and its type of soft exploration cruising are best suited to adventurous, hardy types who enjoy being with nature and wildlife in some of the most interesting places, but cosseted aboard a small, modestly comfortable ship. Specialized lecturers accompanying each cruise make this a real life-enrichment experience.
The Ship. Renamed in 2005, the former Endeavour was built as a stern factory fishing trawler for North Sea service. Today, National Geographic Endeavour is a tidy and well-cared-for discovery-style cruise vessel operating ‘soft’ expedition cruises. There is an open-bridge policy for all passengers. It carries 10 Zodiac landing craft for excursions, and has a helicopter pad and an enclosed shore tender. A steep aft stairway leads down to the landing craft platform. This small ship has a reasonable number of public rooms and facilities, including a lecture room/lounge/bar/library, where videos are also stocked for in-cabin use. There’s a good book selection.
This likeable, homey ship runs well organized, destination-intensive, soft expedition-style cruises, at a very reasonable price. It attracts loyal repeat passengers who don’t want to sail aboard ships that look like apartment blocks. The itineraries include Antarctica, where this ship has been operating since 1998.
The interior stairways are a little steep, as is the exterior stairway to the Zodiac embarkation points. Noise from the diesel engines can be irksome, particularly on the lower decks. Recommended gratuities are $10 per person, per day.
Accommodation. There are five categories of cabins: one suite category and four non-suite categories. The all-outside-view cabins are compact, but reasonably comfortable, and they are decorated in warm, muted tones. All cabins have a minibar/refrigerator, video player, and a decent amount of closet and drawer space – though it’s tight for long voyages. The bathrooms are tight, with little space for storing toiletries. Four ‘suites’ are basically double the size of a standard cabin, and have a wood partition separating the bedroom and lounge area. The bathroom is still small, however.
Dining. The open-seating dining room is small and charming, but the low-back chairs are not comfortable. The cuisine is reasonably high quality, fresh ingredients, but not a lot of choice. Salad items lack variety, as do international cheeses. Service is attentive and friendly.
Entertainment. The main lounge is the venue for lectures, slide shows, and occasional film presentations. There are no shows.
Spa/Fitness. There is a small fitness room and a tiny sauna.