Nat Geo Islander was built in France and launched in 1995. She was purchased by Lindblad and relaunched in 2007 as the National Geographic Islander.
CAPACITY: 48 guests in 24 outside cabins. There was a crew of 37 on our sailing.
OVERALL LENGTH: 164 feet. Catamaran hull. This was our first time on a catamaran this size and found it not as stable as expected.
REGISTRY: Ecuador.
PUBLIC AREAS: Ship is fully air-conditioned. Covered deck with chairs and tables; Doctor’s Office (services of the Doctor are not extra); Fitness Center (Small but adequate); Global Market; LEXspa; Library; Lounge with full-service bar (there is also a beer cooler available on the honor system, simply sign for what you take) and facilities for films, and presentations; and Sky Deck. The Ecuadorian Captain welcomes guests to the Bridge in accordance with our “Open Bridge” policy.
MEALS: Served in single seatings with unassigned tables, meals are informal. Menu is international with an Ecuadorian flair. Breakfast and lunch will be served buffet style, with different cold and hot options to choose from daily. Each evening, you will have the opportunity to choose between three dinner entrees – meat, fish, or vegetarian. Dinner choices will change on a nightly basis. Every morning early riser pastries are served in the lounge beginning an hour before breakfast is served in the dining room. There is also a 24 hour coffee and soda station available. I seriously would have enjoyed a pizza and burger night.
We found the food excellent, some reviews we had read were less than stellar. The service was most gracious.
CABINS: All cabins have a window with an outside view, private facilities and climate controls. We were in a Category 2 cabin and found it to be roomy with a very small bathroom. Queen bed, writing desk, nice cabinets for storage and a good shelve which we used as a charging station, large closet with several drawers for storage. Luggage was stored under the bed.
EXPEDITION EQUIPMENT: Kayaks, snorkeling gear, underwater video camera, video micro-scope, wet suits, Zodiac landing craft.
SPECIAL FEATURES: Internet access (Not the best, very slow, and we had antenna troubles so all internet packages were refunded for our voyage), laundry service, Wellness Specialist, and Video Chronicler.
WELLNESS: The vessel is staffed by a Wellness Specialist and features exercise equipment and outdoor stretching area.
A typical day for us would start at 0600 with coffee, fruit and pastry. Then we would head out for an activity which may be kayaking or a hike. Return to the ship for breakfast. Then prepare for another activity, snorkeling or a zodiac ride. Back to the ship to prepare for an other activity, maybe a hike. Each time we returned to the ship we were treated with a snack and juice. Then lunch and siesta till about 1400. Then maybe a photo session or lecture. Then off to shore for another hike. Returning in the late afternoon one would clean up and prepare for cocktail hour and debriefing of the days activities and receive the agenda for the next day. Dinner and then bed.
There is a computer station with three stations. Here one can preview their photos, connect to the internet, copy photos to a external device etc. The good thing is that when my Mac Book power supply died, there was a power supply available there for me to use.
Only additional expenses are any souvenirs, internet access, alcoholic beverages, and tips. Tips are suggested at $160 per person for the voyage. The tips are pooled and then split amongst the crew.
Video Chronicler: A videographer is “on assignment” during the sailing, with cameras at-the-ready 24 hours a day and seven days a week. Their goal is to capture the essence of your expedition. A voyage DVD is available for purchase at the end of your expedition. Cost was $50 for the first and $25 for any additional copies. They do not work on commission.
Sorry for a couple of not so great pics.
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