National Geographic Endeavor II
Fodor’s Expert Review
Ship Overview
The Galápagos adventure begins with a Zodiac ride from the dock to the National Geographic Endeavour II, one of the National Geographic-Lindblad fleet of small ships. Luggage is portered ahead of time, leaving guests free to marvel at the ship as they climb aboard from the Zodiac. The 52-cabin ship accommodates up to 96 guests for an intimate experience in the archipelago.Read More
The expedition ship is under the National Geographic Expeditions umbrella of expedition cruises, and sails exclusively in the Galápagos. Its small size means National Geographic Endeavour II can nimbly navigate the islands and change course as needed due to weather, migration routes, or Galápagos National Park regulations.
While travel between the islands of Baltra and San Cristóbal with a stop at Santa Cruz is part of every itinerary, the other islands visited over the course of the 10-day voyage vary by departure in an effort to protect the integrity of the environment and ecosystems. Regardless, each day offers ample opportunity to snorkel, swim, kayak, or hike with local naturalists. Kayaks and Zodiacs launch right from the ship to make the most of every moment within the national park.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
What to expect on board
Staterooms & Cabins
All 52 cabins on the National Geographic Endeavour II are exterior-facing cabins with windows and are surprisingly roomy for an expedition ship. Spread out over three decks, the cabins are divided into four categories: categories one and two on the upper deck, category three on the lounge deck, and category four on the bridge deck; single cabins are available in categories two and three.
Four suites are available mid-ship: suite A, or cabin 320, on the lounge deck features larger windows and a larger bath, and can connect to cabin 322 next door for even more room. Suite B, or cabin 420 and cabin 422 on the bridge deck boasts two floor-to-ceiling windows, a larger bath and a pull-out sofa that can sleep a third person. The largest cabin on the ship is suite C or cabin 415, with a separate sitting area with a pull-out sofa that can sleep a third person, as well as two large windows and a larger bathroom.
Each cabin has ample storage space to unpack and make guests feel right at home, including a closet with built-in drawers, and nightstands with drawers, too. Bathrooms are tight but manageable; bathrobes are provided in each cabin.
Embarkation and disembarkation of National Geographic Endeavour II is by Zodiac; because of the geography in the Galápagos, the ship does not dock in ports. All guests need to be able to safely embark and disembark the ship via Zodiac.
There are no ADA cabins on the ship.
Food & Drink
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all served in the dining room; there is one seating for each meal (a daily schedule is provided to guests each evening so they know what’s in store for the day ahead in regards to meal times and activities). Breakfast starts with a buffet-style offering of fresh fruit, yogurts, cereals, prepared eggs and breakfast meats, pancakes or waffles, and local specialties. A cooking station offers omelets and eggs cooked-to-order.
Lunch and dinner are served in the dining room; daily menus feature dishes that highlight fresh, local ingredients. The culinary team has worked hard to cultivate a farm-to-galley approach in the Galápagos that is focused on supporting and protecting the islands and its people. In addition to purchasing 30-40 tons of local and organic produce annually from Galápagos farmers, 100% of all (non-produce) provisions are sourced from the islands or from the mainland of Ecuador.
In an effort to maintain a sustainable dining experience, each evening guests are provided the following days’ menus so that they can select their meals ahead of time, reducing excess waste.
The culinary team does a fantastic job of accommodating dietary restrictions, including celiac, gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan and vegetarian. Guests should simply let the dining manager know of any concerns and the kitchen team will take care of the rest.
All of the adventures of an expedition cruise can work up an appetite. To stave off the munchies between meals, snacks are always available in the lounge, where guests will also find coffee, tea and water stations.
There is one bar onboard the National Geographic Endeavour II, and it’s in the lounge. The drink of the day is popular with guests, and the bartenders can mix up favorite cocktails and pour glasses of local wines, too. Alcoholic beverages are included in the fare, excluding some premium brands.
Entertainment
“Early to bed, early to rise” is an appropriate motto for expedition ships like National Geographic Endeavour II. Exploring the islands of the Galápagos and the waters that surround them provide morning and afternoon entertainment daily, whether on land or under the sea.
Back onboard, guests gather in the lounge before dinner for a recap of the day and a preview of the next day’s offerings, and return to the lounge after dinner to listen to members of the expedition team talk about topics of interest, like local marine life, local art and culture, and even photography tips. On occasion, a National Geographic expert or photographer joins the expedition team and will make presentations too. Local musicians and craftspeople may come onboard a night or two to share their talents as well.
Guests are welcome to borrow a book from the well-stocked bookshelves to read during their voyage, and those who finish the books they’ve brought onboard are encouraged to leave them behind for future passengers’ use. Two desktop computers are in the library for guests’ use, if needed.
Spa & Fitness
As with most expedition ships, “small but mighty” defines the ship’s spa and fitness spaces. The onboard wellness specialist offers muscle-easing treatments like massages and facials, and exclusive Ecuadorian massages and facials inspired by the Amazon, Highlands, Pacific Coast, and Galápagos. Guests can burn off any extra energy with cardio equipment and free weights that are at-the-ready in the fitness center, or join stretching sessions that are offered on deck most mornings.
Key cruising tips
Health & Safety
Like all cruise lines, health and safety is a top priority for National Geographic Endeavour II, and follows Lindblad Expeditions’ lead; National Geographic partners with Lindblad on its expedition voyages. As the public health environment evolves, Lindblad Expeditions’ COVID-19 Global Policy Team continues to consider guidance from medical experts, as well as U.S. and international authorities. To align with the end of the Federal Public Health Emergency for COVID-19 that will expire on May 11, 2023, the team is actively reevaluating its health and safety protocols.
That said, it is strongly recommended that all guests be fully vaccinated. Local laws do apply, so it is important to keep up-to-date with Ecuador’s and the Galápagos’ requirements. Face coverings are optional, and guests are asked to self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms daily.
Dress Code
Activewear is the name of the game when traveling aboard an expedition ship, so there aren’t any formal nights on the itinerary; rather, casual and comfortable is key. Because the Galápagos is on the equator, it’s important to protect yourself from the sun year-round. Expeditions by Zodiac often mean wet landings, so water shoes are a good idea, as are hiking shoes for land-based excursions.
Water temperatures in the Galápagos can range from the mid-60s to mid-70s, which is quite chilly. In addition to snorkels, masks and fins, “shorty” wetsuits are available for all guests to use while onboard. If prone to the cold, consider packing a full-length wetsuit, and even gloves, booties, and a hood or swim cap.
Junior Cruisers
Diving into the waters around the Galápagos is like diving into a wild and free aquarium. Junior cruisers are sure to be delighted, and are invited participate in the National Geographic Global Explorers, a hands-on, interactive program that takes learning to another level through drawings, videos, photographs, maps, and more.
Service
Everyone aboard National Geographic Endeavour II goes out of their way to provide exemplary service to guests traveling aboard, from the housekeeping crew to the culinary team to the captain. What’s more, the incredible expedition team of experts navigates the waters and islands of the Galápagos to give guests an in-depth, comprehensive and memorable experience that will create memories to hold onto for years to come.
Tipping
Gratuities are not included in the fare, and are at guests’ discretion. Suggested gratuities for this expedition are $200 per person.