Lindblad Expeditions Holdings has ordered a second
126-passenger ship that will be purpose-built for use in polar waters.
The ship, due in 2021, will be a twin to the National
Geographic Endurance set for delivery next year.
"These two ships will represent a whole new level of
capability in expedition cruising," said CEO Sven Lindblad, "in terms
of the level of comfort they provide guests, the regions and itineraries they
are able to travel to, and their ability to act as platforms for science in
some of the most remote and pristine parts of the world."
Norwegian shipbuilder and ship designer Ulstein got the
contract, worth an estimated $150 million.
Like the Endurance, the new polar vessel will be fully
stabilized with the highest ice class (PC5 Category A) of any purpose-built
passenger vessel, and will feature Ulstein's signature X-BOW, a design said to
have comfort, fuel economy and environmental benefits.