Lindblad grows fleet

LINDBLAD Expeditions has inked a deal with Norwegian shipbuilder Ulstein for an expedition vessel, due for delivery in the first quarter of 2020.

The ship will be the line’s first polar new-build in its fleet and the agreement includes the option for two additional ships to be delivered in subsequent years.

It will be built in Ulsteinvik, Norway, and be designed as “the ultimate expedition platform with a focus on safety and comfort, as well as incorporating innovative sustainability solutions to reduce its environmental impact,” according to Lindblad.

The ship will feature Ulstein’s X-BOW, which works to improve guest comfort in rough seas, a very high ice-class, expanded fuel and water tanks for extended operations in remote areas and zero-speed stablisers.

There will be 69 cabins and suites, including 12 for solo travellers and 75% of cabins will feature balconies.

The ship will offer new “observation wings,” and be equipped with a Zodiac loading system allowing pax to get ashore quickly and safely, a helicopter landing platform, a remotely operated vehicle, underwater video camera and more.