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Lindblad's new Galápagos ship in service one month early

(Photo: Lindblad Expeditions)
National Geographic Endeavour II - the former Via Australis underwent a major renovation
Lindblad Expeditions' new Galápagos ship embarked on its maiden voyage Dec. 3, one month ahead of schedule. The 96-passenger National Geographic Endeavour ll is on a 17-day 'Epic Galápagos Photography Expedition.'

Before making its way to the Galápagos, the ship received a traditional Ecuadorian religious blessing in Guayaquil. Lindblad ceo Sven Lindblad hosted a celebration on board with members of the crew and their families as special guests.

'A ship is a ship. It is a piece of hardware, it does its job, and it is an important one. But it is not nearly as important as the people who run the ship, who provide the experience for the guests,' Lindblad stated in a toast.

The company said National Geographic Endeavour ll—the former Via Australis, which underwent a major renovation—embodies decades of knowledge about the Galápagos environment. The ship's shallow draft affords up-close views from all public spaces, large windows in cabins and suites, the latest exploration tools and a twin Zodiac loading platform for fast loading and unloading.

National Geographic II offers a choice of suites on two decks, double cabins with beds that can be configured as two twins or a queen, seven sets of connecting cabins for families and friends, triple cabins and dedicated solo cabins that equal the size and amenities of the doubles.

Commemorating the ship’s inaugural and the upcoming 50th anniversary of Lars-Eric Lindblad’s pioneering voyage to the Galápagos, Lindblad is offering National Geographic Endeavour ll travelers free round-trip air from Miami to the Galápagos. This applies to all departures Jan. 6 to March 31, and is a savings of $1,300 per person.

Throughout 2017 free air also will be offered for select departures of National Geographic Endeavour ll and the 48-passenger National Geographic Islander. The offers cover both international air from Miami to Guayaquil, and the flight from Guayaquil to the Galápagos.

National Geographic Endeavour II replaced National Geographic Endeavour.