The worldwide leader of expedition and adventure cruises, Lindblad Expeditions – National Geographic, has announced they’ve signed agreements for two US coastal vessels.  The 100-guest ships will be built by Nichols Brothers Boat Builders at their shipyard on Whidbey Island in Washington.  The first ship is to be delivered mid-2017, and the second mid-2018.

Some key features of the vessels will include:

• 50 cabins; 22 with balconies and 8 that can be configured into four adjoining cabins for families.
• All public spaces will be designed for maximum viewing to the outside with quick access to the decks.
• An outdoor walkway around the entire sun deck, which will include an al fresco bar and grill.
• A fleet of paddle boards, sea kayaks, and landing craft, all to get guests out and exploring.
• A fully equipped fitness room and spa.
• Cutting edge expedition technology, including a remotely operated vehicle (ROV), video microscope, and a hydrophone and bow-cam designed for immediate bow deployment to hear and film, for example, humpback whale sounds or bow-riding dolphins.
• Full cold and warm water diving gear and underwater cameras for the Undersea Specialist to bring back pictures from underwater.
• State of the art A/V system for high quality presentations, including National Geographic photography instruction.

Building of these vessels will begin this year. Visit expeditions.com for more information.