The National Geographic Endurance expedition ship gleamed in the soft light of the spring morning. With its distinctive royal blue hull, the ship was a striking sight docked beside HMS Belfast, just by Tower Bridge. We knew we were in for a treat.

A group of around 30 representatives from Fred. Olsen Travel and GoCruise & Travel were cordially invited aboard this remarkable vessel, which rarely docks in London.

Following a brief transfer from Tower Pier, our visit began at the Ice Lounge on Deck 6 (Lounge Deck). Once comfortably seated, we were treated to a 30-minute presentation introducing the NG Lindblad Expeditions brand and its offerings to the UK market.

The presentation was both refreshing and exciting, highlighting the unique appeal of this relatively new name in the region. Particularly captivating were the extraordinary destinations visited by their fleet of 22 ships—offering adventurous, immersive experiences that clearly set them apart.

This area of the Ice Lounge also included a relaxed seating section, equipped with variously sized TV screens to accommodate future presentations—ensuring clear visibility from every seat. At the rear, a well-appointed bar offered an inviting space to unwind and soak in the surroundings. Opposite the lounge, the Photo Studio stood out as a highlight of the ship. Staffed by professional National Geographic photographers, it provided guests with expert yet approachable guidance to elevate their photography skills throughout the voyage.

Guests also have the opportunity to borrow, on a complimentary basis, a selection of high-quality Olympus (OM System) cameras and lenses. The studio provides convenient facilities to download and review your images—and, if the ship’s connectivity allows, to share them directly to social media platforms.

Just beyond the Photo Studio lies a well-equipped onboard shop, offering a curated selection of expedition-related items—a true explorer’s treasure trove.

Toward the stern of the ship, the Ice Lounge extends seamlessly onto the open deck, offering exceptional viewing areas ideal for scenic cruising. This outdoor space features two circular seating areas, each thoughtfully equipped with warm blankets, a central fire pit-style “caldera,” and several overhead lamp heaters—ensuring comfort even during chilly days in polar regions.

Just behind you have 4 large white armchair type seats, perfect spot to relax and take in the breathtaking surroundings, preferably with a glass of Prosecco in hand.

Following our time in the Ice Lounge—and after capturing numerous photos—we were invited to enjoy lunch in the Two Seven Zero restaurant, located toward the stern on Deck 5 (Main Deck). The menu offered something for every palate, and we were treated to 30 minutes of exquisite cuisine and carefully paired wines in an elegant yet relaxed setting.

After lunch, the group was divided into three smaller parties for a guided tour of the ship, allowing us to explore the many impressive facilities and design features that make the National Geographic Endurance truly one of a kind.

As we embarked on our 60-minute guided tour from the Ice Lounge—which, by this point, felt very much like the social and operational heart of the ship—our guide, Mark, impressed us with his depth of knowledge and enthusiasm.

Our first stop was the Bridge. The National Geographic Endurance operates an open bridge policy (with the exception of certain operational times), allowing guests the rare opportunity to see the ship's navigation in action. Unlike traditional vessels with large, iconic helms, the steering here has been modernised and streamlined. The ship is now navigated using a small, joystick-like device, no larger than a standard video game controller—emblematic of the vessel's state-of-the-art technology.

The two captain’s chairs were notably angled in a way that reflects the ship’s expeditionary routes, designed for optimal visibility and communication during polar navigation.

Just outside the Bridge, an observation deck offers panoramic views—an inviting space where guests frequently gather, cameras, phones, or binoculars in hand, to take in the awe-inspiring scenery. One can only imagine the experience of standing here while gliding through the otherworldly landscapes of Antarctica or the Arctic.

Below this deck, a small stairwell leads down to an additional viewing platform. From this vantage point, the ship’s distinctive X-Bow design is clearly visible—an engineering feature that enhances stability and efficiency in rough seas, further setting this vessel apart from more conventional cruise ships.

As we made our way across the ship, we were introduced to the Sanctuary on Deck 8—a space that truly lives up to its name. Designed as a haven of relaxation, it delivered on every promise. Inside, we found two Nordic saunas, a spa treatment room, and a serene yoga area also used for stretching sessions—each element thoughtfully crafted for wellness and tranquillity.

Adjacent to the saunas was one of the many Elkay-filtered water refill stations, available for all guests. With the complimentary reusable water bottles provided, this one-use system was both convenient and environmentally friendly.

Stepping outside the Sanctuary, the wraparound deck area immediately invited you to linger. Plush armchairs—wide enough to curl up in—and elegant wave-style lounge chairs all faced aft, offering uninterrupted views and the perfect place to unwind. Just ahead were two small infinity pools. In the warmer destinations offered by NG, these must be a welcome treat.

But what truly sets NG Endurance apart from other expedition ships are the two igloos perched on either side of the deck. These glass-enclosed retreats are well-appointed with cozy beds and modern amenities, allowing for an unforgettable overnight experience during Polar voyages. Although staying in the igloos is complimentary, spots are limited and allocated by a lottery system at embarkation. Guests in higher-category suites are given first preference, but anyone can put their name in for the chance.

Staying on the Observation Deck—Deck 8—puts you at the heart of the ship’s social and culinary life. This deck serves as the main hub for both gourmet experiences and casual gatherings.

One of its highlights is Charlie’s Green, the ship’s second, more intimate restaurant. Named in honour of Charles Green, the cook aboard Sir Ernest Shackleton’s ship Endurance during the legendary 1914–17 expedition to Antarctica, the venue offers a cozy atmosphere with nods to exploration history. Adjacent to the restaurant is Charlie’s Bar, complete with a piano and a relaxed seating area that encourages conversation or quiet reflection with a drink in hand.

Also located on this deck is The Science Hub—a centrepiece for the educational aspect of your journey. Here, guests can immerse themselves in the scientific side of the expedition, enhanced by a large, curved screen that delivers high-definition visuals for presentations and briefings.

Moving forward, you’ll discover a small but inviting library, a perfect hideaway for quieter moments. At its centre sits a large, movable globe on the coffee table—a fitting touch for a voyage of exploration and discovery.

As you move around the NG Endurance, both indoors and out, it becomes clear that while the ship is smaller than traditional cruise liners, everything you need is thoughtfully placed and within easy reach. The compact design enhances accessibility without sacrificing comfort or function.

One practical feature I noticed were the “sick bag” stations discreetly mounted on the walls—an appreciated precaution, particularly for those notorious rough days at sea, like crossing the Drake Passage. Hand sanitiser stations were also conveniently located throughout the vessel, a subtle but important nod to hygiene, especially in a shared environment.

The open-deck space is more limited than on larger ships, but that’s expected on an expedition vessel where the focus is more on exploration than sunbathing. Still, on the port side, you’ll find the Bar Grill with open seating—a pleasant spot for casual dining in the fresh sea air.

One detail that stood out was the seating throughout the ship. Whether in the Bar Grill or inside the main restaurant, all chairs were equipped with seat belts and bolted to the floor—a visual reminder of the sometimes-unpredictable seas. It’s easy to picture the need for that kind of stability during a strong swell on the open ocean!

Next on our tour was a look at the staterooms, and we started right at the top—Suite Category 7—and why not? This premium suite was immaculate and thoughtfully presented. It featured a spacious bathroom with both a bathtub and a separate shower, a generous lounging area, and, of course, a private balcony. On the bed, which looked especially inviting, a neatly folded blue Polar Parka awaited the next guest. These parkas are included with your Polar voyages and yours to keep irrespective of cabin category—blue for Arctic expeditions, yellow for Antarctic.

We then viewed another suite—slightly smaller but still well-equipped, offering similar amenities with a bit less square footage, as expected.

Balcony cabins in Categories 3 to 5 struck a great balance of comfort and value. They included all the essentials needed for an expedition cruise, from practical storage space to outdoor access, without compromising on quality.

What stood out was how well solo travellers are catered for. The solo staterooms were surprisingly roomy and even came with balconies, ensuring no compromise on experience or comfort.

For those keeping a closer eye on budget, the Seaview cabins in Categories 1 and 2 offer good value too. Though more modest in size, they still provide all the functionality and style needed for an enjoyable journey.

Next, we made our way down to the Expedition Deck—Deck 3—the operational heart of NG Endurance's adventure activities. This is where the kayaks and zodiacs are housed, ready for rapid deployment during shore excursions. Impressively, the zodiacs can be launched in just 15 minutes, thanks to the efficient layout and the positioning of the opening doors.

Also on this deck is the cloakroom and the essential boot room. Here, expedition boots are stored and disinfected before and after each landing—particularly critical when visiting the pristine environment of Antarctica.

It’s also on this deck that the legendary Polar Plunge takes place. If you're looking to tick off a true bucket list experience, diving into the frigid polar waters from this very spot is the one to go for—equal parts thrilling and unforgettable.

To summarise, NG Endurance is not only a beautifully appointed expedition ship but also one of the most technically advanced of its kind. With a Polar Class 5 (PC5) ice rating, she’s built to navigate conditions where conventional ships would struggle. This capability is enhanced by her distinctive X-Bow design—a revolutionary hull shape that slices through waves rather than riding over them, significantly reducing vibration and offering a smoother, more comfortable ride in even the roughest seas.

It’s a ship that blends luxury with serious expedition capability, setting a new standard for polar exploration. Truly, a magnificent vessel.