NEW YORK — Lindblad Expeditions’ second polar vessel has officially launched and is now sailing its inaugural voyage in Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falklands.

The National Geographic Resolution set sail earlier this week from the Weddell Sea’s Duse Bay, where guests walked onto the ice to cheer on Captain Heidi Norling as she christened the 126-guest vessel.

“I wish this ship calm winds, fair seas and great adventures,” said Norling as she tossed the bottle. “May everyone who sails with her be blessed.”

The occasion marked Lindblad Expeditions’ second polar new build in its history, and the second vessel to launch in 2021. Both are currently in Antarctica for the season.

“Seeing both of our new ships together in Ushuaia was very touching,” said Sven Lindblad, founder and co-chair of the Board, who just completed the inaugural Antarctica voyage for National Geographic Endurance. “They are extraordinary ships. We had very high expectations when we were building them and their performance has far exceeded them.”

Following its inaugural season in Antarctica, National Geographic Resolution will make its debut in Europe next spring where it will navigate from Portugal to France, and Scotland to Norway. After a summer in the Arctic, the ship will then return to Antarctica via Japan and the East China Sea and the remote Pacific Islands.

Named to honour the first ship to cross the Antarctic Circle in 1773, the fully stabilized National Geographic Resolution features X-Bow technology to guarantee the smoothest, most comfortable ride in all kinds of conditions.

Said Dolf Berle, CEO of Lindblad Expeditions: “There are over 1,000 years of combined team expertise that go into a moment like this and what an amazing team it is. We are so proud of everyone that worked tirelessly to create this extraordinary ship.”