NEW YORK — Lindblad Expeditions is building a second new polar vessel, set for delivery in late Q3 2021.

A new agreement has been signed with Norwegian shipbuilder Ulstein to build a new polar vessel, expanding the line’s National Geographic polar fleet to four ships. This marks the next phase of Lindblad’s fleet expansion following the launches of new builds National Geographic Quest in July 2017, National Geographic Venture in December 2018, and the scheduled delivery of National Geographic Endurance in Q1 2020.

Sister ship to the Endurance, the new ship will be fully stabilized with the highest ice class of any purpose-built passenger vessel, and will feature Ulstein’s signature X-BOW, which affords the smoothest, most comfortable ride imaginable.

“We are extremely excited to announce this next phase in our growth strategy. National Geographic Endurance and the unique itineraries that it is able to facilitate given its superlative capabilities, has been met with considerable excitement from both our existing guest community and those new to Lindblad-National Geographic, and we are confident that its sister ship will garner the same level of enthusiasm in the market,” said Sven Lindblad, president and chief executive officer of Lindblad.

Like its sister ship, the new vessel will accommodate 126 passengers in 69 cabins and suites. With 75% of the cabins featuring balconies for private viewing, multiple observation decks inside and outside, and ‘observation wings’, the surrounding environs will always be accessible.

Off-ship exploring will be greatly enhanced with an innovative Zodiac loading system that will allow everyone to get ashore quickly and safely. The ship’s complement of expedition tools for exploration will include kayaks, cross-country skis, a remotely operated vehicle, hydrophones, a video microscope, underwater video cameras and more, to be announced in the coming months.