Lindblad's purchase of Crystal Cruises' former Crystal Esprit seemed like an odd choice for a yacht used for high-end chartering.
Lindblad saw a chance to upgrade its hardware in the Galapagos, where an array of upscale ships are being built.
The National Geographic Islander II has the same number as the Lindblad ship that sailed in the Galapagos. The new Islander is three times the size and has more space per passenger in cabins and public areas.
The patio cafe is indoors Johanna Jainchill's photo was used.
The ship was in its new home. The Islander II is just as old as its predecessor. It was built in the 1990s, but after undergoing a second major refurbishment last year, it doesn't feel old or worn.
The smallest cabin on the Islander II is double the size of the one on the previous ship, and it's big enough for passengers to fit in. There is a seating area with a full-size couch, king beds that can be split into two twins, large windows and bathroom with double sink marble. It's important to have enough closet space to hang wet items.
There is a standard cabin. Johanna Jainchill's photo was used.
The patio cafe is a restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating that I rarely saw inside. It was my favorite place to eat when I was enjoying the outdoors.
The Yacht Club restaurant serves most dinners, but the Grill on the Observation Deck is used for barbecues and other outdoor events.
hammocks were very popular on warm afternoons at the Observation Deck. The pool was too small to be used in September but guests still lounged around it.
There is a bathroom in the suite. Johanna Jainchill's photo was used.
It's clear that the mission is to deliver thepagos to guests. There are photos of wildlife and landscapes on the walls. The archipelago is the focus of most of the library books and the gift shop has work by local artisans.
The Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic Artisan Fund provides workspace and training for artisans. Guests were educated about the program and the artists that are in it. I got a rash guard made from recycled plastic and drinking glasses from used wine bottles from the shop.
Most local encounters are of the tortoise and sea lion variety, which Lindblad tries to highlight.
There are hammocks on the observation deck. Johanna Jainchill's photo was used.
The chef used local ingredients like quinoa and mote in his meals. Most passengers didn't know about the blends at the wine tasting.
The daily talks include the stories of the people who grew up on the islands. Our walks on the islands were enriched by their knowledge of the fauna and flora.
Lindblad's other Galapagos ship, the 96-passenger National Geographic Endeavour II, is smaller than the Islander II. The crew and guests became familiar and friendly on our sailing due to being in a remote area where small groups hike, snorkel and ride Zodiacs together.
There is a bathroom in a cabin. Johanna Jainchill's photo was used.
Passengers gathered at The Cove for drinks and nibbles during a predinner presentation of the day's events. The screens built into the furniture give the room a good view.
There are shorter sailings on the Islander II compared to the 10-day voyages on the Endeavor.
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