National Geographic Endeavour II is a purpose-built expedition ship that first sailed in 2005. After a complete refit, she will redeploy to Galápagos. She is exceptionally nimble and maneuverable, with a shallow draft to get up close, great viewing from all public spaces, large windows in cabins and suites, state-of-the-art tools for exploration, and a fast, seamless twin Zodiac loading platform.
You’ll find that time aboard is relaxing and enlightening—the perfect place for respite between activities—strolling beaches, hiking among abundant wildlife, kayaking, and exploring the undersea.
Amenities
National Geographic Endeavour II features expansive public spaces with room to roam and discover the ship’s nooks and crannies. Gather with friends over cocktails in the evening or find a spot all to yourself, with a book, at midday. On a clear night, head to the ship’s sundeck and ask a naturalist to point out the Southern Cross, or venture to the bridge to mark the Equator crossing on the ship’s compass.
You’re invited to the ship’s bridge to see the calm business of navigation unfold. Ask the watch officer questions about sailing the Galápagos Islands. Or help yourself to the ever-ready binoculars to scan the horizon. There may occasionally be times, such as late at night or due to security regulations, when the bridge must be restricted to shipboard personnel only, but otherwise, you are always welcome.
The lounge, located on the veranda deck, is the heart of our expedition community, where we hold the cocktail hour and Recap each evening. It’s also where you’ll gather for lectures, photography talks, and guest speaker presentations. Forward of the lounge is an area that provides information on the conservation of the islands, and where you can view your photos on the photo kiosk. Board games are also available.
The bar is typically open from 11 a.m. until one hour after lunch begins and from 5 p.m. until closing. A variety of beverages are available for purchase including beer, cocktails, a daily specialty drink, spirits, and wine by the glass or bottle. There are also 24-hour self-service beverage stations in the library and the forward lounge with coffee, tea, soft drinks, water, ice, and snacks.
The library, easily the finest library in the islands, is located on the bridge deck. It includes a wide range of novels, puzzles, reference, and illustrated books. It’s a quiet, cool place to relax, browse maps of the islands, and watch the scenery glide past. It’s probably where Endeavour II’s grand past as a global traveler can be most keenly sensed.
A small swimming pool located aft of the lounge on the veranda deck is the perfect place to cool off on a warm day, or test out your snorkeling gear with help from a naturalist before venturing into the ocean.
The pure wildness of Galápagos is naturally uplifting. Add to that a variety of spa treatments available aboard, and you’ll find your expedition relaxing as well as revitalizing. Massages, body treatments, facials, and hand and foot treatments inspired by the natural beauty of Galápagos, are all available in the LEXspa.
Located just aft of the library, it contains a variety of exercise equipment and a sauna. There are several types of cardio equipment as well as free weights. Simply ask the wellness specialist if you’d like a yoga mat, exercise bands, or sets of small hand weights to use in your cabin as well.
National Geographic Endeavour II Dining
Our dining room accommodates the entire expedition community in a single seating, and many tables accommodate an odd number of people to encourage easy mingling. Independent travelers will find a welcome everywhere. Dress is always casual and the general ambience is relaxed and informal.
Every meal is a delight and often a discovery—a window, so to speak, on the region you’re exploring. All food served aboard is fresh, local and delicious; sourced from suppliers that share our values of sustainability whenever possible, and often inflected with regional flavors.
Breakfast is served buffet-style, with eggs and other dishes made to order. Enjoy freshly baked pastries, and a bounty of fresh, tropical fruits and fresh-squeezed fruit juices. An early riser continental breakfast is also served each morning, often on deck as conditions permit. Lunch is most often buffet, though occasionally served family style, and there is also an option of a light lunch served on deck. Dinners are plated and served in the dining room, except for the evening when a barbecue is held on National Geographic Endeavour II‘s open aft deck. Whether a meal is buffet-style or served, our gracious waitstaff is ever-present to attend to your every need.
During lunch and dinner your expedition leader, naturalists, and any guest speakers aboard will join you for meals, and during breakfast they often sit together to plan the logistics of the exciting day ahead.
Specifications
National Geographic Endeavour II Specifications
| Built: | 2005 |
|---|---|
| Refurbished: | 2016 |
| Former Names: | Via Australis |
| Tonnage: | 2005 |
| Length: | 236 ft |
| Beam (Width): | 44 ft |
| Draft: | 11 ft |
| Decks: | 5 |
| Speed: | N/A |
| Passengers: | 96 |
| Cabins: | 52 |
| Registry: | Ecuador |
Deck Plan
National Geographic Endeavour II Deck Plan
| Category | Description | Photos |
|---|---|---|
| CS | Suite C, Bridge Deck, Mid-Ship #415—The largest cabin on the ship featuring two windows, separate sitting area, arm chairs and sofa that can be converted into a single bed. Suites all have twin beds convertible to a queen, extra closet space, writing desk and chair, and larger bathroom. |  |
| BS | Suite B: Bridge Deck, Mid-Ship #420, 422—Featuring two floor-to-ceiling windows and a sofa that converts to a single bed. Suites all have twin beds convertible to a queen, extra closet space, writing desk and chair, and larger bathroom. | |
| AS | Suite A: Lounge Deck, Mid-Ship #320— Featuring two large windows and arm chair. Suites all have twin beds convertible to a queen, extra closet space, writing desk and chair, and larger bathroom. This suite 320 and cabin 320 are interlocking with a connecting door. Cabins 326 and 328 have a fold down third bed. | |
| 4 | Cat.4: Bridge Deck: #409, 416, 418—All cabins are outside with a large window, two lower single beds that can convert to a queen bed, and furniture including armchair and desk, nightstands and closet. Cabins 411/413 and 416/418 are interlocking with a connecting door. | |
| 3 | Cat 3: Lounge Deck: #311, 313-319, 321, 322, 324, 326, 328, 330 — All cabins are outside with a large window, two lower single beds that can convert to a queen bed, and furniture including armchair and desk, nightstands and closet. Cabins 326 & 328 can accommodate a third person in an upper fold-down murphy bed. Cabins 315/317, 316/318, and 320/322 are interlocking with a connecting door. | |
| 2 | Cat. 2:Upper Deck: #211, 213-219, 221-222, 224-229—All cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a queen bed, armchair, and a large window. Cabins 224 & 225 can accommodate a third person in an upper fold-down murphy bed. Cabins 226/228 and 227/227 are interlocking with a connecting door. | |
| 1 | Cat. 1: Upper Deck, Forward: #201, 202— All cabins are outside with a large window, two lower single beds that can convert to a queen bed, and furniture including armchair and desk, nightstands and closet. | |
| 3S | Cat 3 Solo: Lounge Deck: #325, 327—All cabins are outside with a large window, a queen bed, and furniture including armchair and desk, nightstands and closet. Equal in size and amenities to other Category 3 cabins. | |
| 2S | Cat. 2 Solo:Upper Deck: #203-209—All cabins are outside with a large window, a queen bed, and furniture including armchair and desk, nightstands and closet. Equal in size and amenities to other Category 2 cabins. | |
Accommodations
National Geographic Endeavour II Accommodations
Our latest and most family friendly ship in Galápagos, National Geographic Endeavour II accommodates 96 guests in nine dedicated solo cabins, four brand-new suites—including one with an adjoining double, and 39 double cabins. Seven sets of cabins feature a connecting door, adding to the flexibility for groups, family and friends.
All rooms face outside with a large window or windows. It’s your choice with beds that convert from two doubles to a queen. Suites are larger with two windows and sofa or arm chairs.
Attentive hotel staff transform your room while you’re out hiking, swimming or exploring, so you always return to a cool, welcoming space. An efficiently designed retreat, redesigned and outfitted in 2016, every cabin has enhanced Wi-Fi access, temperature controls and furniture that includes a closet or closets, writing desk and chair, and nightstands. Botanically inspired hair products and shower gel are stocked in every shower, and a hairdryer and robes, are supplied in each cabin.
| Category | Description | Photos |
|---|---|---|
| CS | Suite C, Bridge Deck, Mid-Ship #415—The largest cabin on the ship featuring two windows, separate sitting area, arm chairs and sofa that can be converted into a single bed. Suites all have twin beds convertible to a queen, extra closet space, writing desk and chair, and larger bathroom. |  |
| BS | Suite B: Bridge Deck, Mid-Ship #420, 422—Featuring two floor-to-ceiling windows and a sofa that converts to a single bed. Suites all have twin beds convertible to a queen, extra closet space, writing desk and chair, and larger bathroom. |  |
| 4 | Cat.4: Bridge Deck: #409, 416, 418—All cabins are outside with a large window, two lower single beds that can convert to a queen bed, and furniture including armchair and desk, nightstands and closet. Cabins 411/413 and 416/418 are interlocking with a connecting door. |  |
| 3 | Cat 3: Lounge Deck: #311, 313-319, 321, 322, 324, 326, 328, 330 — All cabins are outside with a large window, two lower single beds that can convert to a queen bed, and furniture including armchair and desk, nightstands and closet. Cabins 326 & 328 can accommodate a third person in an upper fold-down murphy bed. Cabins 315/317, 316/318, and 320/322 are interlocking with a connecting door. |  |
| 3S (Single) | Cat 3 Solo: Lounge Deck: #325, 327—All cabins are outside with a large window, a queen bed, and furniture including armchair and desk, nightstands and closet. Equal in size and amenities to other Category 3 cabins. | |
| 2 | Cat. 2:Upper Deck: #211, 213-219, 221-222, 224-229—All cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a queen bed, armchair, and a large window. Cabins 224 & 225 can accommodate a third person in an upper fold-down murphy bed. Cabins 226/228 and 227/227 are interlocking with a connecting door. |  |
| 2S (Single | Cat. 2 Solo:Upper Deck: #203-209—All cabins are outside with a large window, a queen bed, and furniture including armchair and desk, nightstands and closet. Equal in size and amenities to other Category 2 cabins. |  |
| 1 | Cat. 1: Upper Deck, Forward: #201, 202— All cabins are outside with a large window, two lower single beds that can convert to a queen bed, and furniture including armchair and desk, nightstands and closet. |  |