National Geographic Venture
Fodor’s Expert Review
Ship Overview
Fro...ific Coast
Lindblad Expeditions and The National Geographic Society partner to provide guests with an immersive and educational experience into the natural world. Intertwined with local culture, the itineraries provide insight into the relationships of nature, people and place.Read More
Each sailing includes lecturers and naturalists who share their knowledge of the flora, fauna and culture of the area. Experts in their fields, these speakers connect all of the dots. Guest may think that they have learned enough to themselves be worthy of a degree.
Guests include mostly mature adults, although children are permitted to sail. Solo travelers are not unusual. Venture does host groups like Road Scholar.
With a capacity of just 100 guests, Venture allows for navigation into narrower channels and smaller ports. On the Alaska itinerary, few ports of calls are visited. Landings by zodiac are used for hiking access, but the zodiacs often function more as small vessels in search of wildlife and local features. Crew helps guests into zodiacs from a platform at the stern of the ship.
The ship itself consists of five decks, with the uppermost deck, the Sun Deck, an ideal spot for viewing. Public areas are on Deck 4, where the dining room and lounge are located. The bow, accessed via the lounge, functions as a viewing area. Naturalists usually man this area, seeking wildlife and dispensing information to guests.
The lounge is information central of the ship. Daily talks, including those focusing on one topic, take place here. A bar, small library, binoculars and computers for uploading photos are found in this area.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
What to expect on board
Staterooms & Cabins
The décor is basic with duvets covering the beds. Beds can be configured as twins or queens.
Within the cabins are wall hangings depicting natural scenes. There are no televisions in the cabins. The small desk features a bright light, outlets for US plugs and USB ports. A giant atlas, a copy of a current National Geographic magazine, a map of the current cruise and catalog of the Lindblad cruises being offered in the next two years are tucked away in a shelf above the desk.
In the lower category rooms, a small desk with a shallow drawer comes equipped with a chair that provides the only seating in the room.
Adequate closet space and hooks keep gear organized. The closet has a rack with hangers, a shelf with two long drawers underneath and another bottom shelf, perfect for storing footwear. There are bedside tables with both USB and outlets at the top, and a light and reading light above each table. The bathroom includes a 110 volt shaving outlet and flashlight. A variety of toiletries are provided.
The five categories of cabins vary slightly. Categories 1 and 2 have portholes, Category 2 has picture windows. A small balcony is beyond the sliding doors of Category 4. While all categories accommodate two guests, Category 5 cabins can accommodate up to 3 people. The sofa bed for the third person doubles as extra seating.
Several connecting cabins are available.
There are no accessible staterooms and there are plenty of obstacles on the ship. However, confident guests do travel with walkers and deal with the lack of accessibility features. Expedition staff offers assistance in getting into the zodiacs.
Food & Drink
Sustainability is a focus of Lindblad Expeditions and that carries over to the food. Sustainable seafood is served along with fresh, local produce when available. Organic foods are frequently on the menu.
The main dining room offers fixed-time seating for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Breakfast is a buffet with an omelet and egg station. Lunch and dinner offerings come from a limited menu that typically offers a meat, fish and vegetarian dish. Snacks and hors d’oeuvres are available in the lounge.
Open-seating is at tables of four to eight guests. The dining room windows ensure that guests enjoy both the scenery and wildlife during dining times.
The main bar is in a corner of the only lounge on Venture. On Baja itineraries, there is a small bar on the Sun Deck. As of 2024, all alcoholic beverages except premium brands will be included in the guest fare.
Entertainment
The real entertainment on Venture is scenery, nature and lectures by onboard experts. Daily briefings of the area along with topical lectures by experts in their fields happen several times per day.
There is a small library with a small collection of books and games in a corner of the lounge.
Zodiac expeditions, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding and hiking provide wilderness entertainment.
Spa & Fitness
A compact fitness room offers a variety of machines and weights to keep any guest in shape during a cruise on Venture. The fitness room has many windows so working out while viewing nature makes for a good combination. Adjacent to the fitness room, is a spot for massages.
Every morning on this ship, a wellness instructor leads a stretching session. For those so inclined some of the hikes during the voyage are rated as aerobic.
Key cruising tips
Health & Safety
Guests are asked to complete a medical questionnaire prior to boarding. A doctor or other health professional is onboard for medical consultations.
A muster drill takes place prior to departure as required by the Coast Guard.
For each guest there is a personal pfd for emergency use that remains in the cabin. For zodiac and kayak excursions, proprietary safety vests are stored in personal lockers in the Mud Room on the main level of the ship. From this area, guests board zodiacs, kayaks and SUPs for their adventures.
Venture provides water bottles for filling at three different stations on the ship.
Dress Code
With a focus on outdoor exploration, adventure gear is perfectly acceptable on this ship. Showing up for meals wearing hiking boots, weatherproof pants and other outdoor wear is not unexpected.
Lindblad does provide a packing list for guests and also offers rentals of outdoor gear like boots or other gear for those who don’t wish to purchase their own.
Junior Cruisers
Venture permits children on the cruise. Guests should be aware that there are no specific areas on the ship for children. However, on the Alaska itineraries, National Geographic offers a Global Explorers program. Younger guests interact with naturalists and engage in age-appropriate activities.
Service
The crew and staff onboard consists of service personnel and expedition team members who accompany guests on shore excursions. The service is friendly and the crew take extra care accommodating the needs of the guests.
Tipping
Recommended tipping is $25 per day.