Lindblad Expeditions Holdings continues to expand its fleet of National Geographic ships.
The Sven-Olaf Lindblad-led company's board of directors has ordered a polar expedition newbuild from an undisclosed shipyard. It is set for a 2021 delivery.
The ship will follow launches of the 2,920-gt National Geographic Quest (built 2017) and future ships National Geographic Venture and National Geographic Endurance.
"As demand for high quality and authentic expedition travel continues to accelerate, both through market expansion as well as from sustained investment in their marketing and sales infrastructure, Lindblad is committed to expanding capacity to provide a growing audience with the opportunity to explore the world's most unique and remote locations," the company said in a news release.
The ship will be the fourth polar vessel in the National Geographic fleet, joining the 6,471-gt Explorer (built 1982), 3,984-gt Orion (built 2003 and upcoming Endurance.
"This is the next step of our long-term growth strategy to capitalize on the expanding demand for high quality adventure travel," chief executive Sven-Olof Lindblad said.
Lindblad fleet currently consists of 13 expedition ships, several of which are owned by the company.
