Explorer manages to get you as close to nature as possible whilst still offering you a wide enough range of publics rooms and entertainment facilities.
You may come to consider the bridge another public space, as guests are encouraged to visit the officers 24-hours a day. Guests usually first arrive for a morning coffee shortly after sunrise, and many spend every evening watching the sunset and taking in the hushed darkness of the bridge at night. Two benches provide comfortable seating options to look out and enjoy the expansive view over the bow, and you’re always apt to find naturalists scanning the sea for wildlife when the ship is underway. Binoculars are available if you want to help them search.
The lounge is the main social hub of the ship. Lounge seating is arranged to provide good views of the centre podium; and multiple plasma screens on the surrounding walls ensure optimal views of presentations, slideshows, and videos. It’s here where the expedition community gathers for lectures, photography talks, guest speaker presentations, and the evening Recap. Large windows line two sides of the room, so guests who gravitate to the lounge with their laptops won’t miss the dramatic views.
Inviting and casual, the bistro bar is a perfect spot to have a cappuccino before or after activities. A variety of beverages are available for purchase including beer, cocktails, spirits, and wines by the glass or bottle. Sodas, juices, and coffees (including cappuccinos and espressos) are complimentary.
During the day, the forward-located chart room offers you direct access to the bow for optimal wildlife viewing. Some station themselves at the chart room’s windows. While those who choose to be out on deck or on the bow come in to warm up or refuel at the 24-hour self-service beverage station, stocked with cookies, sodas, soft drinks, hot chocolate, tea, and coffee.
You’ll find commanding views and comfortable leather armchairs in the library, set at the very top of the ship. A wide range of books run the gamut from fiction to regional guides, and reference books on the wildlife and region you’re exploring. For many, this room is their favourite onboard.
Walking aft from the library, you’ll enter the radiant observation lounge. With panoramic windows running the entire length of this narrow, domed lounge, you’ll feel as if you’re almost floating above the ship while spectacular scenery dramatically unfolds outside. Stocked with cards and board games, and equipped with binoculars, it welcomes guests for early morning reading or those wanting an evening card game. A light lunch is often served here as well.
Located near reception, the global gallery is an inviting area—part shop, part gallery—that showcases an eclectic mix of handicrafts, jewellery, and artwork from the many regions Explorer explores, as well as the work of acclaimed designers. It also offers a selection of expedition clothing, and practical items including camera memory cards and binoculars.
Everyone who travels with Lindblad discovers what Henry David Thoreau named “the tonic of wildness.” And to complement the inspiring destinations the ship visits, the team has designed a Wellness program. From early morning yoga or stretching on deck or in the lounge to massages and face, handy or body treatments inspired by the location, the wellness specialist will help you achieve a more relaxed and revitalised state of being.
The fitness centre with its expansive floor to ceiling windows and 180-degree vista offers a ‘million-dollar view’ along with exercise bikes, ellipticals and treadmills, free weights, yoga mats and exercise balls.
Professional wellness specialist offer soothing massages and treatments in the LEXSpa. Adjacent, there is a Swedish Sauna, perfect for quick warms ups after polar plunges or as a relaxing way to end the day.