The National Geographic Explorer

The National Geographic Explorer is rated for the highest level of going into the ice (just below an ice breaker)

After pushing into the ice, the ship leaves its own shape as it departs.
This was the site of one of our quests to see polar bears.

Around the ship the passengers enjoy access to lots of interesting spaces. The cabins are roomy, the lounge is comfortable and has many video screens for watching the visual part of presentations. A library and a variety of observation points are quite convenient. Zodiac landings and hikes are the high points, but one spends quite a lot of time on the ship! All the crew members and guides are willing to have interesting conversations.

Though it's cold, lunch and afternoon barbecues are often served on the rear deck...

The ship's hotel manager (left) and head chef (right) served a reindeer barbecue
there one afternoon.

Eating out on the deck is fun in spite of the cold.

The kitchen is off-limits to passengers -- but I took a photo through the door.

The food is delicious -- lunch and breakfast are served as a buffet.

A polar bear skull decorates the lounge where there's room for all 165 passengers and
some of the guides and crew to gather each afternoon.

The captain at the final cocktail party that he hosted.

The bridge is open to passengers, who often watch the wildlife
from there. Note the mascot.

Our cabin as we waited to leave.