Small Ships, Epic Adventures: See Where the Fleet Explored in 2024

National Geographic Endurance at Flatey Island, Iceland

Guests explored a colorful village nestled on the shores of remote Flatey Island, a tiny car-free island in Breiðafjörður bay in northwestern Iceland. Accessible only by ferry or expedition ship, Flatey shelters fascinating artifacts like the Book of Flatey, a medieval manuscript recounting the region’s history.

National Geographic Sea Bird in Endicott Arm, Alaska

The nimble National Geographic Sea Bird sailed into Southeast Alaska's Endicott Arm, a narrow, steep-sided glacial fjord within the spectacularly scenic Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness. Guests boarded Zodiacs to explore the area among rainbows and icebergs.

National Geographic Orion in Mo'orea, French Polynesia

National Geographic Orion spent another unforgettable season in the South Pacific, effortlessly island-hopping through this natural paradise filled with lush rainforests, magical grottos and vibrant reefs. Here, she anchored off the shores of idyllic, heart-shaped Mo'orea.

Sea Cloud at Fort Shirley, Dominica

The historic, tall ship Sea Cloud, once owned by heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post, docked in Dominica where guests had the opportunity to explore the Caribbean island’s most important historic site, Fort Shirley.

National Geographic Endurance in Melfjordbotn, Norway

Guests exploring Norway’s Melfjordbotn enjoyed an exhilarating perspective of the dramatic landscape as the Captain of National Geographic Endurance expertly nosed the ship close up to a waterfall.

National Geographic Endeavour II at Fernandina Island, Galápagos

Fernandina is just one of many unique islands that guests explored in Galápagos aboard the National Geographic Endeavour II. An abundance of wildlife from sea lions and marine iguanas to Galápagos penguins can be found roaming the black lava landscapes of this volcanically active island in the westernmost part of the archipelago.

National Geographic Venture in Baja California

While National Geographic Venture was anchored off the coast of Kelley’s Beach, Isla San Jose in Baja California, guests aboard a Zodiac had an incredible, close encounter with a huge pod of dolphins.

National Geographic Quest in Alaska's Inside Passage

With its shallow draft, National Geographic Quest expertly navigated into the heart of Alaska’s Inside Passage to secluded coves surrounded by old-growth forest. It’s in these remote corners where guests experienced authentic, pure wilderness ruled by breaching whales, soaring eagles and foraging brown bears. 

National Geographic Explorer in Cobh, Ireland

National Geographic Explorer delivered guests to Cobh, Ireland the authentic, time-honored way—by approaching from the sea and docking in this colorful, port city on one of the world’s largest natural harbors. Intimately tied to maritime history, Cobh was the site of the 1912 departure of the Titanic as well as the successful rescue of passengers from the torpedoed Lusitania.

National Geographic Endurance in the Azores

National Geographic Endurance ventured to the dramatically beautiful Portuguese archipelago of the Azores, giving guests the opportunity to experience myriad delights like the signature red-roofed houses, towering basalt peaks, emerald-green farmlands and world-class wine and cheese.

National Geographic Sea Bird in Baranof Island, Southeast Alaska

With Mount Ada as a dramatic backdrop, National Geographic Sea Bird stopped in Paterson Bay in Southeast Alaska's Baranof Island. One of the so-called ABC Islands, Baranof is famed for its population of brown bears.

 

Main Image: Guests hiked in Melforden, Norway with the National Geographic Endurance in the background. Photo: Dave Katz