Lindblad Expeditions is finalising a newbuilding order for its eighth cruiseship.

The New York owner is seeking 2019 delivery for the vessel, chief executive Sven-Olof Lindblad said in an earnings briefing.

It will follow the 100-berth National Geographic Venture, scheduled for delivery next June from US yard Nichols Bros.

Lindblad says the cruiseship will be a blue-water vessel. His company has selected a yard from a group of three finalists, although it is in no hurry to sign a contract, so it can get the right design. The