National Geographic Sea Bird

The 1982-built National Geographic Sea Bird cruise ship was initially named "Majestic Explorer". Until November 2007, the boat was named simply "MS Sea Bird".

The vessel (IMO number 8966444) is currently USA-flagged (MMSI 366892350) and registered in Seattle.

History - construction and ownership

Lindblad's two 60-passenger sisterships Sea Bird and Sea Lion can reach exotic places inaccessible to larger vessels due to their shallow draft (2,7 m) and small size (LOA length 50 m). Yet, each ship comfortably accommodates 62 passengers in 31 staterooms. The experience is compared to private yacht cruising. Both vessels are ideal for exploration of rarely-seen remote places. Along with the spacious viewing deck, the ship carries innovative marine exploration tools, including a hydrophone and SplashCam that enable guests to listen and look beneath the sea surface.

The National Geographic Sea Bird cruise ship is owned and operated by Lindblad Expeditions in cooperation with the National Geographic Society (aka NatGeo - a US non-profit institution for science and education). The partnership that Nat Geo has with the Lindblad Expeditions line enables passengers to enjoy an expedition style small ship cruise vacation as active explorers. Lindblad cruise ships sail unique destinations to explore out-of-the-way inlets, making Zodiac landings and looking for wildlife.

Decks and Cabins

National Geographic Sea Bird has 3 decks (all with cabins) and 31 staterooms, all of which are Outside - with either portholes or picture windows.

The number of cabin grades is 3.

Shipboard facilities and amenities

Nat Geo Sea Bird has one Main Dining Room with unassigned tables. The restaurant offers international cuisine inspired by ports of call. All meals are served in a single seating.

The partnership that Nat Geo has with the Lindblad Expeditions enables tourists to enjoy an expedition-style small ship vacation as active explorers. Lindblad cruise ships sail unique destinations to explore out-of-the-way inlets, making Zodiac landings and provide authentic wildlife viewing tours.

Lindblad's Sea Bird ship is equipped with kayaks and Zodiacs, exercise equipment, snorkeling gear, and a wide range of great cameras to record the surrounding wildlife. A photo instructor, a video chronicler, a wellness specialist, and a full-time doctor accompany every voyage. Internet access shipwide and laundry service are also available onboard.

Public areas include dining room, observation deck, library, lounge (with full-service bar, also serving Lindblad-NatGeo's enrichment program with slide shows, media presentations, movies), sun deck (partially covered, furnished with tables and chairs), LEX Spa (no Jacuzzi), sauna room, gym equipment, gift shop.

Lindblad's “Open Bridge” policy allows passengers 24-hour access (depending on weather conditions) to the Wheelhouse/Navigation Bridge to meet and converse with the ship's officers on duty and the Captain.

Itineraries

Nat Geo Sea Bird's itinerary program is based on Alaskan cruises from Sitka and Juneau in summer; Columbia and Snake Rivers from Portland Oregon in fall, and Sea of Cortez from La Paz (Baja California Mexico) in winter.

For season 2019, Lindblad Expeditions added to NatGeo Sea Bird's itinerary program 3 gray whale watching tours (via ship's Zodiac boats) in Bahia Magdalena (Baja California Sur, Mexico). The new 6-day itinerary is offered on departures (2019) March 13, 19 and 24. Fares start from USD 3300 pp ((Category 1 cabin rates based on double occupancy).

Former names of the ship were Majestic Explorer (until December 1982) and MV Sea Bird (until November 2007). Lindblad Sea Bird ship cruises in Alaska, Baja Mexico and also on Columbia River (Northwest USA).

As a true expedition cruise ship, National Geographic Sea Bird has specific expedition equipment, including sea kayaks, landing crafts (Zodiacs / large inflatable boats), wet suits, snorkeling gear, underwater camera, bow- and splash cams, hydrophone. All Lindblad National Geographic cruises are run by an expedition leader and experts in different fields (historian, naturalist, NatGeo trained photographer), who share their knowledge in interesting, often humorous ways.

NAT GEO Sea Bird has installed Fleet Xpress - fast Internet connectivity provided by Inmarsat (owner and operator of a global satellite network). Fleet Xpress is fully integrated with the boat's phone system (PABX) and comm platforms.

Nat Geo Sea Bird has max draft 2,7 m (8 ft) and a diesel engine-based powerplant with total output 1206 kW. The vessel (yard/hull number S62) was constructed by Nichols Bros Boat Builders in Freeland (WA USA).