National Geographic Sea Lion

The 1982-built National Geographic Sea Lion cruise ship was initially named "Great Rivers Explorer" (until 1989). Until January 2008, the boat was named just "MS Sea Lion".

The vessel (IMO number 8966456) is currently USA-flagged (MMSI 366396000) and registered in Seattle.

History - construction and ownership

The 60-passenger sisterships NatGeo Sea Lion and NatGeo Sea Bird can reach magnificent places that are inaccessible to larger vessels due to their shallow draft (2,7 m) and small size, yet each comfortably accommodates 62 guests in 31 staterooms. The feeling is compared to that of a private yacht, with all company integral to adventure. Both vessels are ideal for exploration of rarely-seen remote places. Along with the spacious viewing decks, the Nat Geo expedition ships carry exploration innovative tools, including a hydrophone and SplashCam that enable guests to listen and look beneath the waves.

The National Geographic Sea Lion 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 travel vacation as active explorers. Lindblad ships sail unique destinations to explore out-of-the-way inlets, making Zodiac landings and looking for wildlife.

Decks and Cabins

National Geographic Sea Lion 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 Lion 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 line 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 looking for wildlife.

National Geographic Sea Lion 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 on board.

Public areas include a dining room; an observation deck; a library; a lounge with a full-service bar and various facilities for slide shows, presentations and films; a sun deck with tables and chairs (partially covered), a LEX spa, gym equipment, and a 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 Lion's itinerary program is based on Alaska cruises from Sitka and Juneau in summer; Columbia and Snake Rivers from Portland Oregon in the fall, and the Sea of Cortez from La Paz (Baja California Mexico) in winter.

Former names of the ship were Great Rivers Explorer (until Apr 17, 1989) and Sea Lion (until January 2008). The other Nat Geo ("National Geographic") named Lindblad ships are Endeavour, Endeavour 2, Explorer, Islander, Orion, Sea Bird (sistership).

Lindblad Sea Lion ship cruises in Alaska during summer months, Costa Rica and Panama (during winter), and also offers a few fall itineraries on Columbia and Snake rivers in the USA's Pacific Northwest.

As a true expedition cruise ship, National Geographic Sea Lion has specific expedition equipment, including kayaks, Zodiacs, wet suits, snorkeling gear, hydrophone, underwater camera. Traditionally, on all Lindblad cruises, on the ship, there are an expedition leader and expedition experts in different fields (naturalist, historian, National Geographic-trained photographer) benefiting one of the best adventure cruising experience at sea.

NAT GEO Sea Lion 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 Lion has max draft 2,7 m (8 ft) and a diesel engine-based powerplant with total output 1206 kW. The vessel (yard/hull number S63) was constructed by Nichols Bros Boat Builders in Freeland (WA USA).