National Geographic Sea Lion & Sea Bird
Ship Overview
Operated by: Lindblad Expeditions
Both National Geographic Sea Lion and National Geographic Sea Bird are 50 metre expedition ships that comfortably accommodate 62 guests in 31 outside cabins. Both ships are identical in every way, and the feeling onboard is often compared to that of a large private yacht, with everyone integral to the adventure. Both are sturdy expedition ships, designed to sail through the narrow, fast-moving channels among the islands of Southeast Alaska and into secluded anchorages. Outfitted for exploration, they carry a fleet of expedition landing craft and kayaks for up close encounters with wildness, in addition to a Bow Cam, Splash-Cam, hydrophone, underwater video camera, video microscope, and binoculars.
Recent refurbishments have fully transformed and revitalised both National Geographic Sea Lion and Sea Bird. The extensive renovations to guest cabins, lounges and bars, dining rooms, public areas and spas has transformed both ships to provide the ultimate in expedition hospitality and comfort. Nothing has been left untouched, from the sleekly framed wall photos, to the fresh paint, and new carpets throughout.
Ask us for details as to which of these sister ships is scheduled to operate your selected expedition.
Key Facts
Category 3
SIZE:11m2 / 120sqftSLEEPS:2
Category 3 cabins include two lower single beds that can convert to a double bed and a pullout single bed for a third person, plus a small table, two chairs, and two window. Cabin doors open to the outside. Your cabin is a comfortable space to end your active day, with organic cotton duvets and crisp cotton sheeting. Every cabin has Wi-Fi access, temperature controls, and is stocked with botanically inspired hair products, soap, and shower gel, plus a hairdryer.
Category 2
SIZE:8m2 / 90sqftSLEEPS:2
These well-located cabins include two lower single beds and a window. Cabin doors open to the outside. Your cabin is a comfortable space to end your active day, with organic cotton duvets and crisp cotton sheeting. Every cabin has Wi-Fi access, temperature controls, and is stocked with botanically inspired hair products, soap, and shower gel, plus a hairdryer.
Category 1
SIZE:9m2 / 94sqftSLEEPS:2
Conveniently located between the dining room and lounge, these cabins feature two lower single beds, a writing desk, and a window. Your cabin is a comfortable space to end your active day, with organic cotton duvets and crisp cotton sheeting. Every cabin has Wi-Fi access, temperature controls, and is stocked with botanically inspired hair products, soap, and shower gel, plus a hairdryer.
Single Traveller Category 2
SIZE:8m2 / 90sqftSLEEPS:1
For single travellers requiring sole use of a room, these well-located cabins include two lower single beds and a window. Cabin doors open to the outside. Your cabin is a comfortable space to end your active day, with organic cotton duvets and crisp cotton sheeting. Every cabin has Wi-Fi access, temperature controls, and is stocked with botanically inspired hair products, soap, and shower gel, plus a hairdryer.
Single Traveller Category 1
SIZE:9m2 / 94sqftSLEEPS:1
For single travellers requiring sole use of a room, these cabins are conveniently located between the dining room and lounge and feature two lower single beds, a writing desk, and a window. Your cabin is a comfortable space to end your active day, with organic cotton duvets and crisp cotton sheeting. Every cabin has Wi-Fi access, temperature controls, and is stocked with botanically inspired hair products, soap, and shower gel, plus a hairdryer.
Food served aboard is fresh, local and delicious, and sourced from suppliers who share Lindblad's values of sustainable use whenever possible. Meals aboard are almost always served in the dining room, located aft of the main deck. When weather conditions allow, some meals are served on the sundeck. There is no assigned seating and the dining room accommodates the entire expedition community in a single seating. During meals your expedition leader, naturalists, and any guest speakers aboard will join you.
Both National Geographic Sea Lion and National Geographic Sea Bird feature an open bow and sundeck for gathering to watch for wildlife or enjoy an evening cocktail with friends in the open air. The bow's observation area accommodates the entire expedition community at once for a shared wildlife viewing experience. A raised platform in the centre is a favourite perch for photographers. Morning stretch classes are held in the open air of the sundeck, located aft on the bridge deck. After stretch class the deck is set with tables and chairs, and lounge chairs.
The lounge, located forward on the main deck, is the heart of the expedition community, where cocktail hour and a daily recap are held each evening. It’s also where you’ll gather for lectures, photography talks, and guest speaker presentations. There’s a small reference library and board games and cards are also available. The bar serves a variety of beverages including wine by the glass or bottle, cocktails, specialty drinks, and spirits. There is also a 24-hour self-service beverage station with coffee, tea, soft drinks, beer, water, ice, and snacks. The drinking age aboard the ship is 21.
You’re invited to the ship’s bridge to see the business of navigation unfold. Ask the watch officer questions about navigation. Or, help yourself to the ever-ready binoculars to scan the horizon for pods of dolphins. There may occasionally be times when the bridge must be restricted to shipboard personnel only.
A variety of exercise equipment is located in the open air of the sundeck. Simply ask the wellness specialist if you’d like a yoga mat, exercise bands, or sets of small hand weights to use as well. Making daily discoveries and exploring the wild world is naturally uplifting. Add to that a variety of wellness treatments available aboard, as well as outings led by your wellness specialist, and you’ll find your expedition relaxing as well as revitalising. Massages, body treatments, natural facial treatments, and hand and foot treatments are all available. You will have the opportunity to sign up for treatments once on board.
When it's time for adventure, both ships are outfitted for exploration, enabling a deeper connection with the places you’ll explore. A fleet of one-and two-person kayaks allow you to explore intimate bays and paddle along scenic shorelines. Key to the operation is a fleet of expedition landing craft, which are used to land in places that would otherwise be inaccessible. These sturdy inflatable craft are the same time-tested brand Jacques Cousteau used in his expeditions for over 30 years. They are widely recognised as the safest and most versatile small boats afloat.
National Geographic Sea Lion and National Geographic Sea Bird are equipped with several other 'cool tools', including a hydrophone to listen in on whales, underwater camera, bow cam, splash cam and snorkelling equipment.
National Geographic Sea Lion & Sea Bird Expeditions
Wild Alaska Escape from Sitka
From AUD $5830.00 Per Person
DURATION:6 Days/ 5 Nights REGION:North America SHIP:National Geographic Sea Lion & Sea Bird
Explore Alaska aboard National Geographic Sea Bird / Sea Lion and see the region's iconic wildlife and epic landscapes in the compact timeframe of just one week.
Wild Alaska Escape from Juneau
From AUD $5830.00 Per Person
DURATION:6 Days/ 5 Nights REGION:North America SHIP:National Geographic Sea Lion & Sea Bird
Explore Alaska aboard National Geographic Sea Bird / Sea Lion and see the region's iconic wildlife and epic landscapes in the compact timeframe of just one week.
A Remarkable Journey to Alaska, British Columbia & Haida Gwaii
From AUD $14750.00 Per Person
DURATION:15 Days/ 14 Nights REGION:North America SHIP:National Geographic Sea Lion & Sea Bird
Over 15 days between Sitka and Seattle experience the extraordinary wilderness of Alaska and the Inside Passage plus the opportunity to visit Haida Gwaii, the 'Canadian Galapagos'.
Exploring Coastal Maine
From AUD $6990.00 Per Person
DURATION:8 Days/ 7 Nights REGION:North America SHIP:National Geographic Sea Lion & Sea Bird
Join the intimate National Geographic Sea Lion in historic Boston to uncover Coastal Maine over eight days, from Lobsters to Lighthouses and Hidden Inlets.