Built as a twin ship to National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions’ impressive National Geographic Sea Bird, National Geographic Sea Lion is an intimately-sized exploration vessel that has been designed specifically to tackle the fast-moving channels and shallow coves found along the North American and Central American coastlines. Able to visit remote regions that larger ships simply can’t, each itinerary on this ship promises to be full of unforgettable moments and surprising shore excursions. Although, when you’re not exploring the great outdoors with National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions’ expert crew, you’ll find a main dining room that delivers exceptional regional cuisine, a comfortable lounge space equipped with state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment, a sundeck laden with sun loungers, and even a small spa! However you want to spend your time onboard, you’ll be met with stunning scenery and upcoming adventures, making each voyage aboard National Geographic Sea Lion truly special – wherever in the world you end up sailing.
The ship in numbers
What's onboard
Dining
The dining experience on National Geographic Sea Lion is something special. While the dining room itself is rather laid back, and operates on an open seating policy, you’ll find the food you enjoy when you dine here on another level. Featuring regional dishes carefully-created with locally-sourced ingredients wherever possible, each mealtime will continue to immerse you in the world around you.
You’ll also be able to sit with whoever you want when you dine, and the atmosphere here is decidedly casual, so each mealtime is also a fantastic way to get to know the like-minded travellers you’re sailing with – or, swap stories with friends and family after the day’s adventure. The choice is, of course, yours, and you’re certain to find something delicious to indulge in each and every mealtime.
Entertainment
With National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions offering exploration-focused sailings that focus on immersing you fully in the environment around you, the entertainment options you’ll encounter aboard this intimately-sized ship are considerably low-key and often aimed at enhancing any onshore experiences you have to look forward to. You’re simply not going to find Broadway-style stage productions, late-night dance clubs, or other traditional cruise ship entertainment here.
Instead, you’ll find that the lounge onboard is equipped with state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment perfect for informative presentations and movie viewings, alongside a well-stocked bar and a quieter library corner. So, there will still be things to look forward to when you’re not out exploring the day’s destination. The wildlife spotting during these sailings can also be quite entertaining, with both the Sundeck and Observation Deck excellent outdoor areas to sit and see what’s out there.
Family
On National Geographic Sea Lion, explorers of all ages are welcome onboard; this means children ages six months and up can sail with National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions. However, it’s important to keep in mind that there aren’t many children-focused activities or amenities available onboard, with this sleek ship an intimately-sized vessel designed specifically for traversing the North American and Central American coastline.
Although, the crew onboard will endeavour to make each moment as memorable as possible, and younger cruisers can participate in National Geographic’s Explorers-in-Training programme on select sailings. This comes with more interactive learning experiences and engaging activities to enjoy, something that children with a curious nature about the world around them will certainly find rewarding!
Things to do
On National Geographic Sea Lion, you’ll find a healthy amount of things to keep you busy when you’re not out exploring the sensational destinations around you or tucking into some delicious regional dishes in the dining room.
If you’re looking for somewhere to soak up some sunshine and sensational views, the sundeck on the Bridge Deck is the perfect place to do just that – and, you’ll also find yourself with easy access to some gym equipment and the spa facilities here. With so many sumptuous treatments to choose from, you’ll leave every session here feeling relaxed and refreshed.
Beyond this, you’ll also find the forward-facing Observation Deck space on the Upper Deck, and the lounge area on the Main Deck. With more than enough comfortable seating, a well-stocked bar, and a small library area to enjoy, there’s always going to be something to do when you arrive here – whether that’s tucking into a good book, grabbing a tasty drink, or attending an informative presentation from onboard experts.
On select sea days, you’ll also be able to use kayaks and stand-up paddle boards, something that gives you the chance to get even closer to the environment around you and enjoy some watersports in some breathtaking places.
