Lindblad Expeditions
National Geographic Islander II
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Ship comparison
National Geographic Islander II vs National Geographic Sea Bird
Lindblad Expeditions
National Geographic Sea Bird
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The verdict
Which should you choose?
National Geographic Islander II is an intimate Lindblad Expeditions ship carrying 48 passengers, in service since 1991. National Geographic Sea Bird is an intimate Lindblad Expeditions ship carrying 62 passengers, in service since 1982.
Choose National Geographic Islander II if you want more space per passenger, more crew per passenger or more of a party: it outscores National Geographic Sea Bird for party (5.0 vs 0.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores, it has 68.0 gross tons per passenger (vs 10.2) and it has a crew member for every 1.0 passengers (vs 2.6).
Choose National Geographic Sea Bird if you want a better-rated spa and gym, more culture or a more active cruise: it outscores National Geographic Islander II for spa & fitness (8.0 vs 5.0), cultural (7.0 vs 5.0) and active (10.0 vs 9.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores.
Side by side
Specifications
marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.
| National Geographic Islander II | National Geographic Sea Bird | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | Lindblad Expeditions | Lindblad Expeditions |
| Ship size | Intimate | Intimate |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 1991 (better) | 1982 |
| Last refurbishedmore recent highlighted | 2022 (better) | 2014 |
| Gross tonnage | 3,264 | 630 |
| Passengers | 48 | 62 |
| Crew | 48 | 24 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | 1.0 (better) | 2.6 |
| Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier | 68.0 (better) | 10.2 |
| Decks | 5 | 3 |
| Length | 269 ft | 152 ft |
| Beam | 45 ft | 33 ft |
| Speed | 17 mph | — |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | — | 7 / 10 |
Bliss scores
How they rate, out of 10
Cruiseable rates ships out of 10 on ten parts of a cruise holiday. National Geographic Islander II leads on 5 of the ten, National Geographic Sea Bird on 4, with 1 level.
- Active
- Adventure & nature
- Cultural
- Dining
- Entertainment
- Family friendly
- Party
- Romantic
- Spa & fitness
- Staterooms
Lindblad Expeditions
National Geographic Islander II
The National Geographic Islander II, formerly sailing as Crystal Esprit, set sail in the Galápagos Islands year-round starting in August 2022. The sporty ship is named for the National Geographic Islander, which it is replacing.
About National Geographic Islander II Plan my cruise on National Geographic Islander II
Lindblad Expeditions
National Geographic Sea Bird
National Geographic Sea Bird from National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions is designed to navigate narrow inlets and wildlife-rich passageways inaccessible to larger ships, while comfortably accommodating 62 guests in 31 outside cabins.
About National Geographic Sea Bird Plan my cruise on National Geographic Sea Bird
Questions
National Geographic Islander II or National Geographic Sea Bird?
Which is bigger, National Geographic Islander II or National Geographic Sea Bird?
National Geographic Islander II is bigger at 3,264 gross tons, against 630 gross tons for National Geographic Sea Bird. National Geographic Islander II carries 48 passengers and National Geographic Sea Bird carries 62.
Which ship is newer, National Geographic Islander II or National Geographic Sea Bird?
National Geographic Islander II is newer, with a maiden voyage in 1991 against 1982 for National Geographic Sea Bird.
Which has more space per passenger?
National Geographic Islander II, with 68.0 gross tons per passenger against 10.2 on National Geographic Sea Bird. The higher the figure, the more ship there is for each guest.
Which has more crew per passenger?
National Geographic Islander II, with one crew member for every 1.0 passengers against one for every 2.6 on National Geographic Sea Bird.
Which is better for families?
National Geographic Sea Bird scores higher for family friendliness in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores: 6.0 out of 10, against 5.0 for National Geographic Islander II.
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