Lindblad Expeditions
National Geographic Orion
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Ship comparison
National Geographic Orion vs National Geographic Sea Lion
Lindblad Expeditions
National Geographic Sea Lion
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The verdict
Which should you choose?
National Geographic Orion is an intimate Lindblad Expeditions ship carrying 102 passengers, in service since 2003. National Geographic Sea Lion is an intimate Lindblad Expeditions ship carrying 62 passengers, in service since 1982.
Choose National Geographic Orion if you want more space per passenger, more crew per passenger or a newer ship: it has 39.7 gross tons per passenger (vs 10.2), it has a crew member for every 1.4 passengers (vs 2.6) and its maiden voyage was in 2003 (vs 1982).
Choose National Geographic Sea Lion if you want a smaller ship: it carries 62 passengers (vs 102).
Side by side
Specifications
marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.
| National Geographic Orion | National Geographic Sea Lion | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | Lindblad Expeditions | Lindblad Expeditions |
| Ship size | Intimate | Intimate |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 2003 (better) | 1982 |
| Last refurbishedmore recent highlighted | — | 2014 |
| Gross tonnage | 4,050 | 630 |
| Passengers | 102 | 62 |
| Crew | 75 | 24 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | 1.4 (better) | 2.6 |
| Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier | 39.7 (better) | 10.2 |
| Decks | 5 | 3 |
| Length | 337 ft | 152 ft |
| Beam | 46 ft | 33 ft |
| Speed | 18 mph | — |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | 8 / 10 (better) | 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 Orion leads on 1 of the ten, National Geographic Sea Lion on 1, with 8 level.
- Active
- Adventure & nature
- Cultural
- Dining
- Entertainment
- Family friendly
- Party
- Romantic
- Spa & fitness
- Staterooms
Lindblad Expeditions
National Geographic Orion
The state-of-the-art National Geographic Orion, owned by Lindblad Expeditions since 2013, serves as a luxurious base camp for voyages to the far-flung corners of the planet. A fully stabilized, ice-class vessel, the Orion is at home navigating polar ice as well the small harbors of Europe. The ship accommodates 102 guests in 53 cabins.
Highlights
- Top-flight experts on board on every voyage
- Fascinating itineraries on an intimate ship
About National Geographic Orion Plan my cruise on National Geographic Orion
Lindblad Expeditions
National Geographic Sea Lion
National Geographic Sea Lion 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 Lion Plan my cruise on National Geographic Sea Lion
Questions
National Geographic Orion or National Geographic Sea Lion?
Which is bigger, National Geographic Orion or National Geographic Sea Lion?
National Geographic Orion is bigger at 4,050 gross tons, against 630 gross tons for National Geographic Sea Lion. National Geographic Orion carries 102 passengers and National Geographic Sea Lion carries 62.
Which ship is newer, National Geographic Orion or National Geographic Sea Lion?
National Geographic Orion is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2003 against 1982 for National Geographic Sea Lion.
Which has more space per passenger?
National Geographic Orion, with 39.7 gross tons per passenger against 10.2 on National Geographic Sea Lion. The higher the figure, the more ship there is for each guest.
Which has more crew per passenger?
National Geographic Orion, with one crew member for every 1.4 passengers against one for every 2.6 on National Geographic Sea Lion.
Which is better for families?
They score the same for family friendliness in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores: 6.0 out of 10.
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