Lindblad Expeditions
National Geographic Sea Lion
- Cruises
- 0
- From
- —
Ship comparison
National Geographic Sea Lion vs Wilderness Explorer
Un-Cruise Adventures
Wilderness Explorer
- Cruises
- 0
- From
- —
The verdict
Which should you choose?
National Geographic Sea Lion is an intimate Lindblad Expeditions ship carrying 62 passengers, in service since 1982. Wilderness Explorer is an intimate Un-Cruise Adventures ship carrying 74 passengers, in service since 1976.
Choose National Geographic Sea Lion if you want a better-rated spa and gym, more culture or a newer ship: it outscores Wilderness Explorer for spa & fitness (8.0 vs 6.0) and cultural (7.0 vs 5.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and its maiden voyage was in 1982 (vs 1976).
Choose Wilderness Explorer if you want more of a party, more space per passenger or a more romantic trip: it outscores National Geographic Sea Lion for party (5.0 vs 0.0) and romantic (7.0 vs 6.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and it has 12.3 gross tons per passenger (vs 10.2).
Side by side
Specifications
marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.
| National Geographic Sea Lion | Wilderness Explorer | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | Lindblad Expeditions | Un-Cruise Adventures |
| Ship size | Intimate | Intimate |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 1982 (better) | 1976 |
| Last refurbishedmore recent highlighted | 2014 (better) | 2012 |
| Gross tonnage | 630 | 910 |
| Passengers | 62 | 74 |
| Crew | 24 | 26 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | 2.6 (better) | 2.8 |
| Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier | 10.2 | 12.3 (better) |
| Decks | 3 | 4 |
| Length | 152 ft | 186 ft |
| Beam | 33 ft | 38 ft |
| Speed | — | 13 mph |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | 7 / 10 | 8 / 10 (better) |
Bliss scores
How they rate, out of 10
Cruiseable rates ships out of 10 on ten parts of a cruise holiday. National Geographic Sea Lion leads on 3 of the ten, Wilderness Explorer on 4, with 3 level.
- Active
- Adventure & nature
- Cultural
- Dining
- Entertainment
- Family friendly
- Party
- Romantic
- Spa & fitness
- Staterooms
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
Un-Cruise Adventures
Wilderness Explorer
To complement the wild, natural surroundings of Wilderness Explorer from Un-Cruise Adventures, the interior of the 74-guest expedition ship has been designed with a Pacific Northwest feel, including the nautical-themed main lounge.
About Wilderness Explorer Plan my cruise on Wilderness Explorer
Questions
National Geographic Sea Lion or Wilderness Explorer?
Which is bigger, National Geographic Sea Lion or Wilderness Explorer?
Wilderness Explorer is bigger at 910 gross tons, against 630 gross tons for National Geographic Sea Lion. National Geographic Sea Lion carries 62 passengers and Wilderness Explorer carries 74.
Which ship is newer, National Geographic Sea Lion or Wilderness Explorer?
National Geographic Sea Lion is newer, with a maiden voyage in 1982 against 1976 for Wilderness Explorer.
Which has more space per passenger?
Wilderness Explorer, with 12.3 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 Sea Lion, with one crew member for every 2.6 passengers against one for every 2.8 on Wilderness Explorer.
Which is better for families?
They score the same for family friendliness in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores: 6.0 out of 10.
Still deciding?
Tell us what matters and we will match the sailing
Send your dates, budget and who is travelling, and our partner travel agency will come back to you about National Geographic Sea Lion, Wilderness Explorer or a ship that suits you better.