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Lindblad Expeditions

National Geographic Sea Lion

Intimate ship Bliss scored

National Geographic Sea Lion can reach places inaccessible to larger ships due to their small size, yet each comfortably accommodates 62 guests in 31 outside cabins. The feeling, we're told, is often compared to that of a large private yacht, with everyone…

  • 62guests
  • 630gross tons
  • 2cruises now
  • $4,778fares from

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National Geographic Sea Lion cruises through Tracy Arm Fjord in Alaska's Inside Passage.

At a glance

National Geographic Sea Lion is an intimate-size cruise ship operated by Lindblad Expeditions, in service since 1982. It carries 62 guests and 24 crew (2.6 guests per crew member) at 630 gross tons. It ties with 1 other ship as the 9th largest of 16 Lindblad Expeditions ships by guest capacity. On Cruiseable's Bliss scale it scores highest for active and adventure & nature (10/10) and lowest for party (0/10). It is rated 3.5 out of 5 by Cruiseable, 2 out of 5 by Berlitz and 4.5 out of 5 by Cruise Critic. It has 2 cruises on sale, with lead fares from $4,778 to $5,051.

Builder's plate

Specs

Cruiseable
3.5 / 5
Berlitz
2 / 5
Cruise Critic
4.5 / 5
Guests
62
Crew
24
Gross tons
630
Decks
3
Length
152 ft
Beam
33 ft
Maiden voyage
1982
Refurbished
2014
Space ratio
2.6
Gross tons per guest
Guests per crew
2.6
IMO
8966456

Bliss scores

What National Geographic Sea Lion is best at

Ten dimensions scored by our editors on a 10-point scale. The Cruiseable app ranks every cruise against the mix you care about.

  1. Active 10.0
  2. Adventure and nature 10.0
  3. Cultural 7.0
  4. Dining 5.0
  5. Entertainment 4.3
  6. Family friendly 6.0
  7. Party 0.0
  8. Romantic 6.0
  9. Spa and fitness 8.0
  10. Staterooms 6.0

Our review

National Geographic Sea Lion: Nature up close

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. Along with spacious viewing decks, this nimble vessel carries innovative exploration tools, including a SplashCam and a hydrophone that enable passengers to look and listen beneath the waves.

Public areas include a lounge with a full-service bar and facilities for film, slide shows and presentations; a dining room; a library; an observation deck; a partially covered sun deck with chairs and tables; a gift shop; and a spa. All meals are served in a single seating with unassigned tables for an informal atmosphere and easy mingling.

The ship (like her sister ship National Geographic Sea Bird) is equipped with Zodiacs and kayaks, snorkeling gear, exercise equipment and a wide range of cameras to record the surrounding wildlife. A full-time doctor, a photo instructor, a video chronicler and a wellness specialist accompany every voyage. Internet access and laundry service are available on board. All cabins have a window with an outside view, private facilities and climate controls.

Where National Geographic Sea Lion sails

The Sea Lion sails to Alaska in the summer and cruises to Costa Rica and the Panama Canal at other times of the year.

Read the full review

Your take

Have you sailed on National Geographic Sea Lion? Did the ship live up to your expectations? We'd love to hear your take and see your photos.

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Interested in a cruise on this ship?

Interested in a cruise on National Geographic Sea Lion? Contact a Cruiseable travel advocate at 1-877-322-3773, or by email, to get additional information and to find the best rates and value for your vacation dollar.

SEE ALL SEA LION SAILINGS

Photos

Inside and out

Destinations 12

  • A ballena whale breaches off the coast of Panama.
    A ballena whale breaches off the coast of Panama.
  • A capuchin monkey spotted in the wild in Panama.
    A capuchin monkey spotted in the wild in Panama.
  • A pretty tropical bird spotted amid wildflowers in Panama.
    A pretty tropical bird spotted amid wildflowers in Panama.
  • A dad and child take in the historic Mira Flores Locks as a Lindblad Expeditions vessel passes through the Panama Canal.
    A dad and child take in the historic Mira Flores Locks as a Lindblad Expeditions vessel passes through the Panama Canal.
  • An endangered Central America tree frog spotted on a Lindblad Expeditions journey.
    An endangered Central America tree frog spotted on a Lindblad Expeditions journey.
  • A colorful parrot spotted in Costa Rica.
    A colorful parrot spotted in Costa Rica.
  • Kayakers on a Lindblad Expeditions trip to Central America.
    Kayakers on a Lindblad Expeditions trip to Central America.
  • See a majestic bald eagle during a Lindblad Expedition visit of Baranof Island, Alaska.
    See a majestic bald eagle during a Lindblad Expedition visit of Baranof Island, Alaska.
  • A large brown bear wades into a stream in the Tongass National Forest in Alaska.
    A large brown bear wades into a stream in the Tongass National Forest in Alaska.
  • Kayak the beautiful waters of Tracy Arm Fjord, Alaska, on a Lindblad expedition.
    Kayak the beautiful waters of Tracy Arm Fjord, Alaska, on a Lindblad expedition.
  • A humpback whale surfaces to greet visitors on a Lindblad Expeditions excursion.
    A humpback whale surfaces to greet visitors on a Lindblad Expeditions excursion.
  • A brown bear pays little heed to visitors during a Lindblad Expeditions visit to Kelp Bay, Alaska.
    A brown bear pays little heed to visitors during a Lindblad Expeditions visit to Kelp Bay, Alaska.

More photos 2

  • National Geographic Sea Lion cruises through Tracy Arm Fjord in Alaska's Inside Passage.
    National Geographic Sea Lion cruises through Tracy Arm Fjord in Alaska's Inside Passage.
  • National Geographic Sea Lion sails to Alaska in summer and to Costa Rica and the Panama Canal at other times of the year.
    National Geographic Sea Lion sails to Alaska in summer and to Costa Rica and the Panama Canal at other times of the year.

Sailing now

Cruises on National Geographic Sea Lion

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  1. 5 Night Columbia and Snake Rivers Food Wine and History 5 nights · from Portland Next Sep 19, 2026 3 dates from $4,778
  2. 5 Night Columbia and Snake Rivers Food Wine and History 5 nights · from Clarkston Next Sep 24, 2026 3 dates from $5,051

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