National Geographic Quest

National Geographic Quest is one of the new Lindblad-National Geographic cruise vessels, together with the sister-ship National Geographic Venture (launched in 2018).

History - construction & ownership

The 1,800-ton, 100-passenger National Geographic Quest is a polar expedition vessel with an ice-strengthened hull, fully-stabilized and with relatively shallow draft (9 ft / 2,7 m) which allows safe navigation regardless of the itinerary region. This is also the first expedition cruise ship built entirely in the USA.

Constructed at Nichols Brothers Boat Builders, Lindblad Quest is the company's 3rd larger expedition ship. This new fleet of 3 same-design vessels is by the same shipbuilder as Lindblad's long-serving 62-passenger ships Sea Lion and Sea Bird. In comparison, the newbuilds have an extra deck, modern design, new stateroom categories, new facilities and expanded amenities (including mudroom with rows of lockers, snorkeling equipment, and other gear). The ship's ROV (remotely operated vehicle) can dive up to 1000 ft / 305 m depths.

The National Geographic Quest ship is owned and operated by Lindblad Expeditions in cooperation with the National Geographic Society (aka NatGeo - a US non-profit institution for science and education). The partnership that Nat Geo has with the Lindblad Expeditions line enables passengers to enjoy an expedition style small ship cruise vacation as active explorers. Lindblad cruise ships sail unique destinations to explore out-of-the-way inlets, making Zodiac landings and looking for wildlife.

Cruise itinerary program

MS Quest itinerary program is based on Alaskan cruises and coastal Pacific Northwest voyages to ports in USA and Canada (British Columbia) during summer. During winter, the ship operates on cruises to Baja California, Sea of Cortez, Costa Rica, Panama, Guatemala.

In Pacific North America, the ship cruises to Inside Passage: Alaska and British Columbia, also visiting San Juan Islands (USA) and Gulf Islands (Strait of Georgia, between Vancouver Island and mainland Canada). The Alaskan cruise program includes itineraries with departures from Seattle WA and Vancouver BC.

Cabins

National Geographic Quest has 4 passenger decks with all 50 staterooms. Of all cabins, 22 are with small private balconies (with floor-ceiling sliding doors) and 12 cabins (6 pairs) are connecting (via internal doorway access) allowing families to combine 2 adjacent rooms. All category 5 suites accommodate a 3rd person on a convertible sofabed.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

Nat Geo Quest has one Main Dining Room which offers single seating with unassigned tables. Food served aboard is local, fresh and sustainably sourced when possible. When weather conditions allow, light fare is served outside on ship's observation deck. The captain and officers welcome passengers to the bridge in accordance with line's “Open Bridge” policy.

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

Ideally suited for sea expeditions, the Lindblad Quest ship carries wet suits, snorkeling gear, underwater cameras, hydrophone, a glass-bottom boat, 24 sea kayaks, paddle boards, a fleet of Mark V Zodiacs and even a video microscope. The ship is also equipped with a bow-cam for bow deployment to listen and record marine animals, for example, humpback whale vocalizations and dolphins.  Every voyage is accompanied by a full-time doctor, photo instructor, video chronicler, wellness and undersea specialists. Internet access is available shipwide.

Nat Geo Quest public areas include an intimate covered deck with chairs, tables, and hammocks; a fitness center; spa; global gallery; library; doctor’s office; lounge with bar and facilities for slide shows, presentations, and films.