National Geographic Quest

National Geographic Quest current position

National Geographic Quest current location is at North America West Coast (coordinates 15.40963 N / -93.71605 W) cruising at speed of 12.4 kn (23 km/h | 14 mph) en route to SAN DIEGO. The AIS position was reported 1 hour ago.

All Itineraries Current Position

Current itinerary of National Geographic Quest

National Geographic Quest current cruise is 9 days, one-way from Puntarenas to Panama City. Prices start from USD 9491 (double occupancy rates). The itinerary starts on 10 Mar, 2024 and ends on 19 Mar, 2024.

Specifications of National Geographic Quest

Year of build2017  /  Age: 7
Flag state USA
BuilderNichols Brothers Boat Builders (Freeland, Whidbey Island WA)
Classice-strengthened expedition ship
Building costUSD 55 million
Engines (power)MTU (2.5 MW / 3353 hp)
Speed12 kn / 22 km/h / 14 mph
Length (LOA)73 m / 240 ft
Beam (width)14 m / 46 ft
Gross Tonnage2920 gt
Passengers50 - 100
Crew35
Decks4
Cabins50
Decks with cabins3
Sister-shipsNat Geo Venture
Christened bytba
OwnerLindblad Expeditions Holdings Inc (via Lindblad Expeditions Holdings LLC)
OperatorLindblad National Geographic Cruises (via LEX Quest Ltd)

National Geographic Quest Itineraries

DateItineraryDeparture PortPrice from
2024 Feb 24 7 days, one-way from Colon to Puntarenas Colon $7030
2024 Feb 25 9 days, one-way from Puntarenas to Panama City Puntarenas $9563
2024 Feb 27 7 days, one-way from Puntarenas to Colon Puntarenas $9563
2024 Feb 29 9 days, one-way from Puntarenas to Panama City Puntarenas $9491
2024 Mar 02 7 days, one-way from Puntarenas to Colon Puntarenas $7101
2024 Mar 09 7 days, one-way from Colon to Puntarenas Colon $7030
2024 Mar 10 9 days, one-way from Puntarenas to Panama City Puntarenas $9491
2024 Mar 12 7 days, one-way from Puntarenas to Colon Puntarenas $9491
2024 Apr 23 4 days, round-trip 4 Night Wild California Escape Channel Islands National Park Cruise Los Angeles $3470
2024 Apr 27 4 days, round-trip 4 Night Wild California Escape Channel Islands National Park Cruise Los Angeles $3470
2024 May 06 13 days, one-way from Seattle to Sitka Seattle $11520
2024 May 19 7 days, one-way from Sitka to Juneau Sitka $6232
2024 May 26 7 days, one-way from Juneau to Sitka Juneau $6425
2024 Jun 02 7 days, one-way from Sitka to Juneau Sitka $7948
2024 Jun 09 7 days, one-way from Juneau to Sitka Juneau $8112
2024 Jun 16 7 days, one-way from Sitka to Juneau Sitka $8112
2024 Jun 23 7 days, one-way from Juneau to Sitka Juneau $8194
2024 Jun 30 7 days, one-way from Sitka to Juneau Sitka $7868
2024 Jul 07 7 days, one-way from Juneau to Sitka Juneau $8279
2024 Jul 14 7 days, one-way from Sitka to Juneau Sitka $7790
2024 Jul 21 7 days, one-way from Juneau to Sitka Juneau
2024 Jul 28 7 days, one-way from Sitka to Juneau Sitka $8279
2024 Aug 04 7 days, one-way from Juneau to Sitka Juneau $8279
2024 Aug 11 7 days, one-way from Sitka to Juneau Sitka $8112
2024 Aug 18 7 days, one-way from Juneau to Sitka Juneau $7868
2024 Aug 25 7 days, one-way from Sitka to Juneau Sitka $8112
2024 Sep 01 7 days, one-way from Juneau to Sitka Juneau $8112
2024 Sep 08 13 days, one-way from Sitka to Seattle Sitka $11520
2024 Oct 13 7 days, one-way from Panama City to Cartagena Colombia Panama City $6545
2024 Oct 20 7 days, one-way from Panama City to Cartagena Colombia Panama City $6290
2024 Oct 27 7 days, one-way from Panama City to Cartagena Colombia Panama City $6545
2024 Nov 03 7 days, one-way from Panama City to Cartagena Colombia Panama City $6290
2024 Nov 13 5 days, round-trip 5 Night Wild Costa Rica Escape Exploring Guanacastes Natural Wonders Cruise Puntarenas $4453
2024 Nov 18 5 days, round-trip 5 Night Wild Costa Rica Escape Exploring Guanacastes Natural Wonders Cruise Puntarenas $4363
2024 Nov 23 7 days, one-way from Puntarenas to Panama City Puntarenas $7101
2024 Dec 07 7 days, one-way from Puntarenas to Panama City Puntarenas $7101
2024 Dec 14 7 days, one-way from Colon to Puntarenas Colon $7030
2024 Dec 21 7 days, one-way from Puntarenas to Panama City Puntarenas $7858
2025 Jan 04 5 days, round-trip 5 Night Wild Costa Rica Escape Exploring Guanacastes Natural Wonders Cruise Puntarenas $4780
2025 Jan 09 7 days, one-way from Puntarenas to Colon Puntarenas $7707
2025 Jan 23 5 days, round-trip 5 Night Wild Costa Rica Escape Exploring Guanacastes Natural Wonders Cruise Puntarenas $4780
2025 Jan 28 7 days, one-way from Puntarenas to Panama City Puntarenas $7462
2025 Feb 11 5 days, round-trip 5 Night Wild Costa Rica Escape Exploring Guanacastes Natural Wonders Cruise Puntarenas $4730
2025 Feb 16 7 days, one-way from Puntarenas to Colon Puntarenas $7308
2025 Mar 02 5 days, round-trip 5 Night Wild Costa Rica Escape Exploring Guanacastes Natural Wonders Cruise Puntarenas $4730
2025 Mar 07 7 days, one-way from Puntarenas to Colon Puntarenas $7238
2025 Apr 28 4 days, round-trip 4 Night Wild California Escape Channel Islands National Park Cruise Los Angeles $3276
2025 May 02 4 days, round-trip 4 Night Wild California Escape Channel Islands National Park Cruise Los Angeles $3276
2025 May 12 13 days, one-way from Seattle to Sitka Seattle $10465
2025 May 25 7 days, one-way from Sitka to Juneau Sitka $6223
2025 Jun 01 7 days, one-way from Juneau to Sitka Juneau $8022
2025 Jun 08 7 days, one-way from Sitka to Juneau Sitka $8190
2025 Jun 15 7 days, one-way from Juneau to Sitka Juneau $8190
2025 Jun 22 7 days, one-way from Sitka to Juneau Sitka $8190
2025 Jun 29 7 days, one-way from Juneau to Sitka Juneau $8358
2025 Jul 06 7 days, one-way from Sitka to Juneau Sitka $8281
2025 Jul 13 7 days, one-way from Juneau to Sitka Juneau
2025 Jul 20 7 days, one-way from Sitka to Juneau Sitka $8449
2025 Jul 27 7 days, one-way from Juneau to Sitka Juneau $8449
2025 Aug 03 7 days, one-way from Sitka to Juneau Sitka $8274
2025 Aug 10 7 days, one-way from Juneau to Sitka Juneau $8274
2025 Aug 17 7 days, one-way from Sitka to Juneau Sitka $8106
2025 Aug 24 7 days, one-way from Juneau to Sitka Juneau $8106
2025 Aug 31 7 days, one-way from Sitka to Juneau Sitka $8106
2025 Sep 07 7 days, one-way from Juneau to Sitka Juneau $8106
2025 Oct 19 7 days, one-way from Panama City to Cartagena Colombia Panama City $6741
2025 Nov 02 7 days, one-way from Panama City to Cartagena Colombia Panama City $6741
2025 Nov 20 5 days, round-trip 5 Night Wild Costa Rica Escape Exploring Guanacastes Natural Wonders Cruise Puntarenas $4490
2025 Nov 25 5 days, round-trip 5 Night Wild Costa Rica Escape Exploring Guanacastes Natural Wonders Cruise Puntarenas $4490
2025 Nov 30 7 days, one-way from Puntarenas to Colon Puntarenas $7315
2025 Dec 07 7 days, one-way from Colon to Panama City Colon $7315
2025 Dec 14 7 days, round-trip 7 Night The Panama Canal Pearl Islands and Darien Jungle Tropical Wonders and Vibrant Cultures Cruise Panama City $7315
2025 Dec 28 5 days, round-trip 5 Night Wild Costa Rica Escape Exploring Guanacastes Natural Wonders Cruise Puntarenas $4490
2026 Jan 02 7 days, one-way from Puntarenas to Panama City Puntarenas $7546
2026 Jan 09 7 days, round-trip 7 Night The Panama Canal Pearl Islands and Darien Jungle Tropical Wonders and Vibrant Cultures Cruise Panama City $7539
2026 Jan 16 7 days, round-trip 7 Night The Panama Canal Pearl Islands and Darien Jungle Tropical Wonders and Vibrant Cultures Cruise Panama City $7539
2026 Jan 30 5 days, round-trip 5 Night Wild Costa Rica Escape Exploring Guanacastes Natural Wonders Cruise Puntarenas $4780
2026 Feb 04 7 days, one-way from Puntarenas to Panama City Puntarenas $7462
2026 Feb 18 5 days, round-trip 5 Night Wild Costa Rica Escape Exploring Guanacastes Natural Wonders Cruise Puntarenas $4685
2026 Feb 23 7 days, one-way from Puntarenas to Colon Puntarenas $7392
2026 Mar 09 5 days, round-trip 5 Night Wild Costa Rica Escape Exploring Guanacastes Natural Wonders Cruise Puntarenas $4685
2026 Mar 14 7 days, one-way from Puntarenas to Panama City Puntarenas $7315

National Geographic Quest Review

Review of National Geographic Quest

The 2017-built National Geographic Quest cruise ship is one of the new Lindblad-National Geographic vessels, together with the sistership Nat Geo Venture (2018).

The vessel (IMO number 9798985) is currently USA-flagged (MMSI 366945000) and registered in Seattle.

History - construction and ownership

The 100-passenger ship 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) that allows safe navigation regardless of the destination/ region. This is also the first expedition cruise ship built entirely in the USA.

Lindblad National Geographic Quest cruise ship

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 travel vacation as active explorers. Lindblad cruise ships sail unique destinations to explore out-of-the-way inlets, making Zodiac landings and looking for wildlife.

Decks and Cabins

National Geographic Quest has 4 decks (3 with cabins) and 50 staterooms.

Of all cabins, 22 are with small private step-out balconies (with floor-ceiling sliding doors) and 12 (6 pairs) are connecting cabins (via internal doorway access) allowing families to combine 2 adjacent rooms.

All category 5 suites accommodate a 3rd person on a convertible sofabed.

Shipboard facilities and amenities

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 the observation deck.

Lindblad's “Open Bridge” policy allows passengers 24-hour access (depending on weather conditions) to the Wheelhouse/Navigation Bridge to meet and converse with the ship's officers on duty and the Captain.

Ideally suited for sea expeditions, the 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.

Lindblad National Geographic Quest cruise ship

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.

Itineraries

Nat Geo Quest's 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.

National Geographic Quest - user reviews and comments

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National Geographic Quest Wiki

Ship's Inaugural Alaskan season 2017 included several 7-day "Exploring Alaska’s Coastal Wilderness" themed cruises (departures on Saturdays) between July 8 and August 26. After Alaska, the ship operated in the Pacific Northwest on itineraries between Seattle WA and Vancouver BC.

In December 2017, Lindblad Quest ship was repositioned for cruises to Costa Rica and Panama. Since February 2018, the ship started a new set of itineraries visiting ports in Belize and Guatemala.

NAT GEO Quest has installed Fleet Xpress - fast Internet connectivity provided by Inmarsat (owner and operator of a global satellite network). Fleet Xpress is fully integrated with the boat's phone system (PABX) and comm platforms.

Lindblad National Geographic Quest cruise ship construction

Nat Geo Quest has max draft 3,8 m (12 ft) and a powerplant based on MTU marine diesel engines (model 12V4000) with total output 2450 kW. The vessel (yard/hull number S188) was constructed by Nichols Bros Boat Builders in Freeland WA (USA).

Inaugural itineraries 2017

The ship's Inaugural Cruise (maiden voyage) was scheduled for June 26, 2017 - a 13-day Alaskan itinerary (themed "Treasures of the Inside Passage: Alaska and British Columbia"). The ship was supposed to spend a day in the San Juan Islands (located between mainland USA and Vancouver Island / BC Canada) and another day in the Gulf Islands (located in Strait of Georgia, between Vancouver Island and mainland Canada) before heading north to Alaska. Early booking cruise rates started from USD 9,390 per person (double-occupancy category 1 cabin rates).

However, due to a launch accident, the maiden voyage and the following 2 cruises were canceled. The vessel was grounded during its launch at Nichols Brothers shipbuilding yard (Freeland, Whidbey Island, Washington). Lindblad's official statement was that the vessel slid off the launch ramp improperly, resulting in damaged propeller and rudder, and drydocking for full repairs.

The canceled departure dates were June 26 (inaugural), July 8 and July 15. Passengers booked on the maiden voyage were notified and offered an alternative switch to another date (with 50% reduction on the cost of the rescheduled cruise) or the option to cancel the booking (with a full refund, plus USD 2,000 pp onboard credit towards future cruise). The following tables show the 3 canceled itineraries.

12 nights / 13 days, one-way from Seattle to Sitka (prices from USD 10840 pp)

Date / TimePort
27 JunDeparting from Seattle, Washington
28 JunFriday Harbor, San Juan Island, Washington
29 JunAt Sea (Gulf Islands)
30 JunAlert Bay, Cormorant Island, BC Canada
01 JulInside Passage, Alaska
02 JulInside Passage, Alaska
03 JulMisty Fjords, Alaska
04 JulPetersburg, Mitkof Island, Alaska
05 JulTracy Arm Fjord, Alaska
06 JulGlacier Bay, Alaska
07 JulIcy Strait Point, Hoonah, Alaska
08 JulChichagof Island, Alaska
09 JulArriving in Sitka, Baranof Island, Alaska

7-day one-way from Sitka to Seattle (prices from USD 7600 pp)

Date / TimePort
09 JulDeparting from Sitka (flight)
10 JulAdmiralty Island, Alaska
11 JulChichagof Island, Alaska
12 JulGlacier Bay, Alaska
13 JulFrederick Sound, Alaska
13 JulChatham Strait, Alaska
14 JulPetersburg, Mitkof Island, Alaska
15 JulTracy Arm Fjord, Alaska
16 JulJuneau, Alaska
16 JulArriving in Seattle (flight)

7-day one-way from Seattle to Sitka (prices from USD 7600 pp)

Date / TimePort
16 JulDeparting from Seattle (flight)
16 JulDeparting from Juneau, Alaska
17 JulTracy Arm Fjord, Alaska
18 JulPetersburg, Mitkof Island, Alaska
19 JulFrederick Sound, Alaska
19 JulChatham Strait, Alaska
20 JulGlacier Bay, Alaska
21 JulChichagof Island, Alaska
22 JulAdmiralty Island, Alaska
23 JulArriving in Sitka (flight)

Nat Geo Quest officially started operations with the inaugural cruise on July 29, 2017 (Saturday departure from Juneau AK). The 8-day voyage (themed "Exploring Alaska's Coastal Wilderness") was part of ship's Southeast Alaska program (through August 26, 2017). Following the Alaskan season, the boat started Pacific Northwest itineraries between Seattle WA and Vancouver BC, visiting San Juan Islands (Washington. USA), Alert Bay (Cormorant Island, BC Canada), Victoria BC.

During the drydock in January 2019, the ship received an equipment package including FURUNO VOYAGER (IBS / Integrated Bridge System), new radars (models FAR3210 and FAR3220), two FMD-3200 ECDIS (multifunction consoles), GPS and AIS, GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress and Safety System), VDR (Voyage Data Recorder), DOPPLER SPEED LOG DS-80 system.