National Geographic Sea Bird

The 1982-built National Geographic Sea Bird cruise ship was initially named “Majestic Explorer.” Until November 2007, the vessel sailed as “MS Sea Bird.”

The vessel (IMO number 8966444) is currently USA-flagged (MMSI 366892350) and registered in Seattle.

NEWS: In December 2025, Lindblad announced a 3-year charter of Greg Mortimer (2019-built) for Alaska cruises starting in 2027 (through 2030). The SunStone Ships-owned vessel will replace NatGeo Sea Bird and NatGeo Sea Lion, both scheduled for retirement in 2026.

History – construction and ownership

Lindblad’s two 60-passenger sisterships, Sea Bird and Sea Lion, can access remote and exotic locations that are unreachable for larger vessels due to their shallow 2.7 m draft and compact length (50 m LOA). Each ship accommodates 62 passengers in 31 staterooms, delivering an intimate, private yacht-style cruising experience ideal for exploring rarely visited regions. In addition to spacious viewing decks, the vessels carry advanced marine exploration tools, including a hydrophone and SplashCam, allowing guests to listen and view beneath the sea’s surface.

The National Geographic Sea Bird is owned and operated by Lindblad Expeditions in cooperation with the National Geographic Society (NatGeo), a US nonprofit institution for science and education. This partnership enables authentic expedition-style travel, with itineraries that explore secluded inlets, include Zodiac landings, and offer exceptional wildlife encounters.

Decks and Cabins

National Geographic Sea Bird has 3 decks (all with cabins) and 31 Outside staterooms featuring either portholes or picture windows.

The ship offers 3 cabin categories.

Shipboard facilities and amenities

Nat Geo Sea Bird features one Main Dining Room with unassigned seating. The restaurant offers international cuisine inspired by ports of call, with all meals served in a single seating.

The Lindblad–NatGeo partnership provides an expedition-style small ship experience, sailing to unique destinations, making Zodiac landings, and offering authentic wildlife viewing tours.

Sea Bird is equipped with kayaks, Zodiacs, exercise equipment, snorkeling gear, and high-quality cameras for observing wildlife. Each voyage includes a photo instructor, a video chronicler, a wellness specialist, and a full-time doctor. Shipwide Internet access and laundry service are available onboard.

Public areas include a dining room, observation deck, library, lounge (with full-service bar and facilities for enrichment programs, slide shows, media presentations, and films), a partially covered sun deck with tables and chairs, the LEX Spa (no Jacuzzi), sauna room, gym equipment, and a gift shop.

Lindblad’s “Open Bridge” policy allows 24-hour guest access (weather permitting) to the Wheelhouse/Navigation Bridge for interactions with the ship’s officers and the Captain.

Itineraries

Nat Geo Sea Bird’s itinerary program features Alaska cruises from Sitka and Juneau in summer; Columbia and Snake River voyages from Portland, Oregon in the fall; and Sea of Cortez sailings from La Paz (Baja California, Mexico) in winter.

For the 2019 season, Lindblad Expeditions added three gray whale watching itineraries (via Zodiac boats) in Bahia Magdalena (Baja California Sur, Mexico). The new 6-day program was offered on March 13, 19, and 24, 2019. Fares started from USD 3300 pp (Category 1 cabin, double occupancy).

Former names of the ship were Majestic Explorer (until December 1982) and MV Sea Bird (until November 2007). Lindblad’s Sea Bird operates expedition cruises in Alaska, Baja Mexico, and along the Columbia River in the Pacific Northwest (USA).

As a true expedition cruise vessel, National Geographic Sea Bird carries specialized exploration equipment, including sea kayaks, landing craft (Zodiacs/large inflatable boats), wetsuits, snorkeling gear, an underwater camera, bow and splash cams, and a hydrophone. All Lindblad–National Geographic voyages are led by an expedition leader and a team of experts (historian, naturalist, and a National Geographic–trained photographer) who share their knowledge in engaging and often humorous ways.

NAT GEO Sea Bird is equipped with Fleet Xpress, the high-speed Internet service provided by Inmarsat. Fleet Xpress is fully integrated with the vessel’s PABX phone system and communication platforms.

Nat Geo Sea Bird has a maximum draft of 2.7 m (8 ft) and a diesel engine–based powerplant with a total output of 1206 kW. The vessel (yard/hull number S62) was constructed by Nichols Bros Boat Builders in Freeland, WA (USA).