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National Geographic Quest Review 2026

Lindblad's first newbuild ship, National Geographic Quest sustained damage to a propeller and rudder during her original launch, delaying her earliest sailings. Today she splits between Alaska in summer and Costa Rica and Panama in winter. For the fleet-wide picture, see the Lindblad Expeditions review.

At a glance

Guests
100 (50 cabins, 52 crew)
Ice class
None — coastal ship, not ice-strengthened for polar sailing
Built
2017, Nichols Brothers Boat Builders, Washington State
Regions
Alaska's Inside Passage (summer); Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Pearl Islands (winter)

History

Quest was Lindblad's first newbuild vessel and sustained damage to a propeller and rudder during her original launch, which delayed her earliest sailings. She has operated on schedule since.

Equipment

Lindblad's own materials confirm twin Zodiac boarding platforms. Third-party listings on CruiseMapper additionally describe kayaks, paddleboards, a glass-bottom boat and an ROV aboard; this site could not independently confirm that fuller equipment list against Lindblad's own page and flags the distinction here.

What reviewers say

Based on this site's reading of the Cruise Critic sample for National Geographic Quest

Naturalist expertise

Naturalist and expedition-staff knowledge is the most consistent praise in this sample.

Cruise Critic
Food quality

Some reviewers describe dining as a weaker point relative to other Lindblad ships.

Cruise Critic
Snorkelling offering

On the winter Central America itinerary, some reviewers describe the snorkelling programme as thinner than expected, or oversold relative to what was delivered.

Cruise Critic

FAQ

Was National Geographic Quest Lindblad's first newbuild?

Yes. She sustained propeller and rudder damage during her original launch, which delayed her earliest sailings, but has operated on schedule since.

Where does National Geographic Quest sail in winter?

Costa Rica, Panama (including the Panama Canal), Colombia and the Pearl Islands.

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