The
Sea Lion is an identical twin of the National Geographic
Sea Bird. Built in 1982, this 152-ft vessel carries 62 passengers on soft-adventure voyages along the Mexican coast, in Alaska, and up the Columbia and Snake rivers.
Sven-Olof Lindblad, the head of the company bearing his name, is a veteran player in the expedition cruise business and followed in the footsteps of his father who pioneered the business over four decades ago. Itineraries now cover Alaska, the Pacific Northwest, North, Central and South America, the Arctic and Antarctic and Europe with some long voyages connecting the regions.
The clientele is mature, well-traveled and curious, and during the school holidays, children may also be present especially in the Galapagos and Alaska. Most are Americans though occasional international travelers join in.
Alaska is best seen with a small-ship experience where this nimble vessel can get close to wildlife and glaciers. Summer cruises operate between Juneau and Sitka calling into Glacier Bay and Tracy Arm for South Sawyer Glacier.
The Columbia-Snake itineraries follow the trail of Lewis and Clark, tour Hell's Canyon by jet boat, and visit wildlife preserves, gigantic lock chambers, salmon ladders and picturesque wineries.
Baja California and the Sea of Cortez is a winter staple for whale-watching and nature walks on remote islands. Most of the itineraries are in sheltered waters, but in the few open sea conditions along Mexico’s Pacific Coast, the shallow draft can produce a rolling ride.
A team of naturalists make presentations and answer questions on deck, in the Zodiacs, at meals, and at briefings before dinner. Many have been with the line for years and serve as a popular draw for repeat passengers, with names and biographies listed in the brochures.
Dress is always casual. The emphasis is on destinations, but the basic amenities aboard are adequate for a week's cruise. The one lounge serves as a lecture room with facilities for showing films and power point programs and is the social center and bar. The two top decks have wraparound viewing and decent space for sunning and for taking fresh air under cover. Gym exercise equipment is available.
The dining room on Main Deck provides very good American food served by a young American staff at one sitting. Cabins are plain and compact yet perfectly adequate for sleeping or a refreshing nap. All rooms are outsides with windows, and two decks of rooms have doors to the side promenade for quick access to the passing scene. The six cabins lining the short passage between the lounge and dining room are popular with passengers who do not take to stairs well. The ship is also equipped with a bow camera, hydrophone and underwater video camera.
For a smoothly run, highly enjoyable introduction to expedition-style cruising with a top naturalist team, the National Geographic Sea Lion or her sister Sea Bird is a top choice. Competition would include Cruise West, though Lindblad’s naturalist prigram is better and the activities off the boat more creative.
