National Geographic Quest

National Geographic Quest is a coastal expedition cruise ship operated by Lindblad Expeditions and the lead vessel of the Quest class, followed by sister ship National Geographic Venture. Quest and Venture were commissioned as Lindblad's first purpose-built new vessels, marking a significant milestone for the company. She was constructed in the United States by Nichols Brothers Boat Builders at their Freeland, Washington shipyard on Whidbey Island, and set off on her maiden voyage from Juneau on July 29, 2017.

She accommodates up to 100 guests and carries a crew of 52, distinctly small and nimble compared with large cruise ships. Public spaces include a dining room, lounge and presentation facilities, a fitness centre, spa, and observation areas. Among her 50 staterooms, 22 feature small private step-out balconies, and 12 cabins interconnect via internal doorways, letting families combine two adjacent rooms. The Main Dining Room offers single seating meals at unassigned tables, with cuisine that's fresh, locally inspired, and sustainably sourced wherever possible.

Quest was built with active exploration in mind. She carries expedition equipment including rigid inflatable boats, kayaks, and stand up paddleboards, alongside scientific and photographic tools such as a remotely operated vehicle, hydrophone, and underwater cameras. Lindblad's Open Bridge policy lets passengers visit the wheelhouse or navigation bridge, subject to weather and operations, to meet the ship's officers and speak with the captain. Each voyage travels with a full time doctor, photo instructor, video chronicler, and wellness and undersea specialists.

Through her partnership with the National Geographic Society, Quest brings scientists and expert naturalists aboard, giving guests hands-on wildlife observation, Zodiac landings in remote coastal areas, kayaking, and close encounters with pristine shorelines and marine life.

National Geographic Quest suits independent travellers and couples after intimate-scale expedition cruising along North American coasts.

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