Side-by-side cruise ship comparison · Updated February 2026
across 5 categories
Size
Based on gross tonnage and length
Capacity
Based on passengers and crew
Modernity
Based on year built
Service
Based on passenger-to-crew ratio (lower is better)
Spaciousness
Based on gross tonnage per passenger (higher is better)
National Geographic Quest
National Geographic Sea Lion
Gross Tonnage
National Geographic Quest
3,135 GT
National Geographic Sea Lion
100 GT
Length
National Geographic Quest
73 m
National Geographic Sea Lion
46 m
Beam
National Geographic Quest
14 m
National Geographic Sea Lion
10 m
Passengers
National Geographic Quest
100
National Geographic Sea Lion
62
Crew
National Geographic Quest
52
National Geographic Sea Lion
25
Decks
National Geographic Quest
—
National Geographic Sea Lion
—
Year Built
National Geographic Quest
2,017
National Geographic Sea Lion
1,982
Space Ratio
National Geographic Quest
31.4 GT/pax
National Geographic Sea Lion
1.6 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
National Geographic Quest
1.92 :1
National Geographic Sea Lion
2.48 :1
| Specification | National Geographic Quest | National Geographic Sea Lion |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Lindblad Expeditions | Lindblad Expeditions |
| Class | Expedition | Expedition |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,017Winner | 1,982 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 3,135 GTWinner | 100 GT |
| Length | 73 mWinner | 46 m |
| Beam | 14 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 100Winner | 62 |
| Crew | 52Winner | 25 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 31.4 GT/paxWinner | 1.6 GT/pax |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 1.92:1Winner | 2.48:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Nichols Brothers | Whidbey Island |
| Flag | United States | United States |
| IMO Number | 9712058 | 8314718 |
National Geographic Quest
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Built in 2017 with modern facilities — great for a first cruise
1.9:1 passenger-crew ratio means exceptional service
Good value for money
National Geographic Sea Lion
Good value for money
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Premium onboard experience
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Free cancellation on most rooms
Bundle & save on your cruise trip
Medical, trip cancellation & luggage cover
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10 m |
| Draft | — | — |
| Decks | — | — |
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