National Geographic Quest and National Geographic Venture: Sister Ships Built for Awe
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The exceptionally maneuverable 50-cabin National Geographic Quest and National Geographic Venture are able to explore from the expansive Pacific Coast to the tropical shores of Central America. Built entirely in the U.S. and designed with shallow drafts, these nimble sister ships grant travelers rare, up-close access to some of the region’s wildest corners.
Each ship is fully equipped with state-of-the-art exploration tools to explore the world outside, while modern and comfortable interiors welcome you back after each action-packed excursion. “With larger cabins, many with balconies or connecting rooms, and beautiful public spaces, I’m confident you’ll feel at home from the moment you board,” says Founder Sven Lindblad. “But more than that, we’ve tailored these ships to provide you with the best expedition experience possible.”
Forward standing areas on the Bridge and tiered observation decks allow unobstructed views for the greatest number of guests so you can share the thrill of watching bubble-net feeding humpbacks or transiting the Panama Canal as the locks slowly lift and lower the ship. With expansive windows in the dining room, lounge and library, you’ll never miss a wildlife sighting or spectacular vista.
Between them, National Geographic Quest and National Geographic Venture offer guests a choice of more than a dozen diverse itineraries. From the wild waterways of Alaska’s Inside Passage and the pristine bays of Baja California to the lush landscapes of Costa Rica, Panama and Colombia, when you step aboard these purpose-built ships, you’ll gain a new perspective on the many wonders found at your doorstep.
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National Geographic Quest and National Geographic Venture are each equipped with a range of state-of-the-art expedition tools, from Zodiacs and kayaks to standup paddleboards and snorkeling gear. Twin Zodiac boarding platforms allow you to quickly disembark with ease and spend more time exploring the wild wonders that surround the ship.
Photo: Douglas Scaletta
The sun-soaked lounge is the central hub for your expedition, where new discoveries are shared and information is dispersed about the next day's adventures. You'll meet for daily Recaps, engaging talks from your naturalists and hors d'oeuvres and cocktails before dinner.
Photos: David Vargas (left), Marco Ricca (right)
Each meal is crafted using locally sourced ingredients and flavors inspired by your destination, from fresh-caught fish to yogurt parfaits topped with fruits picked nearby. There's no formal dress code or assigned seating in the dining room, so you can come as you are and chat with fellow travelers as you take in the passing, panoramic views.
Photo: David Vargas
Connected to the lounge, the bar is the perfect spot to mingle with new friends or your travel companion over a drink. Sip on the cocktail or non-alcoholic mocktail of the day, often infused with regional flavors, sample locally brewed beers or ask your bartender for their expert suggestion.
Photos: Douglas Scaletta
National Geographic Quest and National Geographic Venture feature 50 well-appointed, outward-facing cabins. Category 5 suites offer the most spacious option, accommodating up to three guests and outfitted with a comfortable sitting area, ample storage space and a large bathroom. Guests staying in these suites also receive complimentary laundry service and priority access to book a rejuventating spa treatment.
Photos: Marco Ricca (top left, bottom right), Douglas Scaletta (top right, bottom left)
Category 4 cabins (top left) feature private balconies, Category 3 cabins (top right) include large windows with commanding views and Category 2 cabins (bottom left) feature two single beds that can convert to a queen, making them a good choice for a couple or friends traveling together. Select Category 2 rooms are also adjoined with a Category 1 cabin, ideal for families. The bathrooms in every cabin are stocked with premium amenities to help you freshen up for talks or meals after active days on shore.
Photo: David Vargas
With our welcoming open Bridge policy, guests are invited to visit most any time of day or night to chat with our veteran captains about their favorite travel stories, learn about the art of navigation from the crew, or grab a pair of provided binoculars to search for whales, dolphins and more from this ideal vantage point.
Photo: Marco Ricca
The small library nestled in the corner of the lounge provides another inviting space to take a break. Cozy up with a book and a latte as you read up on the flora or fauna you've witnessed or take a seat at the photo kiosk and begin editing the images you've captured in fascinating places like the gray whale nurseries of Baja California or the lush rainforests of Costa Rica's Osa Peninsula.
Photo: Marco Ricca
The expansive sun deck, which features an al fresco bar, comfortable couches and lounge chairs, is a lively gathering space. Here, you can take in stunning sunsets over a glass of wine, keep watch for leaping mobula rays or breaching whales with the help of a naturalist, and when the weather allows, cap off the day with a delicious barbecue dinner.
Photos: Douglas Scaletta (top, bottom right), Michael S. Nolan (bottom left)
The onboard wellness program offers a variety of ways to relax and recharge during your expedition. Work out with epic views in the fitness center, greet the day with a sunrise stretch session on the sun deck or unwind with a spa treatment tailored specifically to your needs.
Photo: Marco Ricca
In the Global Gallery, browse and purchase a wide array of items handmade by local artisans along with books, patches, expedition gear such as sunhats and lightweight shirts and toiletries. Depending on your destination, you may find items such as hand-crafted soaps, beaded jewelry, carved wooden sculptures or textiles featuring a traditional Mexican embroidery style known as Otomi.
Photo: Douglas Scaletta
The mudroom is your disembarkation point for all your excursions. There, you'll store expedition equipment such as your lifejacket and snorkeling gear, as well as find provided amenities such as walking sticks and towels.
Photo: David Vargas
Purpose-built to explore Pan-American waters and imbued with over 40 years of expedition experience sailing these regions, these sister ships give you unprecedented access to pristine wilderness, from the rugged coves and inlets of Alaska and the idyllic desert isles in the Gulf of California to the jungle-fringed shores of the Caribbean Sea.
