AdventureSmith Specialist Arielle Lightcap writes this National Geographic Quest review as she was among the first to step aboard the 100-guest small ship during its first month sailing in Alaska. This ship is featured on our list of luxury Alaska cruises, keep reading to learn why!
After seeing the National Geographic Quest in person while in Sitka, Alaska, earlier this month, I can confidently say that this ship has exceeded expectations. The Quest is the first new-build in the history of the Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic alliance. Her inaugural voyage took place on July 29, 2017 in Alaska, after being launched from Washington’s Nichols Brothers Boat Builders, so I was excited to be among the first aboard during her initial month of sailings.
The National Geographic Quest will undoubtedly be a favorite in small ship cruising as she continues her sailings in Alaska and down to Costa Rica.
With spacious cabins in every category, a large sun deck an unobstructed, tiered bow and a designated mudroom for expedition gear conveniently located off the stern, the National Geographic Quest will undoubtedly be a favorite in small ship cruising as she continues her sailings in Alaska, then onward to British Columbia and Coastal Washington, Costa Rica and the Panama Canal, Belize, and the Columbia River.
All passengers are able to see and hear the speaker no matter where they choose to sit in the lounge.
Consideration for guest experience while on and off the ship has been executed marvelously. The lounge is designed with a podium placed in the center of the room so that all passengers are able to see and hear the speaker no matter where they choose to sit.
The National Geographic Quest also has an impressive fitness room and spa, not commonly found aboard small ships.
When it comes time to disembark the ship for the daily excursions, guests transition through the mudroom where they gear up and fill their water bottles before easily walking from the stern into the Zodiacs.
All Category 4 cabins have a floor-to-ceiling sliding door that leads to a private balcony.
Cabins aboard the National Geographic Quest have been crafted to cater to a variety of guests’ needs with the Category 5 cabins comfortably accommodating up to three guests (configuration pictured below), and twelve additional cabins with interconnecting doorways, which are great for families. For those wanting some additional private space, all Category 4 cabins have a floor-to-ceiling sliding door that leads to a private balcony.
See more images from my time aboard on the AdventureSmith Facebook page. For more information and to book your passage aboard this small ship, visit AdventureSmith’s National Geographic Quest page.
This National Geographic Quest review was written by an AdventureSmith Explorations crew member. This small ship is listed on our Best Alaska cruises for families. Read all AdventureSmith small ship cruise reviews for more trip reports, or contact one of our Adventure Specialists to learn more about these small ship Alaska cruises and wilderness adventures: 1-800-728-2875.
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