National Geographic Quest is a coastal expedition cruise ship operated by Lindblad Expeditions. She is the lead vessel of the Quest class and was followed by her sister ship, National Geographic Venture (2018). National Geographic Quest was the first new-build vessel ordered by Lindblad and was constructed in the United States by Nichols Brothers Boat Builders at their Freeland, Washington, shipyard on Whidbey Island.
Design and construction
National Geographic Quest and her sister ship, National Geographic Venture, were commissioned as Lindblad's first purpose-built new vessels. They were designed for expedition cruising along the Pacific coasts of North and Central America, including Alaska, British Columbia, and the Pacific Northwest during the northern summer, and Panama, Costa Rica, Baja California, and other Central American destinations during the winter. The vessels were designed with a shallow draft and high maneuverability to allow access to inner coastal waterways while providing accommodations suitable for extended voyages.
The contract for the two ships was reported at approximately $94.8 million, with the cost of National Geographic Quest estimated at about $48 million.[5][6]
Construction was carried out at Nichols Brothers Boat Builders at their Freeland shipyard.