Lindblad to Retire Sea Bird and Sea Lion After 2026 Season

Lindblad Expeditions plans to retire two of its longest-running U.S.-flagged expedition ships, the National Geographic Sea Bird and the National Geographic Sea Lion, after their final season in 2026. Beginning in 2027, the company will bring in the larger Greg Mortimer on charter to operate Alaska summer expeditions, replacing the two 62-guest sister vessels.

Two early-1980s sister ships set for farewell season

Built in 1982 at Nichols Brothers Boat Builders in Washington state, the National Geographic Sea Bird and National Geographic Sea Lion have been among Lindblad’s longest-tenured vessels. The two small ships entered Lindblad’s operation after being acquired in the early 1990s, and were originally ordered by Seattle-based Exploration Cruise Lines under different names.

Over decades of service, the ships became closely associated with small-ship exploration cruising in Alaska during the summer. Outside the peak season, they also operated river and coastal itineraries, including Baja California and Mexico’s Magdalena Bay, as well as deployments on the Columbia and Snake Rivers. Their past U.S. East Coast itineraries included ports and waterways such as the Hudson River, the Chesapeake Bay, and South Carolina.

How 2026 is expected to unfold before the ships leave service

Lindblad’s published plans keep both vessels active through most of 2026, combining Mexico sailings, Pacific Northwest river cruising, and Alaska summer voyages. After completing their final itineraries, the two ships are expected to be withdrawn from service in October 2026.

• Early 2026: Baja California sailings, followed by a repositioning north.
• Spring 2026: Columbia and Snake Rivers itineraries in the Pacific Northwest.
• Summer 2026: Alaska voyages through early September.
• Fall 2026: A return to the Columbia and Snake Rivers, sailing into late October.

Greg Mortimer chartered for Alaska summers starting in 2027

Starting in 2027, Lindblad will charter the Greg Mortimer for three Alaska summer seasons. The ship is currently operated by Aurora Expeditions, and is expected to continue sailing for Aurora in other parts of the year, including winter deployments in Antarctica and additional destinations.

Lindblad Expeditions said the ship will introduce “new itineraries” while also “build[ing] on the pioneering legacy” associated with the Sea Bird and Sea Lion. The company added that the charter supports plans to expand where it operates and to develop routes that further connect guests with remote parts of Alaska.

Ship profile and design features

The Greg Mortimer is part of SunStone Ships’ Infinity series and entered service in late 2019 after being built in China. The expedition vessel is about 8,000 tons and features an X-Bow design intended to improve operating efficiency and stability in challenging conditions.

On capacity, the ship is described as a 180-guest expedition vessel, and is also reported as being rated for 160 guests in double occupancy.

Capacity and cost implications for Lindblad’s Alaska program

By moving from two 62-guest vessels to a single newer expedition ship for Alaska summers, Lindblad is expected to lift overall berth supply in the region. Cruise Industry News estimated the shift would add roughly 30 berths in Alaska compared with the prior deployment pattern.

The charter also changes the cost structure. The Sea Bird and Sea Lion operate with U.S. crews and U.S. flag requirements, while the Greg Mortimer operates with an international crew. Cruise Industry News also noted that using one ship in place of two can consolidate certain fixed operating costs for the Alaska program.

What remains in the U.S.-flagged fleet

Even with the retirement of the Sea Bird and Sea Lion, Lindblad will continue to have U.S.-flagged ships in its lineup. The company’s remaining American-flagged vessels include the National Geographic Quest and National Geographic Venture, 100-guest ships that were also built by Nichols Brothers Boat Builders and introduced in 2017 and 2018.

With the Sea Bird and Sea Lion scheduled to exit after late October 2026, the company’s transition timeline centers on a final year of Mexico, Alaska, and Pacific Northwest river operations for the two sister ships, followed by the start of Alaska summers under the Greg Mortimer charter beginning in 2027.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When will the National Geographic Sea Bird and Sea Lion stop operating?

The ships are scheduled to complete their final season in 2026 and then leave service after sailing into late October 2026.

What will replace the Sea Bird and Sea Lion in Alaska?

Beginning in 2027, Lindblad plans to charter the Greg Mortimer to operate Alaska summer expeditions, taking over the Alaska summer role previously served by the Sea Bird and Sea Lion.

How many guests can Greg Mortimer carry?

Greg Mortimer is described as a 180-guest expedition vessel, and is also reported as being rated for 160 guests in double occupancy.

What is special about the Greg Mortimer’s design?

The ship features an X-Bow design intended to improve operating efficiency and stability in challenging conditions.

Will Greg Mortimer continue to sail for Aurora Expeditions?

Yes. Lindblad’s plans call for Greg Mortimer to operate Alaska summers on charter starting in 2027, while continuing to sail for Aurora Expeditions during other parts of the year, including winter seasons in Antarctica.