National Geographic Sea Bird glides between Alaska and Baja California and the Sea of Cortez, or along the Columbia and Snake Rivers, her streamlined size and shallow draft taking her easily into inaccessible locations larger ships can only dream about.
There’s a real sense of community onboard, partly due to the Sea Bird’s size, and partly because her public spaces are conducive to sociability, everyone gravitating to the open bow to share the exhilarating sight of leaping dolphins or feeding whales.
As with many National Geographic ships, the bridge is open, providing the chance to chat with the officers and crew. If life on ship is an adventure, the excursions into varied wild terrain are even more so, readily accessed via the fleet of Zodiacs. Underwater cameras and hydrophones channel sights and sounds from the surrounding ocean onto the ship, so even between excursions, the wild is never far away.
Facilities
Food and Drink
1 Dining Room and 1 Bar
Relaxation
Pampering treatments include facials and massages.
Dining
Most meals are taken in the main dining room, lined with picture windows, though some meals are served on the sundeck if weather allows. Everyone onboard, including guest speakers and naturalists, dines together, adding to the friendly atmosphere. Menus feature as much locally sourced food as possible, with the chef visiting producers en route when he can, so from the buffet style breakfasts and lunches, to dinner with waiter service, each meal offers something new to try.
Enrichment
The daily Recap, when naturalists, writers, photographers and expedition leaders chat about the day’s events, takes place at the same time as happy hour in the lounge. This is also where lectures, guest speaker presentations and photography talks are held.
Spa
Rejuvenating massages, body treatments and facials are available on board, and the wellness specialist leads uplifting outings designed to revitalise and sooth both body and soul. There is a small selection of exercise equipment located in the open air of the sundeck.
Activities
The Zodiacs and kayaks provided by the Sea Bird enable guests to leave the ship at a moment’s notice, to explore the shoreline or enjoy hikes through wild landscapes.
