• Retirement of National Geographic Sea Bird and Sea Lion
• Final 2026 voyages on Columbia and Snake Rivers
• Introduction of the Greg Mortimer in 2027
• Expansion of passenger capacity for Alaska itineraries

Lindblad Expeditions has officially announced the retirement of two of its most enduring vessels, the National Geographic Sea Bird and the National Geographic Sea Lion. These sister ships have been central to the company’s operations for decades, particularly within the Alaska cruise market. Originally constructed in the 1980s for Exploration Cruise Lines under the names Great Rivers Explorer and Majestic Alaska Explorer, the vessels were acquired by Lindblad in the early 1990s. Since then, they have become staples of adventure tourism, spent nearly every summer in Alaskan waters, and navigated various river and coastal channels during the off-season.

The retirement process is scheduled to conclude in late 2026. Before their final departure from the fleet, the ships will complete a farewell season featuring voyages along the Columbia and Snake Rivers through October 2026. Company leadership has expressed gratitude for the role these ships played in providing memorable experiences for travelers and has invited the public to participate in these final commemorative journeys.

To maintain its presence and meet increasing interest in its Alaskan itineraries, Lindblad Expeditions has secured a replacement vessel. Starting in 2027, the company will charter the Greg Mortimer, a larger ship currently operated by Aurora Expeditions. This transition is part of a three-year agreement intended to expand capacity and introduce new travel routes. CEO Natalya Leahy indicated that the addition of the Greg Mortimer allows the company to accommodate more guests while continuing the legacy of exploration established by the retiring vessels. This change marks a significant transition for the cruise line as it modernizes its fleet while phasing out its oldest operating ships.