The following is text of a news release from Nichols Brothers Boat Builders (NBBB):
(FREELAND, Wash.) — Nichols Brothers Boat Builders (NBBB) was contracted by Lindblad Expeditions in December 2015 to construct two 100-passenger cruise vessels for expedition cruising in coastal California, Baja California; Alaska, the Pacific Northwest, Costa Rica, Panama, and Belize. The first vessel, M/V National Geographic Quest, has operated within the Lindblad fleet since July 2017, while M/V National Geographic Venture launched Monday at Nichols Brothers shipyard in Freeland, Wash.
The Jones Act coastal cruise vessel, measuring 238 by 44 by 10 feet, is a state-of-the-art, purpose-built vessel made for exploring coastal waters, shallow coves, and fast-moving channels where wildlife congregates. Spacious cabins, open decks for wildlife viewing, and specialty tools for exploration make it an ideal platform for voyaging in remote areas.
The U.S.-flagged National Geographic Venture will transfer to NBBB’s pierside facility in Langley, Wash., for final outfitting and sea trials before being delivered to Lindblad Expeditions in October.
