Hi Bluescruiser: My family just returned from the Panama Canal/Costa Rica trip on the Sea Lion (including a three-day extension to the Monteverde Cloud Forest). It was one of the best trips we've ever taken. My wife and I took our two adult sons (ages 26 and 21).
This was our first Lindblad/Nat'l Geo trip and it won't be our last. I've cruised once before on the Queen Mary 2, and frankly found that ship's glitz and glamor to be downright boring.
The Sea Lion has little glitz (although it is comfortable) but the trip sure isn't boring. Wake-up calls were typically at 6:30 a.m. every day, and we were finished with breakfast and ready for the first excursion by 8 or 8:30 a.m.
Of course, you'll get to see close-up the fascinating workings of the Panama Canal. But for us, the real attractions were the excursions to such places as the Barro Colorado Island, a research center for naturalists, and several isolated islands and national parks that you'll have almost to yourself, where you can snorkel, hike, kayak, or just sunbathe.
The on-board naturalists are fantastic guides to the Central American rain forests. I learned all the biology and ecology I slept through or missed in school. They keep you on the go, although activities always include less strenuous options and you can always stay on the boat if you don't feel like going out.
Cabins are roomy enough and there's storage space for suitcases under the beds (although my 6-foot frame barely fit). There are only about 60 guests on board, so you get to know everyone pretty quickly.
The on-board dining was typically quite good, and always included a fish dish along with other options.
I know this review has been all over the map, but if you have any specific questions I'll try to help. After this experience, we can't wait to do another trip with the Lindblad/National Geographic folks.
Sea Lion - Panama Canal
in Lindblad Expeditions/National Geographic
Posted
Hi Bluescruiser: My family just returned from the Panama Canal/Costa Rica trip on the Sea Lion (including a three-day extension to the Monteverde Cloud Forest). It was one of the best trips we've ever taken. My wife and I took our two adult sons (ages 26 and 21).
This was our first Lindblad/Nat'l Geo trip and it won't be our last. I've cruised once before on the Queen Mary 2, and frankly found that ship's glitz and glamor to be downright boring.
The Sea Lion has little glitz (although it is comfortable) but the trip sure isn't boring. Wake-up calls were typically at 6:30 a.m. every day, and we were finished with breakfast and ready for the first excursion by 8 or 8:30 a.m.
Of course, you'll get to see close-up the fascinating workings of the Panama Canal. But for us, the real attractions were the excursions to such places as the Barro Colorado Island, a research center for naturalists, and several isolated islands and national parks that you'll have almost to yourself, where you can snorkel, hike, kayak, or just sunbathe.
The on-board naturalists are fantastic guides to the Central American rain forests. I learned all the biology and ecology I slept through or missed in school. They keep you on the go, although activities always include less strenuous options and you can always stay on the boat if you don't feel like going out.
Cabins are roomy enough and there's storage space for suitcases under the beds (although my 6-foot frame barely fit). There are only about 60 guests on board, so you get to know everyone pretty quickly.
The on-board dining was typically quite good, and always included a fish dish along with other options.
I know this review has been all over the map, but if you have any specific questions I'll try to help. After this experience, we can't wait to do another trip with the Lindblad/National Geographic folks.