8 APRIL 2018 • FOGHORN FOGHORNFOCUS: SHIPBUILDING submersible, descending 1,000 feet into the sea to spot reefs and marine life. Dive trips guided by local dive experts from the ship and from shore. Zodiac boats are used to explore the sea from the surface, or ferry guests to shore for land-side exploration. A helipad onboard allows for guests to book and board helicopter tours while at port in some of the most exotic and remote locations of the world. At the end of the day, guests return and relax in a luxurious, modern, and spacious suite. With private bathrooms, seating areas, and balconies. Furnished with high-end furniture featuring Belgian linens, down duvets, wool blankets, an Bvlgari bath products. A relaxing ending to an adventurous day. Building the Futuristic Cruise Ship The National Geographic Quest, delivered in July 2017, and M/V National Geographic Venture, which is currently under construction at NBBB’s shipyard and scheduled for delivery later this fall, are state-of-the-art in every respect. From design, structural craftmanship, major equipment, passenger and crew amenities, to longevity, every aspect of the vessel is carefully designed and crafted. The 238’ x 44’ cruise boats are each designed to carry 100 passengers and 50 crew exploring coastal waters, shallow coves, and fast-mov- ing channels where wildlife congregate. All the while, the crew and passengers are sailing with the luxury of supreme comfort. Accommodation design includes 50 guest cabins with private balconies, open decks for wildlife viewing, a partial- ly-covered sun deck, an expansive lounge serving various purposes, an extravagant dining room, floor-to-ceiling windows throughout, a gift shop, mud and exploration equipment room, gym, and spa. It’s been well reported that experiences are what travelers today want, and passengers on this ship won’t experience anything short of astonishing when cruising. The vessel is outfitted with modern exploration equipment: two cranes launch eight service Zodiac boats that can either take guests on tours to explore the waters around them or ferry the guests to shore for land side exploration. In addition to the Zodiacs, kayaks, paddle boards, snorkeling gear, dive equipment and a wide range of cameras to record the sur- rounding wildlife and scenery are also carried on board for the use of guests to broaden their experiences. A SplashCam and hydrophone enables quests to look and listen beneath the waves while narrated by undersea specialist, one of many specialists onboard each voyage. NBBB seamlessly integrated the ship’s design, me- chanical makeup, electrical systems, interior design and architectural arrangements resulting in a ship that exhibits highly-functional expedition voyage capabilities, remarkable visual appeal and luxurious comfort for both passengers and crew. These vessels were built to last a lifetime, much like the Nichols Brothers-built National Geographic Sea Bird and National Geographic Sea Lion (1982), which are operating in domestic and international waters today. Nichols Brothers Boat Builders has grown simultaneously with the cruise and passenger vessel industries. As regulato- ry requirements progress, NBBB has worked closely with the U.S. Coast Guard to develop requirements.As vessel designs advanced, NBBB adopted new build methods and strate- gies increasing efficiencies. As new technology arose, NBBB sourced and integrated innovative technology into ship designs and shipyard infrastructure. This is possible because NBBB is led by entrepreneurs who learn from each project and build upon it. The shipbuilder continues to build futur- istic boats for all industry sectors. With an extensive history in the cruise division and eye towards the future, NBBB will continue to build the vessels that meet all needs. n Lindblad Expeditions operators vessels offering cruises for National Geographic’s travel programs. Photo source: Nichols Brothers Boat Builders. Top: Lindblad Expeditions’ National Geographic Sea Lion Middle: Lindblad Expeditions’ National Geographic Sea Bird Bottom: Lindblad Expeditions’ National Geographic Quest