Purpose-built to deliver the best possible expedition cruising experience, the National Geographic Quest recently wrapped up her inaugural voyages, spending the summer and early fall exploring the northern reaches of Alaska's Inside Passage and the remote islands and charming towns of the Pacific Northwest. With that noteworthy milestone under her belt, Quest will soon venture south to the tropical coasts of Costa Rica, Panama, and through the Canal to Belize. And as spring arrives she'll return north to make her maiden journey on the Columbia & Snake Rivers. To build her cruise turned to Nichols Brothers Boat Builders, the company that built the beloved National Geographic Sea Bird and National Geographic Sea Lion—vessels that, with regular maintenance schedule and recent refurbishment, have been operating successfully for decades. Proudly she was built entirely in the USA. Additionally, the Quest cruise ship achieves some other notable firsts. She is the first ship in the fleet voyaging in these geographies with step-out balconies (available in 22 of the 50 spacious cabins), plus 6 sets of connecting cabins perfect for families and groups; and a designated mudroom for expedition gear.