National Geographic Sea Lion has received a score of 86 in a newly posted U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Vessel Sanitation Program inspection, placing the small expedition ship at the lowest score the agency still considers satisfactory.
Cruise Fever surfaced the newly posted result on August 17, reporting that inspectors documented 42 deficiencies aboard the 62-guest vessel. The CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program classifies scores of 86 or higher as satisfactory, while scores of 85 or below are considered not satisfactory.
According to the newly surfaced inspection findings, deficiencies cited aboard National Geographic Sea Lion included issues with food storage practices, rusted utensils, and gastrointestinal illness reporting procedures. One cited reporting issue involved the timing of an acute gastroenteritis report ahead of the ship’s expected arrival in Sitka, Alaska. The inspection also reportedly found that a symptomatic crew member did not promptly report symptoms and was released from isolation after 24 hours to perform non-food-handling duties.
The result is notable because 86 is the minimum passing score under the CDC program. It also continues an unusual pattern for the vessel: Cruise Fever reports that Sea Lion’s previous CDC inspections in 2016 and 2017 also resulted in scores of 86.
The CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program conducts operational inspections of cruise ships that call at U.S. ports, reviewing areas such as food safety, potable water, recreational water facilities, medical operations, housekeeping, and procedures intended to prevent the spread of gastrointestinal illness.
National Geographic Sea Lion is operated by National Geographic–Lindblad Expeditions and carries just 62 guests in 31 outside cabins. The U.S.-flagged expedition ship sails in Alaska, the Pacific Northwest and other destinations along the western coast of North America and Central America.
The ship has also had a recent history of public health issues. In April 2025, the CDC reported a gastrointestinal illness outbreak aboard the National Geographic Sea Lion, during which five of 43 passengers and two of 37 crew members reported becoming ill.
An inspection score of 86 does not mean the ship failed its CDC inspection. The score is officially considered satisfactory. Still, the number and nature of the cited deficiencies make the newly posted result relevant to travelers, particularly because the score sits directly on the passing threshold.
