During their trek from the Mississippi River to the Pacific coast and back again in 1803-1806, the expeditionary force roughly paralleled the courses of the Snake and Columbia rivers. Their journals describe a three-year journey of hardship and foul weather, particularly on the lower Columbia. Our journey, by contrast, was a delight, relaxing and educational, and good weather all the way. The 152' ship, constructed and registered in the United States, would be our home for the next week as we followed in the wake of Lewis and Clark by ship, jet boat, and zodiac. The ship's shallow draft and bow thrusters permit the Sea Lion to go where most cruise ships turn back.
Cabins are comfortable, and all are outside.
Dress in the lounge and dining room is informal, and all passengers can be accommodated in one seating at meals. Indicative of the nature of the cruise, the ship's staff included a historian, a geologist, and a naturalist. No social director. During cruising, one or more of the staff were always on deck, commenting and pointing out sights along the bank. They led walks ashore as well.