Lindblad Expeditions, in partnership with Transcend Cruises, has announced its entry into European river cruising, with plans for significant growth.
Starting in 2026, the partners will introduce two Rhine itineraries, each with four departure dates. These cruises will be operated under the National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions brand, marking the company’s first step into the European river cruise market.
“We are fully committed to this destination and are excited to grow,” said Lindblad Expeditions CEO, Natalya Leahy. She indicated that the company plans to expand its European offerings in 2027 and 2028, with possible holiday market cruises in the works.
The two Rhine itineraries will begin at $6,450 per person.
One of the itineraries, titled The Rhine River: Castles, Culture, and Culinary Delights, will take passengers on an eight-day journey through the Rhine Gorge, and visits to cities like Mainz, Frankfurt, and Heidelberg in Germany, as well as the Alsace region in France. Highlights of the trip include a visit to Rheinstein Castle, where guests will enjoy a champagne reception, private wine tastings, and a tour of the home of renowned writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe in Frankfurt.
The second itinerary, Holland and Belgium: Medieval History and Scenic Waterways, will explore the tulip fields, windmills, and historic towns of the region. The tour features a visit to Keukenhof in Lisse, one of the world’s largest flower gardens, and a food tour focused on Belgian specialties.
Transcend Cruises will begin operations next year with two ships, the Connect and the Evolve. Initially designed for meetings and group events, these ships are also well-suited for tour operators. Kimberly Daley, Transcend’s Chief Revenue Officer, explained that the ships’ flexible cabin arrangements and customizable itineraries make them ideal for tailored tours.
Daley’s outreach to tour operators led to the formation of the partnership, as she noted that developing river cruise itineraries for operators can be challenging with traditional cruise lines that have fixed departure dates. Daley, with experience at Pleasant Holidays, Mountain Travel Sobek, and Abercrombie & Kent, has deep expertise in the tour operator sector.
Transcend aims to add two ships annually, growing its fleet to between 10 and 12 vessels. These ships will sail on the Rhine, Danube, Main, and Moselle rivers, with plans to expand to other European rivers.
Leahy confirmed that while Lindblad will continue its partnership with Transcend, building its own river cruise ships is not currently in the plans.
The National Geographic-Lindblad cruises are positioned as expert-led expedition experiences, with a focus on in-depth exploration. Each sailing will feature an expedition leader, field staff, and at least one National Geographic expert to provide unique insights into the regions visited.
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